Members Present: 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 6:35 p.m.
Accept the Minutes: A motion was made by Marty and seconded by Steve to accept the meeting minutes from the June 26, 2008 meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
S.R.F. Project ~ Updates
Ely Road Tank ~ The new tank has received its final coat of paint; Craig is scheduled for a walk through tomorrow at 1 o’clock. Site work will begin next week; pipeline connection will be a challenge due to the grading. With regards to painting the old tank, the DEP has confirmed to Tata & Howard (T&H) it can be included in our SRF loan. Once the tank is painted it should be good for 20-25 years. Craig ran some preliminary numbers; and the difference between borrowing 1.5M and 1.8M results in a payment increase of $21,000 the first year. For every $10,000 in additional money an approximately 0.08 rate increase is required, which would result in a 0.16 cent increase from previous rate estimate. If we don’t use SRF for the tank painting the department would then
have to use bank financing for the estimated $300,000 cost. A seven year term would give us a first year payment of approximately $55,000 with an estimated interest rate of 4.1%. Clarification is needed with regards to the Town Meeting authorization wording; however it is believed to be okay under the “comprehensive water system improvements” criteria.
Bethany Road Pump Station ~ Cement block work has been completed, the pre-cast concrete roof planks are due to arrive next. The final cosmetic brick work will also be commencing next week.
Fern Hill Water Main ~ Digging is expected to start Monday. There was a glitch for one residence with the temporary water line which runs across the driveway causing their car to bottom out. Craig is working with the contractor to resolve this issue.
Palmer Billing Dispute ~ Craig spoke with Mary Jean Schultz who is the MA Office Dispute Resolution (MODR) Program Coordinator, she requested Craig’s input and understanding of the problem so that she could go forward to set up the most appropriate process that will be successful for both parties. She suggests mediation to reach a mutual agreement vs. arbitration as the best solution for both parties. Craig would like the mediator to come to one of the Commissions meeting to explain the process and go from there.
Sewer Inflow & Infiltration (I&I) Remediation ~ Amethyst Environmental came back out and was making progress, however we have run in to another snag. They came across major sediment in the pipeline. Evidently when the lines were jetted as a result of jumping around some debris was left behind in the main. As disappointing and time consuming as it is, the lines must be re-flushed before Amethyst can proceed.
NEW BUSINESS:
Sampling ~ Craig was contacted by the lab Tuesday in regard to the monthly bacteria samples. The sample taken at the MDC Meter Building had a count of 1, repeats have since been taken. Bob Flagg who did the sampling for MDC on Tuesday confirmed his tests were fine. Tom believes the count was a result of tester error. This particular location is a hard place to get a good sample; the building has steam lines’ running through it and it is over 120° in there, when MDC is not filling their tank the water from the sample tap is warm like bath
water.
Palmer Road ~ Brad Small is scheduled to come out tomorrow to replace the piston and leaking packing on the PARCO valve. Craig told the Commission about the new surge relief valve that has been installed and how we no longer leak water through the relief pipe.
Department Structure ~ Craig and the Commission discussed the need for additional staff, preliminary ideas were tossed about. Craig explained how it is evident that the sewer side is becoming more and more demanding of time, sewer line maintenance, inflow & infiltration testing and remediation, future home inspections for sump pumps, in addition to the grease policy not to mention it may soon be required to separate Water and Sewer to have different trucks, tools etc. A Chief Sewer Operator might be required to handle all the additional work. Further discussion will take place at our next meeting.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Thursday July 17th at 6:30 p.m. followed by another July 31, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.
ADJOURN: At 7:30 p.m., a motion was made by Marty and seconded by Steve to adjourn. Motion passed unanimously.
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Stephen C. Lobik, Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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