Wellfleet Board of Water Commissioners
Town Hall Hearing Room
Tuesday, December 19, 2013
Present: Justina Carlson, Chair; William Carlson, Neil Gadwa, Jim Hood,
Also Attending: Health Agent Hilary Greenberg-Lemos
Regrets: Lori Vanderschmidt
Chair Justina Carlson called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m.
Water Quality Data
Health Agent Hilary Greenberg-Lemos was present to discuss water quality information with the Board of Water Commissioners. She said there was data available, but it is not easy to access since it is recorded by individual parcels. Neil Gadwa asked if EnviroTech and the County could coordinate their data on Wellfleet water tests. The BWC would like to gather information on the areas with high nitrate levels. Justina Carlson discussed the need to revisit the financial model for the water system and said that water quality was an important component. Justina Carlson was very interested in Ms. Greenberg’s thoughts on water sampling. Greenberg-Lemos said that they do not test for pharmaceuticals and chemicals although Silent Spring has tested for them in some Wellfleet wells.
Justina Carlson asked about sodium intrusion. Neil Gadwa sited a case of serious sodium intrusion after a break in a salt marsh dike. Greenberg gave examples of transfers of property that had been affected by high nitrogen readings. She said there is a list of properties that have variances for septic systems and wells. Bill Carlson asked about offering water tests to get a better picture of problem areas in town. Justina Carlson considered seeking grant money for a water testing program. Greenberg suggested that abutters to properties with high nitrates could be given the opportunity to have their water tested. Neil Gadwa discussed the problem area of Lieutenant’s Island. Hood also said the Water Commissioners should look for any grant money available for water testing.
Justina Carlson asked for a support letter on behalf of the Municipal Water System from the Health Agent, and Ms. Greenberg agreed to write one. Michaela Miteva will interpret the latest data she had collected on water quality and present it at the next BWC meeting.
Office Report
BWC Coordinator Michaela Miteva gave the December 19, 2013 Office Report. 1 Her report included financials, a news article on the groundbreaking ceremony, Phase II expansion inquiries and applications, further funding for more expansion, and replacement of water meters that do not meet new State lead paint standards. The Board discussed money for updating the 12-year old Master Plan. Justina Carlson said that the system needs a more robust software program for the meters. The remaining Phase I money might be available for updating the software. The Town IT services might also be able to finance the software. Hood said that the new State requirements may not be nation-wide. If that is so, the old meters might be sold at a better price than scrap. Jim Hood will contact Ron Koontz about use of the
USDA money from Phase I for meter replacement and software.
Annual Town Report
The Board made a minor change to the Annual Report.
Hood moved to submit the amended Annual Report. Justina Carlson seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.
Expansion Update
Michaela Miteva said the water main had been installed over Hiller Ave. and Summit St. The construction crew will create the curb stops in spring. The Board will keep abutters notified of the construction timeline.
USDA Decision
Jim Hood reported on the Selectmen’s reaction to the possibility of pursuing a USDA loan/grant. He said, and Board members agreed, that the BOS request for more information was not a rejection of expansion plans. The decision was one that needed more time and consideration. Justina Carlson suggested bringing the expansion plans and costs to Finance Committee for discussion. Greenberg suggested communications with the Board of Health and the Wastewater Committee through more meetings on shared concerns.
Staffing Needs
Justina Carlson remained hopeful that there would be action on solidifying the managerial position for the Municipal Water System. She said that Finance Committee had been supportive at the joint Finance Committee-Board of Selectmen Budget meeting.
Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles
If BWC plans to have any Articles in the Annual Town Meeting Warrant, the Articles must be submitted to the Administrative Office by January 21, 2014. The Water Commissioners will brainstorm ideas for future Articles even if they will not be ready for the April 2014 Annual Town Meeting.
Letter from Chequessett Village
Chequessett Neck Village had sent a letter, dated December 10, 2013, to the Selectmen2 regarding the poor water quality and their request for a remedial solution. The BWC is already aware of their situation.
Minutes of 12/3/13
Billl Carlson moved to approve the minutes of December 3, 2013. Justina Carlson seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned 11:40 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________ __________________________
Mary Rogers, Committee Secretary Justina Carlson (Chair)
The Water Commissioners approved these minutes at the meeting held 1/7/14.
Public Records Material of December 19, 2013
- BWC Office Report of December 19, 2013
- Letter from Chequessett Village Condominium Trust to the Selectmen
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