May 22, 2006
Present: Ed Melanson, Chairman; Harvey Nasuti, Vice Chairman; Ellen Friedman, Member; Dan Winslow, Member; Vida Holmes, Member.
Harvey Nasuti called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. at the Town Hall in Room 124.
Mr. Nasuti opened with the Open Public Forum portion of the meeting. Selectman Jonathan Smith informed the Board that Selectman Jim Lehan will be liaison beginning with the next meeting. Mr. Nasuti thanked Mr. Smith for his time spent with the Board. The discussion continued with regard to the level of oversight necessary when the Board dissolves; the need to address issues such as leaks, flushing, redundancy, and rates were discussed.
Mr. Melanson arrived and continued with the Report from the Director of Public Works. Regarding the Rte. 115 Water Project, Mr. Vito informed the Board that it was going out to bid since funds were approved at Town Meeting; plans to start the project in early-mid July.
Mr. Vito continued with a discussion regarding the wireless lease – RFPs going back out; going forward with Cingular lease agreement, but also wanted to look at Nextel who may resubmit meeting the minimum of $28,000.00. Mr. Winslow made a motion to reconsider earlier rejection of Nextel proposal on the condition that they meet the minimum bid requirement of $28,000.00, and on the further understanding that these terms would be made available to all similarly situated providers, Mr. Melanson seconded, and it was so voted. Mr. Melanson questioned when the Town will no longer be obligated to pay 20% of the lease to Mr. Borrelli for use of the access road; Mr. Vito informed the Board that when we find other access we will no longer be responsible, or when we accept the roads, however, there may be
right-of-way issue with accepting the roads. Mr. Vito also informed the Board that the Town will maintain the access road to the well with regard to plowing, etc., and can possibly accept just that road. Discussion continued with regard to ownership of the land between Town and Water Enterprise, and how to divide payments.
Mr. Vito continued with discussion regarding the funding of vehicle budget request; no consensus was reached. Discussion moved on to water conservation signs; typed copy has been approved, Ms. Friedman will complete the artwork. Discussion continued with regard to the Consumer Confidence Report; Board members will review and e-mail comments by Thursday, May 25, 2006.
Mr. Vito informed the Board that the Wheelabrator contract has been sent out.
Discussion continued with respect to a resident issue involving the depth of their water service at time of inspection several years ago. Mr. Vito has requested plans showing approved grade at the time of inspection, and is also looking into determining how and when original inspection was completed. Department of Public Works (DPW) will review and make a recommendation.
Discussion continued with respect to the Street Opening Regulations handbook; it was agreed to table the discussion until next week.
Discussion continued with respect to the Water Rates and Fees Study RFP. Mr. Winslow reviewed his comments and suggestions, and the Board discussed these and other member suggestions. The timetable for publication and submittals was discussed. Advertise 5/31, Register will be published June 7; proposals due two weeks later, at 1:00 p.m. on June 21, 2006; interviews will be held July 10; tentative notice to proceed will be issued August 1, 2006.
Discussion continued with regard to the benefit of setting rates in-house vs. using an outside source; it was agreed that the perceived non-bias of an outside firm would be a benefit, but the Town would always reserve the right to set the rates in-house, if not satisfied with proposals. Mr. Vito informed the Board that the DPW had done a quick survey with regard to the cost of 1” service connections, and determined that Norfolk’s cost is very low; suggested that this is something that needs to be addressed.
Mr. Vito continued with a discussion of the Town being responsible for all connections from the main to private property, whenever a new service is being installed, i.e., private plumbers don’t need to access main. DPW is currently testing this process on two properties.
Mr. Vito continued with a discussion of Boy Scouts’ request to have a carwash, and it was determined that they do not need to come before the Board, since we have switched to a voluntary conservation plan. Notification would occur if a water ban was implemented.
Discussion continued with regard to the 25,000 gallon rate threshold combined with a 7 month billing period. It was agreed that this would be discussed further during the rate study process.
At 9:20 p.m. being no further business Mr. Melanson made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Mr. Winslow seconded and it was so voted.
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