Commissioners Present: Paul C. DeMaio Chairman, Joseph M. Prior Vice Chairman
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: Pass over until minutes are prepared.
OLD/NEW BUSINESS
Hospital Road Pump Station Rehab Project ~ the Commission reviewed the project explanation documentation Craig prepared for the website and Town Meeting presentation. The existing conditions of the internal piping, valves, flowmeter, pumps and electrical instrumentation and ancillary equipment were described, along with the project scope of work and financial impact. Initially we were hoping to replace the pump room valves, replace only the sections of pipe that showed severe corrosion, refurbish the pumps and replace the VFD’s. After learning a significant portion of the cost of the project would involve the temporary bypassing of the station while the work was taking place, we realized it would not be cost effective to replace only a portion of the piping or only some of the other components
because we would have to pay for the bypass pumping again in the future when the remainder of the pipe and components would eventually be replaced. A receptacle for the portable generator will be added as a backup plan in the event of a transfer switch failure, the electrical code now prohibits the installation of new components into an older electrical panel, the breakers, switchgear and wet well level bubbler system are all original equipment and in need of replacement. Craig met with Tata & Howard (T&H) regarding the USDA Application, another meeting will take place with the electrical engineer to discuss the project and any proposed alternates that could be added to get the full benefit of the available grant funding.
W&S Storage Building ~ We are still waiting on the final estimate from the insurance company. Craig wants to get more realistic estimates from the architects. The latest update we have from Town Administrator Evan Brassard is that there is no official waiver process to enable us to combine our public funds with the MIIA funds for the Park & Rec building which if true would make our project much more expensive.
Palmer Water Pollution Control ~ Craig and the Commission learned at the Monday, October 27th meeting Palmer is planning similar upgrades at PS 1 & 2, expenses will be coming in the future. Craig informed them of our plans.
Department Activity
Leak Detection ~ This round of detection is complete. Jan and Tony did an awesome job. The results were disappointing though as we wish the survey discovered more leaks.
Water /Sewer Utility Addresses ~ the office has received numerous calls regarding incorrect owners, addresses and charges after the mailing of the latest bills. Craig and Dale met with Finance Director Debi Mahar to discuss the whole billing process and how it relies on accurate account updates. We also explained how the lack of accurate and timely deed transfer reports being forwarded to our office has impacted the W&S Dept., causing extra work and undermining our customer’s faith in our ability to run our Department. Time consuming as it has been, Dale has provided excellent customer service and communication to customers and attorneys in order to resolve the issues.
Final Notices ~ Final Notices will be sent to accounts that have reached the stage of delinquency where prior year unpaid Water/Sewer balances will become a lien on the property and will be reflected on their 2015 Real Estate Tax Bill. Prior to actual Liens the Collectors Office will provide a list of Water/Sewer Delinquent Accounts for review.
Resignation ~ Craig informed the Commission Jan-Michael DeMaio is leaving his position effective November 14, 2014. Craig would like to go through the job classification salary study to properly slot the position prior to filling the vacancy.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 3:30p.m.
ADJOURN: A motion was made by Joe and seconded by Paul to adjourn at 4:30 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
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Joseph M. Prior, Vice Chairman
cc: Selectmen
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