HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - WC - 08/22/2018 G4 P
Cohasset Water Commissioners
John W. Steinmetz
r. D E P A R T M E N T RolfN. Gjesteby
°"" Q �) / /]�/� Leonora C. Jenkins
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Minutes of the Cohasset Board of Water Commissioners
339 King Street— Water Treatment Plant
Wednesday, August 22, 2018 @ 9:00 am
Members Present: John Steinmetz, Chairman
Rolf Gjesteby, Vice-Chairman
Leonora Jenkins, Clerk
Recording Secretary: Brenda Douglas
Guests Present: Joe Geary, Carl Hillstrom, Don Piatt, Jason Federico, David Bigley&
Alix White of 25 James Lane, Henry Rattenbury, Rich Henderson, Al Moore(101
Fairoaks Lane)and Paul Carlson,
John called the meeting called to order at 9:00 am., 2nd by Lee all in favor.
Public Comment
Rich Henderson was here to represent Mr. Moore on behalf of his abatement request.
Rich stated that they feel that the water usage was an act of vandalism. Mr. Moore said
that he reported it to the Police. John thanked Rich for coming in. John stated that when
going away for entire winter and not shutting off the water would be negligent. Mr.
Moore said he was unable to shut off water to the entire home due to his heating system.
Mr. Rattenbury was the caretaker while the Moore's were away, he stated that he heard
no water running while checking the inside of the home but did not go out back and
check for any issues. Once Mr. Rattenbury had found that there was an issue he checked
the outside of the home and found that in the back of the home a hose was attached to an
outside spigot and that it had split. Lee asked if Mr. Moore had contacted his insurance
company. He said that he has a large deductible and he would be still out a lot of money.
Mr. Moore said that he had cleaned his yard before leaving and put the hose away. Mr.
Moore thought it could have been kids in the neighborhood,but he could not be positive,
or maybe a neighbor had hooked it up to wash their dog after walking in the marsh in the
back. Mr. Moore then told the board that he did not leave until October, Lee questioned
why anyone would hook it up so late in the season and if there were ongoing problems
with children in the neighborhood or neighbors using other homeowners water? Mr.
Moore had changed his story several times during the discussion. John made a motion to
deny 2"d by Lee,all in favor.
25 James Lane Easement
Mr. Bigley told the board that they are subdividing the property. There is a water
easement currently on the property and would like it to be removed. Jason explained to
Mr. Bigley and Ms. White the option to eliminate the easement has to go to town
339 King Street,Cohasset,Massachusetts 02025
Tel:(781)383-0057 Fax:(781)383-2906 www.cohassetwater.org
meeting. Jason said that there is no need for the Water Department to have this easement,
due to the fact that this was an old line that used to go to Ellms Meadow, it has since been
abandoned. The only issue would be if it is still connected to the main on Pleasant Street.
If it is still attached to Pleasant Street,then the owners would have to cut and cap. John
said that the next step would be for them to hire attorney get paperwork put in place to be
voted on at a Commission meeting and then go to Special Town Meeting December 101b
The owners would responsible for Town Counsel to review and their estimate was
$5,000.00. Lee said that the board could get a place setting put in for the warrant article.
Financials
Don reported revenue and expenses through today. FY2019 came in about$5,000 higher
than last year. Don said that he is still trying to close out FY2018,which should be done
in the next 2 weeks. Lee brought up the dam project and how it won't be done until
Spring next year. Carl said the only critical portion of this is the spillway being done in
the fall. Jason said he will speak with them and see if that is feasible. Jason said to put
an article in for Fall Town Meeting. The only capital project that can be liquidated or
monies could be refurbished at Special Town Meeting is for water main extension at
bridge. Jason will look into the cost for the work
Woodard& Curran
Looping S. Main to Ledgewood Farm Drive—2 services to connect still,need to get into
homes.
Verizon Antennas—The last project has not been completed yet and Jason said that the
board should hold them accountable for the first part of the project before allowing them
to proceed. John stated that his service has not improved at all since the new antennas
have been put up. Lee asked about when the increase would come into effect.
Scituate Hill Water Tank Painting—Bid came in at$280,000. The company who was
low bidder was the same company that did Bear Hill Tank,RJ Forbes. John made a
motion to approve bid from RJ Forbes 2nd by lee all in favor.
THM Study—Samples were taken on Tuesday,this week. Jason will send Carl a list to
do additional testing. Jason asked the board to approve $3,000 for additional lab costs.
John made a motion to approve the$3,000.00 for lab costs, 2°d by Lee all in favor.
Communications/SCADA Update-Joe reported that bid documents for examination and
made available to bidders will be on 8/29. Pre-bid meeting is 9/6,bid receipt/opening
9/21, anticipated notice to proceed 10/1, substantial completion 12/31,final completion
and acceptance 1/30/19. Jason still needs a project estimate for cost to put on central
register.
Dam Repairs—Jason will see if spill way can be done sooner than later. We owe DCR
updated emergency plan. The inundation section needs to be reviewed,Jason also
reached out to Weston& Sampson for this. This should be completed October 25, 2018
Harvester/Weed Disposal-State money to purchase- Still in committee. Company
should be here tomorrow with the harvester.
339 King Street,Cohasset,Massachusetts 02025
Tel:(781)383-0057 Fax:(781)383-2906 www.cohassetwater.org
Are Flash Study-Draft report was submitted to Joe and Carl and should be complete next
week.
Fencing& Cameras around Ellms Meadow-Ron and Jason are going out to see about
camera options. Lee asked if the signs can be lowered on the poles.
Reservoir Levels/Rainfall Update-Carl reported we have about 1 week before we shut
down bound brook then we will be in mandatory restrictions. We have received just over
2"of rain this month. Restrictions would go out via Code Red and the town web site.
Main break Atlantic Ave. &Maintenance on 3A @ Pond-Work completed
Graph Testing Data-Jason has not done anything since last
Water Department Website—Brenda reported that she has signed up with the town to
take a class so that she can update the site on behalf of the board.
Abatements/Warrants/Minutes
Lee made motion to approve the June 13, 2018 meeting notes, 2"d by Rolf. Then
Lee made an additional motion to approve the July 17, 2018 meeting notes, 2"d by Rolf,
all in favor.
Joe presented the board a quote to run unmanned. He asked that the board review and
they can discuss at next month's meeting.
Commission Comments
Lee asked Jason what the procedure is for Capital Budget. Needs to go through Chris
Senior first then he will bring to Selectmen. The forms still need to be filled out.
Rolf then asked about Jason's chart on the usage rates. Jason suggested that the board
stop talking about the capital recovery charge going away and simply rename it to Capital
Charge, so once everything is paid off then the monies can be used for upcoming capital
projects.
John made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:18 am, 2"d by Lee, all in favor.
Next meeting September 12' @ 9:00
Respectfully Submitted,
Brenda Douglas,Recording Secretary J
Approved Date:
Leonora C. Jenkins, Clerk
Cohasset Board of Water Commissioners
339 King Street,Cohasset, Massachusetts 02025
Tel:(781)383-0057 Fax:(781)383-2906 www.cohassetwater.org