Members Present: Chairman Douglas R. North, V. 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.
GUESTS: Mr. Mrs. Varney of 5 Ely Road ~ While Department personnel were collecting a water sample on their premises on December 6, 2008 an unfortunate accident occurred which damaged their bathroom sink leaving it unusable. The Department accepts responsibility for the damaged sink and would like to work with them to reach an amicable resolution to this situation. In a previous conversation with Mrs. Varney, Craig proposed the Department pay for a replacement sink and installation, however that particular color is no longer available and understandably the Varney’s wish to have all the fixtures match in color. The homeowners attended tonight’s meeting to discuss their concerns in detail and hopefully work out a solution to the problem. Craig explained the damaged sink is covered
by insurance, but they typically only offer cash value less depreciation which would not restore the bathroom to the condition it was in before the damage occurred. Mr. & Mrs. Varney agreed to allow the Commission further discussion and would wait to hear from them. The Commission discussed that while it is unfortunate the sink color is not available, expending of funds is limited by law. Based on the price quotes provided by the Varney’s, the Commission decided it would be in the best interest of the Department to offer a final settlement amount for the damaged sink. Craig will send Mr. & Mrs. Varney a letter requesting their acknowledgement and acceptance of the final settlement by signing and returning the document to the office, or if they choose not to accept to please contact the office so that an insurance claim can be filed.
Accept the Minutes: A motion was made by Marty and seconded by Steve to accept the December 3, 2008 meeting minutes. Motion passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
Sampling at Tank ~ Craig who has prepared a documentation log (which includes the damaged sink) explained to the Commission the chain reaction following his discovery Friday 12/5/2008 that the Monday 12/1/2008 samples collected as per the revised sampling plan, had a total coliform count of 2 (no e-coli or fecal) at Tank #1 (Steel Tank). The Lab made a major mistake by not notifying Monson. The DEP had instructed repeat samples be collected at the tank and two residences downstream, arrangements were made to have repeat samples dropped off that day and analyzed on Saturday. On Saturday 12/6/08 Craig received a call from the Lab, the new tank was clean, however the other samples tested positive for coliforms (negative for e-coli & fecal). After consulting with the DEP it was decided to
isolate the Steel tank and resample residences on Ely Road while flushing the hydrant at the bottom of Ely Rd. Additional samples were taken at residences (sink was damaged at 5 Ely Rd) samples were dropped at the Lab. Sunday 12/7 /08 the Lab notified Craig all samples were clean. Monday 12/8/08 Craig the DEP and was instructed to collect additional samples at locations that previously tested positive on Ely Rd. A plan was also formulated to disinfect Tank #1 (which was still offline), it would be drained to half capacity and then chlorine would be added through the tank hatch and pumped into it through the sample tap in the vault while refilling the tank to max capacity to mix concentration. Tank #1 will then sit to allow contact time and then samples will be collected. Samples were collected at Tank #2 and at residences on Ely Rd. and dropped off at the Lab, results would be available Tuesday morning. Tuesday 12/9/2008 chlorination of
Tank #1 was completed and Craig received notification that all samples collected Monday were clean. Plan was to sample on Friday morning, begin draining Tank #1 and then when empty begin refilling (tentatively Monday morning) and resample when full (tentatively Wednesday/Thursday). Samples were collected at Tank #1 and dropped off at the Lab Friday 12/12/2008, Lab called Saturday 12/13/2008, samples dropped off on Friday were clean. Monday 12/15/2008 Tank #1 continued to drain, chlorine levels were checked and good. Tuesday 12/16/2008 filling commenced in the morning and continued overnight. As this was not an emergency due to lack of E-coli or fecal bacteria, Kim Longridge at DEP and Craig discussed public notification procedure. Notices will be mailed with the bills in January and posted on our web-site.
OLD BUSINESS:
S.R.F. Project ~ Ely Road Tank/Bethany Road Pump Station/Fern Hill Water Main Project Updates
Bethany Road Pump Station apparatus start up did not go as planned. There were problems with the new chemical mixing system and feed pump. These will be addressed and another startup day will be scheduled. Mike McGrath from the DEP made a site visit and approves pumping whenever we are ready. Software and PLC programming will be done when the chemical system has been fixed.
Budget 2010 ~ As previously discussed rates need to be adjusted to make the budget with minimum increases (Contractual Salary and Benefits & Pensions) Water includes the first SRF payment, and Sewer includes best guess estimate to cover our percentage of Palmer’s costs to run the Treatment Plant. Water & Sewer Rates were voted in as follows:
Sewer ~ A motion was made by Marshall to raise the current sewer residential flat rate per dwelling unit from $275/Yr, $68.75/Qtr to $320/Yr, $80.00/Qtr effective April 1, 2009, motion was seconded by Doug, motion passed unanimously.
Water ~ A motion was made by Steve to raise the current water rate from $4.10/1000 gal. 6,250 gallons or $25.63 Min/Qtr to $4.75/1000 gal., 6,250 gallons or $29.69/Qtr effective April 1, 2009, motion seconded by Doug, motion passed unanimously.
Don Tata of Tata & Howard contacted Craig advising that President-Elect Obama is working on a federal economic recovery bill with the goal of enactment by Inauguration Day. The bill will likely include significant funding for “ready-to-go” infrastructure projects. If we are not prepared with ready-to-go projects, we risk losing this federal money. In order to be considered, projects must be “shovel-ready” within 120 days. Don explained how it was similar to what was offered back in the 70’s when all the Sewer work was done. It is not known who will be administering the funds, but Craig emphasized the need to start thinking about potential projects. Some possibilities were discussed including Palmer Road, replacing old 12” cast iron pipes or having
them relined. Replacing old water lines on Margret Street and High Street with 12” is another possibility, the base survey and scope of work needs to be done soon.
Water & Sewer Liens ~ A memo to the Collector’s office has been prepared for signature which indicates that when the 2009 accounts reach this stage of delinquency, prior to them going to lien, we would like to review the accounts and have input on correspondence that will be sent to our customers before the liens take place.
NEW BUSINESS:
Town Administrator Gretchen Neggers was contacted by Mr. Streeter from Palmer with regards to potential Route 20 Development across from Toms TV, water and sewer issues will need to be addressed as they go through Monson.
M.D.C. ~ News is that within 5 years the facility will be closing. This will equate to an approximate water income loss of $60,000 a year, sewer will also decrease, which was not figured when setting rates.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
ADJOURN: At 8:00 p.m., a motion was made by Steve and seconded by Doug to adjourn. Motion passed unanimously.
___________________________________
Stephen C. Lobik, Clerk
cc: Selectmen
| 
