Members Present: Chairman Jack D. Gustafson, Vice Chairman Douglas R. North, Clerk Marshall L. Harris
Superintendent: Craig W. Jalbert
Secretary: Dale Johnson
Open the Meeting: The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
Accept the Minutes: A motion was made by Marty and seconded by Jack to accept the December 15, 2004 meeting minutes, motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
Bunyan Road Well Improvements:
Administrative Consent Order (ACO) Extension: Notification was received from the DEP that they have granted our extension to June 30, 2005, however they also stated any further extensions will be highly discouraged. A copy of this letter was sent to Tata & Howard who have reacted accordingly.
Other Updates:
· Well Improvements Design – The design plans are just about finalized. Bidding process is expected to begin Thursday the 13th. Documents have been submitted to USDA and final plans will be sent to the DEP this week. Plans have been revised to include variable frequency drives (VFD) which are similar in cost to Soft Starts, but allow more flexibility and efficiency. Jack asked what happens if power is lost, Craig explained that Ed Pelland (our Alarm Contractor) will install a new panel at Bunyan Rd. to become part of our alarm system we already have in place. Also included will be a manual transfer switch for future back up
power, venting to remove heat from the VFD, new light fixtures and new flow and tank level recorders.
· Chemical Feed Hopper – Assembly is complete and the unit is wired and working.
· Land issues – The Beaver situation is expected to be taken care of by the end of January and water levels should be back to normal.
Palmer Road PURD Project: Craig met with Ted Bukowski on December 28th and showed him what we would like to do regarding Country Club Dr. He seemed very agreeable and will change prints and will also take care of piping from Mr. Graham’s property line to the new development +/- 160 ft. which should not be a major expense.
· Graham’s ~ Survey Easement – Craig has contacted Sherman & Woods who will survey and stake proposed easement when their scheduling permits. Craig will set up a meeting with the Graham’s and our Commission to further discuss compensation after that.
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) ~ Wales Road Project: Wales Road qualifies for CDBG. The initial impression is job total could be $600,000 - $650,000 the preliminary estimate has to go through further design committee review. At the site meeting on December 28th alternatives such as shortening the project scope took place. Marty suggested possibly replacing the 1895 water main outright instead of relining. We have room on the other side of the road and it would eliminate the need for a temporary water supply during installation. Craig thought replacement costs would be $80-$100/ft. Craig will ask Karen to estimate for a new 12” ductile iron pipeline on the opposite side of the street. Doug asked if John were to only go to Munn Road
then is that as far as we would go? Craig explained we would reline/replace pipe where the road would be resurfaced and then Jack asked how future repairs on re-lined main would be handled to which Craig responded just cut out and replaced as usual. Further discussion took place on contributions, it seems beneficial to put some of the Chapter 90 money John receives to overlay roads towards Wales Road, vs. other roads where water/sewer work hasn’t been done. Craig spoke to John about making mutual contribution of $20,000 - $30,000.
FY2006 Budget Cover Memo: Both the Water & Sewer budgets have been submitted, Craig shared with the Commission the cover letter that went along with it.
NEW BUSINES:
Sewer: The State Hospital Meter is still up and down, making it difficult to capture an accurate usage; Craig took an average per day and multiplied that by 92 days for the latest billing. A salesman has been contacted to help work out a solution; once accurate measuring samples are taken they may end up paying double.
· Palmer Capital Expenditures Meeting: Craig met with Gerry from Palmer Wastewater Treatment Plant on December 10th. His proposed FY 2006 budget increased $74,000 from FY 2005 budget for several reasons including oil/electricity/chemicals/labor and permit renewal which alone costs $8,000 as Tighe & Bond assists in this process, bringing the proposed FY 2006 budget to $1,165,512. Craig advised the Commission as far as Capital Plans, Gerry has a list; however he needs permission and funding prior to proceeding with Capital Improvements. Currently a line item exists in our FY2006 for $15,000.
· Infiltration Study: Craig has a meeting set for January 19th with Tom Hanson from Tata & Howard to discuss and learn more about an infiltration program, and what options are available. Basically by cutting down on flow, we can cut costs to Palmer.
Annual Statistical Report: Craig has begun work on the annual DEP report, the Unaccounted for Water percentage is down to 11.62% for 2004.
Annual Town Report ~ Suggestions: Craig has begun preparing for the Annual Town Report and asked the Commissioners for any suggestions, typically this is due the beginning of February.
OTHER BUSINESS
Commissioner Term: Doug came to tonight’s meeting with his nomination papers in hand.
Fy2005 3rd Quarter Billing: Bills have been prepared, and will be mailed on January 14th.
NEXT MEETING:
A motion was made by Marty and seconded by Doug to set the next meeting for Wednesday, January 26, 2005. Motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN:
A motion was made by Doug and seconded by Marty to adjourn at 7:45 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
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Marshall L. Harris
Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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