SPECIAL MEETING
September 1, 2010
Present was Robert J. Garrity, James M. Tomaszewski, James C. Lehan, Jack Hathaway, Marian Harrington, Butch Vito and Bob McGhee.
Rob Garrity called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m.
Conservation Commission Candidate
Kevin O’Loughlin, Chatham Road was welcomed by the Board. He was interested in the vacancy on the Conservation Commission. He said he has been a general contractor for 32 years. He is currently working in Plainville. He is not building in Norfolk. He told the Board he has the time to devote to this position.
He would like to give back to the Town.
Rob Garrity moved to appoint Kevin O’Loughlin to the Conservation Commission, for a three year term. Jim Lehan seconded, and it was so voted.
Rob gave the Board an update on the Green Community Technical Assistance program. Jim Lehan isn’t sure we can meet the five criteria. Rob said Bob Bullock wasn’t sure about the stretch code. It’s basically the base code with a layer code over this. There will be no energy efficient dump trucks or police cars.
Jim Lehan moved to go forward and apply for a grant for Green Community Technical Assistance. Jim Tomaszewski seconded, and it was so voted.
Water Update
Bob McGhee and Butch Vito reviewed the leaks with the board. Butch said that we are down to 3 leaks. We did 6.7.8% to get to a 10% goal. Leak detection in again next month. Chemicals should be starting to work and we will go from there. Jim L. asked if they had to do any shutdowns and Butch said no.
Butch said it was a hot summer and we got through it good. The wells are resting. Jim T. asked if you’ve found the leaks are seasonal. Butch said no, it doesn’t make a difference. The new Spruce Road well (#2) is permitted. It is up and running and on line. We are no longer doing anything with Wrentham. Butch said the prison found a hole and asked if we can help them out. Butch said there is no other cleaning if this well happens again. They are keeping the new well low – 200-250. The old well was 500, but now are lucky if they get 250. That’s about the best they can do. Butch said they are looking at the protected zone around the Gold Street well. Hoping for spring town meeting.
Jack said he had more discussions with Bob McGhee regarding the water superintendent. He made an offer to someone who turned us down. He went to Needham. Money was an issue.
Jack said that regarding the appeal of the water permit, he decided to stay with the Anderson & Kreiger attorney. Concentrating on population numbers. The DCR is using their population figures. Bob McGhee and Steve Olsen put together a spreadsheet on .53, .56, .63 allowance – gallons per day. Our permit allows us up to .65.
Butch said DCR called and asked how much of the town is serviced – 60% - and we went with that. Our real numbers are already at 67%. Their information was skewed. We submitted comments, and told them how the numbers were skewed. Jim T. asked why we should be held accountable for their screw up. Andy Bakinowski, who sat in on this part of the meeting, said the map is horrible. They had Call and Wait as a possible well site. That’s how bad it is. Jim T. asked why they asked for our comments if they aren’t using them. We are appealing now. Jack said he has sat down with Dwayne and Marilyn and the time lines are off.
Constellation Energy
Jack said they met with the guy from Constellation Energy. They lease off of us and put up solar panels, and sell the power to us. We are paying 18 cents. They are talking 11 cents. Do we want to put out an RFP or do a soul “search” with them? Ask them for a pro-forma where we get their figures. Rob said Ray Angelone wants an RFP. Jim L. said he wants the best deal. Ray worries about town meeting. Jim L. said give us the number. Pursue it. Let’s get numbers.
Hurricane Earl
Bob McGhee said that it sounds like the storm is downgraded to just rain and wind. They have met, and the DPW is ready to go, if needed.
Soft Transition
Jack Hathaway and Butch Vito have had conversations about a transition with Butch retiring, and Bob McGhee being Interim DPW Director. Bob will handle everything from this point on, with Butch as a resource to Bob. Jack will send a letter to all departments that they should refer everything to Bob McGhee and try to transition everything.
EDC – Stormwater/Wastewater
Jim Lehan said that the wastewater treatment plant as it applies to the school project is way too late. Andy said the permitting process for wastewater is at least 18 months. We would need business partners.
It is okay to go ahead with the stormwater. The study has been done on fees. There will be an article for town meeting (enterprise fund, easements).
Jim Lehan moved to submit a PDF application. Jim Tomaszewski seconded, and it was so voted.
On another matter, Jim Lehan said he had a conversation with Kirk Henderson regarding his property at Gump’s Farm. He owns 24 acres in Norfolk. Two builders have made offers, but Jim would like the town to own it. CPC will meet next week to discuss it. He has 10 buildable lots. Wants it kept confidential. To go forward, we would need a warrant article. Possible affordable housing. Jim would like a placeholder on the warrant.
Jim would also like an article on the fall town meeting regarding the Town Clerk’s position.
Chapter 90
Bob McGhee reviewed Chapter 90 and what he has been working on.
He said 76 Fruit Street - part of the street is on private property. He needs to repave the corner, do an overlay and continue the project. He will push this off to spring.
He told the Board he introduced the residents to the bags through the newsletter. They are looking at a mailing program for vehicle stickers.
At 4:27 p.m., Jim Lehan moved to adjourn the meeting. Jim Tomaszewski seconded, and it was so voted.
This is a true and accurate report of the Special Meeting of September 1, 2010.
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James C. Lehan, Clerk
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