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 Joe and seconded by Doug to accept the January 5, 2010 meeting minutes. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD/NEW BUSINESS:
Chlorination Equipment ~ Chlorine Analyzers came in, however due to the snow storms we are experiencing, time has not allowed for installation. Craig is still waiting for tablet user contact information, which is a bit unsettling as it has been over a month.
Mechanic Street Bridge ~ the application for the FEMA-funded Hazard Mitigation Grant Program which is for 75% of project costs is moving forward. A site visit/meeting was held January 11, 2011, plans are to relocate the water main across the bridge beam are being finalized. The design is being handled by Tata & Howard (T&H), expenses must be paid upfront and are later reimbursed. Town Meeting appropriation of funds for this project has already taken place.
Department Activity ~
Snow Removal ~ much time has been spent over the past few weeks dealing with snow, Tom and Randy plow nights, John Morrell is short guys therefore Craig is letting Tom and Randy work for him as a trade off for backhoe time. Bruce spent time today moving snow inside pump stations, for a second time.
Hydrant Clearing ~ Craig, Tom and Randy have been clearing hydrants, there are 218 hydrants in total, some people help with the ones they live near. This task was just completed today, just in time for the next storm. In the past the Fire Department would help, the Chief did put an article in the paper requesting help. A note indicating assistance clearing hydrants is appreciated was included on the recently mailed Water & Sewer Bills.
Freeze Ups ~ While Craig was shoveling the hydrant in front of Kate’s Dance Studio, an employee came out announcing they had no water. Craig went in and found a closet was built around the meter, the meter was removed and thawed; the owner was instructed to leave the closet open to allow proper heating.
Fire House Learning who was advised not to box in the meter had also done so and experienced the same problem. They now have orange heat tap around it.
Bunyan Road Well ~ A set back with a well pump motor has taken place, the electrician pulled and inspected the well cap wires and believes the problem lies with something below, most likely the motor. When Craig contacted Peter Maher to come out, Peter asked if we had experienced any lightning hits, which we routinely experience at Bunyan Rd., and explained all it takes is for the motor to get scarred. Replacement motor cost is estimated at $6-7,000. They are 5 years old; however they do not have a lot of hour run-time (approximately 10 hrs twice a week – 20 hours total).
Metering at Adams Market ~ It has been determined the roof water drains all empty into the storm system. Doug has provided cost estimates to the building management company to install an additional meter as requested, he has not heard back. The water for the garden center and cooling system will be metered separately so it will not impact their sewer bill. They have also been advised to look into replacing the energy wasting condensor units.
Billing FY2011 3rd Quarter October-December Usage ~ Bills were mailed January 21, 2011 with advance notice of a 2.5% rate increase which will take effect April 2011, this provides customers two quarters advance notice.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.
ADJOURN: A motion was made by Joe and seconded by Doug to adjourn the meeting at 7:45p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
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Joseph M. Prior, Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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