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 that although expenditures such are Insurance are legitimate, the question that comes into being is how does the Town’s policy get broken down. Another expense which causes concern is overhead administration, which was originally thought to include a portion of the Superintendent and Secretaries Salary; it is unclear how the Town Manager and DPW Director’s salaries fit into the operation maintenance and repair of the plant. Discussion took place on what credentials and authority the DPW Director has over the Water Department. Gerry referred to the sewer interceptors were to be paid at the rate of $1,000 per annum, and the overhead and Administrative charges are at the rate of $1,300 per annum, both to be adjusted annually in
direct proportion to the cost of living. Discussion to place with regards to the advantages of having a impartial party come in and say we have to pay, we should not be responsible for how indirect costs were calculated, the question of what portion gets put on the plant and CSO remains.
With regards to the flow meter, the agreement states at the headworks of the plant which is the beginning, for us they should be measured at the original location it is not our concern if the flows are not what they expected therefore are now measured at a different location for the DEP. 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 informed the Commission since the installation of our new recorder our records have never been more accurate. 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 on Hampden Avenue. When the manholes at Zero’s were popped the flow was constant with no rain, although there was some roof melting. Craig will have them checked again to identify if the gutters are tied in. While checking a cross country site, damage to the Manhole was discovered, Craig has contacted LeBaron Foundry Inc. who originally made the parts and ordered what was needed.
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 4 occupancy, thus billed 4 sewer units.
Recognizing the importance of following the set billing policy Dale and Craig are verifying that the different types of accounts are billed accordingly. Currently, Residential types are billed by the unit (based on Assessors Occupancy). It was agreed all straight Commercial accounts (which include Service Stations) are to be billed by the gallon, if the usage is under the 18,250 ga. min, they will get charged the Quarterly Unit minimum regardless. Restaurants are billed by the gallon.
Further discussion needs to take place with regards to the identified Mixed Usage Accounts.
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, which reduces the maintenance down the road. Overall the project is in good shape, although permission was given for $1.7 million, computations are at $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, would cover the price for materials, not the installation or programming. Fern Hill, which had 9 bids, came in way under. Overall T&H anticipates being able to save in some places, i.e., 3” vs. 4” driveway, and asphalt negations.
T&H has sent all paperwork to the State. They will begin gathering references, they have worked with Dankris Builders and Natgun, calls will have to be made to obtain reference 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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