Wellfleet Board of Water Commissioners
Senior Center Conference Room
Thursday, August 7, 2008, 7:00 p.m.
Present: Co-Chair Moe Barocas, Celeste Makely, Julia Willecke
Absent: Emily Beebe
Moe Barocas called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
Hydrant Fees
The water system should provide insurance savings to homeowners in proximity to hydrants, Barocas said. He asked if a sliding scale should be used based on home assessments rather than having a flat hydrant fee. Barocas said he was interested in studying assessments mid-range homes to create a formula that might work. Julie Willecke volunteered to check with the Town Assessor on assessments. Makely said she’d like to know what actual insurance savings might be for having a nearby hydrant. Barocas said an overall goal was to improve the whole town’s insurance rating.
Determining Costs for Hook-ups
The Board considered homeowners who cannot afford hook-up costs but are in need of the connection. There was a suggestion for a sliding scale. Makely will check into programs that could help finance a hook-up for low income families and individuals.
Getting Second Opinion on System
The suggestion to seek a second opinion on the water system was covered at other meetings. The Board has said no to hiring another consultant to study the water system.
Outcome of Joint FinCom Meeting
The Board considered the July 24, 2008 joint meeting a success. It dispelled any rumors and misunderstandings about the water system. It was valuable to have the Health Agent’s letter of support examined. The Fire Chief and DPW Director were also present to make their support evident. One of the biggest topics covered was the health issue of having good water for every one. Makely said that FinCom liaisons should be involved in some of the work sessions for financial decisions although work sessions will be suspended until fall. The next regular meeting will be held August 21, and FinCom’s liaison will be invited to attend.
Work Session Report
Household Equivalents need reevaluation based on actual usage, the Board said. Using actual usage figures there might be capacity for someone on the waiting list to hook-up.
Bookstore Restaurant
Andrew Petty, Assistant Health Agent, joined the meeting and reported that the Bookstore Restaurant had not yet been hooked up to the water system. Petty reported a seat count of 223 at the restaurant. Only 106 seats are allowed at the restaurant and tavern. The Health Department found them in excess of the number of seats allowed on their license. The Water Commissioners were concerned that the Bookstore might stress the water system. Petty promised to provide information on the Title 5 allowances. Petty said that the septic system is now being pumped three times a week. Makely asked how many times the Health Agents had done a seat count at the restaurant, and Petty said there had been three so far. Makely asked about the other restaurant inspections. The BWC will request all the
information from the SKADA system along with Mark Vincent’s explanations at the next meeting. The BWC does not want to encourage a noncompliant situation to continue.
Determination of Town-owned Property Comments & Recommendations
This Administrative request will be an agenda item at the next meeting. Copies of the maps with the subject properties were distributed for the Board’s consideration.
New Hook-up Request - 30 Kendrick Ave.
The secretary will send a letter requesting more information and indicating an interest in the connection once the system has been expanded.
Minutes of 7/17/08 and 7/24/08
Barocas moved to approve the amended minutes of July 17, 2008. Willecke seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
Barocas moved to approve the minutes of July 24, 2008. Willecke seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
Agenda Action List
The July 17 Agenda Action List was reviewed for tasks accomplished. Some items will be continued at the next meeting.
Adjournment
Barocas moved to adjourn. Willecke seconded, and the motion carried 3-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________ __________________________
Mary Rogers, Committee Secretary Moe Barocas, Co-Chair
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