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 accept the meeting minutes of May 30, 2007. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
S.R.F. Project: The design process has started to meet the October 15th deadline, now that the Tata & Howard contract has been signed. The estimated design costs can be covered by the enterprise fund, which Craig will coordinate with Debbie Maher-Finance Director. Land issues could be cause for concern, however, Town Council Ken Albano is aware of our deadline and anything that we can do is being done so we will be ready.
Craig will update Mike McGrath at the DEP with regards to water main replacement for Fern Hill. Recently at a Western Mass Water Works meeting Craig had the opportunity to speak with Bill Selkirk from South Hadley District No. 2 about their SCADA communication system which uses an FM frequency. Although it was approximately a $300 upfront cost, plus equipment, Craig would like to investigate this further. Marty recently inspected alarm systems in town that also used radio signals to transmit. Steve asked about a wireless system, Craig agreed to look at all options available.
U.S.D.A.: Craig has received a packet of information from USDA regarding an anti-discrimination compliance review, which included surveys they require to be filled out. A USDA representative will be out on July 2nd to meet with Craig, the Treasurer, and Finance Director to initiate the review.
Sewer System ~ Update: The Camera inspection that covered 8,000 feet of 24” pipe took two days which was a record for them, the pitch and flow design made this possible. Many concrete joints were found to be leaking which will be fixed in the future; it appears every service on Route 32 was leaking. Cross country off Route 32 appeared in excellent shape. Craig explained that back in 1990 manholes on Rt. 32 were paved over by MassHighway requiring them to be chipped out for the inspection process. We then went back and paved them over again to avoid a traffic hazard. MassHighway has told Craig they will come out and readjust the frames so we will have unhindered access in the future. Once the report, DVD and recommendations are received and reviewed repairs will be
prioritized. Craig would like them out again in July to start on the 18” pipe back into town. Tom is on vacation; Dave has been clearing the Sewer Easement from Thompson Street to Longview Drive using the Park and Rec. brush whacker.
Water System ~ Update: The new well level transducers have been in for over a month, Craig has changed the routine so that readings can be gathered in the morning and in the afternoon when pH readings are taken. The wells at Bunyan Road have dropped off to roughly 70% of their original pumping capacity back in 2005. Craig and the Commission agreed it is time to look into having the Bunyan Road wells cleaned next year, vs. waiting 30 years as in past practice. Years ago cleaning was recommended every 20 years, however it is better for the cleaning to take place before huge changes occur resulting in quality issues to arise. Craig will call to begin groundwork to see how this process will fit with the financial expenditures the department faces.
In other business, meter reading will take place next week for FY08 1st Quarter billing (April-June usage).
Craig will be taking vacation for a few days next week, and will also be taking some time off after the Fourth of July.
Craig has sent a letter to MassHighway requesting they establish a reduced salt area in our Zone II through town.
NEW BUSINESS:
Correspondence ~ Employee: Dave Martin will be leaving the Water & Sewer Dept. to take the vacant full time EMT position on the Monson Fire Department.
The Commission discussed how to go about filling the W&S Maintenance Man vacancy. It was agreed to post within the Union, and at the same time advertise in the classifieds for someone who possess Massachusetts D-2 and T-1 certified Operator of Drinking Water Facilities licenses.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Wednesday, July 18th at 6:30 p.m.
ADJOURN: At 7:00 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 and not return to open session. Motion passed unanimously.
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Marshall L. Harris, Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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