Present: Edward Melanson, Harvey Nasuti, Jack Hathaway, Remo Vito, Russell Tierney, WhiteWater, Inc.and Mary Ellen Brooks
Absent: Donna Putt, Deborah Robbins
Convened 6:05 p.m. in Room 124, Town Hall
Mr. Melanson opened the meeting.
Mr. Melanson began the Open Public Forum asking if anyone wanted to address the Board. Mr. Olivieri presented the Board with some handouts regarding cell phone companies and water towers and water rates. Mr. Olivieri discussed the Wrentham State School well; cell phone antennae on water tower generating revenue; and water rates.
Mr. Hathaway discussed the Board of Selectmen Public Hearing to set water rates originally scheduled for Monday February 28, 2005 and re-scheduled to Tuesday March 1, 2005.
Mr. Hathaway made a motion to accept the Meeting Minutes of February 24, 2005 with exception of changing typo on line 10, Ms. to Mr. Mr. Nasuti second. Votes in favor unanimous. So moved.
Mr. Melanson discussed the “drafted” meeting minutes of the former Board of Water Commissioners. Mr. Melanson discussed the two theories of Town Counsel on adopting the minutes. Mr. Nasuti made a motion to table accepting the “drafted” meeting minutes and refer them back to the then in power former Water Commissioners for action. Mr. Hathaway second. Vote in favor unanimous. So moved.
Mr. Melanson requested the delivery of information packets on the Friday afternoon before a meeting to each Board member. Mr. Vito concurred and assured Mr. Melanson the packets would be delivered.
Mr. Hathaway discussed the absence of two of the Board members. Mr. Nasuti suggested the Board of Selectmen be made aware of the continued lack of attendance resulting in functional difficulties. Mr. Vito reiterated the need for the Board to vote on many issues and how difficult cancelled meetings impact operations. Mr. Hathaway will discuss with Town Counsel the options, based on the Special Act Legislation and Ms. Robbins offering her resignation should her absence become an issue.
Mr. Melanson requested Mr. Vito provide updates on the Highway Division budget reviews, Town Meeting Articles reviews and updates on each Division. Mr. Vito requested to bring forward to next meeting all the budgets. Mr. Vito stated he’s in the process of having budget books put together with all the back up; he’s discussed with Mr. Hathaway level funding; talked with the Union regarding numbers and Mr. McFeeley, Board of Selectmen Liaison. Mr. Vito indicated all the budget books for all Divisions including Water will be ready next week. Mr. Vito indicated he’ll discuss at the next Board Meeting on March 16 all the budgets for all the Divisions, include all the back up and capital improvements, etc. Mr. Vito indicated he’ll provide the members a week before all the information for them to
review prior to the meeting.
Mr. Hathaway explained level service and level funding and lower funding budgets.
Mr. Nasuti suggested setting aside a block of time another day to discuss and review just the budget. Mr. Melanson concurred. Mr. Vito reiterated the need for the Board members to review, discuss, and understand all the items on the budgets. Mr. Hathaway explained the Town is still waiting for the House Way and Means on the revenue side. Mr. Hathaway informed the Board, in addition, time needs to be scheduled to meet with the Advisory Board. Mr. Melanson asked Ms. Brooks to post a meeting for March 17, 2005, at 5:00 pm at the Highway Garage, in order to discuss budget issues not completed at the March 16, 2005 Board or Public Works Meeting.
Mr. Vito discussed and reviewed with the Board various Department of Public Works Town Meeting Articles.
Mr. Vito provided a little insight on various meetings he’ll be attending for up coming projects.
Mr. Vito discussed the revenue based budget of the Transfer Station. Mr. Harvey made a motion to approve the Solid Waste bag sticker rate of $2.10 per bag, Vehicle Decal rate of $50.00 and $35.00 for Senior Citizen vehicles for FY 06 maintaining the same rates as FY 05. Mr. Hathaway second. Vote in favor unanimous. Mr. Vito informed the Board there will not be a Hazardous Waste Day due to poor participation last year. Mr. Vito explained last year’s ended up costing $1800. Mr. Vito stated that the Transfer Station right now collects hazardous waste April 1st to September 30th. Mr. Vito informed the Board every year a mailer goes out to the residents which includes a Newsletter. Mr. Nasuti requested Mr. Vito include text reflecting no increases on rates. Mr. Vito also informed the Board he’s trying to negotiate solid waste rates to generate extra revenue thereby reducing the fees.
