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 July 10, 2008 meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
S.R.F. Project ~ Updates
Ely Road Tank ~ The Commission commented on how nice the new tank looks. The site contractor was held up and expects to be available next week. Revisions to the grading plan are being made as a result of recent heavy rains at the site. Overall everything is going okay, no issues are expected. Several processes take place prior to filling the tank. Unfortunately the Town’s Bond Council has determined it is necessary to go to Town Meeting for authorization to paint the existing tank.
Bethany Road Pump Station ~ The roof and brickwork are done. However, a couple of glitches have taken place. The electrical contractor ended up missing some conduits that will be needed for the instrumentation. T&H and the contractor are working this out. T&H missed some language in the spec regarding the surge relief valve; the valve that meets the spec that was bid is the same as the one we recently changed out at Palmer Road because it constantly leaked by. Craig explained the valve they ordered is not what we wanted; the contractor cannot use it anywhere else and would require $125 shipping plus restocking charge. It would cost approximately $900 to get the valve we want including the return costs and cost difference between the two valves. The Commission
decided to pay the difference to get what we want and avoid problems later. Craig is pleased with this station so far. Steve asked if another well could be added at Bethany later on. Craig answered the DEP would not allow it there because we do not own or control our Zone I. However, it would be possible at Palmer Road.
Fern Hill Water Main ~ The pipeline has passed the pressure test, but they are having problems with the bacteria samples coming from the hydrant on Fern Hill, the heavy rains could be contributing to the problem, fire hydrants are problematic for bacteria sampling. A week has been lost as a result of flunked tests. Lines have been flushed again and re-chlorinated and will be ready to be re-tested after the weekend.
Palmer Billing Dispute ~ Palmer has decided to delay the mediation process until the New Town Manager is in service.
Sewer Inflow & Infiltration (I&I) Remediation ~ Jetting has to be redone before the joint sealing can continue. However with all the other projects going on Craig has not had the opportunity to focus on this task. During times like these it becomes very obvious we are severely understaffed to handle the changes we are experiencing.
NEW BUSINESS:
Telephone Metering Lines ~ Craig has spent the last two weeks getting the telemertering lines in working order. The circuit that transmits signal from our tank to the Palmer Rd. Pump Station (which we pay over $100 a month) stopped working; therefore pumps are not on automatic on/off. Verizon cannot be contacted directly; Craig must contact One Communications who then contacts Verizon which takes 2 days, the technician usually arrives between 1-2 o’clock, Craig has stayed with them until 5-6 o’clock on several occasions now. Different technicians have appeared on each of the five trouble calls. We believe we have it fixed now.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Thursday August 21st 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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