2026-10-07 - Water and Sewer Commission Meeting

Summary

Built from ASR auto-captions (names approximate). The Water and Sewer Commission, chaired by Robert Coleman with Emmanuel Asenso, Paul Gagner, Erik Grotton and Thomas Coleman voting, approved two sets of minutes (the 2025 sets with Emmanuel Asenso abstaining because he was not then on the board) and warrants totaling $108,727.76. Shane (Veolia) presented Veolia's August monthly operating report: three operators on site daily plus a part-time admin, sludge hauling nearly caught up until the receiving incinerator shut for a couple of weeks, E. coli and pH exceedances reportedly resolved, plant loadings still above design, a daily-max flow reporting error to be fixed in the September report, and the phosphorus limit rising to 1.0 mg/L on November 1. Shane (Veolia) and a Veolia colleague ("Zach") explained that the CoMag process is impaired because automated wasting/return valves were replaced with manual valves (no SCADA control or "goosing"), one train was cannibalized for parts, and repair pricing is on hold until the board decides on the operations contract. Vincent Masterson asked about the second train, and the board asked for current R&M/chemical/sludge cost breakdowns (the one provided ran only through July).

Under new business, Jennifer Cournoyer (the new water/sewer administrative coordinator) was introduced and members said what reports they want: a running tally of sewer capacity commitments under the moratorium, notice of new connections, revenue and outstanding-balance information (concern about reliance on the Turnpike Authority invoice, reportedly going out for rebid), delivered as a brief monthly summary in the agenda packet. Engineer Chris McClure presented two proposals, both approved by unanimous roll call: a $5,000 MassDOT-compliant rolling traffic management plan (needed for the roadway access permit to clean, jet and camera the Route 20 sewer line) and a $15,000 proposal to assemble the formal response to MassDEP's enforcement-meeting list (O&M and IPP updates, collection-system mapping/GIS); the CWMP (comprehensive wastewater management plan, the gateway to state funding, previously about $600,000 when last done) may need to be outsourced. Vincent Masterson reported on 17 faulty meters (three replaced, two new MXUs, the 41 Lakeview broken-wire fix), hand-delivery of no-flushing notices to the pump-station customers (rest area, Treehouse Brewery, Amazon), and the stalled Griffin Road water extension, where MassDOT permit-portal permissions prevented anyone, including Andrew Golas and Nick Peele, from submitting the Route 20 permit. Lynn Ashley has circulated superintendent applications and Thomas Coleman still needs to schedule interviews. A member pushed to pick one of the two contractors who pitched to operate the plant earlier that day; the chair declined because it was not on the agenda, with no date set. The next meeting was set for November 4 and the meeting adjourned by roll call.

Issues discussed: Sewer Rate Increase and DEP Compliance, Water and Sewer Plant Operations Contract Selection, Griffin Road Waterline Extension

