Members Present: Chairman Stephen C. Lobik, 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 6:30 p.m.
Accept the Minutes: A motion was made by Doug and seconded by Steve to accept the January 29, 2010 meeting minutes. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
SRF Project Update/Tank Rehab ~ All documents were resubmitted meeting the deadlines, the loan structure reverted back to the principal forgiveness method which will amount to approximately $50,000 in savings.
Chlorination Equipment ~ Craig has been finalizing chlorine feed pump quotes. All the stations will need an injection quill to facilitate connecting the pumps to the water pipes. Because we will be using sodium hypochlorite, the quills must be made of certain materials to last. The first recommendation was Hasteloy C276 (nickel alloy, very tough) but the cost would be approximately $1500/station. The next recommendation was CPVC Sch80 which is a better grade of PVC, rated for 200 psi and is approximately half the cost $850/station (includes quill and check valve). We have pricing on all the feed pump pieces but Craig is waiting on the pricing of a pre-plumbed skid mounted system. Bethany Road Pump Station will be the first of the three as it is pre-wired and has the newest
software; 2-4 week lead time is expected.
Sewer Inflow & Infiltration (I&I) Remediation ~ Easement Agreement has been signed by the Haley’s. Don at Sherman and Frydryk is preparing the final Mylar plan which will be picked up and dropped off at Bacon & Wilson to be recorded. Craig hasn’t heard from John Burson yet on tree removal pricing.
Margaret Street Sewer Brook Crossing ~ Craig feels he has dropped the ball on this project as he hasn’t moved forward yet. The Northern Construction proposal of $5,600 for the project which is expected to last one day; Craig wants to get additional quotes for comparison purposes.
Mechanic Street Water Main Relocation ~ Craig is looking into applying for a federal funding grant to relocate the main out of the streambed, the deadline for the FEMA-funded Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) has been extended to April 9, 2010. It is a prerequisite to have a locally adopted and FEMA-approved Local Natural Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. Although one was created, it is uncertain if it was adopted, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) was to submit it to FEMA. Craig and Karen Gracey from Tata & Howard are attending HMGP Grant briefing on the 23rd in Agawam, where technical assistance will be offered. The grant would be for 75% of project cost. Our project is estimated to cost $100,000.
PVPC/Park Avenue ~ The survey will take place once weather permits and snow is cleared. This project is 100% funded. Craig has been talking with National Grid, and will be meeting on the 24th to determine pole and tree locations before project starts.
Department Activity ~
~ Now that the bills are out, the budget has been prepared and submitted, rates reviewed, SRF Funding documents prepared daily tasks put aside are being addressed which include resolving billing system issues that remain.
~ Customers from Hovey Road report loss in pressure lead Tom to locate a water main break down by M.D.C. near the bridge that has been closed since 1997. Questions about this bridge project arose when M.D.C. announced its plan to close. The break has been isolated, no one is out of service, and we will repair it tomorrow.
~ Palmer Road pumping output has dropped off from 400 gal/min to 350 gal/min over the course of 10 months. The impeller adjustment did not go as planned, Maher was scheduled to come out to diagnose problem but Craig was able to get the pump back online and at 380 gal/min. In the future a decision will need to be made in regard to switching to a submersible pump along with a dedicated backup generator. Discussion took place on what may be causing the output to fall off.
NEW BUSINESS:
FINCOM ~ Craig has been invited to attend a meeting to discuss the Water and Sewer Budgets Monday, February 22 at 7 p.m. The Commissioners will try to attend
Town Report ~ The Commission reviewed and approved the 2009 Report Craig had prepared. Discussion took place on the quantity of activity and events that took place, which included the Main Street Water Main Break, the traumatic bacteria hit and being without the Assistant for two months.
Buckwell Property Trust~ Craig explained to the Commission that a workshop was built on the property near the original multifamily house and last summer the second floor was converted into living space above the workshop. It appears the sewer line that runs behind the multifamily, was tied into, the water connection is believed to be from the white building. Gary Phisterer took out a building permit to construct a workshop-storage building. However, the second floor was converted into an apartment and both floors have a wood stove. The Building Inspector was supposed to go there today to inspect and Craig was supposed to tag along, however Craig did not hear from him. The Commission agreed this was done underhandedly, and question who did the actual work.
Now that he has done this and wants to keep it, he has applied with the Zoning Board of Appeals for a special permit to convert the first and second floor of an existing workshop-storage building into living quarters for an employee and non paying guests of owner or lessee in accessory building.
Craig will draft a letter to the Zoning Board for the February 25nd hearing advising what is required by our Department. Inspections must take place which will require exposure and verification of clean outs, entrance fees will also apply.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 6:30p.m.
ADJOURN: A motion was made by Steve and seconded by Doug to adjourn from open session to go into executive session at 7:10p.m.
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Joseph M. Prior, Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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