Wellfleet Board of Water Commissioners
Town Hall Conference Room
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Present: Dan Wexman, Chair; Justina Carlson, William Carlson, Lori Vanderschmidt
Regrets: James Hood
Also Attending: Town Administrator Paul Sieloff, Town Accountant Marilyn Crary, Fire Chief Daniel Silverman, WhiteWater representative Russell Tierney, Water System Coordinator Michaela Miteva
Chair Dan Wexman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Open Cape
Dan Gallagher of Open Cape was present with a renewed request to install microwave and fiber optics, and other equipment on the water tank. These installations would provide public safety communications, Mr. Gallagher said. Additional cell carriers might be interested in using the system which Open Cape, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, would own. Mr. Gallagher explained how any financial gains to Open Cape would be handled. The equipment would be installed completely at Open Cape’s expense and could provide a back up for the Town’s SCADA communication system for the Water System. Mr. Gallagher answered questions on: the 25-year lease, the technology, licensing, a regional RFP, insurance and leases from other towns. Russell Tierney said there were five conduits inside the tower up the tower, and
that one could be reserved for Open Cape. Fire Chief Daniel Silverman spoke in support of Open Cape’s use of the water tower for a communication system.
Emergency Shut-off Procedure
Russell Tierney discussed the Emergency Shut-off procedures. Fire Chief Silverman considered if anything needed to be revised in the directives. Chief Silverman explained how 911 calls would be handled. Both Russell Tierney and Chief Silverman recommended a WhiteWater training session for Fire personnel for use of the shut-off tools. They will make arrangements for the training.
Emergency Protocols
The Board examined the Emergency Response Protocol guidelines,2 prepared by WhiteWater. Bill Carlson and Russell Tierney had planned the three stages for emergency notifications.
Russell Tierney also reported that the water from the tank is now clean, but elimination of the chlorine used for treatment will take a few more days He said that WhiteWater would like to flush the system at high velocity during the winter months. Little movement of the water is the biggest problem, Mr. Tierney said. He is consulting with Paul Millett of Environmental Partners Group (EPG) about the chlorination and flushing procedure.
The Board wanted more information on use of reverse 911 notifications for emergencies especially with the new dispatch service through the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office.
Dan Wexman and Russell Tierney said there was a multiple connection request on Kendrick Ave. that may require some special consideration of fees. Paul Millett will also do a site visit to the location to make a determination on this.
Budget
Town Accountant Marilyn Crary and Water System Coordinator Michaela Miteva presented information for Fiscal Year 2012. Miteva had prepared a FY2012 Payments Received worksheet3 which she explained. The Finance Committee had requested the estimated revenues for the current Fiscal Year as well as FY2013. Crary reviewed estimated and actual connections to the system. Paul Sieloff explained procedure for presenting the Budget to the Selectmen and FinCom at their joint meeting on January 10,2012.
Marketing Work Plan
Justina Carlson distributed a FY12/13 Marketing Plan of January 3, 2012. 4 She explained how she had determined the prospects and how to reach them. The Board considered the strategies she suggested. Her plan included a “To Do” list which outlined the messages and information Board members would use. She asked the Board to bring their suggestions to the next meeting, and she will prepare a draft letter. Lori Vanderschmidt said she would research solutions for homeowners who might need financial assistance for water connections.
Reports
Water System Coordinator Michaela Miteva distributed her report of 1/3/12 5 and reviewed it with the Board.
Minutes
Justina Carlson moved to approve the minutes of December 20, 2011. Bill Carlson seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.
Remote Participation at Meetings
The Board discussed the Selectmen’s request for opinion regarding the possibility of remote participation at meetings. Members had a variety of opinions, but in the absence of a consensus, the Board decided against remote participation. Dan Wexman will notify the Board of Selectmen.
Ethics Training
There will be an ethics training course offered in Eastham on January 10, 2012. BWC members are invited to participate.
Other Business
Dan Wexman said that a tower long-term maintenance fund needs to be presented at Town Meeting as a Warrant Article.
Wexman moved to set up a special fund for long-term maintenance of the tower. Vanderschmidt seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.
Adjournment
Justina Carlson moved to adjourn. Bill Carlson seconded, and the motion carried 4-0. The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________ __________________________
Mary Rogers, Committee Secretary Daniel Wexman, Chair
__________________________
Date
The Water Commissioners approved these minutes at the meeting held 1/17/12.
Public Records Materials from meeting of 1/3/12
1.) Open Cape Information Sheet
2.) Emergency Response Protocol guidelines
3.) FY2012 Payments Received worksheet
4.) FY12/13 Marketing Plan of January 3, 2012
5.) Water System Coordinator Michaela Miteva distributed her report of 1/3/12
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