Present: Edward Melanson, Harvey Nasuti, John Hathaway, Donna Putt, Deborah Robbins, Russell Tierney (WhiteWater, Inc.), and Mary Ellen Brooks
Convened 6:10 p.m. in Room 124, Town Hall
Mr. Melanson made a motion to open the meeting. Ms. Robbins second. Vote in favor unanimous.
Mr. Melanson began the Open Public Forum soliciting Mr. John Olivieri to address the Board with the items he wanted to bring up for open discussion. Mr. Olivieri questioned the need to have the title Water Superintendent in lieu of manager, etc. Mr. Olivieri went on to say he couldn’t understand why he couldn’t have copies of the meeting minutes he feels he’s entitled to under the Freedom of Information Act. He wants to review the minutes regarding issues he was wrongly accused of. Ms. Robbins asked Mr. Olivieri if he had put the request in writing. Mr. Olivieri’s responded he did not nor does he have to. Mr. Melanson asked Mr. Olivieri which meeting minutes he’s asking to see. Mr. Olivieri indicated it’s June minutes he’s interested in which reflects
accusations against him. Mr. Hathaway asked Mr. Olivieri if it was the Water Commissioner meeting minutes he’s referring to. Mr. Olivieri affirmatively responded. Ms. Brooks indicated Mr. Olivieri, as a Water Commissioners, had taped the meetings and provided her a copy. Ms. Brooks indicated she does not have available the written text. Mr. Melanson, for clarity, asked Mr. Olivieri if it was the written text he was referring. Mr. Olivieri affirmatively responded and requested the new Board resolve this issue. Mr. Olivieri concluded by bringing to the Board’s attention the fact that he’s been suggesting Norfolk purchase water for a long time.
Action item for Ms. Brooks is to transcribe the Water Commissioners minutes and get a ruling from Town Counsel regarding acceptance process.
Mr. Melanson addressed Mr. Olivieri’s comments regarding the title Water Superintendent versus any other title. Mr. Melanson emphasized the need not to confuse function with title. The Water Superintendent will oversee the Water Division and report to a DPW Director.
Mr. Melanson went on to say that the idea of purchasing water versus any other means in obtaining it will be tabled, at this time, due to the immediate actions the Board of Public Works must focus.
Mr. Nasuti made a motion to accept as written the minutes of October 27, 2004 and November 3, 2004 and table acceptance of the December 1, 2004 until next meeting. Ms. Robbins second. Vote in favor unanimous.
Mr. Melanson asked that the accepted meeting minutes of October 12, 27, and November 3, 2004, be forwarded to Mr. Chris McClure, IT, for insertion on the Virtual Norfolk Web site.
The Board reviewed and discussed the water liens. Ms. Robbins made a motion for the Board to sign the December 15, 2004 Memo to the Board of Assessors requesting the FY 04 unpaid outstanding water bills be added to the taxes as a lien. Mr. Nasuti second. Vote in favor unanimous.
Ms. Robbins made a motion for the Board to move and discuss Item VI on tonight’s Agenda,Update from Interim Water Superintendent, before Item V, Other items. Mr. Nasuti second. Vote in favor unanimous.
Mr. Tierney mentioned to the Board he has discussed with Ms. Brooks rearranging some of her tasks allowing her ample time to transcribe and forward the meeting minutes to the Board members.
Mr. Tierney informed the Board the Water Superintendent and Operator positions have been posted in The Sun Chronicle and the Mass. Municipal Web Site and soon will be showing up on the New England and American Water Works Web Sites. Mr. Anthony LaFratta, the sole Water Operator, has been given this week-end off and coverage will be provided by WhiteWater, Inc. personnel.
Mr. Tierney discussed the process in which all resumes received will be date stamped and reviewed by Mr. Tierney for comments prior to forwarding to Board. Mr. Nasuti indicated he wants to receive and review all resumes and be given the opportunity to voice an opinion on each candidate. Mr. Tierney clarified his involvement in the process by making recommendations based on the qualifications. Mr. Tierney recommended a small least costly ad be put in The Sun Chronicle referencing to the Town Web Site containing the posted positions.
Mr. Melanson clarified payment for the ads for both Water Department positions will come out of Water Department funds and the DPW Director will have to be allocated. Mr. Tierney recommended the Director position be advertised in The Boston Globe for a wider range of distribution and again a small least costly ad referring to the Town Web Site containing the posted position.
Mr. Nasuti suggested former applicants be contacted to solicit any interest in any of the positions. Mr. Tierney indicated this will be done.
Mr. Tierney discussed the Gold Street renovation project and the withholding of the final payment until all items are complete. Mr. Tierney is coordinating with Dufresne-Henry on punch list.
Mr. Tierney indicated he had P. J. Hayes excavate a detected leak on Winston near Churchill and no water was found. The leak detection company will be asked to investigate further the next time they’re in Town. Mr. Tierney indicated his company has a sonar phone he’ll use at this site. Mr. Tierney will be contacting Conservation Technologies to come back in January 2005 for there is a possible leak at Spruce Road.
Mr. Nasuti asked what the policy was regarding water leaks. Mr. Tierney explained a verbal notice was followed up after 30 days with a written notice, followed up after 30 days with a notice of shut-off. All other leaks have been fixed except the one on Blueberry Lane. After this was dug up it was discovered it was the homeowner’s responsibility. We have no recourse for we told the homeowner this was on our side. Once the curbstop was uncovered it was determined the leak was on the homeowner’s side. This leak is small and will be addressed in the Spring.
