2026-09-02 - Water and Sewer Commission Meeting

Summary

The commission, chaired by Robert Coleman, opened with approval of minutes and warrants, followed by Veolia's monthly operating report showing improving compliance and flagging I&I/manhole defects on City Depot Road along with a ~$38K Route 20 sewer line cleaning proposal. Jennifer Cournoyer was appointed water/sewer administrative coordinator. The board renewed the sewer moratorium through August 3, 2028, preserving 100,000 gal/day of capacity allocation, and approved a water bill abatement for 41 Lake View Drive due to a faulty meter. Members discussed transferring $1M and $400K from retained earnings into stabilization funds and debated hiring an owner's representative/engineering consultant (McClure/Chris) to help catch up on DEP compliance after 11 quarters of permit violations. They also discussed a possible 5-year extension to Veolia's contract operations agreement and a ~$25,000 capital article for office renovations at the October special town meeting. The board voted to raise sewer rates roughly 20% across residential and commercial customers effective October 2026 (billed January 2027) and increased the sewer privilege/tie-in fee to $12,000/EDU. Additional items included approval of the Griffin Road waterline extension and discussion of candidates for the water/sewer superintendent position.

Issues discussed: Sewer Rate Increase and DEP Compliance

Transcript

0:07 | I uh Robert Coleman, chair of the Chton Republican Chton Chton Water and Sewer Commission, do call this meeting of
0:15 | September 2nd, 2026 to order at 6:31 p.m. uh with the presence of our full
0:25 | committee, all five of us and everyone else too. And uh first order of business as the commissioner's uh public forum.
0:36 | Uh anything not on the agenda that uh needs to be mentioned right now.
0:48 | Uh hearing none. Uh the next item on our agenda is uh the minutes for the previous meeting.
0:58 | Yes. So, I make a motion to accept the minutes dated August 5th, 2026 as written.
1:07 | I second.
1:09 | Is there any discussion hearing? None. I call time for a vote on the motion.
1:19 | Uh, Mr. Aseno. I. Mr. Graten. I. Mr. Gagner. Hi. Mr. Thomas Coleman.
1:28 | Hi, Mr. Robert Coleman. Hi. Great.
1:34 | And I make a motion to accept the warrants totaling 198,81246.
1:46 | I second. Is there a discussion?
1:56 | hearing none. Uh, it's time for a vote on the motion. Uh, Mr. Oeno, I.
2:04 | Mr. Grten, I.
2:06 | Mr. Gagner, hi. Mr. Thomas Coleman.
2:09 | Hi, Mr. Robert Coleman. Hi.
2:18 | And for the next order of business, a schedule appointment uh with Violia's monthly operating report.
2:27 | Good evening. Um you have the MO for um July. Just quickly go over a couple things. Um we did have some violations.
2:37 | Uh they are getting better. Um we're working on that. We actually had a process control person at the plant yesterday that met with my staff and
2:46 | Zach and we're going to be um making some changes over a small period of time. Hopefully get everything back in
2:53 | compliance. If you look under the operation and maintenance of activities, you'll see that we've been doing a lot of work. Um removing pumps, rebuilding pumps, getting pump stations working.
3:03 | So, we're making a lot of progress there. Um all the pump stations now have been cleaned. All the dials are calling out as they should. Um, the other thing
3:13 | is I provided a report to Vinnie on the work that we did on City Depot Road.
3:20 | Just that small amount of work identified 13 INI places where you have INI issues on your pipe. Um, one crack
3:27 | pipe. The manhole inspections um identified 37 manhole defects, some of
3:34 | those causing infiltration. So this this work that we've completed can um count
3:40 | towards the seam work that the D's um after the town about that'll have to be reported by uh March 31st of next year.
3:50 | My recommendation is they don't want you just to identify problems. They also want you to be actively seeking to fix
3:56 | them. I would uh take this report, give it to an engineer and um put it out to bid to be repaired uh for repairs and
4:06 | manhole fixes. Uh the whole purpose of this exercise was the culit that has a ductal line pipe. It was found to be
4:13 | severely clogged. Um we did come back and jet the line and got it back to 99% opening. So right now that's flowing
4:22 | freely. Uh our recommendation on that is that you line that section of pipe. I know the town is actively seeking a
4:29 | grant to redo the culvert and replace the sewer line. Um I don't know how far away that is. Um but I recommend um at
4:38 | least relligning that section of pipe so you don't have any problems until you do get the grant. Um I've also given the town a
4:48 | proposal to clean Route 20. brought that up at the last meeting that you know that was a big concern. Um so the town has the proposal. Just keep in mind that
4:57 | proposal is just uh cleaning, cameraing and identifying. We also as we're going along we're building your GIS system
5:05 | which is also a seom requirement. I highly recommend moving forward this work. Um your biggest unknown is
5:14 | disposal cost because you don't have an easy way of disposing of things. Um, I met with the SEMON person on site the
5:22 | other day. Um, we did come up with a way for disposal, but most likely we'll decant the water and your solids will have to go into a line dumpster and be
5:31 | hauled off to um, New Hampshire. There's a landfill that takes it, which can get kind of expensive.
5:39 | But on the other end, you don't want to overflow an SSO in the middle of Route 20 during the week during the winter, which causes an accident. um you know,
5:48 | you're already on DP's radar. You don't you don't need that. Um you don't need that happening. Uh
5:56 | but all I have for you this evening, I'll be happy to answer any questions the board has.
6:05 | Shane, is there a proposal for Violia to perform the work that you're recommending we do on Route 20?
6:10 | Yeah, I gave it to Vinnie last week. I asked um part of the thing of getting on DOT property is you got to get a permit.
6:17 | You're going to need a traffic plan. Um I spoke with Vinnie about it. To my knowledge, you can't get out on a DOT
6:24 | road route 20 after November 15th. So we kind of need to move fast. Um, in my experiment my exper in my experience
6:33 | with putting in permits for DOT, um, just speaking from in Starbridge, we can put them in and I have one in now and
6:40 | it's still at 25% review after a few weeks. So, the sooner we can submit to get the DOT permit, the sooner we can move forward with the work.
6:50 | Do you know the value of that proposal?
6:53 | I believe without disposal was around 38,000 because we have to go out at night. DOT is not going to let us on that section of road during the day.
7:02 | And that's without uh detail work, without details, without water, and without disposal. It's clearly spelled
7:10 | out in the proposal that I gave to Vinnie. Yep.
7:14 | Um sometimes the MO comes with the the data sheet showing the you know, water
7:22 | quality results for the month, but I didn't see that in I I didn't include it. I will make sure it's included in the uh next MO that I
7:29 | submit to you. And then and I know they're a little later than usual. I'm trying to get um all the information the town had received in the past and that
7:38 | takes documentation from my corporate office which which comes in a little later in the month. So every time I come on, we'll be talking about the month
7:46 | before, but I'll be more than happy to give you that data.
7:50 | Just was curious. And the phosphorus folks that were out yesterday, that was specifically on the co mag system.
