Middlefield Housing Authority Approves $5K Water Tank Cleaning, Addresses Water Safety Concerns

MIDDLEFIELD, CT — The Middlefield Housing Authority unanimously approved a $5,275 contract for water tank inspection and cleaning at Sugarloaf Terrace during its Oct. 22 meeting, where residents also sought assurances about drinking water safety.

The authority accepted a bid from ExTech for the work after Recertification Specialist Peter Sibley reported that the tank was due for its 10-year inspection and cleaning.

Sibley said the tank was previously serviced in 2006 and 2016. Vice Chairman Marc D'Orvillers moved to approve the contract, and the board unanimously supported the motion. The minutes did not specify a numerical vote count.

Sibley will arrange for the work to be completed as soon as possible.

Water Testing Concerns

Water quality was a major topic during the meeting, held at Sugarloaf Terrace, 61 Cedar Street, Rockfall.

Resident Commissioner Larry Messier reported that tenants had raised concerns about water testing results and how the authority would address them.

Property Manager Dina Jeffrey said the state of Connecticut selected five units for testing. Results from Sept. 1 raised concerns, but follow-up testing conducted Oct. 15 showed water quality was within healthy parameters, according to the meeting minutes.

Jeffrey said John Sima confirmed that the initial testing occurred after the water system had received a chlorine shock treatment, temporarily affecting the results.

She reported that the Health Department agreed with that explanation.

Residents requested additional clarification during the public comment period. According to the minutes, the follow-up results and plans for another round of testing in January 2027 addressed their concerns.

Plumbing Problems In Building 3

Jeffrey also reported plumbing problems affecting Building 3.

She said she had obtained a proposal from Roto-Rooter and was seeking two additional estimates before proceeding with repairs.

Crystal Restoration had already sanitized the affected apartments, she reported.

Once the remaining estimates are received, Jeffrey said she would email the information to commissioners so they could make a decision virtually.

The board did not approve a plumbing repair contract during the Oct. 22 meeting.

Security Cameras And Tenant Concerns

Residents also asked about the authority's decision the previous month not to install security cameras at the housing complex.

According to the minutes, the board planned to revisit the decision in executive session and provide an explanation at its Nov. 19 meeting.

Tenants raised additional maintenance concerns and were advised to submit work requests.

Residents also requested that management notify all tenants not to flush wipes down toilets.

Jeffrey said she was addressing disputes between residents but indicated that the commission meeting was not the appropriate forum for discussing those matters.

Occupancy And Property Maintenance

The authority reported that all apartments at Sugarloaf Terrace were occupied or assigned to incoming tenants.

A new tenant had moved into Apartment 30, and another was scheduled to move into Unit 20 in December.

The waiting list contained 72 people.

Jeffrey also provided updates on seasonal property maintenance.

She said exterior painting was continuing on previously scraped sections of the buildings. Winterization work included bringing hoses indoors and shutting off outside water spigots.

The property's landscaper was also expected to repair the flagpole once a bucket truck became available.

Jeffrey reviewed the financial report with commissioners and answered questions. The minutes did not identify any financial problems.

Other Commission Business

The authority approved its Oct. 22 meeting agenda and the minutes of its Sept. 17 special meeting. Both motions carried, although numerical vote counts were not recorded.

The authority also announced a Christmas party scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m. in the Sugarloaf Terrace community room.

Commissioners entered executive session at 4:06 p.m. and returned to regular session at 4:45 p.m.

The meeting adjourned at 4:46 p.m.