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 7:30a.m.
Accept the Minutes: A motion was made by Doug and seconded by Joe to accept the March 9, 2010 meeting minutes. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
FINCOM ~ The Commission met with FINCOM on March 15 to discuss the FY2011 budget. They believe they were able to communicate to the FINCOM their management philosophy for the Department and how the FY2011 budget reflects that. However, the Commission walked away not knowing whether FINCOM would approve the budget or not.
Chlorination Equipment ~ A minor challenge presented itself in regard to what type of motor would be used to drive the emergency chlorine feed pump. An AC motor would use a variable frequency drive (VFD) controller to vary motor speed. The problem is VFD’s produce a great deal of heat during operation so they cannot be mounted in a water tight enclosure which means the control panel and on/off switches for the pump could not be mounted in the chemical room. A DC motor would use a digital controller to vary the DC voltage which varies the motor speed. In this set up the motor which is open to the air dissipates the heat and the controller can be mounted in the chemical room in a water tight enclosure. However, the DC package is $300 more than the AC package. The decision was
made to purchase the DC package as the convenience and safety of having the controller located next to the pump was a big plus and the extra expense of having an electrician try to mount the AC VFD in the control room offset the cost difference.
Sewer Inflow & Infiltration (I&I) Remediation ~ Don Frydryk is still modifying the easement plans to be used in soliciting quotes for road construction. When trees were being cleared the equipment didn’t turn up a lot of muck, other than pine needles and other organic matter on top it seemed there was already a gravel base which will assist road construction.
Margaret Street Sewer Brook Crossing ~ Craig called Northern Construction and verified accuracy of $5,600 proposal, everything is in order and the job is scheduled to take place during April School vacation.
Mechanic Street Water Main Relocation ~ Karen Gracey from Tata & Howard (T&H) continues to work on grant application which is based on a point system, which Karen feels we have plenty, Craig is hopeful to get funding.
PVPC/Park Avenue ~ Survey work is done, Tata & Howard (T&H) is preparing design plans to go out to bid. The project should be done by December 1st. National Grid may end up moving one pole.
Department Activity ~
Hydrant Flushing ~ preparations are underway for the flushing program to take place in April. This is a time intensive process that is good for the system, cleans the lines and is a necessary preventative maintenance. Past experience has been beneficial in determining where issues are, and we now know who to warn as a result of drops in pressure. Flushing is done as soon as possible to cause minimal dirty water the next a.m., as we realize this is an inconvenience for people. Flushing is done more in the day vs. nights, and with the two tanks is expected to be easier.
Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) ~ as required by the federal 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act Amendment all community drinking water systems are required to prepare and distribute this report by July of each year, for the past few years our effort has been to include this report in the April billing. This yearly report is required by the MassDEP, and must meet Guidelines for Public Water Systems; it is a step by step process to cover requirement changes, include information on system improvements, water sources, water treatment, water protection, cross connections, flushing, health information, water saving tips, and water quality testing table results, and waivers.
Annual Statistical Report (ASR) ~ Craig will attend the Mass DEP Drinking Water Program Training on the new electronic ASR (eASR). This comprehensive report asks for pumping information, specifics on where water goes, backflow information etc. in the past this has been a Word document which we filled out on the computer and printed when complete. Dale and Craig work together for about two weeks getting information compiled, with attachments. Craig has already set up the required eDEP account needed to access the eASR online application, the deadline for submitting this report has been extended to June 1, 2010.
Elm Street Fire Hydrant~ The hydrant was replaced on Friday, March 19th and it turned into a bigger job then expected lasting all day, with no lunch wrapping up around 4:00.
Ethics Training ~ Required every two years, deadline is April 2, 2010.
Stafford Road Service ~ during a service call the curb stop was not able to be turned all the way back on, therefore replacement is scheduled for Thursday.
Palmer Road Pavement Repairs ~ Palmer Paving in Springfield has opened, with winter rate over $100/ton, repairs will be made after the Palmer plant opens and when Spring rates are in effect.
NEW BUSINESS:
Town Meeting ~ Monday, May 10, 2010 ~ Article requests need to be submitted no later than Friday, April 9, 2010 for consideration by the Board of Selectmen.
1. Transfer of additional MTBE Money ($26,516.53) received after Town Meeting from General Fund into the special stabilization fund established for the purposes of water system emergencies and capital improvements.
2. Transfer a sum of money from Sewer Enterprise Fund to go towards re-roofing Hospital Road Pump Station. Different roof options (tin, aluminum, galvanized, 30 year asphalt) were discussed. Craig will obtain pricing.
3. Potential Statute Adoption, Town Council is calling AG’s office as to the manner in which to adopt.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Wednesday, April 7, 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 8:15 a.m.
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Joseph M. Prior, Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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