Notice Information

Q.        What Dam Project is being considered at the Special Meeting?

A.        The Dam Project is to replace a crushed pipe and valve beneath a portion of the dam used to lower the lake for maintenance and emergencies. It includes removing the existing low level outlet works, installing a new 42" concrete outlet pipe, installing a new sluice gate, constructing a concrete intake structure with a trash rack, and constructing a riprap scour hole at the pipe outlet. Also, the brush and other tree growth on the back (non lake) side of the earthen dam will be cut and removed.

Q.        Why is this Project necessary?

A.        During the very heavy rains that occurred in October 2005 high downstream water conditions broke off a section of the old 21" metal low level outlet pipe. An inspection of the pipe revealed that it was in very poor condition, was rusted and leaking. Also, it is not possible to completely shut off the valve to stop water flow through the existing drainage pipe. Water is continuing to erode the dam around the area of the existing drainage pipe.

Also, the earthen dam is currently in violation of Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulations on the issue of water control, and the growth of vegetation on earthen dam. While the DEP has not taken any official action to date on these issues, the DEP is aware of the conditions and is aware the Tax District is currently planning to correct both of these problems. 

Q.        Has this Project been approved?

A.        Yes, the Board of Directors hired J & D Civil Engineers to develop the plans for the project and the plans were submitted to. DEP has approved the project and issued the required permits.

Q.        Will the new drainage system be the same as the existing drainage?

 A.       No, the project proposes to replace the existing 21" low level outlet pipe and gate structure with a new 42" pipe and sluice gate structure at the same location.

Q.        Why is the Project increasing the drainage pipe size?

A.        The reason that the Tax District would like to increase the size of the pipe is because Lake Bungee, has a 42" low level outlet pipe. During the annual fall lowering of the lake it has been difficult to "keep up" with the flow from Lake Bungee's 42" pipe when Witches Woods only has a 21" pipe outlet.

Q.        Will the lake be drained during the construction?

A.        The intention is to block off  the construction area with a temporary coffer dam to perform the work in dry conditions. Therefore, the water level in the lake will not be lowered during construction.

Q.        What would happen if nothing is done?

A.        In the short term probably nothing would happen but over time the water will continue to erode the earthen dam around the defective outlet pipe to the point that the earthen dam could breach and the lake waters would drain out of the lake, leaving a muddy area in place of the lake.

            Also, it is not possible to lower the lake or to control the water level at this time due to the current valve is not operable.

Q.        When would it happen?

A.        That time period is not known, however, with heavy rains and higher lake water levels the erosion rate increases and the already eroded pipe will eventually cause the dam to be breached.

Q.        What is the cost of the Project?

A.        The project cost estimates from a number of contractors range from $200,000 to $350,000. All the estimates state that there may be additional costs (cost over runs) if unknown problems occur during the construction project.

Q.        How does the Board of Directors propose to pay for the project?

A.        Since the cost is much more than the District has in reserve funds, the Board of Directors are proposing that a loan from a bank be secured for the funding of the project. The loan would be for 5 to 15 years depending on input from the voters at this special meeting of the Tax District.

Q.        How will the loan be paid back?

A.        The Board of Directors is recommending that the loan payments would be including in the annual budget of the Tax District. The mill rate would be increased to cover the loan payments for the period of the loan. The amount of the increase will depend upon the actual loan amount and the interest rate of the loan. At this time it is estimated that the mill rate increase would be approximately 1 to 1.25 mils or $100 per year for $100,000 of assessed value of your property.

Q.        Will there be a special tax this year?

A.        No, there is presently sufficient monies in the Capital Improvement Fund to pay the loan payments for the remainder of the fiscal year which ends on June 30, 2009.

Q.        Is there any State or Federal Funds available for the Project?

A.        The State of Connecticut Department of  Environmental Protection has funds for municipal flood and erosion control projects. For this year approximately $7 million in funding was available however more than $4.5 million has been given to other towns and cities in Connecticut . The Board of Directors has created an Ad Hoc Committee to submit an application to the DEP for funding of the project. It is not known at this time if the Witches Woods Project will be approved for partial reimbursement of our costs for dam repair.

Q.        If Witches Woods Tax District receives these funds, what would happen to the money?

A.        The funds would be used to pay down the bank loan.

Q.           Does the board have a recommendation on the proposed issue?

A.            The Board of Directors urges all Tax District members to attend this meeting, and to become familiar with the issues. We recommend a vote to approve these necessary repairs and funding in order to preserve the quality of our beautiful lake.