Members Present: Chairman Jack D. Gustafson, Vice Chairman Douglas R. North
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 Doug and seconded by Jack to postpone the acceptance of the January 26, 2005 meeting minutes until the next meeting when all members are present. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
Palmer Road PURD Project:
Discussion took place regarding how the Construction Supervision account that is to be established is intended to work. Craig explained as it was agreed back in July, the developer would deposit ten percent of the total entrance fee cost (approximately $12,500.00) into an account under our control which would be used to fund water and sewer construction inspection by an engineer of our choice. Remaining funds not used for construction supervision would get refunded back to the developer upon completion. The Construction Standards state the developer is responsible for engineering services. Water & sewer service is not turned on unless fees are paid, and as an added safeguard the Building Department follows up with department to confirm fees
have been paid prior to signing occupancy permit. Craig feels he can plan out and discuss this further at the pre-construction meeting and that it is understood that engineering costs born by the developer are his responsibility. Jack agreed with Doug, it is wise to look at this venture from a business perspective.
· New Plans and Specs: After learning Dave Loring at Tighe & Bond (T&B) had not seen the new plans, Craig contacted Gary Weiner from Ecotech Environmental Associates Inc. to be sure Dave would be receiving them. Craig explained to Gary prior to making comments he would rather wait until Dave evaluates the new plans and forwards his concerns and or remarks to be sure the project is done right. Craig informed Gary once the plans have been accepted, a letter would be sent and he would then be free to continue according to Construction Standards, realizing this is probably going to be a 2-3 year project depending on the market
for the units.
· Graham’s ~ Survey Easement – Sherman & Woods have completed the survey for the easement, which now needs to be put on the plans. Once the easement is on the paperwork a meeting will be organized with the Grahams to discuss further as agreed at previous meetings.
Bunyan Road Well Improvements:
· Contract Bid: Bid opening took place today; all included the lowest electrical bid (Bruce O’Brien Electric out of Palmer). Out of the four submitted the lowest Total Bid Price was $257,258, and the highest $327,727. Tata & Howard (T&H) have taken bid packages for review prior to awarding the bid. Since $265,000 was budgeted no extra will be available to go to Palmer Road with the exception of possibly having some of the $25,000 contingency left to do a well cleaning at Palmer Road.
The commission discussed the variation in bids, Doug pointed out it could have to do with crossing State lines. Craig mentioned he had heard Bay State Regional Contractors, Inc. was significantly low on another job in efforts to obtain the work. In any event the USDA has requirements, including Bid Bond Form which all has to check out.
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) ~ Wales Road Project: Discussion took place on the contribution of water funds to the project contingent upon Highway Department making the same commitment as discussed in the past. As a formality PVPC needs a Financial Commitment Letter for the Wales Rd. project offering this support. Doug made a motion to commit $30,000 to the proposed infrastructure improvement project on Wales Road as agreed at prior meetings pending grant approval. Jack seconded, motion passed unanimously.
· Commitment Letter: Craig prepared a letter to the Board of Selectmen committing financial support for the proposed infrastructure improvement project on Wales Road.
If we do not receive the grant, Craig is not sure what John will do as far as the road is concerned. The problem with the services on Wales Rd. is that they were redone in 1960 but the Water Dept. used flare fittings then which deteriorate over time. This is caused by the thinning of the metal during the flare process, the many years of transmitting low pH water before corrosion control methods and bad electrical connections in the houses causing electrolysis. Craig feels we will need to at least replace the services if John Morrell intends on doing any work on that road in the future.
Future discussion will need to take place as projects roll out to prioritize what to do as it can be done; when road work was proposed on Ely Road, all services were replaced. As it looks now, Hospital Road which is being bid now will begin in 2005, Lower Hampden Road work might commence in 2006 depending on Representative Rogeness and Governor Romney’s budget, which will require us to replace services there. Wales Road is expected to begin in spring of 2006, pending successful grant application determination.
Sewer Infiltration Study:
· Tata & Howard Proposal: Craig presented a $3,000 amendment to the T&H contract which will allow them to proceed with the preliminary work, compilation of data into spreadsheets, and prepare a cost analysis to see if it is cost effective to address inflow. As discussed in the past, inflow is occurring; this will help in determining where to look. The commission agreed it is advantageous to proceed at this time.
NEW BUSINES:
Senior Citizen Sewer Discount: In the past the department has been approached to offer a Senior Discount program. Craig mentioned now may be the time to start looking into the feasibility of offering Senior Citizens a Sewer Discount. Currently the sewer rate is a flat charge, but a minimum charge would still be needed to cover our fixed costs each year, the gallon charge for treatment would be less for seniors, Craig was thinking of offering a senior abatement program. Currently the Assessors office offers a program where 40 or so people apply based on income. However, Craig was thinking a program more on the lines of what is offered for Trash would be more suitable. Seniors are required to fill out an abatement form based on age criteria; if met and approved, an abatement is given. Before implementation this would require an investigation to be sure other rate-payers would not be penalized because of such a discount, and that it will not have a negative impact on the overall
budget process and the departments already considerable workload. The research will require some time and would not be implemented for at least two years. Future discussion will be required.
OTHER BUSINESS
NEXT MEETING:
A motion was made by Doug and seconded by Jack to set the next meeting for Wednesday, February 23, 2005. Motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN:
A motion was made by Doug and seconded by Jack to adjourn at 7:45 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
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Douglas R. North
V. Chairman
cc: Selectmen
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