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: Craig brought forward an amendment with regards to which the General Contractors are required to use the electrical low bidder. A motion was made by Doug and seconded by Marty to accept the February 23, 2005 meeting minutes as corrected. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
Bunyan Road Well Improvements:
Bay State Regional Contractors is working on the submittals and paperwork for Don at Tata & Howard (T&H).
Don stopped by to discuss with Craig the cost overrun that occurred on the existing Engineering Agreement as Maher’s final cost was $8,000 over T&H’s estimate. The Engineering Agreements prices were based on initial estimates in the interests of speeding the project along. Obviously, Don feels uncomfortable with this situation and would like to meet with the Board to explain and discuss options that would allow T&H to recover those monies. The Board agreed that it is not unusual in this day and age for actual costs to be over estimates.
· Easement ~ Update: The water level is almost back to normal. Craig e-mailed Ken Albano to schedule appraisal for the Kelly’s and Gasparrini’s property.
Palmer Road PURD Project:
Gary Weiner from Ecotech Environmental Associates Inc. hasn’t finished the plans yet. Craig spoke with Dave Loring at Tighe & Bond (T&B), seeing that he has not received the plans yet, Craig informed him there was no rush on the proposal to do the inspections.
· Graham’s ~ Survey Easement – Draft layout was discussed and the Board approved. When Donald Frydryk finishes the legal description we can schedule the Grahams to attend a future meeting to discuss compensation.
Consumer Confidence Report (CCR): The Commission agreed everything looks fine, and it is okay to proceed with the printing.
GIS w/ Tata & Howard (T&H): Good news, Louis Soracco of T&H came out to install the software and give Craig a demo of the work he did on the Sewer map. There are links built into the sewer arc map that call up record plans (PDF). Although expensive it offers extensive database possibilities. The bad part is that the street layout (GIS Roadways) is not accurate with Mass GIS Ortho. Gretchen is arranging for PVPC to come out and talk with Dave Royce in the Assessors office and Craig about what the next steps should be to establish an accurate base both departments can build on.
Hospital Road Reconstruction: Dave Mercier from Water Works Supply Corp. spoke with Craig today and informed him bids for the water portion of Hospital Road were opened yesterday, no word yet of the result.
Guertin Elkerton & Associates, Inc. (GE&A) sent in an amendment asking for the Commissions consent to have them to provide services and coordination specifically related to the water system elements included within the roadway project. Craig also informed the Commission Kelly Conway is our new contact at GE&A. The Commission agreed to accept the amendment.
Tata & Howard (T&H) Infiltration/Inflow (I&I) Study: T&H completed their analysis which Craig has not yet had time to look at fully; however it appears that an entire system study would not be cost effective. Instead they suggest we target specific areas that would be at risk to infiltration. Marty suggested looking at Zero’s, i.e. roof drains. The Commission agreed to look at the study and discuss further at another meeting.
NEW BUSINES:
Montec Water Bill Inquiry: Craig explained to the Commission he had been approached by, Jim Ryan from Montec with regards to reducing their water bill; and if there were any incentives the department could offer. Their usage is high due to the use of water cooled machines. Craig explained by putting in a chilling system they could reduce their bill, however Jim explained it would be a 5 year payback on the equipment, and one they were not willing to wait for. Craig spoke with Town Administrator Gretchen who agreed it was not our fault they are not willing to wait for the 5 year payback. Doug added that with all the machines they have changed and updated recently, they must have experienced a cost reduction. Craig obtained information from the D.E.P. regarding the legality of
descending block rates.
M&M Chemical Building: Ed Harrison, who is a member of the Local Partnership for Economical Development Community, stopped in to inform Craig the current owner is looking to possibly turn the building into an over 55 housing/condo unit, and would like to know what impact that would have on the water and sewer system. Craig let Ed know as far as the water & sewer systems are concerned, this project would be beneficial and have a positive impact providing everything is done properly.
OTHER BUSINESS
F350 Plow Truck: Craig informed the Commission Dave has been plowing for the Highway in trade/exchange for backhoe time. It has caused an increase in bills for repair, however in the long run it is worth it as we now have 78 hours of backhoe time built up for this season.
Commissioner Comments: Craig asked the Commission how they feel about being kept in the loop, and asked if there were any suggestions for the meetings, and if there was a need to add a discussion segment. The Commission agreed Craig keeps them well informed.
NEXT MEETING:
A motion was made by Doug and seconded by Marty to set the next meeting for Wednesday, March 23, 2005. Motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN:
A motion was made by Marty and seconded by Doug to adjourn at 8:00 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
___________________________________
Marshall L. Harris
Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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