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 Doug and seconded by Marty to accept the meeting minutes from the May 15, 2008. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
S.R.F. Project ~ Update: Financially ~ Interim Loan Financing has been arranged (this is a temporary Loan to allow contractors to be paid until the project is completed and then we finalize the Permanent Loan for the total amount). A meeting with the DEP has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 10th to go over the disbursement procedure.
Ely Road Tank ~ The slab which took over 70 yards of concrete was poured today, side and roof panels have been cast on site.
Bethany Road Pump Station ~ The old building is gone, all that is left is rubble. Next week waterline work will take place. The grade has been adjusted up approximately 4 ft. The well company came out before the demolition took place to remove the existing motor and pump and extend the 16” casing. The casing is in excellent shape. Cleaning will take place midway through summer when the foundation is done, yet before the roof is on.
Fern Hill Water Main ~ With no Dig Safe in place yet, Craig doubts the project will begin by June 9th Craig met with all but one of the homeowners with regards to temporary water lines, Craig is expected to meet with Mr. Whitaker about arrangements for his 7 family property tomorrow. Craig purchased a pressure reducer for the temp line which can be used in future projects. The Engineer will make the necessary calls to get the Contractor moving.
Palmer Billing Dispute ~ Craig received a copy of the DEP’s response letter to Gerry Skowronek who wanted them to arbitrate, however, the letter was basically the same we received. The most recent Quarterly bill was sent direct to Pat Kennedy, acting Town Manager, however Craig has not heard back from her. At this point it looks like the Office of Dispute Resolution will be the most productive route. Gretchen will be assisting us in that process.
Craig informed the Commission he is concerned about the flows, the May monthly report had a note indicating work was done on the flow meter; there was no mention of whether a certified technician was brought in or if they calibrated it themselves, before our flows were averaging 20%, after the change they are 27-30%.
Sewer Inflow & Infiltration (I&I) Remediation ~ Craig envisioned pipe joint testing to take place immediately after jetting, however Karen Long from Amethyst Environmental informed Craig that testing and sealing truck is offline with computer problems. She expects to be delayed until the 23rd of June.
NEW BUSINESS:
Cedarhurst Drive ~ Bob Dane called concerned that his water pressure dropped from 100 to 75lbs at his home. A neighbor also voiced same concern. Craig contacted Dick Kilhart from Mass Rural Water Association to come out and leak survey the 2” line that feeds Cedarhurst. After a thorough investigation the leak was found under Mr. Dane’s driveway before the garage. Dick suggested a meter pit at the bottom of the street to avoid future complications involving that private line.
High Street ~ After our last Commission meeting John Morrell announced that High Street from the Library to Homer Drive and Mechanic Street from High to Mill are scheduled to be repaved with Chapter 90 money, no drainage work is included in the project. Records indicate 27 services in the project area still have iron pipe service lines and are in need of replacement. Unfortunately, because of the lack of notice we received we will be unable to address all of the problem lines. We replaced 2 of the worse ones this week but we are probably out of time. Craig commented that if he had been given proper notice he would have cancelled hydrant flushing this year and we may have been able to address them all. Time is scarce with all that is going on; mention was also made of the gate box at
the bottom of Wales Road which needs to be addressed when time permits.
Route 32 (Palmer Road) ~ At the Department Head meeting Craig learned Mass Highway intends to overlay Route 32. Craig will call Mass Highway to see when this is scheduled, John thought most likely before July. Again it would have been nice to receive proper notice. Craig reminded the Commission the terrible condition of the water main and services on that road which was on our capitol improvement plan.
Special SRF Selectmen meeting ~ The Selectmen scheduled a special meeting on Wednesday to vote on the approval of the SRF Interim Loan Authorization. It was approved unanimously. Craig thanked the Selectmen for their time and also pointed out the extra effort Gretchen and the other Department heads have been putting in to help us with this cumbersome project. Craig also said he was fortunate to have a good Commission who understood the issues and were supportive.
Water Fountain ~ Craig and Tim at Parks and Recreation have had the idea of putting a water fountain near the playground at Veterans field for some time now. The fountain cost would be approximately $2,000. The unit is very heavy and is designed to be vandal resistant. Craig envisions connecting inside their existing building which is metered and has a pressure reducer. The fountain line could also be tapped for a future concession stand. The Commission thought this was a great idea but suggested Craig clear it with Debbie Mahar the Finance Director before moving forward.
Sewer Backup ~ Craig advised the Commission of a Sewer Back up at a local establishment believed to be caused by improper grease management, when the BOH was alerted the establishment was shut down until the issues was resolved.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Thursday June 26, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.
ADJOURN: At 7:45 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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