Mr. Hathaway discussed with Mr. Vito the debt service. Mr. Vito informed the Board he’s had conversations with the Treasurer regarding debt service. Mr. Hathaway explained debt service, borrowing, and the stabilization fund.
Mr. Nasuti discussed his objective as the new Department of Public Works is to stay within budget.
Mr. Vito explained by doing all the vehicle maintenance at the Department of Public Works it will save the Town money. Mr. Nasuti concerned this concept is more expensive for the DPW. Mr. Melanson explained the labor expense will increase for the DPW but the big picture is the Town will benefit from a savings. Mr. Vito explained the concept of centralizing the Town Fuel and how cost effective it’s been.
Mr. Vito informed the Board that the former Cemetery Commission generally met once a year to approve a budget and set rates. The only other time the Commission met was to make a ruling regarding a specific situation that Mr. Vito didn’t feel was within his purview or precedence setting. Mr. Vito explained the process and procedures for maintaining the Cemetery.
Mr. Vito explained the areas of responsibilities of Ground Maintenance, i.e. the schools, Cemetery, etc.
Mr. Vito discussed the process to retrieve some snow storm revenue back from FEMA.
Mr. Russell Tierney, WhiteWater, Inc., discussed the need for new pumps for the water stations; the average PH level is 8; and the leak detention proposal from Conservation Technologies, Inc.
Mr. Vito discussed with the Board a letter and follow-up conversation he had with DEP regarding distribution and treatment of the water system and Mr. Tierney designated as Primary Operator and Mr. Vito as Secondary. Mr. Vito explained once an Operator is hired we’ll take over the distribution. Mr. Vito informed the Board the Town is no longer in an Emergency Status.
Mr. Vito discussed some options in the outsourcing of the water system, e. g., utilizing an existing contract with Environmental Partners. Mr. Vito informed the Board he’ll review and research.
Mr. Vito informed the Board of a meeting he scheduled with Dufresne-Henry on March 11, 2005 at 9:00 a.m. regarding status of all water projects and well #3. Mr. Nasuti will also attend.
The Board discussed with Mr. Vito existing professional services agreements and materials contracts/agreements. The Board discussed having a water specific consultant
vs. general consultant. Mr. Melanson requested Mr. Vito provide the Board with a summary type table to include existing formal and informal contracts; amounts; percent complete; if open-ended; date of last renewal.
Mr. Vito informed the Board all the information necessary for the Annual Town Report from all Divisions is being worked on and a draft copy will be provided next week.
Mr. Vito discussed with the Board two capital planning items included in FY 06 budget. In addition, due to the reorganization of the Department of Public Works, Mr. Vito will be working on a plan for FY 07 to include all Divisions.
Mr. Melanson discussed some maintenance issues with Mr. Tierney, e.g. painting of fire hydrants per Fire Chief; Weeber tank needing rehab in FY 07, e.g. drain, and paint inside and out for approximately $500,000, etc.
Mr. Melanson discussed with Mr. Tierney existing By-Laws, policies and procedures, etc. for Water Division. Mr. Melanson requested the Board be provided copies of all existing By-Laws, policies and procedures.
Mr. Vito provided a status update on inquiries regarding roadwork and street light issues from two residents.
Mr. Melanson discussed the pulling of ads for the Water Superintendent and Water Maintenance Operator positions but leaving Director of Public Works. Mr. Vito informed the Board he’s working on drafting the new ad for licensed Operator, considering the union’s position, with inclusion of salary, required licenses, and closing date. Mr. Melanson requested Mr. Vito send current applicants letters. Mr. Melanson requested the Board table discussion on the Director position interviews until next the meeting.
The Board discussed the list of delinquent water bills and shut off notices.
Mr. Hathaway made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Nasuti second. Vote in favor unanimous.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
| 
