RE: possibility that the sump pump is not working automatically, since it was one of the primary expectations of the Board [of Health] when we decided against issuing a health order in July...
When was the decision of the board not to issue the health order based on information that the pool was being drained automatically? The hearing was July 7. The pump was plugged in, July 24, after a week or more of rain. Do we have to monitor this, and call it to your attention when it is not working -- automatically or otherwise? Why no health order to keep it working, automatically, all the time?
Because the Board of Health decided not to issue a health order, it has put the burden on the neighbors to monitor the pump to keep the pool drained. Since that decision not to issue an order, the police have witnessed the undrained pool and unconnected sump pump; the fire department has witnessed it; the neighbors have witnessed it, many other people have witnessed it, and although she does not say so, the CE Director had to have witnessed it if she was there at any time between the decision not to issue an order (July 7), and yesterday (July 24). This is nuts.
The pump appears to be plugged in, but we had very heavy rains last night and I would expect the pump to be active. It is not (I would hear it if it was working). Given the history of this debacle, CE and Board of Health need to confirm that the pump is actually working, that the power is turned on, that the sump pump isn't clogged or otherwise malfunctioning, and you need to check how it is installed and where it is sending the water. The fire department did not like the hook-up, and since there is no health order [which would have put the burden of monitoring and compliance on the property owner], the burden is on the neighbors in a complaint-driven process, and we are asking CE to check the installation and verify that it is in compliance.
Lea
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kathleen Butler"
Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 7:27 AM
Subject: Re: 2 Apple Tree Point Lane Pool
> Matt Perry visited the site last week and John Ryan has already been to
> the property several times this week. John has been in communication
> with Mr. Niquette. My understanding is that at least as of yesterday
> the pump is connected and working. John is scheduled to revisit the
> site this morning.
>
> Regards,
> Kathleen
>
> Kathleen Butler
> Director, Burlington Code Enforcement
> kbutler@ci.burlington.vt.us
> (802) 863-0442
