Members Present: Chair Joseph M. Prior, Vice Chairman Douglas R. North, Clerk Steve Lobik
Superintendent: Craig W. Jalbert
Secretary: Dale Barnes-Johnson
Open the Meeting: The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
Accept the Meeting Minutes: A motion was made by Steve to accept the August 8, 2012 meeting minutes, motion seconded by Doug. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD/NEW BUSINESS
Tow-Behind Generator ~ There are 18 bid packages out, hopefully with the spec clarifications and extended bid submittal time (3-4 weeks) we will receive more proposals at the September 7th bid opening.
Department Activity ~
Utility Truck ~ Craig informed the Commission the truck purchase has been completed at a cost of $24,995. We were able to procure a left over 2012 Chevy 3500HD pick-up truck with all the equipment we were looking for. However it does have a cloth seat which we will have to cover. A vinyl seat is much easier to keep clean. Looking back, this price is less than the price of the last two truck purchases. Because pricing was less than $25,000 it was only necessary to seek three quotes, bidding was not required. Craig is in the process of requesting quotes for the utility body, aluminum construction is now offered though it is unknown how it would stand up. We will receive a credit for the pickup bed when it is removed and the utility body is installed. Pricing will
include installation of the strobe lights, compartment lights and power inverter.
Monson HS Baseball Field Sprinkler ~ Craig is waiting to hear back from Steve O’Shea from the Monson Baseball Association (MBA) who is in contact with the school department regarding the improvement and added cost.
Department Activity
Hydrant Flushing Program ~ Preparations are still underway, valves are being marked and exercised. The Highway Department has allowed the use of their message boards to announce that hydrant-flushing will begin September 4th, the website and answering machine have been updated, and an article is expected to appear in Friday’s paper. The Commission was pleased John Morrell allowed the safety signs to be used for public notification purposes.
Backflow Installs ~ The proper devices were installed and tested on Heritage Lane for the irrigation systems there.
Palmer FY2011 Bill ~ FY2011 costs were recalculated, everything went off well, and only one small error had to be addressed, the total balance due for FY11 is $86,206.07, the balance of the $147,363.86 encumbered funds will be turned back to the Sewer Enterprise fund, the Commission is hopeful rates will be able to be decreased, however adjustments will not be made until all prior year’s bills are recalculated and submitted, which should be by November when budget preparations begin. Factors for consideration include what Palmer charges, the impact of MDC leaving, and Sewer Capital Plan. FY2010 will be recalculated within a week or two.
Water/Sewer Line Repairs
~Service replacements from the main to the curb were completed at 22 and 28 Bethany Road, and 14 Old Wales Road. ~New water and sewer services were installed at 15 Bethany Road. ~Water and sewer services were installed to the new house on 24 Ely Road, the original house was demolished. ~Sewer service was added to 14 Ely Road. ~Sewer line repairs were completed at 14 Bethany Road (caused by National Grid pole replacement after the Tornado). ~Beebe Road flood damage repairs took place Sunday August 12th, Jan, Tony & Craig marked out and supervised repairs from road wash out making sure boulders didn’t cause further damage. Luckily mains were not exposed; a manhole frame and cover will be replaced when the finished paving is completed. ~Old hardware removed from
recent repairs were shown to the Commissioners, a Chapman curb valve from 1904 off of Bethany Road, on original Red Hed service valve from 1926 off of State Ave., a 1” Red Hed curb valve from 1944 that still worked off of Old Wales Road, a 1921 Red Hed corporation stop with ¾ IP thread off of Bethany Road.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.
ADJOURN: A motion was made by Doug and seconded by Steve to adjourn at 7:20p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
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Stephen C. Lobik, Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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