7:58 | No, it was it was it wasn't for just one. It was basically the process for the whole plant. We started at the headworks, worked our way right till the
8:06 | end of the plant. Um, this is a process control guy that I've known for years. I consider him to be one of the best in the business. I mean, within a half
8:16 | hour, he gave us three or four recommendations. I think that if we imp implement them and we started doing it yesterday that um we're going to see the
8:24 | plant turn around. I'm hopeful um because we want to be in compliance just as just as bad as the town wants to be in compliance.
8:32 | This is a Violia employee or somebody from outside.
8:35 | It's somebody it's a former Violia employee who now runs his own business um that I'm still associated with. Yeah. Okay.
8:43 | This was this was calling this was kind of calling in a favor. Um somebody no cost no cost to the town, no cost to us,
8:52 | just somebody who um we have a strong relationship and was willing to kind of give us our their two cents. Um he was
9:00 | actually uh correct me if I'm wrong Shane, but he was actually the uh he actually worked in Sturbridge during the
9:08 | startup of that COMAG biomag process. So he's well verssed in the technology as well.
9:14 | Yeah. He was actually the operator that Cambridge Technologies who owns Biomag and COMAG. He was here for the startup
9:21 | in Sturbridge. So he's very familiar with the biomag and the comag system along with u the other processes we
9:29 | looked at. So again I'm hopeful with the changes we're institution we're going to put in that uh you know I want to be
9:36 | back in compliance also. I don't like writing an MO to the state every month or putting on the cover of my DMR that,
9:44 | you know, we're still violating, but just want the board know we're not just sitting back. We're making every effort we can using all our resources to get this place back in compliance.
9:53 | Yep.
10:02 | If I could, this is Chris. Um so Shane uh the route 20 obviously the route 20
10:08 | cleaning uh cameraing that would also go towards the u seam work correct. Um so
10:15 | seam work is due m uh March 31st to of the following year. So you would tell
10:22 | them what you completed as part of the seam program. You also have to give them updated maps which we can do through the
10:30 | work we're doing. And we then you outline what you're going to do the following year too. There's some other components of it that don't even have to
10:38 | do with collections uh work. It's uh generator logs, alarm logs, things of that nature. So like I said, this can
10:47 | definitely help towards compliance. Um and I and with DPCs, you're making an effort and working to that. um you know
10:54 | they'll be working they'll work with you to achieve total compliance in a short period of time.
11:01 | So so with the center depot road and if the uh commission approves Route 20 that I mean that would probably use up a
11:08 | majority of what they dedicate towards uh their INI uh program but that that would look that that would be a pretty
11:16 | uh substantial step towards you know making them happy there.
11:19 | Absolutely. Usually you submit a plan first, but um you know with child being the situation is I think it's a great thing that we've gone out and just
11:27 | started doing the work and again um you know we did meet with D and that SEO was definitely on their on their radar and
11:35 | um we're addressing that and and like I said I I think we can get back in compliance in a in a short period of time with that. But they to be honest
11:43 | with you, they're very picky about the seam work. Uh here in Sturbridge, we submitted, they kicked some stuff back saying they want, you know, this this and this and as long as you update it
11:52 | within a 180 time frame, 188 time frame, are you considered in compliance?
11:58 | Okay. And not to belabor, I just wanted to go back to city dupo. So um so that one uh recommendation on relining that
12:07 | section of ductal iron pipe and then there were some items that uh were identified um but as they are going to
12:14 | be repaving that section of road u this work wouldn't really affect the infrastructure that's above grade this
12:22 | work could be done um and not disturb that paving work that has been completed right it's not going to work
12:30 | exactly the um you know the most of the infiltration, you can even put it in the uh summary. You can just do a top hat
12:38 | liner on that circle crack. So, no, you wouldn't have to excavate um to do those repairs. And then the other repairs are
12:45 | all made in manholes. So, you can just enter the manhole and do what you need to do. Okay. All right. Thanks.
12:53 | You're welcome. [clears throat] Is there any further discussion of the monthly operating report?
13:11 | Hearing none, move on to new business and the appointment of the new water and
13:18 | sewer administrative coordinator is the next item on the agenda.
13:25 | I'd like to move to appoint Jennifer Corno Canoyer. What? I'm sorry. Canoyer.
13:32 | Canoyer as the water and sewer administrative coordinator.
13:41 | Do we have a second? Is that a second?
13:49 | You can second, Mr. Chairman. Uh second.
13:56 | Is there any discussion of the matter? Hearing none, it is time for a vote.
14:06 | Mr. Aseno, yes.
14:10 | Mr. Graten, hi.
14:13 | Mr. Gagner, hi. Mr. Thomas Coleman.
14:21 | Tom. Hi. No. What did you say? I can hear you.
14:29 | Hi. Okay. Mr. Robert Coleman. Hi. Okay.
14:39 | The next item, the sewer moratorum.
14:46 | So, I thought I thought we did this. I thought we but that would have been
14:53 | um with the person before me. I couldn't find any record of it.
15:00 | Yeah, I looked briefly this afternoon and I couldn't find one either. So I I suppose there's no harm in doing this again.
15:07 | Yeah. So actually um it would have expired
15:16 | in 26. Yeah. So yeah, we it needs to be done.
15:22 | So everyone on your memo there, there is a motion that just needs to be read.
15:29 | Do I need to read the whole thing or can I say you? No, you need to read the whole thing.
15:34 | Well, then I move to extend the moratorum to August 3rd, 2028, subject to the fact that it can be modified by the commission within these two years.
15:42 | The purpose of this motion is to orderly and fairly allocate the prescribed capacity in the following manner and amounts. The capacity is 100,000 gallons
15:50 | per day of residential like sewage, 50,000 gallons per day to be reserved for residential use. Those residents within the current sewer area and 50,000
15:58 | gallons per day to be reserved for commercial and industrial growth. To qualify for the commercial industrial availability of 50,000 gallons per day, no one applicant will be allowed to
16:07 | request more than 10,000 gallons per day of capacity without approval by the commission. Residential, commercial, and industrial applicants not within the
16:14 | service area can be reviewed by the commission. The commission has the right to review and modify this moratorum at any time. This motion shall remain in
16:22 | effect until August 3rd, 2028, or when capacity is reached, if sooner. I'll second that motion.
16:33 | Is there any further discussion of the motion?
16:39 | What prompted this? Sue Vinnie was looking at our website or actually I think you were doing some other research work, right Vinnie?
16:50 | It's on the letter we got from James Mclofflin at the D. He mentioned to
16:56 | update them on the sewer moratorum. I knew we had updated them on it, but after reviewing it, we realized it was
17:05 | coming up on expiration again and needed to be renewed again.
17:10 | So, that's where we landed on today's issue. Okay, roll call vote.
17:20 | Uh, Mr. Senzo, you're muted.
17:29 | I Sorry, that's okay. Mr. Grten, I Mr. Gagner, I.
17:35 | Mr. Thomas Coleman, I Mr. Robert Coleman. Hi.
17:45 | All right, Vinnie, you want to take this one? Yeah. So, it's 41 Lake View Drive.
