Present: Harvey Nasuti, Vice-Chairman; Jack Hathaway, Member
Absent: Edward Melanson, Chairman
Ms. Donna Jones video-taped meeting.
Convened 6:00 p.m. in Room 214, Town Hall
Mr. Nasuti called the meeting to order.
Mr. Nasuti began with the Open Public Forum. Mr. Nasuti deferred to the next item on the Agenda since there was no one from the public in attendance.
Mr. Hathaway requested for clarity a change in the written format of the Meeting Minutes of April 13, 2005. Mr. Hathaway recommended only the Board Members be indicated on the Present Line. Mr. Hathaway made a motion to accept the Meeting Minutes of April 13, 2005 with the recommended changes. Mr. Nasuti second. Votes in favor unanimous. So moved.
Mr. Nasuti indicated he’d like to digress the meeting back to the Open Public Forum by soliciting Mr. John Oliveri for comments. Mr. Oliveri indicated he had no comments at this time. Mr. Nasuti advised Mr. Oliveri the Open Public Forum part of the meeting will then be closed and he’ll have to wait till the end of the meeting for comments.
Mr. Nasuti proceeded with the next portion of the meeting, Report from Interim DPW Director. Mr. Vito discussed water billing issues, i.e. water shut-off notices, lien issues, deficient meters, etc. Mr. Vito explained the list of high usage, estimated billing practices and options, both past and current. Mr. Vito discussed an e-mail from Ms. Lepardo, Treasurer/Collector, and her recommendations on dealing with these water billing issues. Mr. Vito recommends an estimate based on past history be used and install new meters and readers. Mr. Vito suggested the estimate usage be computed using the current water rate. Mr. Nasuti suggested any discrepancy found should warrant a letter to home owner indicating an inside read is necessary within 10 days. Mr. Nasuti indicated any non response to our request to
access would result in water shut off. Mr. Nasuti commended Mr. Vito for his efforts in doing a good job in resolving these deficiencies. Mr. Vito requested the Board review the list of high usage and recommend a concept.
Mr. Vito further discussed Ms. Lepardo’s e-mail regarding the purchase of water from other communities and the different methods used to bill. Mr. Vito explained the concept of other Towns not having the ability to lien houses in Norfolk and protecting the Town supplying the water with the ability to collect. Mr. Vito recommends this process be standardized. Mr. Vito indicated to the Board he’s reviewing various water billing issues that have surfaced.
Mr. Vito discussed with the Board status of various betterments still outstanding and not complete, i.e. Grove Street, Old Populatic.
Mr. Nasuti introduced Mr. Richard Griffin, an applicant for one of the water positions, to Mr. Hathaway. Mr. Nasuti indicated to Mr. Griffin due to the fact only 2 members of the Board are present no action would be taken tonight. Mr. Nasuti invited Mr. Griffin to stay for the rest of the Board Meeting.
Mr. Vito discussed payments on fire services, existing and future, connection fees, and service leaks. Mr. Vito discussed procedure to address service leaks, past practice and future. Mr. Vito indicated presently there are leaks on the home owner’s side of the curb stops resulting in a loss of water. Mr. Nasuti reiterated with Mr. Vito the process should include notification, time certain (30 days) to repair leak, and indicate the water would be shut off if not repaired within allotted time. Mr. Nasuti indicated the Town can not afford the loss of water. Mr. Vito recommended for clarity the Board include, in the very near future, as an Agenda item discussion regarding fire services, connection fees and service leaks.
Mr. Vito discussed comments from Dufresne-Henry regarding a 12 inch water line extension linking a proposed multi-lot sub-division on Dedham Street; AC pipe needing replacing; the Sharon Ave. Tank Project has funds available for repair of distribution system. Mr. Vito indicated he’ll be attending the Planning Board meeting regarding the sub-division.
Mr. Vito indicated Mr. Tierney is working on a Replacement Pipe Program for the Town and estimates for the extension of water line on Sharon Ave.
Mr. Vito discussed well #3 and a decision from the Board which needs to be incorporated into the 5 Year Water Management Plan being submitted to DEP. Mr. Vito explained the correlation between well #3 and the Norfolk and Franklin subsequent submittals of their 5 Year Plans. Mr. Vito discussed a recent meeting with Norfolk and Franklin and their respective engineering consultants regarding well #3. Mr. Vito explained the projected withdrawal of well #3 and provide Franklin with enough water to manage their well #4 and the Kingsbury Pond issues. Mr. Vito indicated there would not be enough water for both Towns. Mr. Vito further explained conversations with Millis regarding costs for hook up, etc. Mr. Vito indicated Norfolk could acquire 700 gallons a minute from Millis for a cost of approximately $1.95,
however, Franklin is first in line for a tie in and is on their permit. Mr. Vito indicated a Memorandum of Agreement would be necessary with Millis to be included on their DEP permit. Mr. Vito indicated at the Norfolk/Franklin meeting issues were raised regarding the acquisition of water by both Towns. Mr. Vito indicated Norfolk needs 500 gallons per minute back up now and an additional 500 gallons a minute long term. Mr. Vito recommends selling our well site to Franklin; review the Millis connection; and pursue installing an additional well at our existing Gold Street well site for 350 gallons a minute. Mr. Vito indicated the DEP is concerned with the Kingsbury Pond issues and impacts on Franklin’s wells #4 and #5. Mr. Vito explained he’d like to separate well #3 from the Millis connection for they are two separate issues. Mr. Vito requested the Board to accept the concept. Mr. Vito suggested setting up a meeting between
Franklin and the Board of Public Works citing our requirements and finalize the Millis connection.
