Members Present: Chairman Douglas R. North, 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 Steve and seconded by Doug to postpone the acceptance of the April 29, 2009 meeting minutes until all of the Commission is present. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
S.R.F. Project ~ Tank bid spec is complete (with the exception of some information from the tank inspection) and has been sent to the Western Mass DEP office who authorized and forwarded it to Boston for the SRF Program.
New tank ~ A site visit took place with Craig, the Contractor and Jeff Murawski, Tata & Howard Project Manager, Jeff prepared a very thorough punch list. A great deal of surface water runoff is being directed near the old tank which will have to be changed. Modifications will take place to allow for drainage to go its natural way helping keep it away from the old tank and new tank, costs will be deducted from what the Contractor was brought out to address. T&H will be sending out documentation, two things need to be done before the tank rehab bidding process, first, divert water away, second, installation of a French drain to dry out the area near the old tank.
Bethany Road ~ The chemical feed pump flow pacing problem has been addressed we hope (loose connection caused by a bad solder joint in the circuit board). The overload situation hasn’t occurred since our last commission meeting. Craig is inclined to believe it is heat related recalling it last occurred in April when it reached 80-90 degrees and the control room temperature was raised. Cause is most likely one of three possibilities; a faulty protector, protector not sized properly, or a change in the motor spec after the protector was supplied.
Palmer Road Well Pumping Capacity ~ Pump test was completed on April 30 and showed the pump is off its factory curve. Peter Maher adjusted the impellors again and currently it is pumping 400 gpm with no drop off as of yet. Information from the factory is expected in two weeks.
Sewer Inflow & Infiltration (I&I) Remediation ~ Amethyst completed testing and sealing up to the irrigation shack by the golf course. A significant change has been noticed in our daily flows; Craig can supply a report at the end of the month. The Commission discussed the need to transfer money at the fall town meeting to focus on the easement where Squires stores their pellets, clearing of the easement and an access road is needed to allow truck to jet, test and seal lines. Craig met with Chris and Kevin Haley and Tom Gregoire to discuss clearing of easement, Conservation will also need to be involved. $20,000 is currently available in the Encumbered Sewer Easement Clearing Account; Craig envisions the easement to be stumped by Rocky Mountain like on Bethany Road.
Town Meeting ~ Craig explained to the Commission that although the mood seemed tense and there was a great deal of negativity on the part of some attendees, all of our articles passed.
NEW BUSINESS:
Seasonal Sewer Abatement Request ~ A Lakeside Drive sewer only customer contacted the department requesting that he only be billed for 6 month as he only lives at his property from May through the end of September. The Commission discussed and denied this request as there is no efficient way to determine non-use at his residence. We have no way of knowing when someone is or isn’t living in a residence when they are not a water customer. It is not as simple as stopping trash pickup.
Retroactive Sewer Abatement Request ~ The property owner of 24 Main Street has formally requested further abatement retroactive to taking ownership in January 2007. In February 2009 the property owner had requested the property be inspected, the Assessors Office verified physical changes which made the property a 2 unit vs. 3 unit. Based on this information the Water and Sewer Department issued an abatement for each of the FY2009 billed quarters (3 Quarterly Unit Charges @ $68.75/ea = $206.25). Discussion took place how Mass General Law allows 30 days for appeal from actual date of bill and denied further abatement to prior Fiscal Years. A letter explaining the policy will be mailed to the owner.
Water & Sewer Demands ~ The FY2009 4th Quarter bills due date has past and Town Collector Dorothy P. Jenkins is ready to send out Demands. The Commission discussed the logistics behind the new policy to lien properties instead of carrying out the past Shut of Procedure. A statement will appear on the demand informing customers a lien on property will result from unpaid balances. Prior to liens actually taking place, the Commission discussed the importance of reviewing the accounts and having input on all/any correspondence sent to customers. Clarification as to whether extra charges will be incurred associated to this lien process will be obtained by next meeting.
Vacation Time ~ Craig informed the Commission both he and Tom have considerable use or lose time which they will attempt to use in the next month. Due to the department activity this past year the Commission was very understanding.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will be set in the near future and will more then likely be in the morning due to schedule conflicts.
ADJOURN: At 7:20 p.m., a motion was made by Doug and seconded by Steve 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 passes unanimously.
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Douglas R. North, Vice Chairmen
cc: Selectmen
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