Members Present: Stephen C. Lobik Chairman, Vice Chairman Douglas R. North, Clerk Marshall L. Harris
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 postpone the acceptance of the Meeting Minutes from April 11, 2007. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
S.R.F. Project: Antenna’s were sent out and mounted at the tank to see if the extra height (30 ft) improved the Bunyan Road signal, which it did. As discussed previously this telemertering system after initial set up costs (a complete transmitter-receiver pair is $4,000, additional receivers would be extra) will be a cost savings eliminating the $106/month phone line expense and offers more reliability.
STATE REVOLVING FUND (S.R.F.) PUBLIC HEARING:
Guests: Deborah Maher, Barbara & Len Hooton. Educational packets outlining the projects were handed out.
Craig gave a presentation on the three major system improvements that are proposed to be funded, followed by open discussion session after each project.
Part 1 – Additional Water Storage Tank: Discussion took place on the importance of an additional water storage tank which would provide additional storage capacity, together with our existing tank would enable our system to meet MassDEP’s two day storage requirement. Brief discussion took place on types of tanks. Concrete tanks seem resilient and with minimum maintenance of power washing, a Welded Steel tank would require painting maintenance, and the third a Glass Fused Plated tank seem to be more susceptible to leaks with all it’s bolts. Engineers figure a concrete tank offers a 50-100 year life expectancy.
Part 2 – Bethany Road Well Building Replacement: Discussion took place on the good water quality this location offers. The department minimally runs the diesel (which is costly) and performs monthly testing to keep this established water source active. The improvements would enable Bethany to be used on a regular basis to share the water demand load carried by other wells. Currently this particular well cannot be used on a full time basis because of three major equipment inadequacies which funding would address. The original well was installed in early 50’s, when demands were lower at that time the department relied on a dug well and reservoir. If businesses were to come back into town, i.e. Zero’s it would be a stretch
to meet demands. If a spill or an unforeseen accident was to take place at the Getty station the department would struggle to meet demands. It is tremendously more cost effective to refurbish an existing and established well then to locate and develop a totally new source for an estimated cost of approximately on million dollars not to mention the 5-7 years it would take to have on-line.
Part 3 – Fern Hill – State Avenue Water Main Replacement: After the flood a few years back the department could not reach the Bunyan Road Well and relied on the Palmer Road location, which could have been a risk. After the flood the MassDEP performed a bridge inspection on State Avenue and felt the foundation was compromised, putting it on a short list. The Department transferred money to put a pipeline across the bridge so that everything would be in place to proceed as the timeframe was unknown. The proposed pipeline replacement would complete the preliminary work required for a future interconnection with the Palmer Water System for future emergency use only. Discussion took place assuring Monson would receive no
water from Palmer except in extreme emergencies. It is envisioned to replace the water main only as far as it is now. If a landowner wished to be provided with town water, regulations require the main be in front of a parcel of land, if it is not it would have to be extended.
Financial Impact: The SRF low interest rate and 20 year term are what make this large project manageable. If not approved, ratepayers would end up getting less for their money, as the ratepayer’s dollars would be wasted on bank financing interest (which would be at a higher rate than the SRF 2%), instead of being spent on actual improvements.
Overall the consensus is that this is an opportunity that we can’t afford to pass up. The SRF rate is the best funding rate to improve our system. Craig thanked those present for taking time to understand the impact of this major undertaking and hopes Town Approval takes place.
OLD BUSINESS:
Palmer Road Well ~ Welding Update: The welder came to address the old pitted casing by welding a new section on so that the seal is tight. Additional work may be required in the future.
Quaboag Heights ~ Update: Three units have just had their water turned on; closings are to take place in May. Pressure testing of the easement line passed, however still needs to be bacteria tested. The Grahams have sold their home and will be closing tomorrow. As part of the agreement, the easement still needs to have loam brought in and seeded.
Sewer Grinder: Bid opening took place Tuesday, April 17, 2007. A notice of award was sent to J.W.C. Environmental whose bid came in at $29,060.00. R.H. White’s price for installation is $3,000; electric work from Lagrant Electric is estimated to be $2,300. $35,000 was appropriated for the entire installation. Work should be complete by the end of June.
NEXT MEETING: The next has been set for Monday, May 14th at 5:00 p.m.
ADJOURN: At 7:45 p.m., a motion was made by Doug and seconded by Marty to adjourn for the evening without going into executive session. Motion passed unanimously.
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Marshall L. Harris, Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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