17:50 | They're on our faulty meter list. The MXU needs to be replaced and reprogrammed, but they called and complained saying
17:59 | their flat rate is going to be excessive considering they're not even spending time in their home right now. This is a summer home for them. Um, I would agree
18:08 | they should get an abatement, but we also need to get out there and get a new MXU installed and programmed.
18:17 | So, that work hasn't been completed yet, but they should be entitled to the abatement of their bill.
18:26 | That sounds fair.
18:28 | Well, when they go on the abatement list, can we vote on it then?
18:33 | Um, you mean when we do the senior ones?
18:37 | Is that the only that's the only other time?
18:39 | That's the only mechanism for abatements.
18:41 | So that wouldn't happen again until October, November.
18:48 | I I thought in the past when we had the issues like this that were there were dollar amounts where we were changing their bill from X to Y.
18:56 | Yes. They got put on what's referred to as the flat rate billing system which is based per bedroom.
19:02 | Yep. and it could be significantly increased from what they're used to seeing if it's a three or fourbedroom home.
19:10 | So, if we make a motion to provide an abatement, Sue is able to decide what
19:18 | that dollar amount is without us having to come back to it.
19:22 | So, their past bills have been the base rate of $32. So I can just do the math
19:30 | to make the abatement the difference what he was charged versus the base rate.
19:38 | So what's your preference on the motion that we just authorized to approve the abatement um
19:44 | for his total bill to equal base rate of $32.
19:52 | Okay. I'll move that we abate the bill for 41 Lake View to a new total of 30
20:02 | two 30 Yep. $32. I second.
20:09 | Oh, okay.
20:13 | And now, uh, time for discussion of this issue. And I'm just wondering when the new meter
20:21 | will be installed and up and running, a rough estimate.
20:31 | Is this a seasonal home? Do you pull the meters out in the winter? We do not pull the meters, but it is a seasonal use.
20:37 | They only come out here during the summer.
20:47 | I would say that meter will be fixed before next meter reading. All right, that's good.
20:54 | That's definitely good.
21:02 | Is there any further discussion on the matter?
21:10 | Hearing none, it is time for a vote. Great. Mr.
21:19 | Aseno, I Mr. Graten. Hi, Mr. Gagner. Hi, Mr. Tom. Thomas Coleman. Hi. Mr. Robert Coleman.
21:30 | I the uh next uh item for discussion is
21:38 | the sewer customer guidance letter. Can I just want to start Shane did send me
21:45 | um Stur the letter that Sturbridge uses and then I found something that the town of Charlton had on file and came up with
21:53 | what is attached. Um, but I do want to make you aware on the memo that I sent,
22:00 | three out of the four heavy hitters are, you know, these giant corporate offices where the letters will be sent. And I just want to make sure that you're aware of that.
22:11 | So, it's not like it's going to the actual location in Charlton, the letter that is.
22:23 | So, that being said, what do you think of the letter? I like the letter. Great.
22:29 | I don't think anybody's going to read it that knows [laughter] that knows where Charlton is.
22:35 | I know. I thought it was going to a local offices here, but apparently it's going all the way up there.
22:41 | Yeah.
22:49 | Yep. Through the chair. I mean it if it um if if the commission would would like it. I mean I think myself or or Vinnie
22:57 | could be shopping uh stopping by these locations and looking for the facilities manager. That's typically what you know direction we would take and and hand
23:05 | deliver this thing to them and tell them that they're going to be on the hook, you know, for u or any additional cost associated with the the waist stream
23:13 | that we see coming from the that we can identify coming from their facility. Um, that's typically the most effective way to way to do would do that.
23:22 | Yeah, I think I I I I think I like that option. I like that.
23:25 | Send one to the corporate office and then say some to the local managers too. I could facilitate that.
23:32 | Is there any way to get saying they received the letter though?
23:36 | I mean, if we go by registered mail, we have proof they got it.
23:40 | Well, we registered mail, it's going to like Chicago or Washington.
23:46 | Um, can we can we get something drawn up to say that they have received this?
23:51 | And when Vinnie goes, Vinnie, I'll go with you. I'd love to go and and and go with you and drop it off. Yeah, we could arrange that.
24:02 | But, uh, do we have to have the town lawyer make a something that they signed agreeing that they received the letter so they can't stay? Oh, well, they didn't drop it off, you know.
24:17 | I don't know that it needs to be that excessive. In the past, um, Mr. Bore when he was in this office, he would go
24:24 | and meet with managers at places and make arrangements. Okay.
24:31 | I mean, if there's more than one of us there.
24:36 | Yeah. Okay, cool. I'll go with you. Definitely go drop it off all three places.
24:47 | Yeah, I' I'd be happy to go too if it's possible. That would be fine with me.
24:57 | All right.
24:59 | Okay. Wait. Motion to approve the letter. I move to drafted.
25:07 | I think second.
25:09 | Second. Is there any discussion of the matter? Any further discussion?
25:19 | Mr. Senzo.
25:21 | Hi, Mr. Grten.
25:23 | Hi, Mr. Gagner.
25:24 | Hi, Mr. Thomas Coleman.
25:27 | Hi, Mr. Robert Coleman.
25:29 | Hi, All right, Eric.
25:40 | The next new business is water and sewer retained earnings.
25:47 | Yep. This is directly from an an email from Ashley recommending that we move some money from retained earnings into our water and sewer stabilization funds.
26:00 | So, I'll make the motion and then um Robert, you can ask if there's any questions, but I move that the Water and Sewer Commission transfer a million
26:08 | dollars in sewer retained earnings into the sewer stabilization fund and transfer $400,000 from retained earnings into the water stabilization fund.
26:18 | I second. Is there any discussion on the matter?
26:31 | I have a question on the stabilization funds. Is that going towards the new um plants we are trying to build? Is that where it's going?
26:43 | It's not going anywhere right now. It just kind of pulls it out of one account into the other, but it's not appropriated towards a certain project as far as I understand it.
26:56 | Okay. So, it's not EM for anything.
26:59 | Yeah. It's just going to sit that the stabilization [clears throat] account is a interest earning account.
27:06 | So, when we move our money into stabilization, we can actually make a little bit of revenue by having it sit there. Okay.
27:15 | We able to do this ourself or do we need approval from the town of Charlton or the administrator or something like that? also.
27:23 | It's going on. It'll be on the warrant for October special town meeting. Okay.
27:38 | Is there any further discussion of the matter? Hearing none, it is time for a vote.
27:49 | Mr. Senzo.
27:51 | Hi, Mr. Bratton.
27:53 | Hi, Mr. Gagner.
27:55 | Hi, Mr. Thomas Pullman.
27:57 | I Mr. Robert Pullman. Hi.
28:04 | Uh, the next order of business is the engineering consultant for or compliance review. Uh, in the sense that we're going to need to hire one.
28:25 | So, this came out of that D meeting we had.
28:30 | Um, the town is kind of in a situation where there's a lot of unchecked boxes and it would be a pretty smart move to
28:38 | have somebody on the town side just reviewing everything to make sure nothing else is going to get missed.
28:45 | So, Eric had mentioned the town should look into hiring an owner's representative
28:53 | to review all of the deliverables, the policies, the plans, and the agendas for the water and sewer department just to
29:00 | make sure nothing's being missed seems how we're already on the D and the EPA's radar.
