Members Present: Chairman Douglas R. North, Vice Chairman Marshall L. Harris, Clerk Stephen C. Lobik
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 from the April 30, 2008 as written. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
S.R.F. Project ~ Update: Ely Road Tank ~ the excavators uncovered a significant amount of ledge at the site, the geo technician’s resolution is to excavate and build up using textile fabric, stone, fabric and structural fill, which will come out of contingencies. Excess top soil has been transported to Bethany Road for future use, and the power lines have been relocated. Verizon was not as cooperative; prior to preparing an estimate they first required a check for $225.00. Prior to scheduling work, they require a signed agreement and check for the estimated amount. Upon completion of work, they will issue an invoice for the total actual costs.
Bethany Road Pump Station ~ Equipment will be brought in, demolition will start next week. The existing well will be capped until the well cleaning takes place.
Fern Hill Water Main ~ Preconstruction meeting took place today and went okay. Craig also met the Resident Engineer who will be on site, and is pleased he will be on hand.
Palmer Billing Dispute ~ Craig contacted Gerry Skowronek to discuss the issues impending; however Gerry was clearly inundated with the situation and irrational. However, the second conversation went better; Craig has a clearer understanding of just how tense things are in Palmer. Gerry located a letter that Richard Fitzgerald drafted after the March 28th meeting; however time has not permitted a thorough review. The Commission discussed several options for addressing the outstanding Fourth Quarter Bill for FY07. The original theory was to hold payment until a resolution was reached. Although we don’t agree with the amount and how it is calculated, in the spirit of good faith payment for the estimated share of Operation & Maintenance costs for FY08 have been made
for the first two quarters. Pat Kennedy, acting Town Manager has told Gerry to do what he can to resolve this dispute. Given Palmer’s budget crisis, the Commission agreed to pay the FY07 outstanding charges in full. Craig will send a letter along with the check to Pat Kennedy explaining payment is in no way intended to be construed as acceptance of the outstanding issues.
Annual Town Meeting, Monday May 12th. ~ The department articles passed. The Commission commended Craig for speaking on behalf of the department at the Town Meeting.
Flushing ~ The hydrant flushing program is complete. Randy proves to be an excellent employee who pays attention and thinks ahead. Two service repairs on Route 32 were fixed this week. A hydrant on Harrison Avenue required extra efforts due to a stem break. Craig highly praised Scott Walker’s efforts, as he constructed a tool at no charge to help with the repair.
178 Main Street ~ The Beaudoin’s request to relocate the service line from their building (186 Main Street) that services 178 Main Street is on the department “list”. When time permits Craig will get quotes from outside contractors. Coincidently Dr. Kovacs from the Monson Small Animal Clinic called requesting the meter for her building be removed from the house next door which is up for Foreclosure.
Sewer Jetting: J&R Sweeping came out with their Vac/Jetter truck to clean the RT 32 section where we plan to start the sewer main rehab work. What was expected to take two days was accomplished in one, thanks to the help of Chief Harris who supplied the Fire Departments tanker truck and a driver to keep the jetter truck filled; 4000/ft of main was cleaned by 4 p.m. Main Street had not been jetted yet because the pump needs to be rebuilt on our unit; Craig had J&R Sweeping jet the line. Judging by the slug of grease with a 1-1/2 inch diameter hole in the center, it was only a matter of time before blockage would have occurred.
NEW BUSINESS:
Gary Phisterer: Gary called the office to see if there were any by-laws that were in place that would prohibit him from putting in a private septic system. Gary also contacted Marty at work asking the same question and off the top of his head he could not recall any regulations that would stop him. The Commission questioned the feasibility of the expense that he would incur, and questioned his payback theory especially when looking into future DEP requirements. The Commission agreed it would be up to the Board of Health. Out of courtesy, Craig will forward a letter to the BOH so that they are aware of the situation. If Gary is allowed to proceed, his present line will have to be capped off at the main. The Commission discussed the value of adding a betterment charge to the
regulations.
NEW BUSINESS:
Thomas Warden: Tom sent an e-mail to Craig requesting it be passed on to the Commission with regards to Subsidization of the Monson Public Water System. The Commission discussed the merits and reasoning behind Town subsidization of the water system but realize in these tough financial times we would not receive any support for such a measure.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Thursday May, 29, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.
ADJOURN: At 7:35 p.m., a motion was made by Doug and seconded by Marty to adjourn. Motion passed unanimously.
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Stephen C. Lobik, Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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