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 Doug and seconded by Steve to accept the Meeting Minutes from November 29, 2006. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
Tank (S.R.F): Mike McGrath from the DEP is optimistic that we will be on the funding list for the 2% loan.
Land – Land appraisal still going on, discussion took place about planting Arborvitaes at the border to offset the property value loss which one landowner is concerned with.
Craig also spoke to Mike McGrath about having a D.E.P. representative at the Monson Fireworks meeting to explain the perchlorate issue in more detail.
Palmer Road/USDA: The Well is back in service; Craig took a second bacteria sample as a precautionary measure before going on line. Craig reports the pump motor is quiet now, and it is pumping 445 GPM with 18’ of water above the air line, however, a column joint is leaking. Maher will be out to disassemble again, however in the meantime they would like the well pumped to verify mechanicals before they come back out in case other problems arise which they would need to address.
Bunyan Road Well – Well Level Transducers - US Automation quoted replacements that were very expensive, $1,600 per unit. However, Craig found a lightning protected model that has a lifetime warranty for $1,030 per unit, which he feels could be installed by us.
MDC Sewer/Grinder/: Craig spoke with Jane, who is working on the go ahead for paying a share of the unit. The State Engineering Department likes the idea as it is beneficial for them. The Engineering Department is also evaluating the flowmeter/old trench proposal from Tighe and Bond (T&B).
Quaboag Heights ~ Update: The project pace has picked up as a result of unforeseen circumstances, such as unexpected problems with bacteria test on second section, in addition to problems with pressure test. Contractor is looking to pave Tuesday or Wednesday. The Project Manager is appreciative of the efforts put forth by this department.
Community Development Block Grant – PVPC: The survey is finished and the application will only include Park Avenue. We are proposing to replace the water mains, drainage, sidewalks and pavement on the avenue.
FY2008 Budget Process: Discussion took place on the Water & Sewer Budgets with bare minimum increases (5% Electricity Increase, and Contractual Salary Increases) and the impact they have on current rates. It is evident rates require adjustment. With regards to the Water budget, the Commission discussed the impact of the potential projects and funding opportunities. It was agreed the Tank Project needs to be done eventually, S.R.F. results should be known soon; however funding does not cover Engineering work. Lengthy discussion took place on the rates, it was agreed to hold off on making any final decisions until the next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Thursday, January 4, 2007.
ADJOURN: Meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
___________________________________
Douglas R. North, Clerk
cc: Selectmen
| 
