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 Steve and seconded by Marty to accept the meeting minutes from the June 5, 2008 meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
S.R.F. Project ~ Update
Ely Road Tank ~ Excellent progress has taken place. Once construction has been completed the site work people will return to install the water line. While Don Blackwell from the DEP SRF program was out inspecting the project he asked about the other tank, thinking it was to be demolished. When he learned the intention was to have it painted once the new tank was complete he asked why we didn’t include it in the SRF project. Craig explained we were told that it couldn’t be included but if it was possible we would be very interested in learning more about how to make it happen. The Commission discussed advantages of the low interest loan vs. waiting to obtain a 5 year bond with a heavy payment while further deterioration occurs and agreed this is something we can’t
afford not to do. Craig clarified Town Meeting Approval was for 1.8 million dollars, the project is currently at 1.5 million and feels the remaining funds could cover painting costs. Craig had received a quote last year from the same company who last painted it and recalls the price to be between $217,000 and $230,000. Engineering and Construction Administration costs will increase; however the overall savings that will result by rolling everything into one make it worthwhile. Craig will have Tata & Howard (T&H) proceed to write up a cost figure for the extra work.
Bethany Road Pump Station ~ The water main and hydrants are in and pressure tested, unfortunately the first bacteria test failed. Craig is not surprised and feels it was due to the flushing chlorination process performed by the contractor prior to the test. It has since been re-chlorinated for a second test. Everything else is going well, the foundation is done, the finished floors are poured and work on the steps is under way. The mason will be at the site next week; Craig is pleased with the electrician from Lafleur Electrical, who worked on our sewer station in the past.
Fern Hill Water Main ~ The contractor put the temporary water line in which has been chlorinated and flushed and will be tested tomorrow.
Palmer Billing Dispute ~ Thursday, June 19th Craig received an e-mail from Gerry Skowronek wondering if the commissioners had any comment regarding the Fitzgerald proposal sent May 13th. Craig responded back that the Commission had felt the best direction to go was with the Massachusetts Office of Dispute Resolution (MODR), and was obtaining information on that process. Apparently Gerry contacted MODR himself before Craig did, as a response e-mail was sent to Gerry, cc’d to Craig from the MODR Program Coordinator who Craig is scheduled to speak with on July 9th. Hopefully more information will be available for our next meeting.
Sewer Inflow & Infiltration (I&I) Remediation ~ Amethyst Environmental came out Monday, 6/23/08 to proceed with the Remediation, however due to the weather they could not get started until the next day. They worked Tuesday and Wednesday and then ran into an equipment failure. They are expected to be back out Monday. 70 joints were tested, and approximately 20 were found bad and were sealed.
High Street ~ The valve boxes which have been a mess for years have been addressed; some required a bit of engineering. After hand shoveling all of them, Craig commented the use of a Vac-Trailer would have made things a lot easier. Risers were put in where appropriate and four new tops and covers were installed. Tomorrow’s project is to address a valve which is non-functioning. Craig believes the operating stem is bent. Notices have been sent to customers who will be affected in the event the valve needs to be replaced. Craig explained he is bouncing between projects; the water service for the First Church also requires attention and is scheduled for Monday.
Route 32 (Palmer Road) ~ Our Department installed two risers in preparation for the paving. All other valve boxes were out of the paved area. A hydrant near the Hair Salon and Small Animal Clinic was changed Monday; another near the power lines still needs to be addressed. MassHighway has adjusted the Sewer Manhole frames. Of course Palmer Paving chose to pave when we had Amethyst out to work on Rt. 32. We were able to relocate Amethyst to the trailer park area on that day to avoid conflicts.
NEW BUSINESS:
Meter Reading ~ Craig advised the Commission with all that is going on Tom and Randy have agreed to work late to get the quarterly reading done.
Promotion ~ Randy has passed his operator exam and will be promoted to Water & Sewer Maintenance Man after Union Posting guidelines have been met
Retirement ~ Marshall informed the Commission of his decision to retire as Fire Chief effective September 1, 2008. He has not yet made a decision with regards to the Water & Sewer Commission, however expects to finish the term.
Computer Replacement ~ Dales’ computer has successfully been replaced. The representative from Ti-Sales came out to install the EZ Route Software required for our meter reading, the connection to Vadar for billing is also as it should be.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Thursday July 10, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.
ADJOURN: At 7:30 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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