29:07 | Yeah. Um, does when I sent this email out to everybody, Andrew replied back and he said that we
29:16 | don't need to propose it for an RFP, that we can just look out on the mass
29:23 | bid list for a representative and see if they're interested in reviewing this for us.
29:31 | Yeah. Do the other commissioners know about our meeting with the D and how we get beat down? That is on the agenda for old business.
29:40 | I don't know if you want to talk about it now.
29:43 | I I think that's what we are talking about. Um yeah, it's just kind of a line item twice.
29:51 | Oh yeah. So um Robert and I went to the meeting. They
29:58 | pointed out that we've been violated our discharge permit for the last 11 quarters and had a number of
30:08 | of reports and deliverables that we have missed in the last few years. Um, and we're pretty
30:16 | adamant that we that we catch up on these things. I actually took that list, Vinnie, and
30:24 | sent it to Zach, and he sent me back just today a a list of things that they can fill or help um address.
30:36 | And then I I've sent it to uh Chris to see what items he thinks he can address.
30:42 | Um so Chris, are you still on? Yes, I am.
30:49 | Yep.
30:51 | Can you talk a little bit about what you think? Yeah, sure. Over there.
30:56 | Sure. And you know, just so the commission's up to speed, a lot of these items that uh the DP is looking for, and I have been in a lot of these types of
31:04 | negotiations where they come into a community and um go go through a laundry list. A lot of the items the uh [sighs]
31:12 | the uh town the water and sewer commission through its operator has initiated. They just haven't been updated or brought up to brought up to
31:20 | to standard. Um so none of them are really starting from from uh from from nothing. They just need to be need to be
31:29 | updated. So the seaom we've talked about that and um really just documenting getting everything that the town has done and there's probably items that
31:38 | will already be satisfied based upon the action the town has. So I am familiar with um these types of responses. I am
31:46 | familiar with the players at the D. Um both James and Dan. Uh I've worked with them in the past and also um looking at
31:54 | the the list and and what Violia can support. Um, and also in support of uh Vinnie, I think we could develop a
32:02 | response um and u provide the information that we do have available um
32:09 | right now as well as a time frame to meet the other deliverables that they're looking for as well. So, um I'd like to
32:17 | I'd like to propose that um you know the commission allows me to do that. Um I am familiar with the plan. I'm familiar with the operation. I'm familiar with
32:24 | all the players. Um, I'm familiar with the D and I also have the credentials to um to respond to these items. So, that's that's my pitch.
32:33 | Do you have enough information to put together a a level of effort in rates to so that we could have like a budget for for your part of that?
32:43 | Yes. Yep.
32:46 | And if I could, I'd like to um you know, as far as that goes, I want to that for the even for the route 20 that traffic management plan and support of SHAPS, I
32:55 | want to provide you guys with that as well. I'd like to get moving on that that item as well. Um because it's a little bit more than uh just the submittal. There's some supporting
33:03 | documentation as well. Um so [clears throat] I'll do that as well.
33:08 | What's what's the contractual arrangement between yourself and the commission now? Are you on like a
33:16 | retainer? Is there I don't know how we pay you.
33:19 | It it's been just an employ I mean u consulting at will based upon my service rate. So just I've been it's you know
33:27 | it's been been quite a while since I've been working for the commission. just typically um I build you know depending upon the the project specific or the
33:35 | scope um I'm just assigned to the task and I've been just um completing that and um billing and you getting approval
33:43 | through your warrant articles like a time and material basis. Yes, exactly. Yeah.
33:48 | Yeah. I I think I'd be comfortable with
33:53 | um this D catchup task if we had um rates and a level of effort and the same
34:02 | thing with the route 20 thing just so that we kind of knew what we were authorizing at least from my perspective.
34:09 | Sir I have a question with these uh compliance that the DPS
34:18 | have you know saying we violated so when we sign a contract with the let's say Viola and any other ones do is it part
34:25 | as part of the contracts is it included that they do these compliance um or they
34:33 | meet these compliance needs that we are supposed to
34:42 | Chris, you had your nose in the subcontract today. Can you?
34:45 | Yeah. Yeah. So, so there's a component there that there's a there's responsibility for the operations. um
34:54 | you know there are some exhibits the as long as the there are some conditions as long as the waste water coming into the
35:01 | plant uh you know meets um meets the exhibits that there as described and I
35:08 | think in some cases where you're seeing um exceedences and I think uh both um Zach and uh Shane can can u could talk
35:18 | about this is if it's over then they're not you know if it's over then it doesn't meet the you know the the operational facet of the plant, then
35:26 | they're not responsible for it. Um, as far as the SEMOM and the u the O andM, that's kind of like a joint um joint responsibility.
35:36 | Um, so so yeah, I guess each item is kind of sight specific, but the contract does kind of spell who's responsible for what.
35:48 | Okay.
35:49 | Yeah. And if I if I could add a little bit, you know, I think Chris did a great job at uh explaining that. But um you
35:58 | know we we are we are on the hook for compliance viol operations as long as
36:06 | the um as long as the what is entering the facility as far
36:14 | as loads and flows is within the designed capacity of the treatment plant. If the treatment plant is
36:21 | designed to treat a certain up to a certain level and we're seeing beyond
36:26 | that then then kind of all you know as far as maintaining compliance um you
36:35 | know that's a challenge that that unfortunately Violia doesn't really have control over. We do our best to try and
36:43 | um you know work with the tools that we have. Um but um you know compliance of
36:50 | of a facility that's over design flow is is a challenge. Um and the contract speaks to that. Um as as far as the seom
37:00 | and the other items that are um more related to the collection system um you
37:06 | know our existing contract um has has responsibility viola having responsibility of the pump stations but
37:15 | as far as the the collection system itself that is responsibility of the town. So the seom kind of covers a
37:23 | little bit of both and as Chris said you know it's a joint joint effort for that stuff.
37:31 | Thank you.
37:54 | Is there uh any further discussion of uh this particular matter?
38:03 | I don't Vinnie, are you satisfied that Chris could Yes. respondent in this matter?
38:11 | Definitely. Um he's more than capable. We've seen them do great work for us.
38:17 | So, yeah, I would support them taking this project on.
38:24 | We do need a timeline by next week to send to the D though.
38:36 | So, yeah, I can pull something together. I mean, Eric, we don't have to have results by next week. We just need a timeline to express to them.
38:52 | You think you can meet that kind of thing, Chris?
38:55 | Yeah. Yeah, I think we can pull something together and let them know that uh you know the the commission has contracted with Mccclure and uh we're in
39:03 | the process of going through the line items and and pulling up the um pulling up the documents and uh we'll be you know um getting them you know providing
39:12 | you know I I think you know we'll give them some realistic expectations to set forth and uh for them and for us so should be able to handle that.
39:23 | Yeah. And we should discuss the CWMP to see whether that's something you think you can bring up because I think that's over 20 years old.
39:35 | Yeah. Yeah.
39:36 | That was a big deal to that was a big deal.
39:39 | Yeah. Yeah. No doubt. And that's you depending upon where it stands and you know how much has changed in that time.
