Commissioners Present: Paul C. DeMaio Chairman, Joseph M. Prior Vice Chairman, Marshall L. Harris Clerk
Employees Present: Superintendent: Craig W. Jalbert; Secretary: Dale Barnes-Johnson
Open the Meeting: The meeting was called to order at 3:30 p.m.
Accept the Meeting Minutes: A motion was made by Joe to accept the meeting minutes of August 27, 2014, motion was seconded by Marty. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD/NEW BUSINESS
Hospital Road Pump Station Rehab Project ~ Tata and Howard’s (T&H) preliminary design report included existing working conditions of the station, areas of vulnerability for future operation, and recommended upgrades, and estimates of probable construction costs for the recommended upgrades. Recommendations and cost estimates were broken down into 2 categories; Category 1 upgrades are of critical importance and should be implemented as soon as possible. The cost total for all of Category 1 items with an allowance for refurbishing the existing suction lift pumps is $573,654.10 replacement parts still would remain a concern, the cost for all Category 1 items with two new submersible dry pit pumps is $623,230.08. Category 1 items include replacement of the existing interior piping, and valves,
replacement of existing Venture flow tube with a magnetic flow meter, installation of new programmable logic control (PLC) panel for automatic control of the pumps, replacement of motor control center (MCC) with new MCC that will house new VFD’s, main breaker, automatic transfer switch, lighting panel and feeder breaker, replacement of existing pumps and drive shafts, replacement would be with submersible dry pit pumps, repair of spalling of concrete in the wet well area and installation of lightning protection. Category 2 items include replacement of metal railings and grating inside the wet well with fiberglass railing and grating and removal of underground fuel storage tank and aboveground tank replacement.
The by-pass connection, necessary to take the pump station offline for construction is a significant cost. The contractor doing the work ultimately is responsible for setting up the by-pass connection and maintaining it during the duration of the station upgrades.
The Sewer Retained Earnings had close to $500,000, of which $120,000 was spent at last town meeting, leaving approximately $380,000. The Commission is not comfortable spending below $200,000. However, they are agreeable to using approximately $100,000 to reduce any rate increase. Funding options for borrowing $650,000 for 20 years include:
Municipal Bonding ~ Interest Rate = 4.25% (estimated), Interest Paid = $290,062.50, Rate Increase = $36.48/Yr.
SRF Option ~ (requires an application and 80% of the design must be completed, the submittal deadline for this year has already passed, the application would not be reviewed until next year, and there are no guarantees the project would get funded). Interest Rate = 2.00%, Interest Paid = $136,500, Rate Increase = $27.66/Yr.
USDA Grant Loan Program ~ (25% of the total project cost is grant, the application process can begin before town meeting approval, T&H would help with the application. Grant amount could increase). Principle amount = $487,500, Interest Rate = 4.00%, Interest Paid = $204,750, Rate Increase = $26.67/Yr.
The Commission agreed to proceed with USDA process, and to have Craig schedule a consultation with USDA, the Finance Director and Treasurer to get more information on the financial components, depending on the outcome, bonding with the Town may be the way to go.
The Commission agrees it would be more holistic to replace all piping at the same time the station is down, vs. 20 years from now. There is a $50,000 difference between replacing and refurbishing the pumps, if refurbished part availability remains a problem, one pump is 15 years old, and needs to be rebuilt, the other is 44 years old it was refurbished in 2003, everything is custom from here on in. The Commission agreed to move forward on Category 1 & 2 items, including replacing the pumps which would be more energy efficient. T&H will move forward with design, adding Category 2 items and break out costs in more detail.
Lead & Copper Testing ~ results are good with all sites below the action level for lead and copper.
Department Activity
Hydrant Flushing ~ flushing is going well, making good time but the toughest days are ahead. Wales Road will be affected with dirty water. Dead ends will be completed Monday. 14 days and 4 nights were spent on flushing.
Water / Sewer Repairs ~ none to report.
Road Projects ~ nothing to report.
New Services ~ the water fountain at the High School Irrigation was installed; it is of stainless steel construction and designed to withstand abuse and vandalism, this was funded through a Park & Rec grant. The water and sewer services to 1F Whitney Ave. were replaced and a new 2” ball valve was installed with new piping from the main to control all of Whitney Avenue.
Meter Reading ~ preparations are underway for meter reading.
Leak Detection ~ will start immediately after meter reading.
Mobile Phone Booster ~ this device will handle multiple calls and provide better coverage, cost is $400.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at 3:30p.m.
ADJOURN: A motion was made by Paul and seconded by Joe to adjourn at 4:35 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
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Marshall L. Harris, Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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