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 Steve to accept the meeting minutes from the September 17, 2008 meetings. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
S.R.F. Project ~ Updates
Ely Road Tank ~ Site work will be take place this week. The V.O.C. tests passed, the tank is now in use.
Bethany Road Pump Station ~ Power is to the building, phone and alarm panel is in. Discussion took place with regards to the fencing and how after being extended it still appears close; snow removal may cause further concern. This will be addressed down the road vs. going through a change order process. The well company hung the pump which looks much different than what previously existed.
Fern Hill Water Main Project ~ The new water main has finally passed all tests and is in use.
Service Terminations ~ Craig informed the Commission the Veterans Association assisted with a one time payment for a terminated service, which has since been resumed.
Hospital Road Bridge Work ~ Work is moving along, the underground portion of the pipeline is complete. The State Avenue Bridge project has been reopened as an accelerated project slated for 2010. The Department previously set aside $30,000 for the State Avenue Bridge Project.
Department Staffing ~ Craig spoke to the Commission how he envisions a Sewer Operations person who would cover both Administrative and Field aspects and report to Craig. Responsibilities include coordinating with Contractors, maintenance of the sewer station and sewer lines, grease trap policy, sump pump policy, Inflow and Infiltration (I&I), and easement clearing. The individual is to have 3-4 years waste water treatment plant experience, including experience with electrical, controls, and piping, and must know the waste water regulations and be able to handle inspections.
Craig explained although he is doing his best to prioritize projects, things simply can’t be done (i.e. I&I test and repair), an additional body is needed, one person can not be in two places at one time, often times it is required that Craig assist in the field. Recent Sanitary Survey indicate a separation between Water and Sewer is preferred, i.e., trucks, tools etc. and soon may be required. The Commission asked Craig to prepare a job description, and budget.
NEW BUSINESS:
D.E.P. Sanitary Survey ~ Mike McGrath and Kelly Taylor from the D.E.P. came out Tuesday to finish the survey. After the Palmer Road station visit it was clear Kelly appears to be an Environmental Engineer whose specialty is not water. Her major concern was the diesel engine and the floor drain. Her solution was to have a dry well installed. Another concern was the small amount of Soda Ash, used to raise the pH, going into the river. Craig argued why this was of such great concern when it is okay for Mass Highway to allow storm drains to dump into the river with high salt content. Craig was clearly not comfortable with the situation and suggested rather then making major modifications now, waiting to address issues in the future when building modifications are done, which
seems reasonable as we are currently undergoing major system modifications. The Sanitary Survey will be written up and any issues will be dealt with and resolved the best way possible.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.
ADJOURN: At 7:15 p.m., a motion was made by Steve and seconded by Marty to adjourn from open session to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing pending negotiations and not to return to open session. Motion passed unanimously.
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Stephen C. Lobik, Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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