Commissioners Present: Paul C. DeMaio Chairman, Marshall L. Harris Vice Chairman, Joseph M. Prior 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: Marty made a motion to accept the August 19, 2015 meeting minutes. Paul seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Joe made a Motion to accept the October 8, 2015 meeting minutes. Paul seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD/NEW BUSINESS:
Water & Sewer Rule and Regulation Proposal ~ Craig asked the Commission if they thought it worthwhile to investigate the possibility of adopting a mechanism whereby two individual water or sewer customers could share a common connection. Craig explained how he learned of the Planning Board’s Common Access Driveway by-law where two or more property owners share a common access driveway and form a maintenance association for the purpose of adopting an agreement that dictates terms of operation and maintenance. Craig envisions a similar set up which would allow a water or sewer connection to be shared amongst multiple users but with an association agreement that would allow the department to avoid the potential legal entanglements caused by a shared connection on someone else’s property and
subsequent changes of ownership. Proposals and plans would still have to come in front of the Board for authorization. The Commission agreed it would be beneficial for Craig to begin the investigation process.
Hospital Road Pump Station Rehab Project~ the pumps have been delivered and are being stored on the second level of the pump station; the project should be on schedule for spring. The engineer is waiting for the by-pass pumping plan.
Special Town Meeting ~ several questions regarding the articles were raised and addressed in addition to questions regarding the Water Debt Service Fee (WDSF). There has been an upswing of calls regarding the WDSF lately due to the unfortunate spread of misinformation by a dubious website frequented by some townspeople. Craig was unable to attend the meeting but Dale filled in for him quite admirably, getting up to speak three times and answering the inquiries very eloquently. Joe responded to questions regarding replacing the 2005 pickup truck. All Water and Sewer articles passed at the November 2, 2015 Special Town Meeting.
Water Infrastructure Planning & Technical Assistant Grant ~ the State Legislature has approved the money for the grant; Craig will contact Patrick Rogers from MassDEP to verify we can move forward.
Department Activity
Leak Detection ~ All services and bridge crossings were checked, a few minor leaks were found and repaired; pumping is still higher than what Craig would like. Craig will contact Bob Flagg and the Fire Chief about winter conditions at Monson Developmental Center.
Water/Sewer Repairs ~ 238 State Street, the homeowner contacted the department when a pipe broke off at the foundation wall in his basement; Craig was able to access the curb stop and shut it off enough to stop the flooding. The homeowner contracted with Tom Gregiore to make repairs on the customer’s side, while we replaced the service line from the main to the curb.
Ely Tank Power Washing ~ Ryan and Matt completed power washing the 1 million gallon steel tank in three days. A telescopic boom was rented from United Rentals.
Parks and Recreation Building ~ water and sewer connections were made to the building, sewer is connected to the existing service for the Bellman barn. Craig’s inspection revealed the copper water service line was routed underneath the concrete footing without the benefit of a sleeve. In the event the line fails in the future the concrete floor will have to be cut and removed to enable replacement. Unfortunately, the W&S Dept. was never consulted regarding the design.
2015 Sewer Pickup Truck ~ The new truck has arrived. DeSantis Garage is spraying the bed liner and mounting the safety rack. Our people will install the tool box, wrench brackets and step bars. Plow installation is scheduled for December 28th and safety lights for January 7th.
Distribution Grade 1 Tests ~ Ryan and Matt passed their Certification Examination for Distribution Grade 1. They will be eligible to take the D2 exam at the completion of the Concepts and Practices of Drinking Water Distribution (D2) class.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Wednesday December 2, at 3:30 p.m.
ADJOURN: A motion was made by Joe and seconded by Paul to adjourn at 4:15 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
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Joseph M. Prior, Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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