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 Marty and seconded by Doug to accept the meeting minutes of March 19, 2008 as written. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
S.R.F. Project ~ Update: Tata & Howard (T&H) sent the bid recommendations to the State, who sent back some revisions with regards to the WMBE percentages in the tank project. Bids are expected to be awarded soon. In the mean time some site visits have been made, Dankris Builders came out to look at the Bethany Road Pump Station. Squire Oil pumped out the fuel tank and issued a credit. In an effort to keep costs down, some site work will be done by us and Craig plans to bring in a local contractor to do the final grading work. With regards to the tank, the power lines that supply the Dog Kennel will require relocating. And as far as the Fern Hill project, Craig has not heard from the contractor. We will discuss the financial aspects of this project and our
budget at our next meeting.
Bunyan Road Well Co2 Cleaning: Cleaning started on or about the March 25th. The iron slime bacteria we experienced with the original well was not present when the pumps were removed and disassembled. The Co2 cleaning and surging process did not give the results we were hoping for. The wells came back to approximately 90% of original but for a first time cleaning it was disappointing. In an attempt to yield better results, a second cleaning process with acid was performed at a cost of $3,000. However, this acid cleaning process did not have much effect either. A leaking check valve and a bronze wear ring were replaced at one well. Once the pumps are reinstalled and the final pump tests results are in, Craig will have a better idea of where we are
at.
Gary Pfisterer ~ The Commission again discussed the Sewer Rate Structure and policy which will remain as is, based on Assessors occupancy. As a precautionary measure they would like Town Council to review the final response letter.
Palmer Billing Dispute ~ On Friday, March 28, a meeting took place which was attended by the Monson Water & Sewer Commission , Superintendent Craig Jalbert, Town Administrator Gretchen Neggers, Finance Director, Deborah Mahar, and from Palmer, Superintendent Gerry Skowronek, Ken Lord and Richard Fitzgerald. A summary of the meeting was given:
o Gerry will deduct cost of employees outside of the system.
o Palmer will deduct a portion of Gerry’s salary to offset his responsibility to the Sewer Department.
o Palmer will include any outside labor used to perform work in the Joint System.
o Mr. Fitzgerald explained that Dick Kaczmarczyk is head of the DPW and we pay for 11% of his salary, and further clarified that he does not have anything to do with the schools.
o Palmer also clarified that the sewer plant is a Special Revenue, not an Enterprise Fund.
o Palmer explained the sewer for the schools is handled the exact same way we do.
o Palmer talked about State Avenue and offered to bill the people at State Avenue, however when Craig asked if that were to happen, would they also take care of the sewer maintenance, Gerry did not want to take that responsibility. They then suggested Monson put a meter at the end of the line. Palmer said they want us to pay more for State Avenue. Craig pointed out that the way we are handling State Avenue now is fair to both parties. Gerry did not agree.
o When it came to the metering system, it was determined that where the flow meter is now is the most accurate place for it and it is confirmed by multiple authorities that it should not make a difference.
o Palmer will submit a proposal in writing to us.
The Commission discussed the future of the Contract in regards legitimate costs of Health Insurance, Pensions, and the pay rate percentages of the plant. The Palmer CSO Project, in which Gerry is quite involved with, does not involve running the plant. The salary cost increase was $92,000 from FY06 to FY07 for the plant guys and a new lab director. The Commission would like to see a copy of the letter Palmer received from the DEP requiring the flow meter change, as this creates a 7-10% jump in FY09. The Commission discussed their disappointment with the legal advice we received in 2004 and will look into the feasibility of obtaining assistance from someone, perhaps Tata & Howard (T&H) who is experienced in this area. In the meantime
there is nothing for us to do until we get the proposal back. Hopefully we will have more information from Palmer for our next meeting.
Rates: Preliminary rates have been established; however budgets need to be finalized with new numbers, with regards to Palmer costs, we can only go based on what trends indicate. Rates will be set at the next meeting, which will allow time for notification in billing which will be mailed April 25th.
NEW BUSINESS:
Town Meeting Warrants: Article requests are due April 22 for the Town Meeting Warrant, which allows for the Commission to meet one more time.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.
ADJOURN: At 7:50 p.m., a motion was made by Doug and seconded by Marty to adjourn. Motion passed unanimously.
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Marshall L. Harris, Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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