Members Present: Chairman Marshall L. Harris, 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 Marty to accept the Meeting Minutes from March 1, 2007. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
USDA Bunyan Road/Palmer Road: Final inspection has been completed and all invoices paid.
Bunyan Road: Since the recent installation of one of the replacement well level transducers, Craig has noticed the drawdown to be more than what it was on Well #2 which has been online since August of 2005. Craig is still gathering data, but wanted to make the Commission aware we might need to clean those wells sooner than planned.
Palmer Road: Craig informed the Commission it is time to start thinking about replacing the roof at Palmer Road Station as the leak around the roof access panel is getting worse. It cost approximately $7,000 for the roof replacement at Bunyan Road Station.
S.R.F. Borrowers Meeting: Craig found the meeting to be informative and instructions comprehensive, a lot of the process falls on the Accountant and Treasurer, reimbursement typically takes 3 days. There is an administrative cost and interim financing cost that must be included, so in actuality this is a 2.15% vs. 2% loan, which works out to be approximately $40,000 in additional costs, but significantly less than the same costs at any bank. Governor Patrick has approved the funding for the state SRF projects. Our next step is still Town meeting authorization.
Craig spoke to the Commission about a USDA Grant/Loan Program where systems in the past used their SRF loan obligation to meet the loan requirement of USDA’s program, thereby qualifying for USDA grant funds in addition to SRF funds which could reduce the total project cost by 1/3. Normally when USDA awards grant money they want or prefer you to take a loan with them also. Craig will investigate this possibility further.
Craig and the Commission discussed the hypothetical scenario of having our only tank off-line for maintenance and the impact it would have on Residential fire insurance rates and coverage. Craig contacted the Insurance Service Offices (ISO) and learned this might cause a break in coverage if a fire occurred during the off-line period. Discussion took place on how we would notify our customers.
Monson Developmental Center (MDC) Grinder: Craig forwarded the agreement to share the cost of the Sewer Grinder to Ken Albano, Town Council. Craig is putting the bid package together.
Quaboag Heights ~ Update: Tom is doing sewer manhole invert inspections. They are moving closer to activating services.
McCray Development: Charlie Richards, the Developer, is working toward getting McCray Circle and Heritage Lane accepted as Town Ways (requires Town Meeting approval). Craig has two remaining issues that need to be addressed. The as-built drawings are not complete yet and there are several manholes that have grouting deficiencies in the channels. Mr. Richards has been very cooperative and is working to correct the problems.
Buckwell Property: Plans were reviewed, as far as water services go, it appears 5 will be off of Main Street, 2 off Whitney Ave., and 1 off of Reynolds. Nate Olsen came in and pulled permits for lots 6 and 7. Excavation and tree clearing has begun, once these two lots are complete and sold we believe further development will take place.
Palmer Billing/Letter: Craig sent a letter to Palmer in regards to the recent conversations between our two Departments relating to the maintenance responsibilities of Palmer’s wastewater collection system and how it impact the Wastewater Billing Procedure. The letter was sent to Mr. Gerald Skowronek, and copied to Mr. Richard Fitzgerald the Palmer Town Manager; to date the department has had no response.
NEW BUSINESS:
Consumer Confidence Report (CCR): Copies of the 2006 report were handed to the Commissioners for their review. As discussed in a previous meeting, the Monson Rotary Club has graciously offered to fund the costs of printing this years report in an effort to meet a Rotary International Water Project requirement.
Spring Flushing Schedule: Craig expressed to the Commission his concerns with the projects the department faces as they unfold in the spring. In addition to the day to day operations, system repairs need to be addressed including but not limited to the water main break near Getty which occurred just this past February, and another service leak on Main Street that was just brought to the departments attention which could result in a 12” main tap. No digging has occurred yet because of frost and pavement availability. However, our Highway Dept. backhoe time will be limited this spring because Bruce Harris, the backhoe operator, will be taking most of his time off in May/June. Between this department’s schedule, Palmer’s flushing schedule and our projected workload it
would be wise to postpone it until next spring or limit it to the dead ends as time permits.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Wednesday, March 28, 2007.
ADJOURN: At 7:15 p.m., a motion was made by Doug and seconded by Marty to adjourn from open session to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing Ely Road Land Appraisals and not to return to open session. Motion passed unanimously.
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Douglas R. North, Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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