Members Present: Chairman Stephen C. Lobik, 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 Steve to accept the meeting minutes of November 7, 2007. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
Town Meeting, Monday November 26 ~ Craig reminded the Commission the Special Town Meeting is at 7p.m. at Granite Valley Middle School. Craig attended a FINCOM meeting, Monday, November 19th, however he was called out due to a water break on Bethany Road. Marty was present and addressed the Water & Sewer article requests.
Residential Multi/Single Family Customer ~ Our office was again contacted by the homeowner at 235 Main Street, expressing her continued certainty that she has paid excess Sewer Charges since renovations dating back to 11/19/2004 and feels she is justly due a refund. The Commission discussed the current policy (which relies completely on the Assessor’s office classification for a property; in which taxpayers have from the date the tax bill is mailed until February 1 to request changes). However, given the sequence of events in this particular situation, the Commission agreed to allow an exception and grant an abatement/refund of $250.00 for Sewer charges which date to FY05 Oct. 04-Dec. 04 Usage Period.
Board of Health/Grease Policy ~ Craig met with Lorri McCool (Monson Health Inspector) to discuss the plan of action which includes mailing of a questionnaire to all Monson food service establishments to acquire information on what is currently in place. After obtaining this, the next step will be to hold a follow up meeting with the Health Inspector and Water & Sewer Department and food service representatives to give them an opportunity to be involved in the process of addressing and resolving the current grease situation.
Palmer Bill / Letter ~ The Commission discussed and approved the letter prepared documenting the concerns regarding FY07 O&M Costs and hopes things can be resolved in both the current bill and future billings.
S.R.F. Project ~ New Tank ~Tata & Howard (T&H) notified Craig that the estimated cost for construction of a steel tank is within $10-$20,000 of the concrete tank. We presume the steel tank would offer cheaper site work due to backfill requirements of the concrete tank. Long term maintenance for the steel tank remains the question. T&H will include a steel tank provision in the bidding process, which will keep bidding competitive. However, there will be additional design costs to include it. Also, T&H did not include the new radio telemetering system in our initial design costs, which they subcontracted to Pioneer Controls for $7,000. Karen will forward a revised agreement.
NEW BUSINESS:
FY09 Budget ~ The budget process is starting earlier this year, level services budget with contractual wage increases is expected. Electricity for both Water & Sewer will be increased as our lock in contract will expire in the spring. Sewer will require an increase to the Palmer line item. Slight water and sewer rate adjustments will be necessary to sustain the budget, Pensions and Insurance requirements.
Water Break ~ On Monday the 19th at 8:00 pm a water break was reported on Bethany Road. Marty arranged for the light tower assistance from the Rescue Truck, which Craig was thankful for as the difference was night and day during repairs. The main split in the center, and caused significant damage to the road. Craig is concerned about road repair costs as the Town insurance does not cover that damage. The Commission discussed the importance of pipe replacement before roads are reconstructed. The break was repaired and work was completed by 4:30 am.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at 6:30 p.m.
ADJOURN: At 7:45 p.m., a motion was made by Doug and seconded by Marty to adjourn. Motion passed unanimously.
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Douglas R. North, Vice Chairman
cc: Selectmen
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