Present: Edward Melanson, Chairman Harvey Nasuti, Vice-Chairman
Absent: Jack Hathaway, Member
Mr. Melanson called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. in Room 124 of the Town Hall.
Mr. Melanson began with the Open Public Forum portion of the meeting addressing those in attendance; since there were no issues brought before the Board, he continued to the next item on the agenda.
A motion was made by Mr. Nasuti to approve the Meeting Minutes of September 28, 2005, Mr. Melanson seconded, and it was so voted.
The Meeting continued with the items slated for discussion and approval. Mr. Vito provided the Board with an update on the search for an Administrative Assistant in the DPW office noting the position was posted in August; there were fifteen applicants; seven interviews; and from that, three finalists were selected. Mr. Vito continued with his recommendation for the position, Ms. Amy Brady, noting her qualifications, experience and dedication to the community. Mr. Vito informed the Board that this would be a Union position when and if the Union was formed, until then the position falls under the jurisdiction of the Personnel Board. Mr. Vito noted that he was scheduled to attend the Personnel Board meeting on October 13th to discuss finalizing the Clerk’s position and his recommendation for the Administrative
Assistant pending the Board’s approval to move forward. A motion was made by Mr. Nasuti to approve hiring the Administrative Assistant based upon the recommendation of the Director of Public Works, Mr. Melanson seconded, and it was so voted.
Mr. Nasuti suggested deferring discussion of the organizational structure and interim positions to the end of the Meeting and it was agreed.
The Meeting continued with an update of the Hydrant Testing Program currently in progress. Mr. Vito informed the Board that there are only a couple of areas remaining and due to the issues which arose as a result of the testing last week, the work was stopped. Mr. Vito continued by informing the Board that a mailing had been prepared to inform the residents in these areas, that hydrant testing would begin October 24th between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and there would be some disturbance in the system and the potential for discolored water if hydrant valves stick or if a stem breaks causing a faster flow of water than needed. Mr. Melanson inquired about the possibility of performing the testing at night when there was less demand on the system. Mr. Vito informed the Board that the function is currently
performed under a private contract and he would check with the contractor and inform the Board. Mr. Vito also noted that the Hydrant Flushing Program is scheduled as a night time function. Mr. Melanson and Mr. Nasuti remarked that notification is a priority when performing any of these functions to ensure that residents are aware the Department is using every means possible to keep them informed and keep disturbances at a minimum.
The discussion continued with an update from Mr. Vito on the ADT Contract and buyout status. Mr. Vito informed the Board that he met with the ADT representative in May to discuss the contract and services. He continued noting that we own the equipment that was installed by ADT but the service connection was never completed; our system is currently protected through the SCADA System which addresses our water security issues; future plans for the unused equipment installed by ADT has been discussed with the Information Technology Director. Mr. Vito recommended accepting the contract buyout amount of $6,362.00 proposed by the ADT representative noting that he would draft a letter to ADT if the Board agreed. Mr. Nasuti made a motion to approve Mr. Vito’s recommendation for the ADT Contract buyout amount of
$6,362.00, Mr. Melanson seconded, and it was so voted.
The Meeting continued with a discussion of the Town Meeting Article referencing the Agreement with the Town of Millis and potential questions that may be brought up at Town Meeting. Mr. Nasuti noted that discussing the cost of water at this point would be premature; the main objective is to solidify the negotiations with the Town of Millis to assure that it is a viable option for the Town and once that occurs we can discuss and negotiate a price, which would be in the best interest of the Town.
Mr. Vito continued the discussion noting the information submitted by Dufresne-Henry outlining funding requirement to complete the Norfolk/Millis Interconnection and reviewed available funding sources with the Board. He also noted that Gary McCarthy of Dufresne Henry would attend the November 9th Meeting to review the information with the Board.
The Meeting continued with a discussion on defining services performed by the Department of Public Works. Mr. Vito noted that with additional buildings coming on line and the creation of the Buildings Supervisor position, functions and responsibilities would need to be defined; what maintenance functions would the DPW perform and what would the Building Supervisor oversee; fee based functions associated with Recreation and Water would need to be outlined; fees may need to be revised based on level of service and staffing requirements. It was noted that this would also be a matter for discussion during the budget process.
Mr. Vito continued by informing the Board of a Sensus Metering Solutions Seminar scheduled for October 18th in Milford, MA. The seminar would include a discussion on a variety of Sensus Metering Systems. Mr. Vito noted that the Department has been replacing broken meters with Sensus meters as needed because they are equip allow for either wireless or radio reads. Mr. Nasuti noted his availability and would attend the seminar with Mr. Vito, Russell Tierney and Brian Burtwell.
The Meeting continued with Board Business and the discussion of scheduling a joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen and Board and Public Works to finalize the two Board vacancies. Mr. Melanson noted that four citizens had applied for the vacancies and that a joint vote between the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Public Works was required to replace the two seats vacated by the former Water Commissioners. A date equally agreeable to both Boards would need to be determined.
Mr. Melanson continued noting the need to review and revise the Water Use Restriction Bylaws.
The Board agreed to defer discussion of the organizational structure and interim positions to the next meeting.
Mr. Nasuti made a motion to adjourn to meeting. Mr. Melanson seconded, and it was so voted. The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
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