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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - WC - 02/28/2017 w� = Cohasset Water N - -kMW D E P A R T M E N T Commissioners - � So*ff the Cawmndy Since 1950 Rolf ra Gjesteby T OHASSET Leonora C.Jenkins John W. Steinmetz Minutes of the Cohasset Board of Water Commissioners 339 King Street— Water Treatment Plant February 28, 2017 @ 9:00 am Members Present: Rolf Gjesteby, Chairman Leonora Jenkins,Vice-Chairman John Steinmetz, Clerk Recording Secretary: Brenda Douglas Guests Present: Carl Hillstrom, Joe Geary, Paul Carlson, Brian Joyce, Chris Senior, Doreene Close, Greg Morse, Susan Sami,Jeff Summers, Kevin Cafferty, Sean Anderson, Frank Snow Rolf called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.m. 2"d by Lee, all in favor. 8 James Lane Brenda reported that yesterday the sewer passed the pressure test. Water main was flushed and turned on and meters were installed at units 16 & 18 James Lane. Rolf mentioned that the Strawberry Parfait was being used for storage. Rolf wanted to know if it was being metered, and it is being metered. The Parfait water connection has been where the developer has been obtaining water during construction. Aaron River Reservoir Dam Maintenance Update Carl said the report will be complete the end of March. He was given an estimate of $128K- $227K. Joe spoke to Jessica Richard of Woodard &Curran who looked at the upcoming grant program, and she feels that there is a good chance in getting grant monies for the dam due to it being high priority. Jessica said that it will be posted in May or June. Lee asked about the other grant monies which may be available and Joe explained that Cohasset would not qualify. Capital Budget Meeting Recommendations Rolf and Lee attended the Capital Budget meeting last night. The board was very concerned where the monies were coming from to do the expected capital projects. Lee explained to them that the rate study considered various projects going forward and included the cost for bonding the projects in the rate study. The board also was concerned about the cost of the looping if the monies would be adequate. Carl stated that it was an estimate. Borings would have to be done to see how much ledge is there. Carl said that ledge could become a cost issue which could significantly increase the cost of the project. Carl said in order to get construction done in a timely manner that 339 King Street,Cohasset,Massachusetts 02025 Tel:(781)383.0057 Fax:(781)383-2906 www.cohassetwater.org it would have to go out to bid sooner than later. Brian said that they would give the plans and specs to the new person. Brian said that text specs would need to be supplied to the town by W&C engineers. Carl said that he would like fall construction. Brian said to verify that all easements are in place. John said that since there are several easements and properties that we should have an attorney review. John said that before they spend 400K to make sure to get an attorney to sign off on what we actually have for easements and that they are properly recorded. I explained that Rod Hoffman of Deutsch Williams worked on this before. John also asked that a quote be given on the cost for Town Counsel to verify the work they previously completed for the Water Department. Rolf made a mention to look at the easements and reach out to Glenn &town counsel to verify that easements are in place and properly recorded,John made a motion also to get a cost estimate from town counsel as well, this was 2°d by Lee all in favor. Lee then reviewed the rate study and explained how the Capital Recovery Charge would be used to pay off debt but also to create retained earnings for future capital projects. Lee said that Mary Gallagher said that it would not be cost effective for the Water Department to go out to bond for $400K for the Ledgewood Farm Drive loop project as the cost associated with going out to bond for such a small amount would dramatically increase the cost of the bond. As has been explained, unless absolutely necessary we should be waiting for the town to group lending from different departments or to refinance town bonds and then we would not be charged additional fees. Lee said that Capital Budget suggested charging betterments for improvements to water mains that are being replaced in front of homes. Brian stated that it was not a good idea. Sewer was charged betterment because there was an extension of the sewer system. Brian said if there was not water in an area that needed to be developed then that would be a different story. Brian updated on Bound Brook—N. side culverts have been installed. They are forming today the upstream side of the culvert. They will be increasing the movement of the water over the dam by putting in a larger pump. Brian has spoken to all residents with complaints of water on their property. After forms are complete and the head wall is complete, the contractor will backfill the north side and put in the new water main. New water main will go in and that side of the street and 2 12"insertion valves will be installed so that there will be no disruption to water service. Chris mentioned that at the March 14th Selectmen's meeting they will be looking at the water/sewer budgets. Woodard & Curran Operations Update Chemical