Present: Edward Melanson, Harvey Nasuti, John Hathaway, Donna Putt, Deborah Robbins, Remo Vito, Russell Tierney (WhiteWater, Inc.), and Mary Ellen Brooks
Convened 5:35 p.m. at the Highway Department, 33 Medway Branch
Mr. Melanson made a motion to open the meeting. Mr. Nasuti second. Vote in favor unanimous.
Mr. Melanson wanted to start the meeting by reviewing and approving the previous minutes of October 12, 2004. Mr. Nasuti made a motion to accept the minutes. Mr. Melanson second. Mr. Melanson told Ms. Brooks she did a superb job in writing minutes. Ms. Putt indicated she wanted noted the good job on the minutes and she will abstain from voting. Four votes in favor to accept the minutes of the meeting of October 12, 2004 as written. Ms. Putt abstained. Mr. Melanson wants Ms. Brooks to put the minutes in Word format and hold until a web page is established.
Mr. Melanson stated the next item on the Agenda is the Open Public Forum. Mr. Melanson indicated the only one from the public attending the meeting is Mr. John Olivieri. Mr. Melanson asked Mr. Olivieri if he had anything to say to the Board. Mr. Melanson explained to Mr. Olivieri this part of the meeting was an open public format after which time the meeting would then be closed in order for the Board to get into it’s regular business. Mr. Olivieri stated at his position at the Information Desk he’s getting a lot of flack from people asking why is their water bill going up. He’s had 5 so far in 2 weeks. Mr. Olivieri stated this is something that should be looked at. Ms. Robbins asked Mr. Olivieri if he directed these people to the Water Department. Mr. Olivieri indicated he did not
that these were inquiries. Ms. Robbins further stated that Mr. Olivieri should have sent these people to the Water Department for they’re the experts. Mr. Olivieri asked what they were going to tell these people and asked if there are policies and procedures to deal with these types of complaints. Ms. Robbins informed Mr. Olivieri that there is in fact procedures the Water Department follow to address such complaints. Mr. Olivieri suggested let the new Board handle it. Mr. Melanson indicated he agreed that this should have been directed to the Water Department. Mr. Olivieri stated that this was an observation and that these people have just came back from the Water Department and are venting. Putting the water rates on the web site was discussed. Mr. Melanson indicated the water bills are out the water was used and the bills need to be paid. Mr. Melanson told Mr. Olivieri to inform the people that the Board will be going through
a public rate setting process. Mr. Melanson indicated these are the types of issues the Board will be addressing. Mr. Nasuti suggested putting information in with the bills. Mr. Tierney suggested the rates be put on the web site along with a statement indicating customers should contact the Water Department if they have a question with their water bill. Mr. Tierney explained that he’s investigated one water taker complaining of high usage and the result was a leak in their underground irrigation system.
October 27, 2004 cont.
Mr. Melanson asked Mr. Tierney if Norfolk’s water rates were high. Mr. Tierney responded yes, but, it is a small water system with only about 1800 takers. Mr. Tierney indicated that another consideration is the mileage of water main in the town along with the ratio of water takers. Mr. Tierney stated there is a lot of mileage of water main in this town.
Mr. Melanson thanked Mr. Olivieri for bringing this issue to the attention of the Board and although a resolution will not happen tonight it will be an item to be addressed later.
Mr. Melanson closed the open public forum.
Mr. Melanson indicated the next item on the Agenda is Old Business. Ms. Robbins inquired if the discussion regarding the job descriptions for Water Superintendent and Director of Public Works came under Old Business. Mr. Melanson stated he put this under Update On Action Items From Previous Meetings. At this time there is no Old Business.
Mr. Melanson stated he had one job description for Water Superintendent received from Ms. Brooks and two Director of Public Works one for Franklin received from Mr. Nasuti and the other for Westwood received from Ms. Robbins. Mr. Melanson indicated after reviewing both job descriptions that they both hit the mark but needed some tweeking. Mr. Melanson suspects that at some point in time the format of both positions would have to be given to the Personnel Board. Mr. Hathaway indicated the Personnel Board would then grade each position. Mr. Vito indicated the position even though contracted would be subject to evaluation. Ms. Putt suggested work under the policy direction and evaluation of the DPW Director. Mr. Hathaway reiterated the language used in the Position Description would be
evaluated by the Personnel Board on a point system basis thus determining the grade of the position.