Mr. Tierney discussed the hydrant and gate valve inspections, saving money by having Mr. LaFratta assist, and his review of the revised GIS proposal, which he still thinks is a good idea.
Mr. Tierney informed the Board that Dufresne-Henry has advised their clients not to respond to the Water Management Act permit review. Mr. Tierney indicated the goal seems to be 65 gallons per day per capita, where as normal use is between 100 to 120. They seem to want to take away about 250,000 gallons a day that can be pumped out of the ground.
Mr. Tierney informed the Board 3 sites have failed lead. Mr. Tierney has no idea if the service lines are lead. He’s going to increase the PH in the system.
Christina Estates gate valves and hydrants were reviewed. Mr. Tierney had forwarded his recommendations to the Planning Board who then held $30,000 from the Bond for water issues.
Mr. Tierney advised the Board the Wrentham State School has a withdrawal permit for about 350,000 gallons a day but only use about 40,000 gallons per day. Mr. Tierney would like to investigate, possibly with Dufresne-Henry, the feasibility of utilizing some of this water so their withdrawal permit won’t be reduced. Mr. Tierney thought a letter of intent to the DEP may help prevent a reduction. Mr. Tierney indicated there already is in place a 12” connection which could handle 250,000 gallons a day. Mr. Tierney stated when an agreement is established language could be added to have Norfolk test their tanks monthly. Another issue Mr. Tierney addressed is that the water is chlorinated because they are under an order to do so. The well is in the Town of Norfolk off Spruce Road and also has a right of way
off Union Street. Our well on Spruce Road disinfects with U.V. not chlorine. Mr. Hathaway asked Mr. Tierney the effects of chlorinated water being introduced into the Norfolk Water System and Mr. Tierney responded there’s no negative just taste. Mr. Tierney advised the Board about a new disinfection rule, which if passed, would result in Norfolk chlorinating it’s water system.
Mr. Tierney discussed Christina Estates water issues and his recommendation that the Planning Board’s consultant engineer include checking on the installation of water main. Mr. Tierney informed the Board that he’s reviewed a couple of small subdivisions and has included in the plan approval the need to hire an inspector approved by and reports to the Water Department but paid by the contractor.
Mr. Nasuti asked Mr. Tierney about the DEP requirements of public notification regarding the lead and copper failure. Mr. Tierney explained that DEP wants public notification which involves a mailing, in local newspapers and on cable that the lead failed. Mr. Tierney informed the Board this notification must be done within a 6 month of the lead failure. Mr. Tierney went on to explain that he felt the PH wasn’t high enough but also stated another cause could have been bad samples. Mr. Tierney informed the Board that DEP wants to meet with him at their Boston Office regarding the lead failure. Mr. Tierney thought Dufresne-Henry should accompany him to the meeting. Mr. Melanson stated he would like to also attend the meeting. Mr. Nasuti also stated dependent on time and date he would also attend.
Mr. Tierney informed them he’d let them know.
Mr. Hathaway discussed the status of both the Highway and Water Departments budgeting process now that Mr. Markel is leaving.
Mr. Hathaway discussed the desire of the Highway Department to hire a second mechanic and add the Water Department trucks for maintenance. Mr. Tierney recommends the Water Department trucks be maintained by the Town mechanic.
Mr. Melanson expressed a concern of any hiring of personnel and the need for the Board’s concurrence. Mr. Nasuti discussed a recent hire of an Assistant Foreman by the Highway Superintendent without the Board’s concurrence.
Mr. Nasuti asked Mr. Tierney what vehicles are presently maintained by the Highway Mechanic. Mr. Tierney responded he’s observed Police vehicles in the yard and the Fire Department is presently talking about it. Mr. Tierney also recommended the Water Department auction off their two oldest trucks,1989 and 1994, or give them to another department or municipality. The Highway mechanic will give Mr. Tierney a price for tires and fix up costs for the recipient Department to pay. Mr. Hathaway discussed the need to only get rid of one old truck to support the full staff of the Water Department, the Water Superintendent and two Maintenance Operators. Mr. Tierney suggested keeping the utility body and get rid of the pick up.
The Board discussed their concerns of the hiring of the Assistant Foreman by the Highway Department without their knowledge.
Ms. Putt suggested the Board send a Memo to the Highway Superintendent inquiring about the activities of his Department. Mr. Nasuti suggested the Highway Superintendent be advised he will not hire any additional staff without prior approval of the Board. Ms. Putt also suggested the Memo include the need to view expenditures. Mr. Hathaway recalled Mr. Vito stating he would show the Board of Public Works those type of expenses he had previously shown the Board of Selectmen prior to commitment for approval. Mr. Melanson stated Mr. Vito needs to meet with the Board to explain the prior process at the next meeting January 5, 2005. Mr. Melanson will draft the text for the Memo to Mr.Vito, Ms. Brooks will create Memo to include letterhead, and Mr. Nasuti will sign.
Mr. Melanson will respond to Ms. Lisa Curl e-mail dated December 5, 2004 Subject: FW: Chatham Road.
Ms. Putt suggested the Board of Public Works send a letter to the Planning Board, Zoning Board, etc. requesting to keep the Board apprised of ongoing issues within our purview. The Board decided rather than have a liaison with each Board both the Highway and Water Superintendents will keep the Board informed of decisions, attended meetings or recommendations.
Mr. Nasuti made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Hathaway second. Vote in favor unanimous.
Meeting Adjouned at 7:55 pm.
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