Members Present: Chairman Marshall L. Harris, V. Chairman Stephen C. Lobik, Clerk Douglas R. North
Superintendent: Craig W. Jalbert
Secretary: Dale Barnes-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 September 20, 2006. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
Tank (S.R.F): The Natgun (concrete water storage tank company) visit went well, they liked the existing site, a rough site plan will need to be developed showing the layout and options i.e., power line. The Doc Rogers field location would require much more site work which is another contributing factor to higher costs, along with piping and electrical costs. Discussion took place about keeping tank options open, while Craig knows of three concrete tanks in the area, steel should not be eliminated. Sherman and Frydryk will begin to survey the Ely site only to find out how much land is required, and at what cost. S.R.F. does not pay for land; therefore in addition to engineering costs, land is also an out of pocket expense. Different scenarios were tossed about with regards
to the existing tank, it will take months to have it repainted, however there is no way the system can meet supply demands without a tank. Options were discussed such as taking it down and putting one in it’s place, Craig pointed out it would be better cost wise to build two at one time. The advantages and disadvantages of having two tanks at the same site were talked about, although Ely Road is better for security and cost reasons, the Commission discussed the long range potential benefits other locations could possibly offer to broaden the water system, although costs would be more initially. Keeping the budget in mind, project parameters were discussed; Town Meeting approval is not needed until June 2007.
Palmer Road/USDA: Parts are ordered for the lights, the starter panel is here, and the overhead door at Bunyan should be replaced next week.
Macomber Road Sewer ~ Update: Mr. Cortinia should get the Planning Board approval for his preliminary subdivision plan at their next meeting. Craig spoke with Don Frydryk and conveyed to him that the final plans cannot include easements.
MDC Sewer/Grinder/Meeting: Jane Authur postponed the October 3rd meeting until October 19th at 11 a.m. In July, Craig sent correspondence summarizing the areas of concern discussed in June that they had agreed to work on. Although it is unknown why the meeting was postponed, it is odd that Mr. Mike Hurley just met with Tighe & Bond Engineers Friday, October 6th, and stated MDC had no maps, and went on to inquire about a I & I study. Craig was puzzled to hear they spoke nothing of the flow meter, or of the debris we get. Just last week the communitor was clogged up three times. Craig intends to get back on track October 19th by requesting a schedule for when they plan on resolving the three problems (I&I, debris, and flow
meter). Craig has obtained Muffin Monster pricing (approximately $35,000 installed) which MDC has tentatively agreed to pay a portion of. To help prepare for the October 19th meeting, a Commissioners meeting has been set for Thursday, October 19th at 10:00 am.
Sewer Brook Crossings: Craig received comments from the Conservation Commission regarding the NOI Tata & Howard (T&H) submitted on our behalf. T&H will now invite proposals for the work from contractors, then once their means and methods are collected, bids will be sent out.
NEW BUSINESS:
Water Loss Grant: Craig wanted the Commission to be aware of a grant the State is offering. After discussing the upfront out of pocket expenses to have the application prepared (T&H $500-$750) for a max amount of $40,000, plus we would be responsible for 25% of project cost and that our chances were very small, it was agreed this didn’t seem worthwhile and it would be more advantageous to put money towards leak survey/audit.
Articles for Town Meeting: Articles are due October 24th. Craig proposed $15,000 for Sewer Inspection & Repair Project, $35,000 for the new Sewer Grinder (Muffin Monster), $11,000 +/- for Palmer’s 4th Quarter Bill. Craig said all monies would come the Sewer Enterprise Fund free cash. Further discussion will take place on October 19th on all proposed articles.
Community Development Block Grant: After being turned down again for the Wales Road project, a new downtown area is being considered; Park Avenue and Hampden Court are proposed.
Fireworks, Perchlorate and Drinking Water Supplies: Craig informed the Commission about the potential risk of perchlorate contamination that Monson’s yearly fireworks display poses to our drinking water supply. Mass DEP recently proposed a drinking water standard of 2 parts per billion or ppb, and that they strongly recommend that fireworks not be launched within the Zone II recharge area of a water supply well, Veterans Field is in the middle of our Zone II. The Commission felt it was best to send a letter to the Board of Selectmen and the Summerfest Committee to make them aware of this concern.
NEXT MEETING: The next meetings have been set for Thursday October 19, 2006 and Wednesday, October 25, 2006.
ADJOURN: Meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
___________________________________
Douglas R. North, Clerk
cc: Selectmen
| 