39:45 | I'll be able to um dig into that and let you know. Okay.
39:57 | Is there any further discussion of the matter?
40:03 | Hearing none, the next and final piece of new business I guess would be contract operations extension.
40:16 | Okay. If I if I could, I was at um I was asked to attend the um the review of the
40:24 | um requests for u technical proposals.
40:30 | Um I think there's some items that there were commissioners that were in attendance and uh Andrew um the the town
40:37 | administrator was there as well. So um given that review I think there was some
40:44 | additional items that needed to be looked at. One was um references of the two respondents.
40:53 | um potentially interviewing those two respondents depend um potentially um um having a discussion with uh I
41:02 | think was brought up at that meeting that um within your biolia contract there was a um there was a option for a
41:11 | five-year extension and whether the commission wanted to u meet or reach out to viol and you have some viol representatives here I guess you'd have
41:20 | a decision maker uh in the meeting tonight um of whether or not um that is something that they are interested in uh
41:28 | entertaining and if so um what does that look like? I think your contract with them does have some escalation actually
41:35 | has some rates that are built into that as part as part of a an extension. So uh those numbers could be looked at and um
41:44 | and I think at the very least the discussion of whether or not uh if if entertaining out another U contract
41:53 | operator, whether that could happen within the current um current time frame
42:01 | of the existing contract with Bolia and if not whether they would entertain even extending the existing contract a little
42:09 | bit longer. Um so that you the commission had time to um decide on the next phase of this uh on the next uh
42:19 | steps in the contract operation uh component.
42:26 | Uh Chris, are you are you talking about the the five-year I I know you're mentioning kind of the fiveyear the
42:33 | five-year option in the existing contract, but are you talking about beyond that? just a you know a shorter
42:40 | term extension uh to get beyond October until you know a decision is made. Is that what you were referring to as well?
42:50 | Well, I just wanted you know the the folks that were at the meeting for the review of the um technical proposals to
42:58 | um to to to decide on what what the next steps are and we are getting close to
43:04 | that. Um, and correct me if I'm wrong, Zach, the existing contract is is is
43:12 | current through the end of October. Is that is that correct? That is correct. Yep.
43:18 | And we're sitting at September 2nd. I just don't want the commission to be in a position where where they are um
43:27 | pressed for time or under the under the gun um while in while undertaking
43:35 | whatever decision that they make. So that's that's what I I just wanted to recap the results of that and and again
43:43 | I I'll leave it to commission. I didn't mean to interject that quickly, but I just want to make sure we're all on the same page based upon based upon that meeting that day.
43:55 | Yeah. I mean, we're we're certainly not, you know, looking to put the put the town in any sort of hardship by, you
44:02 | know, um you know, uh rushing into any sort of decisions. uh Violia did sign the contract that said that the town
44:11 | would have the sole discretion of an extension of uh five years if if they so choose. Um and Viol is fully committed
44:20 | to supporting that if that is the direction that the town would like to consider. Um, and I think,
44:27 | [clears throat] you know, some of the items that are spelled out in this existing RFP compared to the current
44:35 | contract, um, you know, if if the town did want to travel, you know, uh, pursue
44:42 | that route could be addressed through amendments if they chose to do something like that. So definitely open to uh
44:51 | communication and and um you know figuring out if that's if that's something that that the the town wants
44:59 | more information about. I'd be happy to happy to provide.
45:12 | So through the chair, I just wanted to leave that with with you folks just so that I could express uh what what I got out of that meeting on that day.
45:28 | I mean, makes sense.
45:38 | [clears throat]
45:46 | I I have no questions. This is Tom.
45:50 | All right. So, uh what is the uh next uh step here?
46:04 | So, if the commission wanted to review uh continue along the review of the
46:10 | current um respondence of the um technical proposals for compact contract
46:18 | operations, then um we could we could check um check um their references
46:25 | um if they wanted to potentially set up a meeting to interview representatives
46:33 | of those um of those uh companies that responded, then we could we could do
46:40 | that as well. And if um and also at the same time if um if the
46:48 | commission wanted the uh violia to review their current contract based upon the needs of the next and um ensure um
46:58 | and Zach just just so we're clear um the your lack of response to that I wouldn't say
47:07 | lack response and no response to the technical our the technical request for uh proposals. Um did that reflect a
47:16 | disinterest in the continuation of contract operations at the plant or was that um due to the fact you had a a
47:24 | withstanding contract that allowed for an extension?
47:29 | Um you know in in all honesty Chris um there was we knew that there was an option for a five-year extension in
47:37 | there. when we started to run our cost model, we saw that our fee was going to increase pretty substantially. Um, and
47:46 | we just ass, you know, knowing that there's intelligent people on this board, uh, you know, if they, if they
47:54 | had the option to stay with Violia at a lower rate or choose a new contract with Viol at a higher rate, uh, you know, we
48:01 | thought that the the board the commission might lean towards just exercising that five-year extension. Um
48:09 | [clears throat]
48:10 | and uh you know some other things involved at that point in time. We didn't have we didn't have somebody
48:17 | strong lined up to operate uh you know to name as the as the um the uh the
48:24 | project manager at that time. That has since changed. I mean, as you know, the the project's been getting significant
48:32 | amount of support from from Shane and the talent that he has in our Starbridge facility. Um, so, you know, if that's if
48:41 | that is something that the the town would like to pursue, VO is more than happy to have that conversation.
48:52 | Okay. So, so based upon again uh we probably have folks how you know at I mean and maybe uh you know Zach when I'm
48:59 | looking at your u exhibit B of the uh of your current contract where fee adjustments and schedule of rates for
49:07 | additional uh services um would we be able to look at this look at this uh exhibit B and make a determination as to
49:15 | where um your contract your contract uh pricing would be at that time. again just to allow the commission to make
49:23 | deci, you know, decisions going forward um based upon their um what they have received and um and responses and and
49:32 | also maintaining this potential uh arrangement.
49:37 | Yeah, certainly. Um you know, I could I could even run the numbers for you with with the the escalation of what what the
49:45 | fee would be if if there was no change to the scope of work. Um so that you guys can see that as a baseline. Um you
49:54 | know if if you do want to have us provide pricing for uh you know what an
50:02 | amendment would look like for um for kind of changing the scope to match or
50:10 | to better align with what the current RFP states. that would be a little bit more um involved timelinewise,
50:19 | especially if if um if we're looking at all the components because there is some pretty substantial differences between
50:27 | our current contract and the existing or the current RFP. Um so that' be a little
50:34 | bit more involved. But if if um if you wanted a general idea or if if you
50:40 | wanted certain components um to be um priced out, we could certainly do that as well. But like I said, I could I
50:49 | could quickly just give you what the what the escalation would be if our fee were to um change just out of normal escalation with no change of scope.
51:03 | So either either way I can get those numbers. Great.
