January 21, 2014
The meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by Chairman Connor with all members in attendance.
Mr. Connor explained the meeting was scheduled to allow Mr. DiMartino an opportunity to update the Board on various projects.
Mr. DiMartino presented the Grant of Easement from Old Stone Realty, which is a part of the Maplebrook condominiums. The grant of easement will allow the Town to provide the sewer connections to the proposed Police Station as, well as the DPW, Fire station and Senior Center.
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to accept the sewer easement granted to the Town by Old Stone Bridge Acres Condominium Trust for maintenance, repair and operation of sewer pipes and pumping stations through the grant of easement agreement dated January 15, 2014.
Mr. DiMartino stated his need for input from the Board relative to sewer expansion in the Lake Hiawatha neighborhood. Mr. Fraine and Mr. DiMartino have met with a developer who has proposed a project which could assist with sewer expansion. Marinella Corp has proposed a residential project which may prove beneficial for sewer expansion.
Mr. Soter questioned whether sewer connection is mandated if it is available to a resident. Mr. DiMartino explained it is not mandated; however, the associated Betterment fee is incurred. Mr. Connor suggested reaching out to the neighborhood to determine if there was an interest. Mr. Fraine stated he would contact the Lake Hiawatha Association and attempt to schedule an informational meeting.
Mr. Soter stated the Town should consider a Master Plan approach to sewer expansion and determine if other neighborhoods in Town will support sewer expansion and the associated betterment. Mr. DiMartino stated he would look to contact additional neighborhoods where expansion is feasible to determine the level of interest.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to abate $30,680 in water charges to the JPI apartment complex. Mr. DiMartino explained the charges were calculated in error over a long period of time.
Mr. DiMartino informed the Board that Dan Carlisle and Dan Drake will both be retiring this month and that each of these positions has been advertised. Mr. DiMartino explained he would like to have Mr. Drake's position restructured as a permanent position which will be funded with inspectional services charged to developers which currently fund Mr. Drake’s position. Mr. DiMartino is confident the position can be completely self supported.
Minutes of January 21, 2014
Page 2
Mr. DiMartino stated he is attempting to fill a public education coordinator position which is required by D.E.P. to promote water conservation. Mr. DiMartino stated he is working with Mrs. Johnson of the Bellingham Bulletin on promoting the program. Mr. Soter suggested the possibility if utilizing someone “in-house” to perform this function. Mr. Fraine and Mr. DiMartino stated they would examine this option.
Mr. DiMartino updated the Board on progress with the water treatment project. He informed the Board that bids will be going out on the two largest components of this project in February. He further stated easement issues are being resolved to allow the project's cross county water mains to be installed in the least costly route.
Mr. DiMartino updated the Board on the grant the Town received for the Pearl Street Mill demolition project. He stated the grant will pay for engineering as well as finance costs associated with the demolition.
Mr. DiMartino informed the Board the new utility billing program goes into effect with quarterly billing in July which will include water, sewer and trash. He went on to explain water receipts are $191,000 below projections which is eating into the capital fee established two years ago.
The Board asked Mr. DiMartino to put a capital fund projection together for the coming year and to schedule a rate hearing for March.
Mr. DiMartino informed the Board the 5 million road bond is nearly halfway expended with many more projects identified than funding available. Board members suggested consideration is given to increasing the authorization in the event there is excess bond capacity.
Mr. DiMartino asked the Board to keep the DPW facility needs in mind when considering future projects. Specifically, he expressed concern with the limited salt storage available, as well as the less than adequate office facilities for administrative staff and mechanics.
Mr. DiMartino updated the Board on the federally mandated storm water management requirements (m54) which are impacting his FY15 budget. He explained the new requirements are costly and will go into effect within the next year.
Mr. Fraine and Mr. DiMartino requested an Executive Session to discuss a grant of easement and the related negotiations on a parcel located on Blackmar Street.
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board was polled and unanimously voted to go into Executive Session to discuss the grant of easement as presented by Mr. Fraine.
Mr. Connor stated there would be no public comment or meeting following the Executive Session.
The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 9:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Denis C. Fraine
Town Administrator
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