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.
OLD BUSINESS:
Bunyan Road Well Improvements ~ Update:
Conservation Restrictions (CR’s): Craig has the changed documents all set for Town Council Ken Albano to record at the registry of deeds. The DEP has notified Craig that we have approval to use the Bunyan Wells while we wait for the CR’s to be recorded.
Change Orders: A $9,207.62 settlement has been offered to Bay State Regional Contractors (BSRC) who had submitted $30,000 in additional charges. $8,143.35 of the extras are for dewatering and shoring. The remaining $1,064.27 is for electrical work related to the spec mistake. BSRC will honor all warranties. Doug asked how such situations could be prevented in the future. It was agreed to use this as a learning experience and be sure everything is spelled out in the next project. Craig has not received verification that the final document has been signed, however it looks favorable. Tata & Howard who prides themselves on not exceeding project costs by 1% is disappointed in this 2-3% increase above project cost.
Hospital Road Reconstruction: Since the last meeting the latest development with regards to the rail road occurred on Columbus Day Holiday when Craig received a call on his cell phone from a Staci Korpal (Property Administration manager at Rail America) while shopping in Best Buy with his family. After leaving numerous messages the past 3 weeks Craig was finally informed we need permission from Canadian National (CN), the company that handles our utility leasing agreements, to modify the water main in the crossing. Craig contacted Richard Matte at the Montreal office of CN who at first referred him back to Mike Lawyer at NeCR who Craig had spoken with in the beginning. Craig explained the situation to Mr. Matte who requested Craig send an e-mail to him, CC everyone he had contacted, and he
will ask his superior. Mr. Matte believes we do not need his permission but he says he will find out. Craig also faxed Staci Korpal the current installation agreement MassHighway has with NeCR. Craig explained Palmer Paving needs to get something done as time is running out.
Quaboag Heights: Craig contacted Dave Loring with Tighe & Bond who hasn’t heard from the Engineer, Gary Weiner of Ecotech Environmental Associates either; Dave is still waiting on drainage calculations, although he has given Ted Bukowski approval to work on some things. Craig and Dave agreed to condense their comments on the specifications together to the engineer.
Shut Off Notices: Of the 3 posted, 1 paid, 1 arranged with the Collectors office a promise to pay by November 4th, and the other remains scheduled for termination tomorrow. One other account is being posted tomorrow with an October 20 termination date as a result of a dishonored check.
Budget Cuts: The Selectmen met last night, it is believed they set the meeting warrant for the special town meeting scheduled for Nov 7 which included budget transfers. Discussion took place on the financial hardship the town faces this fiscal year and the upcoming fiscal year. Craig will further confirm that the warrant is in fact closed as he had intended to request two articles, one to transfer from the water account to operating supplies to pay for materials needed in the Quaboag Heights/Country Club connection, and secondly to have money transferred to station maintenance for the replacement of the electrical panel in the Ely Rd. tank vault as the one in place is currently falling off the wall.
NEW BUSINESS:
F350: Recently it was fired up when reading meters and it requires repairs that are not financially sensible. Craig broke the news to the Commissioners it is time to retire the 1989 F350.
FY 06 2nd Quarter Water & Sewer Bills (July-Sept Usage): Bills will be out October 18th due November 17th. Unaccounted for water is only at 10%for this quarter.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Tank Removal: Marty informed Craig that Mass Electric recently removed their underground storage tanks for diesel and gasoline. Craig will inform Rebekah McDermott so she can update the info in the Protection Plan.
NEXT MEETING:
A motion was made by Marty and seconded by Steve to set the next meeting for Wednesday, October 26, 2005. Motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN:
A motion was made by Steve and seconded by Marty to adjourn at 7:35 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
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Stephen C. Lobik,
Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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