Members Present: Chairman Douglas R. North, Vice Chairman 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.
Gary Phisterer: Gary spoke to the Commission about his concerns with regards to the Sewer billing structure as it pertains to his multi unit property. The Commission explained the existing billing system to Gary. Gary feels he should be billed based on usage reasoning a single person’s usage is not equal to a family, and should not be charged the same. Another option Gary put forward was to bill based on the number of bedrooms. The Commission explained that the department does not have the authority or personnel to perform such inspections. Craig explained that the entire system maintenance has to be taken into consideration; 23 million gallons of wastewater was pumped in March, of which infiltration contributed over 10 million, which is why maintenance needs to be shared
among all users to keep costs down. Gary rationalized that water people pay on a usage basis, and feels sewer should be the same. Craig informed Gary of the minimum water charge, and how additional usage is billed beyond that; however not all water goes into the sewer system, i.e. sprinklers systems and the department does not have the manpower to install and read two meters for sprinklers. The Commission explained how the structure satisfies the majority of the customer base, and unfortunately Gary falls into the minority. Gary then proposed the idea of a policy for multi family properties to be billed based on occupants, again the Commission explained the department is not in a position to see who lives in a house, and if they are elderly or not, and felt this would only make the minimums go up. Gary would like the Commission to consider something more equitable to him. Doug explained we are fortunate to have rates where they are, Belchertown
rates are $600+, and Palmer is believed to be at $400. Craig informed Gary how the State Legislation and DEP continue to mandate insane requirements which results in huge expenditures to comply. Gary understands, and requests that the Commission continue to look at options.
Accept the Minutes: A motion was made by Marty and seconded by Doug to accept the meeting minutes from the April 2nd and April 16th as written. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
S.R.F. Project ~ Update: Pre-construction meetings were held yesterday for the Ely Road Tank Project and the Bethany Road Pump Station. Craig feels very comfortable with the qualifications and attitudes of the Tank Site Contractor and the Bethany Road General Contractor (GC). Demo work at Bethany Road Pump Station is scheduled for May 15, which is the same week site work will start at the Ely Road Tank, which will include the extra work of putting in a access road as a result of the pole relocation. Contractors provided construction schedules.
Palmer Billing Dispute ~ Gerry Skowronek from Palmer called Craig inquiring about the outstanding second payment for FY08, however Craig explained the January 17th mailing only had the revised abated FY07 4th Quarter Bill, not the FY08 2nd Quarter bill. Gerry has since faxed the Quarterly FY08 bill which is included in the bill schedules prepared for signature tonight. The Commission and Craig are puzzled as to why they did not mention this outstanding bill at the March 28 meeting. Since that meeting Gerry hasn’t sent anything out. However, along with the FY08 2nd Quarter bill he did fax over what appears to be notes made by Mr. Fitzgerald in preparation of the March 28th meeting, which we have since moved on from there.
Craig asked Gerry who is now making the decisions, Gerry believed Pat Kennedy, who is the executive assistant in the town manager’s office and advised this would be discussed at a Town Council Meeting.
The Commission agreed now is a good time to sit down and do something; and agreed it best to come out with a proposal. Craig will put some things together.
Annual Town Meeting, Monday May 12th. ~ Discussion took place with regards to Monday nights Department Head Meeting with FINCOM. Craig and Marty attended and informed the Commission of the town’s dismal financial situation, now compounded by revenue shortfalls. An immediate spending freeze for all departments has been ordered.
Flushing ~ The hydrant flushing program is proceeding, three hydrants require repair, along with two water leaks. A Hydrant on Harrison Avenue needs to be replaced.
NEW BUSINESS:
178 Main Street: Craig has been approached by Stacy Beaudoin owner of 186 Main Street (Sub-way & Apartments) who is concerned about possible damages that would be sustained if a break were to occur to the service line that runs through her basement that feeds 178 Main Street owned by Ann Nichols. Concern regarding this situation came about in the winter of 2006 when water in the basement of 178 Main St. looked like the water service was leaking. It was later determined that rainwater infiltration caused the problem. However, the need to relocate the service line out of Beaudoin’s property remained. Mrs. Nichols representatives received an extremely high price quote for the work and as a result did not proceed. Craig requested the Commision think about alternative
solutions to the problem and several options were discussed. Craig will get prices from independent contractors to gather additional information.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Thursday May, 15, 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, Vice Chairman
cc: Selectmen
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