Members Present: Chairman Marshall L. Harris, V. Chairman Stephen C. Lobik, Clerk Douglas R. North
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 Doug to accept the Meeting Minutes from May 24, 2006. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
Water Capital Bonding: Craig confirmed USDA does not have time constraints on the use of remaining funds requiring that they be spent by the end of this FY. Craig intends to schedule the cleaning of the Palmer Road Well in the fall.
Mr. Leo Cortina will be presenting preliminary plans to the Planning Board for the proposed development of the Arooth’s field. They are proposing a gravity sewer system with only 3 ft cover in one area. However these are just preliminary plans and will be reviewed by an Engineer. Donald Frydryk from Sherman and Frydryk discussed with Craig the possibility of pressurized sewer system with injector pumps like Palmer uses in the Lake Thompson area. Doug believes certain pumps on Lake Thompson are town owned and maintained. Craig assured the Commission no decision would be made without being looked at from a maintenance perspective as well as what is best for the town. Donald and Craig also spoke about the land Leo has offered for
the site of a new tank. Accurate decisions cannot be made without knowing if Leo is willing to work something out as he has indicated in past conversations. While in the planning stages, now is the time to get a commitment letter from Leo.
Quaboag Heights ~ Update: Water tie in is complete as of Tuesday, June 6th. Craig has all the required parts ordered, some were already here. Craig is obtaining a price from Holden Sand & Gravel (site contractor) to install the main in the easement through Grahams property. Craig expects to install the Country Club Dr. portion ourselves and let the contractor take it from there. J&S gave a price of $4,000 to clear the easement; however Craig would like to get another price.
Hospital Road Reconstruction: Craig and John Morrell met with Stan Elkerton from Guertin Elkerton & Associates (GE&A), to discuss the country drain option, which looks to be the better compromise, although some drainage and catch basins will be needed. ConCom will be reviewing plans.
Sewer Easement Clearing: The clearing work is complete on the 30 x 3000 foot easement from State Street to Chestnut Street. While $12,000 seems expensive, this is the first time it has been cleared since 1980-1981 and there were an incredible amount of trees 12 to 24 inches in diameter.
NEW BUSINESS:
Monson Developmental Center (M.D.C.): Craig sent a letter to Michael Hurley with regards to MDC sewer usage and the problems we have been experiencing regarding the wastewater outflows from their facility. Outstanding issues include no permanent wastewater flow meter, they are still using the “loaner” unit which was put in place 12/14/04 and is questionable due to the less than ideal installation conditions. Another cause for concern is the much higher than normal wastewater flows during rain and snow melt conditions believed to be caused by roof drains and storm water drains still being connected to the sewer system. The MDC wastewater flow also contains a tremendous amount of assorted rags, towels and gloves, which causes our comminutor (shredding device) and our sewage
pumps to clog and stop. This costs us time and money especially during non-working hours.
Jane Arthur, MDC Facility Director called in response to the letter and would like to sit and meet to discuss these issues. A meeting has been set for 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 14th at the MDC Offices. The Commissioners will attend if their schedules permit.
Basically, increased flows increase our cost to Palmer; our percentage of flow has increased from 13% to 16-17% since Palmer’s CSO project and with MDC’s higher than normal flows, we end up with a much larger bill at the end of the year. MDC’s increase is like putting us in another tax bracket, and in fairness to our ratepayers leaves little choice but to start charging MDC fees or penalties until these ongoing issues are resolved. MDC has made other betterments to their facility and it just as important to address the wastewater outflow issues.
The Water & Sewer Dept. has taken steps to cut down on flow to lessen our costs to Palmer; $12,000 was just spent to clear our sewer easement, which will allow testing to be done in that low lying area. After just spending money to have the comminutor fixed, it recently required further adjustment. Since MDC personnel no longer maintain the bar rack used in the outflow sewer trench we are now receiving all the debris that is being disposed of down the drains throughout the MDC facility which our comminutor and sewage pumps were not designed to handle. Our next step would be to install a Muffin Monster (modern grinding system); Palmer is having two of their comminutors converted over which Craig will take a look at once in place. Craig is also
concerned with the MDC Restaurant grease trap program, and has also heard that MDC will be doing laundry again. The Commission agrees it is important to resolve these issues in a timely manner.
NEXT MEETING: The next meetings have been set for Wednesday, June 21, 2006, and Wednesday, June 28, 2006 pending vacation schedules.
ADJOURN: Meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
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Douglas R. North, Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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