Wellfleet Board of Water Commissioners
Town Hall Conference Room
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Present: William Carlson, Neil Gadwa, Jim Hood, Lori Vanderschmidt
Regrets: Justina Carlson
Acting Chair Jim Hood called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.
Chequessett Neck Village Water Needs
Neil Gadwa said that he had been approached by the manager of Chequessett Neck Village Condos to discuss the nitrate levels at the property. He had asked if they would be interested in a connection to the Municipal Water System, which is 900 feet away. Rick Hanlon, Treasurer for the Condominium Association, and George and Carol Martin of Chequessett Neck Village were present to discuss the situation with the Board. They were interested in bringing the line down Way #60 if the water main were extended down Kendrick Ave. as far as Way #60. The Board calculated costs of installation of the 8 inch line on Kendrick Ave. and considered waiving connection fees if Chequessett Neck Village paid for the line on Way #60. Connecting to the Municipal Water System would solve other water quality problems for the
Association, Gadwa said. Board members and the Association representatives discussed possibilities for financing a plan for connection. Hood suggested that the Board could approach USDA for another loan to cover an extension further down Kendrick Ave.
Michaela Miteva gave an overview of water use rates that would be incurred by the Village. She said that her calculations came within the range of existing water users’ bills. The Board and the condo representatives discussed the fluctuating nitrate readings1 taken by WhiteWater this year. Mitigation possibilities for the nitrate readings were considered.
The Board will follow-up with possible USDA funds. The condo representatives thanked the BWC for their time and concern.
Private Roads and Easements
Attorney Bruce Drucker from Baker Ave. was present to discuss easements. He related the history of the efforts to bring water to Baker Avenue and the use of easements. Mr. Drucker said that he considers easements an impediment to the Water Commissioners efforts to bring water to private roads since many factors are beyond the control of the Board. His suggestion was to try to avoid use of easements. Taking by eminent domain is an option; however, he said, the Board should check with Town Counsel. Kopelman & Paige had issued an advisory dated March 10, 20102 which is included in the records of this meeting.
Affordable Housing Connection Fees
Bill Carlson had drafted amendments to the BWC Rules and Regulations concerning connection fees for verified Affordable
Housing.3 Eric Martin explained his situation on Holbrook Ave. The Board would have to schedule a public hearing for the changes to the regulations.
Lori Vanderschmidt moved to hold a public hearing for the amendment to the Rules & Regulations. Hood suggested that out before holding the hearing, BWC add some further language defining verification of “Affordable” for 3 to 5 years. Carlson will adjust the amendment accordingly. The Board will also calculate Martin’s connection fee. Hood seconded, and the motion to hold a public hearing carried 4-0.
Connection on Briar Lane
A representative from Flying Fish Café met with the Board to find out the status of a connection down Briar Lane. She asked about costs if Flying Fish were to bring the water main down Briar Lane from Main Street. BWC members suggested that she poll other abutters on Briar Lane for their interest in connecting.
BWC Office Report
Michaela Miteva presented the BWC Office Report of September 24, 2013. 4 Her report included an update on USDA funding. She reported on finances and an EPG bill. She said the opening of the bids would take place on September 20, 2013 at 11 a.m. Phase II abutters are calling with many questions regarding the expansion, Miteva said. She will prepare a proposed schedule for them. Miteva said no new applications for Phase II have been submitted. So far fourteen applications have been received.
Phase II Schedule
The Board suggested that Miteva invite EPG to attend a meeting give an update on Phase II, which will begin after Oyster Fest.
High Water Bill Issue
Miteva reported on the billing cycle for a property on Commercial Street that had an extremely high meter reading for 2012. The owner said that the meter had a problem, but there is no way that a meter can read high. There was an irrigation system on the property which could account for the water use, but it is connected to a well.
BWC Staffing Needs
Jim Hood said that Justina Carlson and he were scheduled to meet with Harry Terkanian next week to discuss staffing needs.
Next Agenda
Budget time will be coming soon, and the 2015 Budget needs to be set.
Old King’s Highway Property
Gadwa asked about the curb stop at Callis Square in case an abutter on Old King’s Highway was interested in connecting to the Municipal Water System. Much depended upon the configuration of the lot.
Minutes of 9/10/13/13
Carlson moved to approve the minutes of September 10, 2013. Gadwa seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________ __________________________
Mary Rogers, Committee Secretary James Hood (Acting Chair)
The Water Commissioners approved these minutes at the meeting held 10/8/13,
Public Records Material of September 24, 2013
1.) Chequessett Village Condo Trust Monitoring report
2.) March 10, 2010 Advisory form Kopelman & Paige
3.) Draft amendments to Rules & Regulations
4.) Office Report of 9/24/13
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