Members Present: Chairman Douglas R. North, Vice Chairman Stephen C. Lobik, Clerk Joseph M. Prior
Secretary: Dale Barnes-Johnson
Open the Meeting: The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
Accept the Minutes: Minutes for November 30, December 22, or January 22, 2012 are not available for acceptance.
OLD/NEW BUSINESS
Water Line Repairs ~ Late this afternoon John Morrell called advising of a leaking shut off at 30 Flynt Avenue causing concern and icy conditions. Tom determined it was a service line break which is currently under repair. The drawings available indicated it was very rough going; it appeared half of the line was redone in early 80’s best guest; the plan is to replace the rest to the customer’s property line and move gate box to property line.
W & S Personnel ~ The length of time Craig will be out still remains unknown. The Commission is concerned what would happen if Tom were to get hurt, which happened over the weekend while working for Highway when he received injuries to his hand. Because Tom is so valuable to the department, the Commission questioned if he should be working for Highway at this time. The Commission is aware of the impact Craig’s absence has on the department, he too is a valuable employee who was computer savvy and performed most of the troubleshooting when it came to the stations electronics, the concern has always been that there was never enough time for cross training.
The Commission would like to find out how Highway addresses Higher Rated Work. The Union Contract does not have any provisions for the higher rated work Dale is performing.
Department Activity:
3rd Quarter Billing Process ~ The Billing cycle is complete, bills were mailed January 20th. This was the lowest quarter ever billed. It is hopeful usage will increase with accounts being put back on line and new constructions.
FY2013 Budget ~ Discussion took place regarding the Water & Sewer Income and Expenses. Indirect costs are expected to go down due to the change in insurance. All line items were level funded with the exception of Salaries which include the Contractual Increases. In both Water & Sewer if monies are transferred from free cash rates will not need to be adjusted. Two transfers will be requested, $10,000 from Sewer Free Cash to the Sewer Easement Clearing account and separately $55,000 from Water Free Cash for Vehicle Replacement. Budgets will be reviewed next meeting.
Sanitary Survey ~ Compliance due by February 10, Mass DEP evaluation of the water system, and specific required and recommended action, which include:
Emergency Plan ~ MassDEP requires that MWSD post emergency phone numbers and relevant portion of the ERP at its pump stations before February 10, 2012, which Dale is in the process of accomplishing.
Treatment ~ The continuous residual chlorine analyzer does not use DPD reagent for chlorine monitoring. This analytical method is not listed in Massachusetts Drinking Water Regulations, therefore the EPA Method 334.0, “Determination of Residual Chlorine in Drinking Water Using an On-line Chlorine Analyzer” must be utilized. That method requires specific records be kept for a period of retention is 10 years at the pump stations, forms furnished.
Source Protection ~ MWSD is to comply with the Zone I on an on-going basis.
Staffing ~ MassDEP requires that the MWSD complete and submit a Staffing Plan provided showing that the MSWE staffing meets the requirements of 310 CMR 22.11B. The description of the operating practices must include the number of hours per week that each licensed operator will be performing his primary/secondary operator duties, together with the hours per week dedicated to the Sewer Department duties. The deadline for this action is March 2, 2012.
Distribution ~ MWSD conduct bacteria monitoring during its flushing events
Storage ~ Observed that groundwater/surface water runoff was seeping/flowing from an area between the two tanks and running down the common driveway and recommends that drainage work be done to direct this runoff into the existing swale/catch basin system.
Distribution Protection ~ that the annual CCR mailing to satisfy the residential education requirement of the cross connection compliance plan.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for the next two Wednesdays, February 1st and 8th at 6:30 p.m.
ADJOURN: A motion was made by Doug to adjourn at 8:00p.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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