51:09 | All right. And and just so the commission knows in review of the the contract and it's just, you know, reading it word for word what's in it
51:15 | and and regardless of the uh if there was an extension put into play here um and and an agreement with Violia, the
51:24 | agreement can be terminated by the owner or operated. It's in it's in section 5.3. uh can be terminated by the owner or operated for its convenience with at
51:32 | least 90 days prior written notice to the other party as well. So um there's a lot of different avenues that uh the
51:41 | commission can take I guess at this time through the chair. Um
51:48 | would it be prudent to request uh you know Violia I Zach provide us with what
51:55 | the um what that um the existing contract looks like going
52:02 | into the next five years using the exhibit B of the existing contract for the uh for this um for the uh escalation
52:11 | in costs. um and would they want them to also put together a number based upon
52:18 | what's in our current uh requests that would be from the viola component and two relative to other respondents. Do
52:26 | you want to um start the looking at references
52:32 | um in my to myself um or or work in a work group with the with the other with
52:38 | other commissioners um and also potential for interviewing these uh
52:45 | these uh the other two respondents um for you know as to continue the process um just to keep things moving.
52:55 | I think that's a good idea to get an updated uh version of what would the next uh few years would be like. I like that.
53:04 | It will be a good reference point and it's better to have more information than less. Okay.
53:13 | And what VA is providing will be in line with the current RFP, not the existing
53:19 | contract they had. Right? Because what's the point of having If we need new there are new stipulations in the contract
53:27 | they should be able to match that instead of providing us with a in line with their old contract.
53:36 | Yeah. Go ahead.
53:38 | No. Uh so the the if there was an extension our
53:46 | fee is kind of laid out and and structured. There's no real room room for interpretation for that. But it is
53:54 | kind of what it is. Um the scope of work there would reflect what's in the existing contract. Um however, if there
54:03 | were items that the town would like to add into there
54:11 | to make that more in line with the existing RFP, then that could be addressed through an amendment.
54:24 | So an it's basically an adjustment to the existing contract um that would make it more in line with the existing RFP.
54:37 | So through the chair I mean and Zach if you could provide both of those options.
54:41 | I know it's going to take some work from you, but I think you know what I'm hearing from the commission that would uh that would uh help them uh in this process as well.
54:52 | Okay.
54:58 | Is there any further discussion of the matter?
55:08 | Hearing none, uh we now move on to old business. Uh the first of which is the Griffin Road waterline extension approval.
55:26 | I thought we made a motion to authorize in No, you didn't.
55:30 | We didn't. It's been a in the memo. I kind of spelled everything out. Um,
55:37 | so no, there was no motion ever made regarding the waterline. It was all about the residents.
55:45 | It was uh designed by Mccclure. It's been approved by Southbridge. Isough. Is that true?
55:57 | That is all true. And the D as well.
56:02 | Yeah. Is it normal that the commission's approving tie-ins or water tie-ins?
56:10 | I don't think this is for the water tieins. It's actually for the ex the extension he's putting in
56:19 | because it's going to be owned by Charlton when all is said and done,
56:28 | right? and accepting it as our infrastructure would happen at the end, I think, after it's been installed and inspected. Is that correct?
56:37 | I believe so.
56:40 | Chris is not. I Yes. Yes. That's typically what happens.
56:45 | I just don't think there was a formal vote on it, Eric. Uh from what from what um I was discussing with Sue.
56:52 | Okay. Well, I'll move that we approve the water man extension on Griffin Road as designed.
57:01 | I'll second that. Okay, Mr. Aseno.
57:08 | Hi, Mr. Graten.
57:10 | Hi, Mr. Gagner.
57:12 | Hi, Mr. Coleman. Uh, Thomas Coleman. Hi. And Mr. Robert Coleman. Hi.
57:29 | For the next order of business, uh the office renovation proposal.
57:40 | Did we we never heard back from Andrew whether or not there was room either at the town hall or the highway department?
57:46 | Correct. Um they if this is approved there is temporary
57:54 | space um just outside of Andrew's office while the work is being done but there isn't any at the town hall.
58:07 | We will have our people at the point correct? Yes. Okay.
58:17 | I did we already approved the uh we already approved the money for it. So I guess we need a motion.
58:22 | No. Um the money was discussed. It was the proposal was not approved. It was kind
58:32 | of touched upon on where the money would come from. Um, so
58:39 | there was discussion with the finance director and she suggested that we could have a placeholder for the
58:48 | October special town meeting for capital article to be added um for the office renovations.
58:56 | Okay. Coming out of retained earnings. So we wait till next month. Nope.
59:02 | So you would need to vote a mot a motion would be made to approve the capital article to be added on the special town
59:11 | meeting in October for office renovations in the amount of fill in the blank coming from retained earnings. So therefore it goes on the town meeting
59:20 | warrant and it's voted on and that way the money comes out of our retained earnings and not the budget we have right now.
59:33 | And is the amount 15640 is the property that is um that's property solutions
59:40 | um estimate.
59:42 | Yes, their estimate. But then we have to have pods to house all the stuff while they tear, you
59:50 | know, tear up the floor and do the wall, all that stuff.
59:53 | I thought we were closer to 25,000 with everything. See, I Where did I I had it written down somewhere.
1:00:00 | Um, you got that high, Vinnie? I wasn't that high.
1:00:04 | Um, Property Solutions didn't have the full scope at the original estimate. They didn't?
1:00:10 | No, there was the drywall in the hallway that's fallen down. Yep.
1:00:15 | We wanted to add that and we talked to him and there was a difference. I think it was a little over $1,000 added in.
1:00:22 | Oh, he he never sent that to me.
1:00:24 | Yeah, I have I don't have it available right this second. Oh, so he sent you a revised contract.
1:00:31 | Uh, no, he didn't. I spoke with him.
1:00:35 | Okay. So, you So, Property Solutions. So, he's at
1:00:44 | say 16 [clears throat] 16 now with Vinnie's addition.
1:00:52 | The pod we're looking at about $500 in furniture.
1:00:57 | Um, it's $17,820 for property solutions.
1:01:02 | 17,000. What? 800 and 20. 17820.
1:01:07 | So, say 18 pods 500 and then furniture.
1:01:15 | So, we're looking at like I don't know, Vinnie. I'm getting like 20.5 21.
1:01:24 | I was pretty close to 25 the last time I had it all on my desk.
1:01:31 | Can we find a fixed amount and then What was that?
1:01:35 | I was just saying can we find the right amount instead of you know speculating and so we can vote on it or no?
1:01:41 | Well, I think if we we're trying to get on to the warrant. I think if we 25 now then we can actually approve the
1:01:51 | Emanuel. We're not going to we're not going to lose the money. It's just we're taking that amount of money and putting it aside just for this
1:01:59 | renovation. And if it comes under, great. We can adjust on the fly.
1:02:03 | Yeah. We can't uh we're not going to lose the money.
1:02:06 | If they pull something down and find mold behind there, we want them to want to have enough money to clean it up. Yeah.
1:02:13 | All right.
1:02:15 | So, um, the bottom of the memo, if someone could read that, someone could make and read that motion.
1:02:26 | I'm looking for it.
1:02:29 | Move to approve a capital article be added on for the special town meeting in October for office renovations in the amount of $25,000 coming from retained earnings.
1:02:41 | I second. Is there any discussion of the matter?
