Members Present: Vice Chairman Douglas R. North, Clerk Joseph M. Prior
Superintendent: Craig W. Jalbert
Secretary: Dale Barnes-Johnson
Open the Meeting: The meeting was called to order at 6:30p.m.
Accept the Minutes: A motion was made by Doug and seconded by Joe to accept the August 5th and August 26, 2009 meeting minutes. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
Main Street Water Break~ At the Selectmen’s meeting it was agreed to split costs with the Highway Department, and honor Northern Constructions request to forego billing the town and have $5,000 transferred to the Fire Department. The Highway Department will give the Water & Sewer Department $2,500 in backhoe forgiveness. Doug commended Craig on handling negotiations.
SRF Project Update/Tank Rehab ~ Contractor is getting together minority business requirements, which will require State approval. It may be possible to petition the State to waive the MWBE requirement as the tank rehab is a one company job; basically the only option they have is to hire a MWBE company to order the paint.
Sewer Inflow & Infiltration (I&I) Remediation ~ Craig met with Keith Terry from Sherman & Frydryk who is finalizing the plans which will go along with the Notice of Intent which is nearly done, it will then go to Conservation Commission.
Memorial Hall Project ~ The multi-family at 194 Main is separated and on it’s own. Craig used Doug’s 3” sleeve suggestion. Billy Cadieux followed behind with his skid steer, Bruce Harris was on site at 7:30 and was done at 2:30, and except for clean up, water was restored at noon. A Dig Safe has been called for Memorial Hall, Craig will contact Bierman Plumbing for interior plumbing work and to hang the meter.
Department Activity ~ After the Main Street water break which caused major trauma to our system, it is not surprising results from routine monthly samples indicated that four of the eleven samples collected tested positive for very low levels of total coliform bacteria. Craig informed the Commission after speaking with Dan Laprade at the DEP, the quickest and most efficient way to eliminate this problem is to temporarily chlorinate our system. This is not an emergency; the water is completely safe to drink. Coliform bacteria are not harmful themselves, coliforms are used as an indicator that there could be a problem with the system’s treatment or distribution system (pipes). Something could have been introduced like sediment at the bottom of the steel tank. Craig is contemplating
having the steel tank vacuumed out. Craig is also planning on flushing Main Street, after seeing how things play out – not sleeping well.
NEW BUSINESS:
Sewer Billing ~ MDC flows have been cut in half, which cuts revenue in half, continuing at this pace will leave sewer revenues behind $35,000 for the complete fiscal year. Dale met with Finance Director Deborah Maher who suggests for good public relations it would be wise to transfer from Sewer Enterprise Free Cash vs. raising rates. The Commission agreed. The budget process for the next Fiscal year begins in December which is when rates will be reviewed for possible adjustments. Part of the analysis takes into consideration bond payments; two will be paid off in Fy2010, the remaining in FY2014. Vehicle replacement has not occurred in eight years, oil changes are performed every 3 months, in combination with the workforce issue a third truck may come into play, in combination with
separating water from sewer as discussed in the past.
Mill Street Bridge Sewer Repairs ~ Repairs to the Harrison Avenue Bridge in conjunction with MEMA/FEMA and Highway Department made mention that the Mill Street Bridge foundation and sewer crossing are exposed. A quote of $9,091.00 has been received, Highway will split the costs. Craig is meeting with Conservation Commission later on this evening for approval. Doug suggested asking tonight about Mechanic Street, which could result in huge savings to the town since equipment is already in town vs. having a blow out during the next storm.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
ADJOURN: Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
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Joseph M. Prior, Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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