Members Present: Chairman Douglas R. North, Vice Chairman Stephen C. Lobik, Clerk Joseph M. Prior
Superintendent: Craig W. Jalbert
Secretary: Dale Barnes-Johnson
Open the Meeting: The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m.
Accept the Minutes: A motion was made by Joe to except the October 5, 2011 meeting minutes. Motion seconded by Steve. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD/NEW BUSINESS
Special Town Meeting (STM)~ November 14, 7 pm at Granite Valley Middle School, articles include:
1. $80,000 for a tow behind generator to be used to power the Bethany and/or Bunyan Road wells.
2. $6,000 split between Water & Sewer for the replacement of three out dated computer work stations and updated software, currently running Office 2002.
3. An article for the remaining 25% of the Paradise Lake & State St. easement clearing costs not covered by FEMA (In the event the State does not cover those costs).
Group Home Billing Policy ~ Discussion ensued regarding the increasing number of Group Homes being added to our system, as the usage is substantially more than a typical residential home. The Commission agreed the present single flat rate category is not a proper fit for a group home with the number of persons present on a daily basis. The consensus was that the category Flat Rate plus Usage that we use for commercial and industrial accounts would be more equitable in this situation. The ultimate goal is to fairly share the sewer disposal costs of the Town across our entire customer base.
A motion was made by Steve to implement the Flat Rate Plus Usage for all Group Home Sewer Billing. Motion seconded by Joe. Motion passed unanimously.
Department Activity~
Discuss / Updates regarding Tornado Damage ~ The process of getting customers back on line continues to pick up. New services were run for 11, 19 and 21 Bethany Road, work on Stewart Ave includes 8 (Sweeney), 10 (Bressette) and concrete was just poured for 20 (Phips). 6 & 15 Bethany Rd. are also underway.
Leak Detection ~ Tom and Jan have been concentrating on Route 32, which is the most difficult area to take care of, they are not only listening to hydrants, they are also listening to each individual house service. Well pumping is down to three times a week from four this time last year.
Seasonal Shut-Offs ~ Cemeteries, irrigation systems and community buildings are being shut off in preparation of cold weather.
Water Line Repairs ~ Assisted with a new service replacement curb to house at 40 State Street and 7 Lincoln Street. A leaking curb stop was excavated and replaced at 6 Silva Street.
New Construction ~ The water tap for the Group Home at 300 Main Street (Lots 8&9) has been completed.
Tower View ~ The new backflow devices have passed their first routine testing. Sean from Tower View can now winterize the enclosure where they are located. Craig commented on how certain parties were critical of how the Commission chose to handle this situation but in the end our methods proved correct. The problems at that site were addressed to our requirements. The building has fire sprinklers, the water system is protected from possible contamination and any leakage on their system is being recorded.
Road Projects~ The Margaret Street project is on hold until a drainage easement can be resolved.
M.D.C Pine Ridge~ The C. Naughton Corporation has been chosen to execute the contract for the MDC. They have been doing a great job and are very good to work with. The 4” water connection is almost up to the building. The 4” Sewer extension up the driveway hit ledge and took 2-3 days longer than expected.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has tentatively been set for Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.
ADJOURN: A motion was made by Doug to adjourn at 7:05p.m. from Open Session to go into Executive Session and not return to Open Session. Motion seconded by Steve. Motion passed unanimously.
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Joseph M. Prior, Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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