Commissioners Present: Vice Chairman Douglas R. North, Clerk Steve Lobik
Employees Present: Superintendent: Craig W. Jalbert; Secretary: Dale Barnes-Johnson
Guests: None
Open the Meeting: The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
Accept the Meeting Minutes: A motion was made by Doug to accept the October 17, 2012 meeting minutes, motion seconded by Steve. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD/NEW BUSINESS
Utility Truck ~ The 2012 Chevy pick-up truck is at Hartford Truck getting the aluminum utility body installed. A minimal amount of tools are being ordered for existing truck, so when responding to calls or plowing the stations it will not be necessary to make an extra trip back to the office/shop for the other truck.
Mechanic Street Water Main Relocation ~ The Order of Conditions has been received from the Conservation Commission. Craig spoke with Karen at T&H. The plan is to bid this project over the winter and begin the project after July 4 to avoid traffic issues with school buses and the holiday. It is expected that the project will require the bridge be closed for two or three weeks.
Special Town Meeting ~ Tom and Jan attended the FINCOM meeting before the special town meeting as requested to answer any questions regarding the cleaning/rehabilitation of the Bunyan Road Wells and the GIS system map updating. All articles passed at Town Meeting.
110 Main Street ~ The Town Administrator requested information regarding the water and sewer services for 110 Main Street in regard to the demolition of the existing building and the construction of the new one. An architect has not been picked yet but Craig has expressed to Gretchen and the Selectmen the importance of direct communication between the architect and our Department to discuss the particulars of that site and how it relates to the new water & sewer services. Proper planning now will eliminate costly revisions later on in the process.
Palmer Meeting ~ Craig and the Commission attended the Capital meeting with Palmer Wednesday, October the 31st and found it to be positive. The Commission discussed future capital needs at the plant and the impact of the proposed casino.
2012 Liens ~ Final Notices have been sent to accounts that have reached the stage of delinquency where prior year unpaid Water/Sewer balances will become a lien on 2013 Real Estate Tax Bills. However, the process has uncovered some issues that Dale has been working with the Collector and Finance Director to clear up.
FY2014 Budget ~ There will be several factors to take into consideration when preparing the budget for the upcoming year. In the past MDC’s water consumption was over ten million gallons a year, now that it is closed, water will only be used to prevent the water storage tank from freezing. A decrease in usage of 7-8 million gallons per year and a revenue shortfall of $40,000 is expected. It is too early in the budget process to speculate how that will impact the rates.
Chlorination Continuation ~ Craig recommends continued chlorination as a precautionary measure. All of our testing has been perfect since we began and the small amount of chlorine in our distribution and storage systems provides us with a level of disinfection which is insurance against potential contamination from water main breaks and pressure losses. A motion was made by Doug and seconded by Steve to continue chlorination on a preventative maintenance basis. Motion passed unanimously.
Department Activity ~
Water / Sewer Repairs ~ Replaced services at 12 and 9 Washington Street main to gate with 1” copper
Road Projects ~ Hydrant on Bethany Road near Stewart was relocated and an additional main valve was installed
M.D.C. Closing ~ Craig has been working with the Fire Chief to address water issues related to the closing
Bunyan Road Well Pump Issue ~ Lagrant Electric installed an amp recorder on the relay that keeps tripping to determine the cause; it hasn’t tripped out since.
2005 Ford Pick Up Truck ~ Craig received prices from two shops to replace the driver’s side bed panel ranging from $2,300 - $2,500. Craig located a brand new 2012 bed, including tailgate and bumper at MHQ for $2,000. Pathfinder will paint it to match our existing color and install it. Bob Irla is scheduled to remove the old bed and repair a troublesome fuel system issue we have been experiencing before sending it to Pathfinder. It will then be sent off to have the interior of the bed polyurethane coated for wear resistance. For approximately $3,000 we have an all new bed, it will pass inspection and hopefully last at least another 5 years.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Wednesday, January 9th at 6:30 p.m.
ADJOURN: A motion was made by Doug and seconded by Steve to adjourn at 8:00 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
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Douglas R. North, Vice Chairman
cc: Selectmen
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