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Commissioners Present: Douglas R. North Chairman, Joseph M. 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 6:30 p.m.
Accept the Meeting Minutes: A motion was made by Joe to accept the meeting minutes of March 5, 2014 motion seconded by Paul. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD/NEW BUSINESS
FY2015 Budgets ~ Craig and Paul attended the Monday, March 17, 2014 FINCOM meeting. Everything went well; it was a straight forward process; decreased pumping allowed for expense reductions, the Budget is moving forward. Craig spoke about the anticipated Special Articles for which he is obtaining estimated pricing figures.
Capital Projects~ articles are due Friday, March 28, 2014:
- Bethany Road Well cleaning/rehab = $14,000
- Storage Building for the 150kw portable generator: Craig thought he would have more information to provide considering the Park & Rec Commission will be replacing their building soon; however Town Planner Dan Laroche had no information regarding pricing. Craig contacted Architect Larry Tuttle to assist us in obtaining pricing for the article request.
- Sewer Jetter: Mongoose Jetters has a single axle unit that fits the sizing requirements, with a 49 hp diesel engine, base price is $38,398 from the factory, however there are recommended options to consider that include: gauge package $600, cover over the top of the motor $500, rotating hose reel $2,000, wash down system, safety light bar and a $4,000 tank upgrade to a repairable, fully baffled 300 gallon polypropylene tank, which is especially beneficial with a single axle unit; start up and training is included. The old unit will be turned in for trade, and go towards the upgrades. The approximate budget amount is $52,000 including freight. The Representative from McDermott recommends the purchase of a Pipeline Video Inspection System for pipe inspections, this self-leveling camera inspects up
to 200 feet, it records data to a USB memory device, and the cost is $10,000. It captures detailed footage under challenging conditions. Mass Rural Water has come out for us in the past but that is subject to their schedule. Other companies charge $200/hr. for such a service. The Commission agreed it would be very useful and convenient to have such a unit on hand when it is needed. Infrastructure is not getting younger and it will assist us in identifying and diagnosing future problems.
- Exterior repairs at Hospital Road Pump Station: Craig is still consulting with a carpenter for pricing on vinyl siding or HardiePlank over the existing plywood on the gable ends vs. removing what is there.
- Hospital Road Station Pump Room Rehab Project: Craig decided to take a different approach. Rather than proposing a total project cost without having the proper information, Craig suggested we instead request the funds we will need for the engineering services that will move the project to a bid ready condition (evaluate options, develop a scope of work, prepare project drawings and bid documents). A request at the Fall Town Meeting would then be made for the construction cost of the project.
Department Activity
Consumer Confidence Report ~ Dale has prepared the initial report, Craig will insert the water quality testing results. Historically this report is included in the bills mailed in April.
Meter Reading ~ meter reading will begin next week.
New MA Hoisting License Requirements ~ The Massachusetts Department of Public Safety (DPS) has stipulated a new continuing education requirement for renewal of all classes of the Massachusetts Hoisting Licenses. This license is essential to the operation of the water and sewer utilities and municipalities as it allows operation of the backhoe, skid loader and front loader. If a person is in the machine without a license, the individual who witnesses such is held liable. Craig is going to have to send all of our employees to a class to prepare for the test. Craig explained to Finance Director D. Mahar at the department head meeting the huge inconvenience the department would face if they were not able to use the equipment. This will be done as soon as possible.
Water Purchase ~ Matt Walch approached Craig about the possibility of purchasing water for the purpose of watering grass and plantings at the new solar farm. The Palmer Road station has a set up where tankers fill during the summer months and are charged $46/6,000 gal tanker. Matt has a smaller tank; therefore price would be adjusted according to his tank size. The Commission did not have any issues with him purchasing water from us.
Water Tank Inspection ~ after discovering what appeared to be a hair line crack near the man way on tank #2, Craig contacted Natgun (DN Tanks) for an inspection. Craig reassured the Commission that the tank is not leaking. Chris Hogdson from DN Tanks explained to Craig the bottom of the tank, where the man way and overflow outlet are located, is designed to have a heavier coat of shot creek which is inches thick. The hairline crack is only in the cosmetic exterior finish coat. However, it will be re-inspected in the summer and in the meantime Craig has asked them to look into coating recommendations to prevent further cracks
Generator Hook-up~ the building was successfully powered up by the unit, and we are good to go.
New Town Office and Police Department Building ~ the plan showed two different ways to have the water pipe go through the wall. The job superintendent asked Craig for his recommendation. Craig spoke with Jim Amman, Superintendent of Palmer Water District #1 (PWD1) who requires an Omni Sleeve that has to be installed in the concrete form before the foundation is poured. Obviously we are too late for that option. PDS will have to come up with a solution. Craig did revise our Construction Standards to include the Omni Sleeve on 4” pipes and above.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Wednesday, April 16, 2014 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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