Conversion - Carl told the board that the 2000-gallon bulk tank was delivered on Friday, the electrician has done the prewiring, and day tanks should be delivered next week. The plumber and electrician will be back in once the tank is set. Joe said that the controls for the new chemical system were ordered. Carl is meeting March 15 with the Chemical Consortium to make sure to get the best pricing on chemicals for the upcoming fiscal year. 339 King Street,Cohasset,Massachusetts 02025 Tel:(781)383-0057 Fax:(781)383-2906 www.cohassetwater.org Carl spoke to Dan Whitney of Solid Waste Solutions about sludge removal for this year. He stated he was looking into land application but found it to be excessively expensive. We will now proceed this year with disposal through a landfill. Carl also spoke with AE diving to schedule the removal of sludge from in front of the intake. Lee asked for what size bag Carl would get. Carl said he is going to look into a larger bag. Lee also asked for a report as to the results of the removal as to efficiency at intake, invasive control in the area. Chris told the board that he had spoken with the Town Manager in Duxbury in regards to using the weed puller for the pond. He stated that he seems to be receptive to doing this. The Town of Duxbury would probably have one of their personal do the removal. Chris did not have any idea of what the cost would be. Lee then said she has reached out to the schools and Jack Buckley about getting kids to do some cleanup but had not received a response. Chris stated that the town has never done an Earth Day cleanup, and maybe the Water Department should start out this year. Lee asked Susan Sarni, Health Agent, if she would think of any ideas for an Earth Day extravaganza. Scituate New Construction Summer Street @ Cedar—Impact on Cohasset Watershed Gregory Morse of Morse Engineering made a presentation. There are tributaries on the site,which even the state was unaware of. The site is 13 acres. They plans propose for 1 house on Summer Street. It was brought to their attention that the tributaries are there, this was done by an abutter,Doreen Close. There was an extensive site walk. The septic is 201' away. Susan asked if there would be any variances, and he stated that it was not required. The potable well will be 100' away from the septic. He explained that he looked at the Cohasset bylaws and they meet all requirements. The DEP has been out and approved the project to go forward based on DEP regulations. Doreen Close, an abutter, then spoke to everyone and addressed her concerns. John stated that the board has no jurisdiction over Scituate. John asked if she can prove that it will adversely our watershed. She stated that sewer is not allowed in a flood plain. Frank Snow, Scituate Conservation Commission stated that Mr. Morse has informed his board that it falls under Zoning Board not Conservation. The DEP inspector was Mr. Bruce Boch, and Frank said stated that he is the one who has all the knowledge. DEP has approved the plan going forward. This meets both towns zoning bylaws. Frank said that there would be a hearing on Wednesday night. Once they have all the information then a determination would be given. If no variances are needed then an order of conditions would be done. Frank then said that the original project has been downsized quite a bit from a 2 homes to a 1 home 3 bedroom. John said that he would like to set up a means of communication so that everyone is kept in the loop. Jeff Summers, Cohasset Conservation asked that if there are any new developments coming up to make sure the Water Department and Board of Health in Cohasset be kept in the loop. Doreen asked if the towns would be interested in purchasing the property. John&Frank said that it is in front of them for a hearing and it would not be ethical to discuss someone else purchasing it at this time. John and Frank both said that it would have to go in front of the CPC. Warrants -The board signed off and approved all warrants. 339 King Street,Cohasset,Massachusetts 02025 Tel:(781)383-0057 Fax:(781)383.2906 www.cohassetwater.org Meeting Notes John motion to approve the February 7,2017 meeting notes, this was 2°d by Rolf All in favor. Abatements 28 Black Horse Lane—Mr. Greene requested abatement of his February 1, 2017 water bill. The house has been vacant since he purchased it last June. The home had not been winterized and the water was still on. A pipe froze and split which caused a large water bill. John stated that he felt that it was neglect on their part and as such did not meet the board criteria for abatement. John made a motion to deny request for abatement at 28 Black horse Lane, this was 2°d by Rolf all in favor. Commission Comments There was again a discussion about getting the kids to help with cleanup of town land. Lee will talk with Chris about any liability issues there may be and work with Chris to try to coordinate something for Earth Day. Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 2V @ 9:00 am. Rolf made a motion to adjourn at 10:55,2°d by Lee. Respectfully Submitted, Brenda Douglas, Recording Secretary Approved By: IN Date J /�s ) 7 J Steinmetz, Clerk ohasset Board of Water Commiss ners 339 King Street,Cohasset,Massachusetts 02025 Tel:(781)383-0057 Fax:(781)383.2906 www.cohassetwater.org