Mr. Nasuti indicated he will not vote to relinquish the well #3 site with a potential 1,500 gallons a minute without assurances of additional water sources, i.e., Wrentham State School, Millis, etc. Mr. Vito indicated DEP may not address our request in the well #3 site is not resolved. Mr. Vito explained if we can go collectively to DEP with the concept of the Millis connection permit and concurrent with negotiations going on with well #3. Mr. Vito indicated progress is being made between Norfolk and Franklin.
Mr. Olivieri discussed his research into the Millis connection and even though Franklin is on the DEP piece of paper the criteria is what is best for the area. Mr. Olivieri indicated Kingsbury Pond has been an eye sore in the eyes of DEP. Mr. Olivieri informed the Board the water is pure it’s a great bargain at $1.95. Mr. Nasuti indicated the Board is trying to resolve the situation as best possible regarding the water supply issues.
Mr. Vito explained to the Board the dialogue to be included into the 5 Year Water Management Plan package regarding Norfolk’s discussions with Franklin to work out options between both Towns in acquiring additional water, i.e., sell/not sell the well #3 site, get water from Millis. Mr. Vito indicated Kingsbury Pond is the key issue on the short term with DEP. Mr. Vito explained the Board needs to approve the terminology used in this portion of the 5 Year Plan. Mr. Hathaway expressed concerns regarding the selling of property issue. Mr. Vito assured Mr. Hathaway this is not a commitment but rather an indicator things could/shall happen. Mr. Vito indicated this is strictly a 5 year plant and anything further would require negotiations, Town Meeting vote, contract signing, etc. Mr. Vito will e-mail the Board
members with the final verbiage.
Mr. Vito discussed the process necessary to include Norfolk on the Millis permit and suggested a letter from Franklin would help.
Mr. Vito informed the Board there is a new regulatory requirement in the works to get down to 65 gallons per person per day vs. the now 77 gallons per person per day. Mr. Vito suggested the Board consider a conservation of water concept.
Mr. Vito indicated the full flushing program will be done in early fall but there will be some area limited flushing to move water and after July 1 for valve and hydrant testing.
Mr. Vito discussed the Vehicle Stabilization Funds for Town Meeting over ride of $450,000 to fund the15 year program for purchase and maintenance. Mr. Hathaway explained this is a separate override to replace the way vehicles are funded presently. This is part of a couple of strategies to be implemented to save the Town money long term.
Mr. Vito indicated the street sweeper is down and is un-repairable. Mr. Vito has received a price from outside contractors of between $16,000 - $24,000. Mr. Vito indicated there is no money in the budget for this and he’ll be sending a reserve fund request to the Selectmen. Mr. Vito indicated the sweeping would take 6 weeks to complete. Mr. Vito indicated the Town is mandated to street sweep and clean basins annually under the Phase II Storm Water License with EPA. Mr. Vito indicated that even if approved at Town Meeting the Article for a new street sweeper needs to go for a June 14 ballot vote.
Mr. Vito indicated he’s also loosing a staff person. Mr. Vito if the request for a $20,000 reserve fund transfer is approved a sweeper will be in as soon as possible and the Town would be swept before the end of June.
Mr. Vito indicated he’d returned all the phone calls regarding sign issues as indicated on the net. The signs are ordered and will be installed as soon as they come in.
Mr. Vito the roundabout has been installed at Main, Rockwood and Union Street and seems to be working well. Mr. Vito observed the traffic, even a trailer truck, with no incidents or difficulty noted. Mr. Vito indicated additional work needs to be done and it should be completed by the Fall.
Mr. Hathaway indicated negotiations are on going with the land owner of the property regarding the easement at the Water tower.
Mr. Hathaway discussed preparations for the upcoming Town Meeting and possible topics to present, i.e. water enterprise fund, contract services vs. employees. Mr. Vito suggested the next Board Meeting, May 4, be dedicated in preparing for the Town Meeting.
Mr. Nasuti discussed the Article before Town Meeting regarding the Legislature issue in replacing the two senior Water Commissioners on the Board of Public Works. Mr. Hathaway explained the original Legislation specifically appointed the former Water Commissioners and this Article is addressing that issue whereas the other three members could be appointed by the Selectmen.
Mr. Vito discussed the letters addressed to some resident complaints regarding a sulfur smell in their water. Mr. Vito explained a limited area flushing should correct this problem. Mr. Vito indicated water samples have been taken from complainants. Mr. Vito mentioned flushing would occur in the Fall and be an annually program.
Mr. Nasuti discussed action items for the next meeting of May 4, 2005. Mr. Nasuti indicated Mr. Melanson will be creating the Agenda. Mr. Hathaway indicated the May 4 meeting will be to discuss and prepare issues for Town Meeting, i.e. organizational structural changes, programs, etc.
Mr. Nasuti requested Mr. Vito update the Board regarding the request to FEMA regarding the $90,000 reimbursement submittal for the blizzard. Mr. Vito indicated the estimate submitted is for $65,000 to NEMA and the State may be entertaining reimbursement of the remaining 25%. Mr. Vito explained no confirmation to date but have received inquiries on our submittal.
Mr. Hathaway discussed inquiries from one of the Selectmen and a resident regarding the possibility of saving money by shutting some the street lights off. Mr. Vito indicated the only area for savings would be on metered lights which are located in the Town Center. Mr. Vito suggested the Selectmen may want to review this concept as a conservation measure. Mr. Vito suggested discussing this issue with the Police Chief regarding public safety concerns. Mr. Vito also suggested this issue be discussed with Mr. Ron Bain at the Town Hall.
Mr. Hathaway made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Nasuti second. Vote in favor unanimous.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
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