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 January 11, 2006 and February 1, 2006 meeting minutes as written. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
Palmer Road Well: Craig informed the Commission it may be best to hold off on the panel update. After discussions with Karen from Tata & Howard (T&H) and Ted Morine from Maher Craig learned the pump may get downsized, if so, the motor might also. If the pump is in good condition, we can continue until additional well is added at that location. Craig has obtained pricing on a complete heavy duty Soft Start unit which is less than $5,000. The Commission agreed to hold off until additional information is available regarding pump and motor size.
Quaboag Heights ~ Update: Craig took a look at the plans and noticed a couple of things that will need to be changed. They are addressing serious DEP issues as a result of run off into catch basins. EPA and DEP are involved. Ted Bukowski still expects to go ahead depending on situation with DEP/EPA.
Source Water Protection Plan (SWPP) Schedule: Craig is in the process of converting the Power Point presentation into a format that M-PACT can run. MPACT will broadcast the narrated presentation periodically. The Selectmen will get a copy, which should save time when we do meet with the Selectmen.
FY07 Budget:
FINCOM Meeting ~ Evening of February 27th 7:15-7:30 Water, 7:30-7:45 Sewer.
Hospital Road Reconstruction: Craig shared with the Commission an e-mail from Bacon & Wilson, P.C.; things seem to be moving ahead.
Sewer System: Sewer flows are up, the guys (Tom and Dave) have located a few spots that can be repaired. Marty suggested putting a small note in the next bill informing ratepayers how sump pumps affect them and the rates.
A list of sewer manholes with drop inlets is being created for future investigation. Marty and Craig recalled an incident during flushing which has not yet been recreated that indicated a problem in the vicinity of Woodbridge and Palmer Road.
NEW BUSINESS:
Town Report: Craig informed the Commission the departments have been asked to post their annual reports on their respective pages at the town’s web site so that residents may access this information. Craig presented the one page draft report to the Commission. The Commission agreed it looked good, however it seemed the department was busier over the course of the past year, Craig agreed, yet confirmed the information to be accurate and a lot of the projects were time consuming.
New Mass Highway Bridge Project: Craig has been advised Mass Highway will be rebuilding the State Avenue Bridge. Craig spoke with Jim Amman from the Palmer Water Dept. regarding the possibility of including a water main across the bridge for a future interconnection between our two systems. Craig explained this is something we have talked about before and it is an excellent opportunity while the project is still in the design phase. The Commission discussed the advantages and legalities of being interconnected.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Road Resurfacing: John Morrell plans on resurfacing Bethany Road, which consists of almost 40 services, Craig originally thought most would require replacement and this would require hiring an outside contractor. However, research indicates services are in better shape than originally thought. So far only 8 services will need updating which we can handle in the spring.
Infrastructure Financing: Craig informed the Commission about a water system similar in age to ours in Fall River which serves a population of 90,000. Their distribution system has some mains that were installed in 1871 (30 years on us). They plan on replacing 42 miles of water mains in seven years, 10 miles in 2005 alone The Water Department was able to get everyone on board and get support to raise the water rate from $0.53 per 100 gallons ($5.30 per thousand gallons) to $1.16 per 100 gallons ($11.60 per thousand gallons) to pay the bonding debt. Our current rate is $3.25 per thousand gallons. Craig feels it is important we keep our present philosophy to replace lines when it is convenient to us, vs. being forced to like Fall River is.
NEXT MEETING:
A motion was made by Steve and seconded by Marty to set the next meeting for Wednesday, March 1, 2006. Motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN:
A motion was made by Steve and seconded by Marty to adjourn at 7:30 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
___________________________________
Stephen C. Lobik,
Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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