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 January 12, 2005 meeting minutes, motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
Bunyan Road Well Improvements:
· Contract Bid: Received electrical sub bids. Tata & Howard (T&H) estimated $95,000. Low bid was $88,900 from Bruce O’Brien Electric out of Palmer. Bids were also received from Elm Electric ($128,000) and Philips Electric ($138,000). General Contractor’s bids are due February 9th. Carl Lagrant of Lagrant Electric called, but did not submit a bid. Carl apologized and explained he did not receive the spec package until two days ago, so he wasn’t comfortable submitting a bid without more time to study the plans.
Craig had an opportunity to speak with Mike McGrath while attending a Lead and Copper Seminar at the D.E.P. Office. Mike had a few minor suggestions regarding the specs, and noticed we did not include a separate water quality sampling provision for the two wells. Craig also spoke with Dave Mercier from Waterworks Supply who also had a few suggestions. T&H noted the suggestions and will issue an addendum.
Doug asked who accepts the electrical bids; Craig explained the General Contractor will as the electrical portion was a file sub bid. Out of the seven electrical contractors who took out plans only three responded with a bid.
Palmer Road PURD Project:
· Bukowski & Weiner of Ecotech Environmental Associates Inc. Meeting: Craig met with Ted Bukowski and Gary Weiner Monday, January 24th and learned Ted changed his mind slightly, although he is willing to have his contractor install the line up to Graham’s property, he is not willing to pay for the additional parts and labor, however they will grant an easement to the roadway in the development. Mr. Bukowski is responsible for the pipeline and maintenance within the development and we will be responsible for pipeline running from Country Club Dr., through our proposed easement on Mr. Graham’s property and up to the roadway of
the development. Craig estimates the cost for the pipeline from the roadway to Grahams will be approximately $10,000, and the cost from Country Club to the end of Graham’s property where he leaves off will be approximately $12,000 including a new hydrant. Ted and Gary dropped off a copy of the latest specs and drawings for PURD. Upon quick review Craig found some problems (one being of concern with the depth of the sewer main), after speaking to Dave Loring at Tighe & Bond it turns out he hasn’t seen the new drawings yet. Craig will contact Gary and make sure the new plans get sent to Loring for evaluation. The Planning Board gave Ted preliminary approval pending Dave’s comments. Discussion took place on the construction supervision and inspection account that we outlined in correspondence with Ted and the Planning Board. This account will be established by Mr. Bukowski on behalf of the Water & Sewer Department
using a percentage of the total entrance fees for the 35 units he plans. At the end of the project whatever monies that remain in the account will be returned to Mr. Bukowski. Doug suggested any reductions on the fees be held until the end of the project vs. the beginning as a safeguard.
· Graham’s ~ Survey Easement – Craig expects Don Frydryk to be out Thursday or Friday weather permitting to do the easement, which will be noted on the print. Don is working with Mr. Weiner; Craig will make sure Chip has a copy of the specs and plans in addition to Dave Loring.
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) ~ Wales Road Project: Wales Road qualifies for CDBG. The open hearing took place last night; the application will go forward with the project as discussed for Wales Road (Rte 32 to Munn Road – New 12” main).
Discussion took place on the bid Karen figured as Marty requested, and how the new 12” main is slightly more expensive in comparison to the estimate for the relining. However, the cost of the temporary water service that is required with the relining is a big unknown and the bids could be much higher than the estimate. Therefore we thought best to proceed with an outright replacement for the project. The project scope was scaled back significantly (Rt. 32 to Munn Road) with engineering and construction estimated at $438,000. Although we hoped to proceed further up Wales Road, it is just not possible with the amount of money available to us in the grant.
Annual Statistical Report: Completed and mailed.
Annual Town Report ~ Draft: Craig presented the Commission a draft of the report he prepared. Craig mentioned although the backhoe hours are down from years in the past, by all means has no reflection on the work being performed by the department. Craig explained they were quite busy with new service connections; work at Bunyan Road, and developments like Longview and McCray.
Sewer Infiltration Study:
· Meeting w/Tom Hanson of Tata & Howard: Craig explained the process involved in the study, the first step is collection of data (rainfall, pumping, and pipeline inventory) and review of the agreement with Palmer. Marty suggested M.D.C. records be forwarded as well. Tom advised since the information was so readily available the initial work could be done in approximately 40 hours, a proposal will be sent out, and is estimated to be about $3000. They will then plot data and determine how much of a problem we have and if it is cost effective to address it. The next step would be dividing the system into sections, having a meter
company out to meter flows in each section taking housing into consideration and looking at suspected target areas (close to rivers). A smoke test is performed which gives good results and is not very expensive, along with manhole inspections. It will become a question of affordability, although having an idea where to look first helps. We can then slowly pick away at problem areas we might find.
NEW BUSINES:
Board of Health Meeting: Craig met with the Board of Health (BOH) to discuss the next steps with regard to floor drains. A letter is being drafted to oil/water separator owners to remind them of their obligation. Grease traps were also discussed and what can be done to make Restaurants maintain them. Craig explained to the BOH what is being done to prevent backups. All the paperwork is in place supporting that the department is doing what it can. Discussion also took place about our NiCd batteries and mercury pick up.
OTHER BUSINESS
Sewer Permit: Craig discussed with the Commission if the department should require cleanouts outside buildings for cleaning purposes and what the advantages would be. Doug enlightened the Commission from the Plumbers Code perspective that currently it is not something the Plumbing Code requires, however the department could highly recommend on the permit or as a possible request/requirement of the Town. Doug also cautioned there would be higher risk for damage if beyond 5’ of the building.
Sewer Tie In Inquiry: Craig informed the Commission an individual stopped by the office to discuss the possibility of connecting to Town Sewer on Margaret Street by Payne Gang Cable. Discussion took place about whose responsibility it would be if on private property, Marty suggested if this happens they should also hook up water. Craig has not contacted the individual, but will in the near future.
NEXT MEETING:
A motion was made by Marty and seconded by Doug to set the next meeting for Wednesday, February 9, 2005. Motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN:
A motion was made by Doug and seconded by Marty to adjourn at 8:00 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
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Marshall L. Harris
Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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