Members Present: Chairman Douglas R. North, V. Chairman Marshall L. Harris, Clerk Stephen C. Lobik
Superintendent: Craig W. Jalbert
Town Administrator: Gretchen Neggers
Secretary: Dale Barnes-Johnson
Open the Meeting: The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
Accept the Minutes: A motion was made by Steve and seconded by Marty to accept the March 28, 2009 meeting minutes. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
S.R.F. Project ~ Bethany Road Well Project Update ~ A few little things with regards to the software and controls remain. Craig explained programming functionality when the well level drops below a user adjustable set-point. An alarm is noted on the panel and the programming begins slowing pump speed to keep that specific set-point. The alarm tests uncovered a few operating issues which will be addressed Monday, Tata & Howard will also be out Monday to do an evaluation of the programming operation.
Palmer Road Well Pumping Capacity ~ Craig spoke with Peter Maher who explained how Gould rep is basically a salesmen. At this point it would be beneficial to do a pump test to determine the pump operating parameters at this time. Craig expressed his reluctance to have the pump pulled without determining who will pay for a new one, however it looks like the issue is with the pump. The Commission agreed this was a fair approach.
M.D.C. Closing Preparations ~ No new information. At the Department Head meeting it was agreed that all departments would compile a list of things that need to be brought to the State Legislatures attention. Gretchen informed the Commission to help protect the Towns interest the plan was to get a group together which would include Craig and others, she also hoped to get a copy of the report that was given to the Secretary of the State which contains a lot of helpful information.
Dam Safety Inspection ~ Craig forwarded the revised Fuss & O’Neal contract to Town Council Ken Albano who said it was fine. Fuss & O’Neal e-mailed the proposal for signature. Craig will double check to be sure they included cost estimates for repairs if needed and alternatives to keeping the dam in place if big money improvements were necessary.
ADJOURN: At 6:30 p.m., a motion was made by Doug and seconded by Marty to adjourn from open session to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing pending negotiations and return to open session thereafter. Motion passes unanimously.
Re-Open the Meeting: The meeting returned to open session at 6:40 p.m.
Town Meeting Article Requests (Annual Town Meeting, Monday May 11th):
- Transfer MTBE award from General Fund into a special Stabilization Fund. Gretchen suggested contacting Finance Director Debbie Maher as she believes in addition to this article one is needed to create a Stabilization fund for the purpose of addressing water system capital projects.
- SRF Transfer to cover existing shortfall of out of pocket expenditures and additional funds for Tank Rehab Engineering Services.
- Transfer of $14,000 from Water Enterprise Fund to Corrosion Control; $17,334.04 has already been expended and there are 4 more months to go this FY, our usage is right on target. Bids for the upcoming FY are received in June, long after the budget has been submitted. A 35% increase from FY08 to FY09 occurred. To avoid this predicament in FY2010 this line item was increased from $16,000 to $30,000.
FY 2010 Rates & Fees ~ Included in the April mailing of the quarterly bill will be notification of the new rates voted in on December 17th 2008. The Commission discussed adjusting other fees.
Steve made a motion to raise the Fire Hydrant Service from $40 per hydrant a Year, $10 per hydrant a Quarter to $48 per hydrant a Year, $12 per hydrant a Quarter, Fire Sprinkler Service from $80 per service a Year, $20 per service a Quarter to $100 per service a Year, $25 per service a Quarter and Water Tanker Fill from $40 per load to $46 per load, motion seconded by Doug, Motion passed unanimously.
Department Activity:
Annual Statistical Report ~ has been completed and sent out to MassDEP.
Consumer Confidence Report ~ has been completed and is expected to be back from the printer so that it will be included in the April billing.
Sewer Inflow & Infiltration (I&I) Remediation ~ The next round of jetting and sealing is scheduled for April 13th and will be the 18” line from Herb Murray’s North. Jetting will be done by After Hours Drain Service, testing and sealing will be done by Amethyst at the same time.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
ADJOURN: At 7:20 p.m., a motion was made by Doug and seconded by Marty to adjourn. Motion passes unanimously.
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Stephen C. Lobik, Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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