Members Present: 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 Marty and seconded by Doug to accept the meeting minutes of February 20, 2008. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
Palmer Bill / Letter ~ The Commission discussed Gerry Skowronek’s recent email that included proposed solutions to our recent difficulties. Gerry listed property insurance as a cost that should be included in the bill. Discussion ensued regarding how they would break out insurance costs for only the joint system. The indirect costs issue was discussed and how the Town Manager and DPW Director’s salaries could fit into the operation, maintenance and repair of the plant. Discussion took place on what credentials and authority the DPW Director has over the Treatment Plant Operator. The existing Agreement was reviewed and points of interest were clarified. Craig discussed the drastic change in Monson/Palmer flow percentage for the month of January. He then
relayed a conversation he had with Gerry regarding the flow meter at the plant. The agreement is quite specific where the flow for the billing formula is supposed to be measured. Craig would like to have the first meeting at the Plant, the Commission agreed the information obtained would be well worth the time; Craig will call Gerry to set something up during the day next week.
Craig has contacted J&R Sweeping ($175/hr) to come in and jet the concrete lines which are to be tested and sealed. 2-3 inches of settlement were recently noticed in a manhole on Hampden Avenue. When the manholes at Zero’s were popped the flow was very small but constant. It wasn’t raining, although there was some roof melt off. Craig will have them checked again to identify if the gutters are tied in.
Gary Pfisterer ~ A response letter was sent to Gary asking for his patience as much thought goes into rate structure and setting and in fairness to ratepayers the Commission cannot implement billing policy changes in haste. All multi family properties are billed as assessed, which in this case is multi-family, occupancy 4, thus billed 4 sewer units.
Recognizing the importance of following the set billing policy Dale is verifying that the different types of accounts are billed appropriately. Further discussion needs to take place on the billing policy when Steve is present.
Rates ~ Preliminary Water and Sewer Rates have been established and will require an official vote prior to the mailing of the April bills.
S.R.F. Project Update ~ The General Contractor (GC) bid opening took place Wednesday, February 27th. Natgun came in as low bidder with their concrete tank, which was way under the estimate. Concrete tank construction will have a much lower maintenance cost down the road. Overall the project is in good shape, although permission was given to borrow $1.8 million, bid prices totaled just under $1.5 million. Bethany Road Pump Station came in higher then expected, mainly as the estimate from the telecommunications guy was not solid, apparently the $85,000 initially used will cover the price of materials, not the installation or programming. Fern Hill, which had 9 bids, came in under the estimate. Overall T&H anticipates being able to save in some places, i.e., 3”
vs. 4” of asphalt in the driveway and other items.
T&H has sent all paperwork to the State. They will begin gathering references, they have worked with Dankris Builders and Natgun before, calls will have to be made to obtain references for Freitas.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.
ADJOURN: At 7:45 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 pending litigation and not return to open session. Motion passed unanimously.
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Marshall L. Harris, Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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