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 December 7, 2005 as written. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
Bunyan Road Well Improvements ~ Update:
Shalin Patel of US Automation was out on Monday to finish up a few loose ends and finally repair the lightning damage we received in August. We had to wait for the flood damaged flow meter to be replaced before we brought Shalin back. The chart recorder has been replaced, the decimal error in the PLC has been fixed and now the water levels in the wells can be monitored at the PLC. A slight change took place with regards to the surge protection plan, for roughly $50.00 more it seemed worth while to go with a complete surge/backup UPS unit that will also filter the power to the chart recorders and the PLC. The unit is also readily available locally at Staples if we have problems. An additional panel might be required to house it and wire it to the three units. Craig will
contact an electrician to get recommendations for mounting and wiring.
USDA - Don Tata from Tata & Howard (T&H) and Craig have roughed out a plan for the next phase of the USDA Grant. Don suggests concentrating on cleaning and refurbishing the existing Palmer Road well pending costs; Maher will be contacted for an estimate on the work to prepare a budget for USDA.
Steve asked about the status of the Bethany Road Well, which Craig assured, is exercised twice a month and we still maintain our water quality testing there. This location is still a good source but will require significant funds to modernize and install treatment similar to Bunyan and Palmer Rd.
Hospital Road Reconstruction ~ Update:
The water phase of the project has been completed. All water services are connected to the new line and the old 6” main has been disconnected.
Upper Palmer Rd/Macomber Rd: Mr. Leo Cortina and Karen King stopped in as he owns the lots on Upper Palmer Road between the old Quarry and Payne Gang. He was inquiring about water and sewer availability to those lots, to which Craig answered yes it is. Mr. Cortina also had Don Frydryk call about a possible water tank location on Bunyan Road Mountain. Craig explained to Donald it is a bit pre-mature to determine the tank location at this time. Craig intends to investigate and evaluate all of the sites Don Tata proposed. Discussion took place on the evaluation process which will take into account the cost of any additional pipeline installation, the cost of the land, the cost of the storage tank itself and the hydraulic benefit to our system. However, the first
step is to start evaluating land acquisition possibilities for the sites.
Quaboag Heights ~ Update: Craig received a letter from Dave Loring at Tighe & Bond (T&B) containing comments and requested changes to specs, which have been sent to Ecotec and need to be addressed.
Easements are complete and recorded. The Commissioners discussed how this looping project would be the perfect opportunity to hire out as discussed previously vs. having our staff perform the installation in addition to their day to day responsibilities.
Source Water Protection Plan (SWPP) Schedule: The final presentation will be made to the Selectmen on Tuesday, January 24th. The Commissioners agreed to be present.
FY07 Budget: FINCOM has prepared a format for the FY07 budget which is due January 20th. The budget is complete with a 60/40 split between water and sewer for benefits and salaries. Past practice had been a 70/30 split but it was decided that in fairness to the Water Ratepayers we would adjust this split to better represent the actual workload in our water and sewer systems. As a result, the only change in our Sewer budget occurred in Salaries to reflect the contractual agreement and the 60/40 split adjustment. Dale explained the contractual change included a 2% raise in FY2007 and a 2.5% raise in FY2008. Two line items in Water were increased slightly, Water Analysis to cover additional baseline testing required at our two new Bunyan Wells and Station Maintenance so
that the Park and Rec. Dept. can assume the responsibility of the lawn maintenance at our facilities.
Sewer Rate: As briefly discussed last meeting and after analyzing the Sewer budget and Sewer Rate Worksheet it became evident an increase is required. The last increase took place October 1, 2004; the new increase would not actually take effect until April 2006 and not billed until July which would be collected in FY07. Ratepayers would receive advance notice in their FY06 4th Quarter billing in March.
Marty made a motion to raise the sewer rate from $200 per unit per year ($50/Qtr., $2.74/1000 gal) to $225 per unit per year ($56.25/Qtr., $3.08/1000 gal) effective April 1, 2006, motion seconded by Steve, all in favor motion passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
Dam Registration: Craig informed the Commission that the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Office of Dam Safety has enacted some revisions to the Dam Safety Statute that now require that all dams be registered and inspected to insure the dams are maintained in good operating condition. Failure to submit a dam registration form could result in up to $500 per violation. The Monson Water Works Dam located on Old Wales Rd. is rated Low Hazard and therefore requires a dam inspection every ten years.
Evergreen Lane: Craig showed the Commission the plans for a proposed sub-development off of Bethany Rd. near North Lane. At this time, Craig is concerned with the proposed water main extension. Our Construction Standards don’t allow dead ends, however in this particular development it would be impractical and of no benefit to our system. Discussion took place on whether the Developer should be required to apply for a waiver on this requirement when the plans reach the Definitive stage. The Commission agreed that he should and it would be reasonable to call for it in this case. The Commission also agreed that future projects with similar circumstances should be handled the same way.
NEXT MEETING:
A motion was made by Steve and seconded by Marty to set the next meeting for Wednesday, February 1, 2006. Motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN:
At 7:30 pm, a motion was made by Marty and seconded by Steve to adjourn from open session to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing pending litigation regarding the Hospital Road Reconstruction Project not to return to open session. Motion passed unanimously.
___________________________________
Stephen C. Lobik,
Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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