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 Joe to accept the meeting minutes of the August 3, September 1, and September 15th meetings. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD/NEW BUSINESS:
Coliform and Chlorination ~ Permission to stop chlorinating was received Friday, October 15, 2010, chlorinating ended on Tuesday October 19, 2010. Public notices went out with the quarterly bill that was mailed on October 22, 2010, copies of the notice were also posted at the Town Hall, Library and Senior Center, and on our web site. The Mass DEP Public Notice Certification Form needs to be filed in a week. Another Total Coliform maximum contaminant level violation within 12-months will result in chlorinating indefinitely. Discussion took place regarding possible causes including more sensitive tests, maybe harmless iron bacteria giving false results, Craig noticed iron stains at the Bethany Road Station which could be a sign of higher iron bacteria levels in well. We may need to
schedule a well cleaning there. Flushing was completed in the spring and we are presently maintaining a 9 foot tank water level difference for the pump start and stop. We are doing everything humanly possible to keep our water fresh. Craig also reminded the Commission he was instructed by MassDEP to shut down Bethany for a week due to the perchlorate testing fiasco, then recalled the lightning storm knocked out the PCL at Bunyan Road for a week, which in tandem resulted in the water system being down one well for two weeks during higher temperatures which was right before we had the bad samples. Discussion took place regarding implementing a pro-active program. Craig does not foresee problems during the winter, however prefers to take steps in the spring by adding very low levels of chlorine and avoid down time on wells. Further discussion will take place before a final decision is made.
Chlorination Equipment ~ The WS39 Chemical Addition Retrofit Permit has been filed with MassDEP for all three stations. 24 Hour Chlorine Analyzers still need to be purchased and installed to allow well pump shut offs in the event of over feeding to avoid a Spencer type incident. Craig explained the mixing process currently in place is accurate and manageable; however it is time intensive on a daily basis and safety risks are a factor of concern. Craig is still not fully sold on the tablet system Bob Flagg is testing at MDC, the residual at MDC has been inconsistent, one of the major selling points of the unit was its very consistent residuals. However, the problem could be with the quality of the installation and not the product. The money is available for the tablet system, Craig is
waiting to see if it is less work, for three months at a time it may be more beneficial.
Sewer Inflow & Infiltration (I&I) Remediation ~ Contractors came out and have jetted from the Golf Course to the American Legion, including the cross country easement. The partially clogged siphon under the brook near the car wash noticed in the summer when clearing the easement was cleaned, along with the 8” line from Bethany Road, 2” settlement was found; evidence we need to keep up with maintenance. Testing and sealing began today, two sections were completed, two more sections are expected to be completed tomorrow then they will leave for 2-3 weeks and come back out. Patches and seals have a 30 year lifetime, and then it will need to be determined if it is worth doing again, or relining pipe.
Craig received proposal from Tata & Howard (T&H) for a I&I Plan to satisfy the co-permitee EPA requirements as related to the re-authorization of Palmer’s Discharge Elimination System Permit. T&H also offered their services to include updating the 2005 study and help identify investigation techniques in different parts of the sewer system however Craig finds $8,000 pricey and feels we are spending money where we need to on pipeline and manhole sealing, and it is best to proceed with the bare bones submittal to the EPA rather then spending extra on a plan. The Commission agreed to satisfy the EPA this year; Craig should continue the test and sealing program underway. The areas of greatest concern are pretty obvious. The next step involves sump pumps and roof drains. Craig
will talk with Don Tata to get more information.
PVPC/Park Avenue ~ Project is almost complete. Finish paving is waiting on National Grid to move poles.
Special Town Meeting Article Requests ~ All articles passed.
Department Activity ~
Meter Reading/Billing ~ Quarterly bills went out October 22 along with the coliform and chlorinating notice, many calls have been received at the office regarding the notice in addition to high usage questions, some customers have stopped in. Craig and Doug explained to the Commission that chlorine has the tendency to harden rubber parts on some fixtures.
Northern Construction Services ~ The invoice for the Margaret Street Sewer Brook Crossing Project was received stamped ‘NO CHARGE – DONATION’. The total invoice amount was $5,600.00 worth of work. Craig spoke to John Rahkonen who re-affirmed his desire to not charge us, the work is holding up nicely, Craig is grateful and finds this very generous. The Commission agreed and would like to have a letter of appreciation sent.
M.D.C. Pine Ridge House W&S State Avenue ~ Plans and specs have been submitted to extend sewer main and connect building to both water and sewer. Craig has forwarded plans to Dave Loring at Tighe & Bond (T&B) who has provided an estimate to review and provide comments to us. Our goal is to make sure plans and specs protect the town from unsatisfactory work. We are waiting on a check from M.D.C. so he can begin.
Budget ~ Polymer Injection Moulding has installed a chiller system eliminating the need for approximately 1 million gallons of our water a month. This will cause an approximately $80,000 a year revenue shortfall. We will be forced to make cuts and transfer from free cash to balance the FY2012 Budget. In FY2013 we will drop the $55,000 Bunyan/Hospital Road Payment which will lessen the blow.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 6:30p.m.
ADJOURN: A motion was made by Doug and seconded by Joe to adjourn from open session to go into executive session at 7:45 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
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Joseph M. Prior, Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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