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: Pass over until minutes are prepared.
OLD/NEW BUSINESS
Hospital Road Pump Station Rehab Project ~ Project passed at Town Meeting. Craig is working with Tata & Howard (T&H) to get things mapped out, and the USDA application finalized. Craig is also working on the list of alternates that may be added if the bids come in under the estimate. The new fuel tank location may require additional room so one alternate may be to take down the existing exterior fence which is all beat up and move it over 10-15 ft.; add a gate on the south side for snow removal and repave the interior fenced area. Add antenna and radio transmitter to PLC installation for future use, upgrade lighting to modern standards and add emergency lighting if generator doesn’t start there is no power. Other little things will come up as we move along. Wet well
conditions may be a contingency once they have been pumped out. Exhaust fans and ductwork could be updated to be compliant with present day regulations. Craig is researching pipe interior coatings and specifically how the coating is repaired when the pipe is cut for a flange connection or elbow.
Sanitary Survey ~ the State performs an on-site review of the water system every three years. The wells, facilities, equipment, operation and maintenance procedures, administration and finances of the public water system are inspected by MassDEP for the purpose of evaluating the system’s ability to produce and distribute safe drinking water. MassDEP is now requiring all water systems to have an Asset Management Plan which includes estimates of the useful life of all system assets and a long-term asset replacement plan with a schedule and cost estimates for replacing all assets within its infrastructure inventory. Infrastructure is becoming a problem to all communities; there is not enough money available to make upgrades. Craig drafted a response expressing his concern that once the plans
are completed and submitted, they will be manipulated for a variety uses which could have serious consequences for our department and ratepayers who have been supportive to us over the years, our FY15 budget includes over $105,000 in debt service; our rate is $5.35 / 1,000 gal. and climbing every year. The Commission is extremely uncomfortable with submitting any plan without it being prepared in a thorough and professional manner and as accurate as we can possibly make it. Although the need and purpose of developing the plans is appreciated, until we have the financial means at our disposal to hire a consultant to prepare the plans in the right and proper way the Commission feels strongly that the best course of action will be to wait until grant monies are made available to enable us to move forward with that process. Other items included labeling of soda ash solution storage tank at Palmer Rd. (completed 11/17/2014), committing to a completion date of
12/31/2015 to submit an up-to-date distribution system map, and disconnection of a hose bib at Bunyan Road (completed 11/17/2014).
W&S Storage Building ~ still waiting for the MIIA estimate and still waiting for another construction estimate, the last estimate was massive. The department may not be able to afford to be a part of the Park & Rec project; it may be time to look at other options to get the generator out of the weather. Further discussion will take place after the second estimate comes in to see if it is worthwhile.
Palmer Waste Water Meeting and Invoice ~ Palmer drafted an amendment to the agreement which would clarify the truck purchasing procedure. The Commission discussed whether an amendment is really required at this time. Craig said he had discussed this with Town Administrator Evan Brassard and he suggested a memorandum of understanding (MOU), which would serve our present purpose and then when the time comes to renew the agreement we can incorporate the proper language at that time. The Commission agreed to proceed with a MOU.
Department Activity
Salary Classification Study ~ position analysis questionnaires were sent to employees whose positions are being reviewed, Jan wrote up his prior to his departure. Losing Jan was a big step back for our department as we were finally starting to make progress with our record plans. Craig is not comfortable filling his vacancy until the salary survey is complete, experience needed to perform this job include computer IT, Drinking Water Certifications, CDL, Hoisting License and a willingness to work hard.
Water Service Line Coverage ~ customers are calling inquiring about an offer from HomeServe USA Repair Management Corp., an independent company mailing customers an offer for water line service replacement coverage. A statement and comments regarding such offers can be found on our website.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Wednesday, December 3, 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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Marshall L. Harris, Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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