HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - SC - 03/07/2017 ° - TOWN OF COHASSET
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Date: March 7, 2017
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Place: Willcutt Commons, Point Room
Present: William McGowan, Chairman
John Beck, Vice Chairman
Wayne Sawchuk, Clerk
Dan Coughlin, Consultant Engineer
Mary Gallagher, Finance Director
Chris Senior,Town Manager
William McGowan called meeting to order at 4:02
1. Administration
Cohasset Sewer Commission-Meeting March 28, 2017 at Willcutt Commons in Point Room
@4:00.
Regional Sewer Meeting-Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at Willcutt Commons in Chart Room @2:00.
Approve Meeting Minutes: No action taken
2. New Business
A. Suez- McGowan would like to discuss how the third person at the WWTP will be utilized.
He would like to obtain a defined work scope as well as skill set. Sawchuk would like
someone with mechanical skills to help with many tasks that are currently being out-
sourced. Board instructs Michelle to have a discussion with Scott Papa to see what skill
set he would prefer. His input is important as we move forward with filling an open po-
sition.
B. Citizens Petition- Beck has given this much thought to this petition. He believes the ca-
pacity at the Cohasset WWTP is finite, and we are approaching the limits of how much
more flow we can accommodate. Any decision of how the Town should ultimately use
this capacity should be carefully considered, strategic process that evaluates all poten-
tial options. The petition is also deficient in that there is no specific financing of the pro-
posed sewer expansion include. Sawchuk would like a plan with line delineation. Beck
asks Senior if Citizens Petition has been approved by Town Council. Sawchuk raises fur-
ther concerns regarding the water line and its proximity to proposed sewer line and
would like to see this defined on an engineered plan.The Citizen's Petition presents one
Cohasset Board of Sewer Commissioners Page 1
of a number of options and it is the current position of the Board of Sewer Commission-
ers that it would be premature to commit the remaining capacity at our treatment plant
at this time.
C. Budget-Gallagher and Senior are present to review FY'18 budget. Beck indicates if the
residents of Cohasset do not agree to the rate increase, the Sewer Commission will be
forced to borrow money to replace the plant membranes. Senior advised the Board to
prepare an alternate budget in the event their first budget is not approved. Senior ques-
tioned the membrane replacement plan. Beck indicated all membranes will be replaced
at one time. Senior cautions the Board not to deplete retained earnings for the mem-
brane replacement. He would like the Board to maintain a cushion of$200k-$300k in
retained earnings. Senior recommends the Board consider floating a bond to accommo-
date the cost of the membrane replacement. Beck respectfully disagrees and would ra-
ther pay now, than pay later at an increased cost due do to interest rates. Beck reminds
all present at the meeting there hasn't been a rate increase since 2007.
D. Pump Stations- High School pump station is in need of immediate repair. The estimated
cost is$250k to rehab the entire station. Beck inquires as to the urgency of rehabbing
the pump station. Coughlin states, after thorough inspection he believes it is imminent
and should be addressed promptly. At the very least one pump should be removed and
rebuilt and/or replaced at a cost of$20k. The timeframe to repair/rebuild pump station
is approximately eight weeks, with a complete closure of two to three days.
E. Regional Meeting- Board inquires as to the timeframe of a potential regional solution.
The estimated timeframe is 2.5-3years to begin implementations.
Motion to adjourn meeting at 5:05 by Beck, seconded by Sawchuk, unanimous.
Cohasset Board of Sewer Commissioners Page 2