Mr. Vito addressed the Board with some of his concerns, i.e. the consolidation of all Town vehicle maintenance functions under one umbrella to create a vehicle maintenance area. Mr. Vito provided the Board with handouts. Mr. Melanson informed Mr. Vito although he understands Mr. Vito’s concerns, these are some of the reasons the Board is trying to fill the DPW Director position. Mr. Melanson further stated that these issues need attention from someone on a regular 40 hour a week basis.
Mr. Vito addressed the Board regarding an interim plan with interim positions for FY 05 and the hiring of a Director in FY 06. Mr. Vito indicated he thought there were steps that could be taken to form interim positions to start to deal with the consolidation of some positions. Mr. Vito thought he could work with the Board to deal with and oversee the day to day operations. Mr. Vito told the Board by doing this the Board could focus and concentrate on the bigger picture, the Boards real role and how much has been shifted to the this Board. Mr. Vito told the Board he feels Town Counsel should jump in. Mr. Melanson explained to Mr. Vito that he was under the impression that anything Mr. Vito went to the Board of Selectmen for approval would now come to the Board of Public Works. Mr. Melanson went on to say
that everything associated with the Water
October 27, 2004 cont.
Department comes to this Board as well, this is what was voted. Mr. Vito went on to say he thought the Board needed to sit down and do a little strategy to determine what the Boards role is. Mr. Vito reiterated the need for Town Counsel advice about liability issues. Mr. Vito asked the Board to let him put together an interim structure plan to manage with the day to day operations. Mr. Melanson asked Mr. Vito what he is proposing. Mr. Vito responded 3 interim positions, his, Karen’s, and Joe’s. Mr. Vito stated Joe will take over overseeing of the Water guy and get their equipment down to the Highway garage. Start talking to the Union to get the guys into the Union. Joe would have oversite to the day to day. Get Karen together with Mary Ellen to see all the policies and how they filter in. Karen in Water is suppose to go to work with Jane in Treasury, under collection because Jane is taking over all collections for the Water Department. Mr. Vito went on to say we have a
consultant on board now and thought we were ok with the wells and just needed to look at distribution. Mr. Vito stated he has a distribution and treatment license to a degree that he thinks covers us under distribution. Mr. Vito would like to contact DEP and would like the Board to give him direction to let him deal with the day to day in the field. Mr. Vito indicated Mr. Hall, Town Counsel, needs to be contacted to see how things have been shifted and what has been shifted. Mr. Vito wanted to give the Board the budgets and get the departments into divisions. Mr. Vito informed the Board that the January deadline is coming close and the Water budget needs to be looked at to see how it is filtered in. Mr. Vito thought some of the collections were going to move to Treasurer. Ms. Robbins stated her interpretation was that the Board of Public Works would determine what would change. Mr. Vito thought the goal of the Town was to consolidate. Mr. Nasuti asked Mr. Vito if there was
room at the Highway Garage for the Water Department personnel and equipment now and is there any reason why it couldn’t happen. Mr. Vito stated there was but the Board never told any manager he knew of this should happen. Mr. Nasuti went on to say that the Board had only had one meeting, is trying to get organized and that it’s going to take a year before we get to where Mr. Vito wants it to be. Mr. Vito stated the Board is more concerned with getting a Director than giving him direction. Ms. Robbins indicated that getting a Director would address a lot of Mr. Vito’s concerns. Mr. Vito stated he didn’t think this is what the Board needs right know. Mr. Vito thinks the Board should look at what they have before they go outside and bring someone in who may have a difference opinion. Ms. Robbins suggested bringing Town Counsel in to verify the Board’s authority and Mr. Melanson reiterated the need for verification
of liability.
Mr. Melanson asked Mr. Vito if the Water Department personnel were presently in the union. Mr. Vito’s response was no. Mr. Melanson asked Mr. Vito why is it necessary that the Water Department become part of the union. Mr. Vito’s response was because they would be in a union shop. Ms. Robbins stated this should be forwarded to Town Counsel. Ms. Putt agreed with Mr. Vito that the Water Department coming under a DPW would probably be considered a union shop but stated this needs Town Counsel interpretation.