1:02:48 | Hearing none, it's time for a vote.
1:02:50 | Mr. Seno, I.
1:02:52 | Mr. Grten, I.
1:02:54 | Mr. Gagner, I. Mr. Thomas Coleman. Hi. Mr. Robert Coleman. Hi.
1:03:11 | for the uh next order of business.
1:03:16 | All right, that was the office renovation proposal. So, rate increase proposal
1:03:35 | Do you want me to do this, Robert? Are we ready to do this? Yeah.
1:03:45 | Have has has the rest of the board been able to look at the spreadsheet that our rate consultant sent around on our financial situation?
1:03:55 | Yes.
1:03:59 | All right. I'm moving that the sewer rate fees be increased as follows.
1:04:04 | Residential unmetered quarterly per bedroom from 77.83 to $90.
1:04:11 | The residential metered capacity charge per quarter from 32 to 38.20.
1:04:17 | The residential metered volume charge from 0.0889 0889 to1067
1:04:26 | per cubic foot. Commercial capacity charge per quarter from 32 to 3840.
1:04:33 | Commercial volume charge per cubic foot from 0.0889 to1076
1:04:40 | per cubic foot. And strong waste fees be increased as follows. the TSS from $2.14
1:04:49 | a pound to to $257 a pound in excess of 250 milligrams per liter. The BOD
1:04:58 | increased from $3.65 per pound to $4.38 per pound in excess
1:05:04 | of 250 milligrams per liter. And ammonia from 1680 per pound to $206 per pound in excess of 40 milligrams per liter.
1:05:16 | And the rates are to cover the usage period starting in October 2026 and will be reflected in billing that begins in January 2027.
1:05:26 | That's the next. The rates essentially are 20% increase over our current rates.
1:05:34 | I second.
1:05:37 | Is there any further discussion on the matter?
1:05:41 | I think the discussion is whether we need or should have the um
1:05:49 | the public hearing and all that stuff that came that went with the last rate increase a few years
1:05:57 | ago. I don't think we're obligated to do it and I think we're authorized to
1:06:06 | change our our fees and billing to make sure we don't go in debt and start to have to get money back from the town.
1:06:15 | So, but I I think that is worth a discussion amongst the commission.
1:06:24 | So, what's the discussion?
1:06:26 | So, in the past, the last time they did it, and this is on page one of this thing I put out, um, when the commission
1:06:36 | raised the rates in March of 2022, the commissioner advertised a rate hearing for two weeks, held the hearing, read the notice, closed the hearing, then
1:06:44 | considered the motion. Um, I don't we're not obligated to do that.
1:06:51 | We can just change these rates and most water commissions in the state just change the rates and they do it
1:06:58 | annually, right? I think our rate um consultant is advising that we have to raise these rates annually to stay ahead of, you know, cost increases.
1:07:09 | Yep.
1:07:09 | So, I think having a a a rate hearing every year would be, you know, ownorous and and difficult. Um but
1:07:19 | yeah, I don't think we need to have a have that. We can just raise them. I think if I mean the option's going bankrupt. So
1:07:28 | y uh I don't think we I don't think we need that.
1:07:33 | I mean it was on the minutes that we would be discussing raising rates and uh I do agree that it's absolutely essential.
1:07:43 | I suppose we could just make it predictable that we will be discussing rates every year at the same monthly meeting. And so that could be helpful
1:07:52 | for future reference if anybody wants to uh attend to the meeting to share their view of the issue.
1:07:59 | I think that's a good idea.
1:08:04 | But uh I do think that the water and sewer commission has waited long enough for this particular increase to rates and uh another month is perhaps imprudent.
1:08:21 | Is there any further discussion of the matter? No. Hearing none, it's time for a vote.
1:08:31 | Mr. Seno, I.
1:08:33 | Mr. Graten, I.
1:08:34 | Mr. Gagnner, I.
1:08:36 | Mr. Thomas Coleman, I.
1:08:39 | Mr. Robert Coleman, I.
1:08:44 | Mr. Chairman, I move that the sewer privilege fee be increased to $12,000 per edu. Properties that were assessed and paid a betterment for the phase 2
1:08:52 | sewer improvements in 2003 would need to pay the difference between the new user fee and the betterment that was previously paid.
1:09:04 | I second.
1:09:09 | Is there any further discussion of the matter?
1:09:11 | Can you go over that one more time? you kind of like clear or not.
1:09:18 | In in 200 20203 there was something called the phase 2 ex expansion and they
1:09:25 | went they had added sewer around Glenno Lake. They added it into the center of town. And at the time, we took the total
1:09:34 | cost of that construction project, divided it by the total number of users that were affected.
1:09:41 | And they all paid a betterment of roughly $8,300 for that that infrastructure to go in front of their house. And when they needed to tie in,
1:09:50 | they had paid that betterment. So now they could they could just tie in um using the betterment that they paid as their tie-in.
1:09:59 | that's now 23 years old and we have a whole bunch of additional costs that we have to incur. Not the least of which is
1:10:07 | bringing our wastewater treatment plant up to date to to treat the sewage that we're receiving. So, I'm proposing that that tie-in fee be $12,000.
1:10:20 | If you're not on the system and you didn't previously pay a betterment, you've got to pay the whole 12,000. if you're one of those homes that
1:10:28 | previously paid the 8,300 and you haven't yet tied in in the last 23 years that you've got to pay the difference.
1:10:35 | You've got to pay uh is it $3,700 in addition to to tie in.
1:10:44 | And I think we should probably put the same um I think we should probably put a date on
1:10:51 | it on that and that probably would start October 1st. the same as the
1:10:58 | the rates. Does that make sense, Sue? Is that like It does.
1:11:03 | Yeah. I think everything should have the same date. So, do we need an amendment?
1:11:09 | Yeah, I'll amend my motion to Well, make that an October 1st. Um Well,
1:11:17 | so you're saying So, now I'm just thinking for the next billing round. So if the new rates start
1:11:26 | October 1st, it's actually going to be for usage the three months prior.
1:11:31 | No, I July, August, September.
1:11:33 | I thought it would be You told me that it would be reflected in the billing that begins in January. January. Yeah.
1:11:38 | Right. So you want the new PR for for uh residential regular billing. You want the new prices to start October 1st,
1:11:48 | which will so the new rates will go in October 1st with the billing starting yes in January.
1:11:58 | But now when we're talking about the privilege fees, somebody comes in on what date and the new rates kick in?
1:12:07 | October 1st. Okay.
1:12:13 | Okay. Uh Eric, one question. The 12,000 you're proposing, um did they how did you arrive at that? Was it from a consultant
1:12:21 | or and is that enough to cover any cost so that the town will not be any of it or the commission will not pay any of it?
1:12:32 | Right. Yeah. There is no cost. There's no direct cost or uh a house to connect to the system. All those costs are being
1:12:41 | paid by the homeowner. Um that that money that we collect goes towards capital improvements or infrastructure improvements.
1:12:54 | Okay.
1:13:01 | Is there any further discussion on the matter? Hearing none, it is time for a vote.
1:13:10 | Mr. Aseno.
1:13:11 | Hi, Mr. Graten.
