Members Present: Chairman Douglas R. North, V.Chairman Marshall L. Harris, Clerk Stephen C. Lobik
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 Steve and seconded by Marty to accept the meeting minutes of July 27, 2005. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
Bunyan Road Well Improvements ~ Update:
Mike McGrath from the DEP gave conditional approval pending negative bacteria tests and extension of well casings. The casings were extended, and the bacteria tests were negative. Catherine Skiba from the DEP e-mailed permission to begin pumping on 8/1/05. On 8/5/05, the Friday Craig left for vacation a severe lightening storm hit that damaged the flow chart recorder, flow modules of PLC and surge protection module. Surge module is a high quality ($1500) unit with a 5 year warranty which was replaced. Shalin Patel from US Automation worked around the blown board in the PLC, although the flow recorder is still not at 100% (will need to be replaced). The blown PLC circuit board, which has been temporarily bypassed, allows flow to be tracked. It is unclear at this
point if this will be covered under the town insurance. The second pipe alignment problem has been fixed and transducers installed. There are a few minor items to incorporate yet, but the wells are being pumped. Marty questioned if there is enough surge protection as Tom had indicated when Shalin was out working on the flow recorder he implied there was not enough.
Ed Pelland has been working on the alarm panel, he is having some difficulty as a result of not being familiar with this particular unit, however he is working on the problem and is expected to come out tomorrow to finish up.
Everything is working at the well including the chemical feed pump. Marty asked how the Soda Ash usage compares to Palmer Road well, however it is too early to tell.
BayState has submitted extra work charges, however Tata & Howard (T&H) has sent a letter denying all but one (dewatering). Final acceptance from DEP is expected once our CR’s pass State Office of Environmental Affairs.
Hospital Road Reconstruction: Construction is underway, the revised plans have arrived, but a little late for the first hydrant change to take place as Palmer Paving did not have the changes in hand. It turns out Guertin & Elkerton (G&E) submitted to Mass Highway, who hadn’t delivered the revisions, now that the plans are in the hands of the contractor the other hydrant changes near the facility will be implemented.
Quaboag Heights: Craig explained to the Commissioners he had floated an idea passed Gray Weiner of Ecotech Environmental Associates with regards to the proposed Sewer installation and manhole placement in Rt. 32, specifically the method of connecting and future responsibility issues. After lengthy discussion which included the downfalls of going 18 feet down, Craig explained he did not expect a conclusion to be reached tonight, but the Commission was in agreement that Craig’s option made sense if the maintenance responsibilities could be worked out to our satisfaction. Craig pointed out that the Planning Board has final say on the Quaboag Heights charter. The Commissioners also agreed something in writing would need to be in place specifying the Association would be responsible
for any repairs made by the department.
Marty asked how the Easement plan with the Graham’s was progressing. Craig explained the Graham’s lawyer wants the agreement letter used as Exhibit A and recorded at the Registry of Deeds. Town Council, Ken Albano preferred to have a notarized document vs. setting precedence. Hopefully Atty. Blanchette who is representing the Graham’s and Ken will be able to work through this soon.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Stewart Avenue Lot: Doug asked Craig if he had heard about an upcoming hearing on a Stewart Avenue lot. Craig had only been aware of concerns about 11 Heritage Lane meeting the Zone II groundwater recharge system requirements. Craig responded in writing to the Planning Board the stipulations to be included on the deed to meet the groundwater protection rules.
NEW BUSINESS:
Sewer Meter: Craig informed the Commission there has been a minor problem with the sewer meter not zeroing. Ray Ferlin who installed the unit came out to investigate and believes a faulty power supply is the problem. His loaner is in place; Craig is looking into alternatives as he has his doubts about the accuracy. Rich Nash from New England Environment is coming out next week to assess the situation; if a new power supply is needed it may be worth looking at a new unit.
Upper Palmer Rd/Macomber Rd: Leo Cortina met in the office on Tuesday the 23rd with Craig, Marty, Chip LaPointe, Leslie Duthie and Karen King regarding his development plans and how a water tank on Bunyan Mountain would impact them. Basically the meeting was to inform him once financial commitment has been made for a tank in another area, there won’t be another tank, and therefore there won’t be water where he wishes to develop. Regardless it would take approximately two years before a new tank would be up and running. With no water lines he would be required to have individual wells, which would impact layout of the lots. Sewer is the next issue that requires addressing. Craig has included his concerns in past correspondence to the Planning Board prior to
Leo Cortina’s last meeting with the Planning Board.
Palmer Sewer Bill: The 4th Quarter Bill for Fiscal 2005 came in slightly higher than the budgeted $165,000, as anticipated when preparing the article request for funds to be transferred at the November 29th Special Town Meeting, at which time the Accountant discouraged more funds from being transferred. Craig explained that Palmer has changed their billing process to include Capital Expenses within the Maintenance of the Joint Treatment costs. Funds were encumbered under both the Maint. of Joint Treatment ($48,613.50) and Palmer Sewer Cap. FY2005 ($15,000.00). A letter will be sent to Palmer advising them the balance of $11,504.51 will need to be appropriated at the next town meeting. An additional article will be submitted to request that the FY2006 Maint. of
Joint Treatment and Palmer Sewer Capital FY2006 be rolled into one account to incorporate this change and eliminate confusion during FY2006.
NEXT MEETING:
A motion was made by Marty and seconded by Steve to set the next meeting for Wednesday, September 7, 2005. Motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN:
A motion was made by Steve and seconded by Marty to adjourn at 8:00 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
___________________________________
Stephen C. Lobik,
Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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