Mr. Vito stated with one of Water Maintenance Operators leaving it may be best to create a working Water Foreman position. Mr. Tierney agreed with Mr. Vito. Mr. Vito suggested to the Board with Mr. Crowley leaving it opens up an opportunity to hire right
October 27, 2004 cont.
know. Mr. Melanson reiterated the need for Town Counsel opinion on union versus non union. Mr. Melanson questioned why it is necessary to mandate non union personnel to join the union and why it doesn’t work in reverse. Mr. Vito again stressed the point that it is necessary to set up interim positions. Mr. Melanson reiterated he didn’t think the Board was at a point to set up interim positions. Mr. Melanson stated he didn’t want to make that decision tonight and would leave this to the rest of the Board accordingly. Mr. Melanson stated from his prospective that although he understands that Mr. Vito’s has some concerns he doesn’t think the Board has come to the conclusion that they are going to appoint Mr. Vito into any interim position. Mr. Melanson went on to say that he
thought the Board is still functioning as a Board and is trying to figure out where it stands. Mr. Melanson stated he would go along with the consent of the Board if they want to create these interim positions and then move on.
Ms. Putt informed Mr. Vito that she thought logically there are a number of issues and concerns that need addressing. Ms. Putt went on to say that she agrees with meeting Mr. Vito on a one to one next week to discuss his concerns and needs. Ms. Putt reiterated the need to get Town Counsel involved for the Board needs advice on a number of issues. Ms. Putt feels the Board needs to tread logically and slowly.
Mr. Vito brought to the Board’s attention that both he and Mr. Tierney had investigated a complaint from Mr. Wagner, Chestnut Road, regarding a depression near a water service box. Mr. Tierney indicated he will call Mr. Wagner and advise him the problem will be solved.
Mr. Vito informed the Board he had a Request for Street Opening Permit from the Gas Company for 167 Seekonk Street that needs a signature. Mr. Vito was referred to the Board of Public Works from the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Nasuti asked Mr. Vito if he investigated it and had approved it. Mr. Vito state he did and that it is signed by the Police Chief, Fire Chief, Mr. Tierney and now needs the signature of the Board. Mr. Nasuti made a motion to have the Chairman sign the Street Opening Permit on behalf of the DPW Board. Ms. Robbins second. Mr. Melanson asked the Board if he should scratch the word Board of Selectmen before he signs. Ms. Putt suggested Mr. Melanson initial it.
Ms. Putt ask Mr. Vito to list the forms that need to be changed for Town Counsel so he has a scope of the things that need changing. Mr. Vito stated that dynamically if Town Counsel determines that everything has shifted from the Board of Selectmen to the Board of Public Works then in fact everything will shift.
Mr. Vito informed the Board that the packet he gave them contained informational things, i.e., Regulation for Street Excavation; Projects scheduled for FY 05 with funding mechanisms and also Water Projects overlays, Snow and Ice Manuals and Procedures for this winter; Equipment Replacement Schedule; Union Contracts; Personnel By-Laws: Transfer Station Newsletters; Cemetery Regulations; Retirement Notification from a Transfer Station employee.
October 27, 2004 cont.
Mr. Tierney informed the Board that there is no State Bid List for Certified Operators.
Mr. Tierney informed the Board that the WhiteWater, Inc. Agreement with the Water Department has no set term but provides enough coverage to satisfy the DEP requirements and needs only 2 weeks notice to pull out.
Mr. Hathaway asked Mr. Tierney if Mr. Vito’s certification covers the Town with DEP requirements. Mr. Tierney response was only on the treatment side. Mr. Nasuti asked Mr. Vito should the Board go along his recommendation hiring a licensed Foreman what kind of timeframe would be involved. Mr. Vito stated 6 to 8 weeks. Mr. Tierney stated to the Board this is why he recommends Mr.Vito’s people deal with the distribution and he will deal with treatment.
Mr. Hathaway made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Putt second. Vote unanimous in favor.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
| 