1:13:13 | Hi, Mr. Gagner.
1:13:15 | Hi, Mr. Tom Coleman.
1:13:17 | Hi, Mr. Robert Coleman.
1:13:20 | I Erica, number three and four. Do you really think a motion needs to be made?
1:13:27 | I don't because I actually think we're going to ask Chris to do this as part of his uh as as part of his, you know,
1:13:34 | bringing us up to speed on things. But Okay. But I do think that is I'm sorry. Do you want to tell him what that is?
1:13:42 | Yeah, I I will call him and let him know. Okay, good.
1:13:45 | He's He's going to know these things anyway. Wait, he's right here.
1:13:56 | He's on the call. I I'll send him a a copy of this. Yes.
1:14:04 | Work. Okay. Okay.
1:14:10 | And the next order business, uh, McCclary Engineering water system status updates.
1:14:21 | I have nothing, um, new to report other than what's been discussed at this time.
1:14:24 | So, is there any further discussion of the matter?
1:14:33 | hearing none. Uh the next order of business is D factf finding meeting followup which we already did.
1:14:41 | Exactly. So I suppose uh is there any further discussion of that?
1:14:48 | Hearing none uh the fi final order of old business is Vincent Merson's monthly and project updates.
1:15:00 | sort of monthly updates have mostly been covered throughout the meeting, but just to touch base quick. Um Shane did send
1:15:08 | out that report on City Depot Road. That pipe had a ton of scale in it. They cleaned it all out. I agree with him. We
1:15:16 | should get pricing on having it relined and he recommended going from manhole to manhole. I also agree with that. So, I'm
1:15:24 | going to begin reaching out to contractors so we can get a price to have that work done.
1:15:29 | Uh the other item is the route 20 cleaning and Cameron of that line. That line has had several SSOs in the past
1:15:38 | few years. So it it really could use a cleaning. We did discuss disposal as he stated. Violia has a way of handling it.
1:15:48 | There is going to be a cost and that's just part of the business. So I agree we should move forward with that as well.
1:15:57 | Um, other items on my list, trolley crossing. There's a a new section of sewer that's been sitting there for 20
1:16:06 | years that was never connected. And the last time the owner came before the commission, the commission recommended
1:16:13 | he have it pressure tested and vacuum tested before they'd allowed a connection of it. And last week, they completed those requirements. They had
1:16:21 | K&D tapping and testing out there. They pressure tested the mains. They vacuum tested the manhole structures. The last manhole before it ties into our system.
1:16:32 | The masonry was not completed. So, they completed that masonry and finished all their testing. I signed off on it last week.
1:16:41 | Um, yeah, that's about it for my updates.
1:16:45 | Like I said, most of it was already covered throughout the meeting, so it was pretty quick. Anybody have any questions for me?
1:16:56 | Vinnie, can you send me a copy of the Violia proposal to do the route 20 work?
1:17:02 | I think I already sent it out, but I'll double check. Oh, and there was one more line item I just wanted to touch base on
1:17:08 | is um with the RFPs going out and the bid proposals being reviewed and stuff.
1:17:20 | I think somebody should be looking out for the town's interest with the bids and the final contract signing when that comes to place.
1:17:30 | Um, the bid proposal and the final contract sometimes might not represent each other as well as they should and I
1:17:39 | think an attorney should be reviewing those to make sure they're very similar and later on there won't be any
1:17:48 | discrepancies. So, I just kind of wanted to make you guys aware of that. Like,
1:17:54 | let's make sure that whoever wins their bid proposal matches what their final contract says they're going to do so there's no issues in the future.
1:18:06 | Vinnie, I'm glad you brought that up. I think it came up during our meeting that we have a like a town attorney who does
1:18:14 | like a general overview and the town manager proposed that we even get like a consultant or I mean another attorney
1:18:23 | who specialized in reviewing contracts like this. So I think that's something that we should get for this new um
1:18:32 | contract we're about to sign. Make sure that all the tees are crossed and the eyes are dotted and the town is protected, you know. So, not just use
1:18:41 | the local town attorney, but get an expert in review.
1:18:46 | Yeah, I have a reference for a attorney who specializes in wastewater case work.
1:18:53 | I could give that reference to the commission. Thank you.
1:19:06 | Is there any further discussion of the matter?
1:19:14 | Hearing none. Is there any other business unknown at time of posting to discuss? Oh, water and sewer superintendent.
1:19:24 | Oh, yeah. That's not on the uh agenda. Um, I emailed uh Robert, you and Eric.
1:19:34 | There was two applicants that came through. I don't know what you're looking for your next steps to be.
1:19:45 | I'm working out of town. Oh, okay.
1:19:51 | But I think both candidates should be interviewed. One one we met already, right? He was the fellow from I don't remember where he was from, but yes, we did meet with him.
1:20:02 | Yep.
1:20:03 | Um, and then the newer one, I think, is a good candidate. Strong candidate.
1:20:08 | So, yeah.
1:20:10 | So, do you want me to connect with Lynn and set something? Uh, how long are you out of town for, Eric?
1:20:18 | Like a month. Okay.
1:20:22 | Um, yeah, I think just pick pick two or three commissioners that are willing and set something up.
1:20:34 | Um, Sue, I just want to let you know I'll be out of country from the 11th to 27th.
1:20:40 | So, um, yeah, September.
1:20:44 | September. Yeah. Have a vacation coming up. Yeah. Good for you. I know.
1:20:50 | I think All right. Are there any other commissioners interested in participating in the interview process?
1:21:00 | I'll I'm interested. But who else? Anyone else?
1:21:07 | I am interested. Okay.
1:21:11 | All right. That's two. If there are no more interested then that gets around uh well not get around but does not trigger
1:21:19 | the open meeting law correct which is certainly convenient.
1:21:25 | No one else. All right. So we'll uh we'll sort out the time when all three are available plus uh 10 other 10 employees and all that.
1:21:37 | All right. I will send an email out to HR Lyn and HR.
1:21:46 | All right. Is there any further discussion of this matter?
1:21:53 | Other than you making um your regular appearance for signatures, Robert, that would be great. Everything is at um in Andrew's office. Chelsea has everything.
1:22:03 | It's labeled on who needs to sign what.
1:22:06 | So, I need three signatures on minutes and then I just need Roberts for the bills. Okay. Should be there tomorrow morning.
1:22:15 | Great.
1:22:17 | Is there any other business unknown at time of posting hearing? None. Uh the next meeting
1:22:26 | announcement shall it shall be on October 7th, 6:30 p.m. Uh like to make the motion to adjourn.
1:22:35 | [laughter]
1:22:37 | Second. Is there any discussion on the matter? No. Hearing none.
1:22:46 | And for a vote. Uh, Mr. Senzo. I. Mr. Grten. Hi. Mr. Gagner. Hi.
1:22:53 | Thomas Coleman. Hi. Mr. Robert Coleman. Hi. Awesome. You guys have a great night. Have a great Labor Day weekend.
1:23:02 | You, too.
1:23:02 | Everyone. Be safe. Be well. Take care everybody.
1:23:05 | Everyone have a great home day old home day if you're there.