Present: Edward Melanson, Chairman and Harvey Nasuti, Vice-Chairman
Absent: Jack Hathaway, Member
Convened 6:00 p.m. in Room 214, Town Hall
Mr. Melanson called the meeting to order.
Mr. Melanson began with the Open Public Forum portion of the meeting. Mr. Olivieri indicated he’d given some of his concerns to Mr. Vito, who is working on his issues, and, therefore, he would defer his comments until such time that the issues are addressed during the meeting.
Mr. Nasuti made a motion to table the acceptance and approval of the previous meeting minutes until there is full membership. Mr. Melanson seconded. Votes in favor unanimous. So moved.
Mr. Vito discussed a request from the Girl Scouts to hold a carwash fund raiser at the Federated Church on June 18 or June 25, 2005. Mr. Nasuti expressed some concerns regarding the existing water ban and this request. Mr. Nasuti preferred holding the carwash on June 18. Mr. Melanson indicated any large water user fund raiser organization that has a legitimate public service can certainly come before the Board for permission. Mr. Nasuti made a motion to approve the Scouts carwash program on June 18 with a rain date of June 25. Mr. Melanson second. Votes in favor unanimous. So moved.
Mr. Vito discussed the water ban currently in effect. Mr. Melanson recommends any discussions on the issues of the water ban be addressed when all three Board members are in attendance.
Mr. Vito discussed the list of adjusted water bills explaining the process used, i.e. re-read inside water meter, reviewed history of use, etc. Mr. Nasuti asked Mr. Vito if the meter deficiencies will be corrected. Mr. Vito responded the meters will be replaced immediately. Mr. Vito further explained 2 water bills that indicated high usage. Mr. Melanson explained the purpose and correlation between the outside reader and the inside water meter. Mr. Melanson discussed calibration testing the water meters. Mr. Vito explained approximately 35 meters will be replaced after this billing cycle. Mr. Vito indicated he’ll be addressing in the future further discussions regarding a major aggressive meter replacement program. Mr. Vito indicated any additional inquiries regarding water bills he’s suggesting
the residents pay their bill to avoid late charges and then each will be evaluated. Mr. Nasuti made a motion to accept all the recommendations made by the Interim Director with the exception of holding 2 Bigelow Place and 97 Myrtle Street. Mr. Melanson seconded. Votes in favor unanimous. So moved.
Mr. Vito reiterated that water meter at 97 Myrtle Street will be sent out for calibration testing with the understanding that testing costs will be borne by the resident if tests proves meter is accurate. Mr. Melanson reiterated the Board will await further investigation and recommendations from Mr. Vito regarding 97 Myrtle Street and 2 Bigelow Place.
Mr. Vito discussed an annotation to be included with the adjusted bills indicating these are estimated bills, new meters will be installed and the next reading may be higher because it’s an actual read.
Mr. Vito discussed recycling and the possible opportunity of generating revenue.
Mr. Vito discussed the clerical staff becoming unionized. The list of positions eligible for inclusion are the Executive Assistant, Administrative Assistant and Clerk. Mr. Vito indicated due to the Executive Assistant’s involvement with contract negotiations she should be exempt from the inclusion list. Mr. Nasuti made a motion the Board send notice through the Interim Director of Public Works to the Union Representative that the Executive Assistant position for the DPW not be included as part of the Union contract. Mr. Melanson second. Vote in favor unanimous. So moved.
Mr. Vito discussed the Solid Waste Contract with SEMASS which runs out in July 1. Mr. Vito indicated he’s pursuing a better contract. Mr. Vito stated he’s currently looking for a short term 3 year contract in order to keep looking for a better prices.
Mr. Vito discussed the well #3 Agreement and a meeting he attended with the Town Administrator, Director of Public Works and Water Superintendent of Franklin. Mr. Vito indicated the well site is being appraised by Bucklin Appraisal of Walpole. Mr. Bucklin is creating two concepts for review, 10 year lease and an out right sell.
Mr. Vito informed the Board a letter was forwarded to get Norfolk on the permit with Millis. Mr. Vito indicated he’d received phone calls from the Wrentham Development Center and the local State Representative regarding discussions and possible connectivity with the Center. The Board identified their priorities for the pursuit of additional water sources as 1. Connectivity with Millis and 2. Connectivity with the Wrentham Development Center.
Mr. Vito reviewed with the Board the revised Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) which included edits from the Board and suggestions from Mr. Garry McCarthy, Dufresne-Henry. Mr. Nasuti made a motion to accept the CCR as is. Mr. Melanson seconded. Votes in favor unanimous. So moved.
Mr. Melanson discussed the upcoming Norfolk Day and the present and future involvement of the Department of Public Works, i.e. Road Safety, etc. Mr. Nasuti suggested for next year the Board consider having available various water conservation displays and handouts. Mr. Melanson also suggested for next year each Division have a display.
Mr. Vito informed the Board he’ll be meeting with various water meter vendors to finalize the Water Meter Program.
Mr. Vito informed the Board he’d been contacted by a couple of wireless companies and he’ll keep the Board apprised of the outcome. Mr. Vito indicated an easement had been signed by the Board of Selectmen.
Mr. Vito indicated he’d met with ADT regarding buying out the contract. ADT is evaluating and will get back with us.
Mr. Vito discussed the status of Vehicle Stabilization over-ride question due for a vote on June 14. Mr. Vito explained the concepts of borrowing funds to pay for vehicles vs. putting money aside to buy. Mr. Vito indicated there’s a potential savings of $1.5M over a 15 year period from borrowing vs. buying. Mr. Melanson indicated the Board would need to meet on June 15, should the over-ride questions not pass, to discuss the next necessary course of action by the Board.
Mr. Nasuti indicated he’s had questions poised to him regarding the progress of the project on and the entrance of Boardman Street. Mr. Vito indicated the bad weather and the NSTAR strike slowed down the progress but it’s starting next week and should take 4 days. Mr. Vito indicated next week there will be paving crews in the center of Town and many detours.
Mr. Nasuti also indicated he’d been approached regarding the Board of Public Works’ involvement in the day-to-day operations vs. setting up the Department. Mr. Nasuti concurs the Board needs to get back on track with setting up the Department. Mr. Melanson discussed the accomplishments of the Board to date. Mr. Melanson suggested establishing a couple of sub-committees under the Board to address and research some issues. Mr. Vito indicated the Board had made a lot of progress considering some adverse situations and issues, i.e. shortfall of personnel in Water Division, resignation of 2 Board Members, etc.
Mr. Nasuti inquired about the status of the piece of Legislation to replace the two Board Members who resigned. Mr. Nasuti suggested that Representative Ross and/or State Senator Brown be contacted regarding an update of an anticipated date of enactment.
Mr. Vito indicated the water foreman position has been re-advertised. Mr. Vito also indicating water policies and procedures are currently being reviewed by Mr. Russell Tierney, WhiteWater, Inc.
Mr. Melanson indicated the Board’s next meeting date is June 15. The primary purpose of the meeting is to address any of the over-ride issues. Mr. Melanson indicated the meeting on June 22 will be a regular Board meeting.
Mr. Melanson asked Mrs. Brooks to set up the future Board meetings for every other Wednesday starting after June 22.
Mr. Melanson made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Nasuti second. Vote in favor unanimous.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
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