Commissioners Present: Douglas R. North Chairman, Joseph C Prior Vice Chairman, Paul C. DeMaio Clerk
Employees Present: Superintendent: Craig W. Jalbert; Secretary: Dale Barnes-Johnson
Open the Meeting: The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m.
OLD/NEW BUSINESS
Sewer Inflow & Infiltration (I&I) ~ Craig printed from the GIS (Geographic Information System) a map of the Sewer System to show the current scope of work (intersection of Bliss Street to Herb Murray’s Garage), and what has been completed and what has been cleaned at this time. The most difficult section to access is from Chestnut to Belmont. So far 205 18” pipe joints have been tested @ $30 each, and 32 sealed @ $25 each plus grout materials. Time is being spent making the necessary preparations to keep ahead of the testing and sealing that is taking place. The GIS work is moving along but it is a long process.
Palmer Water Connection ~ The Republican published an article (August 21) ‘Palmer poised for casino’ in which Charles Blanchard, Palmer Town Manager said they are in the final stages of negotiation with Mohegan Sun representatives for a host community agreement and expects it to be finalized next week. The Palmer Water District #1 (PWD#1) Commission will be meeting to finalize its separate agreement with Mohegan Sun; one component of that agreement involved the proposed interconnection between PWD#1 and the Monson Water and Sewer Department (MW&SD). Commissioner DeMaio informed the Commission that Town Administrator, Gretchen Neggers, expressed discontent with the Commission’s efforts in regard to the agreement in principal (AIP). The Commission believes the benefit of
the interconnection to our system and our ratepayers is an excellent opportunity and has left the Town of Monson in a very favorable position if the State does indeed grant Palmer the license. Our AIP is to construct an interconnection between the two systems and sets the terms and conditions for the purchase and sale of water. In the opinion of this Commission, said terms are fair and equitable and reflect a great deal of thought and took into consideration the history of cooperation between our two Towns in regard to wastewater and potential future cooperative efforts in other areas. If the casino becomes a reality an inter-municipal agreement would then be negotiated and would address any and all details. The Commission agreed it would be worth the investment to hire an outside consultant/attorney with inter-municipal agreement experience to assist us with that process, as was done with the Sewer Agreement. Burns & Levinson was hired in that instance and addressed issues
with the Sewer Agreement and both Doug and Joe expressed approval of their work for us.
The Commission also expressed serious concern regarding the Town of Monson’s preparations for the potential arrival of a casino in Palmer. Is anyone preparing an up to date impact projection in order to properly represent Monson in the abutting community impact negotiations? Commissioner Prior believes one of the Connecticut casinos was mandated to perform a surrounding community impact study 5 Years after they began operations. However, he is unaware if it was done and if it was published. If it was, such a study would be invaluable to us and our surrounding communities.
Mechanic Street ~ the water main installation is complete. The piping has passed the required pressure test and the bacteria test and is now in service. The North and South connections had to be done in one day; the contractor began at 7am and completed his work at mid-night. Our people were onsite and began restoring/flushing water services at approximately 9pm. We completed our work there and left the shop at 11:30. The final punch list will be addressed. A change order has been requested to re-install the guardrail that was in conflict with the new work, the cost will be $4,078 for the North and South sides. Finish paving will take place in 60 days.
Department Activity
Generator Hook Up ~ Craig is in the process of having electricians provide quotes to install a manual transfer switch for this building. This will allow our tow behind generator to power our building if the need ever arises.
Utility Truck ~ In June creaking noises were noticed from the 2012 Chevy utility body which turned out to be broken spot welds where the aluminum body was welded to a “U” channel which bolts to the truck frame. Craig has been working with Hartford Truck to get Reading Truck Body to move faster on this warranty issue. Craig spoke with them today and Hartford Truck will be scheduling us to come in and have the body repaired.
Monson HS Baseball Field Irrigation ~ Tim Pascale is in the process of submitting a CPA Application to fund the installation of an irrigation system on the High School baseball field. Craig met with the Park & Rec. Commission to discuss the project and they have decided the Park & Rec Commission will be responsible for the water usage at that location. A shed or storage building will be constructed to house a meter and backflow preventer which will be winterized. Plans are to include a water fountain behind the backstop that will also fill water bottles and include an accessible compartment where a temporary hose connection can be made for any future potable water needs.
Wireless Service ~ historically Craig does not have cell service at his house. This becomes extremely inconvenient when contractors attempt to contact him after hours regarding work or scheduling. They leave messages on his cell phone which he does not receive until he is back in cell service which is sometimes not until the next day. Also, when his land line goes down, he can’t be reached or he must drive down the road until he regains cell coverage. He learned of a product called a network extender sold by Verizon wireless which allows cell phone service within his home using the internet. Craig recently purchased one for $250 and it works as advertised. The Commission agreed to cover the expense of the device with the stipulation that it will be considered the
property of the Department and only on loan to the Superintendent.
Accept the Meeting Minutes: A motion was made by Joe to accept the July 31, 2013 meeting minutes, motion seconded by Paul. Motion passed unanimously.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at 6:30p.m.
ADJOURN: A motion was made by Paul and seconded by Joe to adjourn at 7:45 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
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Paul C. DeMaio, Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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