Transcript

0:07 | I call this
0:09 | um
0:10 | this meeting of the Charlton Water and
0:11 | Sewer Commission. Oh, wait. No, never
0:13 | mind. It's
0:18 | Being over eager.
0:29 | Oh.
0:30 | >> Eric signing in now.
1:06 | >> [snorts]
1:13 | >> Um before we begin the
1:16 | the minutes that we got, the dates on
1:18 | this is July 9th, 2025. Is it Is that
1:21 | correct, Paul?
1:22 | >> Yes, there were two sets of minutes um
1:24 | in 2025. Those were never
1:27 | approved or signed.
1:29 | >> Oh, okay.
1:30 | >> We're bringing them now.
1:31 | >> Okay, okay. Uh
1:36 | >> I believe we have a quorum and it is
1:39 | 6:30 p.m. I call this meeting of the
1:41 | Charlton Water and Sewer Commission to
1:44 | order.
1:48 | The first item on the agenda is the
1:51 | public forum.
1:53 | Is there anyone on this call that wants
1:54 | to discuss something that is not already
1:56 | on the agenda.
2:02 | Hearing none, we'll move on to meetings
2:04 | and warrants. Mr. Ascenzo, do you have a
2:05 | motion to approve the meeting minutes?
2:08 | >> Oh, yes. So, I make the motion to
2:12 | accept the minute dated on
2:15 | Um so, there's two of them. The first
2:18 | one will be September 2nd, 2026.
2:23 | >> Second.
2:27 | >> Is there any discussion?
2:31 | Hearing none, uh call the vote.
2:34 | >> Mr. Ascenzo?
2:37 | >> Aye.
2:38 | >> Mr. Gagner?
2:39 | >> Aye.
2:40 | >> Mr. Thomas [clears throat] Coleman?
2:41 | >> Aye.
2:42 | >> Mr. Robert Coleman?
2:47 | >> Unmute.
2:48 | >> You're muted, Robert.
2:51 | >> Aye.
2:52 | >> And Mr. Graton?
2:53 | >> Aye.
2:58 | >> And I make a motion to also accept
3:02 | uh minute dated on July 9th, 2025.
3:07 | >> Second.
3:11 | >> Um just so you know, uh Mr. Ascenzo, you
3:13 | can't
3:15 | you have to abstain cuz you weren't at
3:16 | that meeting.
3:18 | >> Oh, okay.
3:19 | >> Okay.
3:20 | All right.
3:20 | >> I make a motion to accept
3:21 | [clears throat] the minutes from July
3:22 | 20th,
3:24 | July 20, 2025.
3:29 | >> Second.
3:30 | >> I'll second it.
3:32 | >> [clears throat]
3:34 | >> All right. Mr. Ascenzo?
3:36 | >> Can I vote, though?
3:38 | >> No, you can just say abstain.
3:40 | >> Abstain. All right.
3:42 | >> Mr. Gagner?
3:43 | >> Aye.
3:43 | >> Mr. Graton?
3:44 | >> Aye.
3:45 | >> Mr. Thomas Coleman?
3:48 | Oh, sorry. Here I Yeah, Mr. Thomas
3:50 | Coleman.
3:51 | >> Aye.
3:52 | >> Robert Mr. Robert Coleman
3:54 | >> Hi.
3:56 | >> Right.
4:00 | >> And for the uh next order of business,
4:03 | we have a scheduled appointment uh with
4:06 | >> I think we have warrants to
4:07 | >> You're going to do the warrant?
4:08 | >> Warrants, right.
4:10 | >> Okay, so I'll make motion to accept uh
4:12 | warrant total in
4:15 | uh $108,727
4:19 | and 76 cents.
4:23 | >> I'll second it.
4:24 | >> [clears throat]
4:25 | >> Is there any discussion?
4:30 | Hearing none,
4:31 | uh call for a roll call vote.
4:34 | >> Mr. Finazzo
4:35 | >> Hi.
4:36 | >> Mr. Gagner
4:38 | >> Hi.
4:38 | >> Mr. Brotten
4:39 | >> Hi.
4:40 | >> Mr. Thomas Coleman
4:42 | >> Hi.
4:43 | >> Mr. Robert Coleman
4:44 | >> Hi.
4:50 | >> For our next order of business, we have
4:52 | a scheduled appointment
4:55 | with the for the Veolia monthly
4:58 | operating report.
5:03 | >> Uh good evening.
5:05 | Um you have my MOR for the month of
5:07 | August. Um I listed all the operation
5:10 | and maintenance activities on that
5:12 | report. As you can see, we've been very
5:15 | busy um
5:17 | fixing things and uh getting things back
5:19 | in order.
5:20 | You can also see that we've added
5:22 | another staff member um in the month of
5:25 | August. So, I just want the board to be
5:27 | aware that
5:28 | um we've had three
5:30 | people on site pretty much every day
5:33 | barring anybody calling in sick or being
5:35 | on vacation. Um and then our admin who
5:38 | works um
5:40 | 20 to 25 hours a week is also on site.
5:42 | So, just wanted to make sure that you
5:44 | understand that we're meeting our
5:46 | obligations, people-wise, and actually
5:49 | sometimes we even have more people on
5:51 | site. Um
5:53 | continue to haul the sludge. We were
5:55 | actually getting caught up. We were
5:56 | getting very close um
5:59 | to being back in compliance, and
6:01 | unfortunately,
6:03 | the incinerator that we haul our sludge
6:04 | to closed down for a couple weeks, which
6:07 | kind of set us back. Um
6:09 | the incinerator's back open. We're back
6:11 | hauling
6:13 | getting rid of the sludge. Numbers are
6:15 | coming back down.
6:16 | Um we're getting close to close to the
6:18 | compliance. I can tell you the coli
6:20 | issue has gone away.
6:23 | I am in constant constant contact with
6:27 | Mr. Kapasco at the DEP. He is fully
6:29 | aware of um what's going on with the
6:32 | plant. I will tell you right now that he
6:34 | is very interested in the results coming
6:37 | from the Turnpike Authority and the
6:39 | brewery. Um
6:41 | which goes back to the IPP plan. Um
6:45 | which you are going to have Chris
6:46 | McCullen write. Um so, he's been um kept
6:50 | informed all every step of the way.
6:52 | And I guess with that said, I'll answer
6:55 | any questions from the board if there
6:56 | are any.
6:59 | >> Machine, the the performance report has
7:02 | flow rates that are
7:04 | you know, much higher than they've been
7:06 | in the past.
7:07 | Is that
7:09 | a quirk of a flow meter, or is it we
7:12 | really have
7:13 | >> I think the meter So, there is an issue
7:14 | with the daily max. I didn't catch it
7:16 | until I was working on the DMR.
7:19 | Um I did have the SCADA guy in the other
7:21 | day to look to see how that's being um
7:24 | calculated. It's being calculated right.
7:26 | Now, I just have to work on how it's
7:28 | transitioning to this report. Um the
7:30 | report for September will have the
7:33 | correct daily max.
7:38 | >> Yeah, so
7:39 | like the loading, like the BOD loading,
7:41 | and TSS loading
7:43 | are all concentrations times flow
7:47 | these loadings.
7:49 | >> Yeah, I mean I don't think the daily max
7:51 | really plays into that, but the loadings
7:53 | you're seeing are what is coming into
7:54 | the plant and what's going out. So, the
7:57 | BOD pounds per day is
8:00 | would be off a little bit, but I don't
8:03 | think that daily maximum plays into
8:05 | that. So,
8:06 | I did catch that. I will straighten it
8:09 | out before I turn in the September
8:11 | report. But, I can tell you this cuz I
8:13 | do see the lab data
8:14 | coming in. Your loadings are still over
8:17 | the design of the plant. Now, don't get
8:18 | me wrong. The plant is still performing
8:22 | pretty well, especially BOD removal is
8:24 | really good.
8:26 | Um,
8:27 | the TSS was coming down. The E. coli
8:29 | issue's been taken care of. The pH
8:31 | issue's been taken care of. Couple minor
8:33 | things here and there.
8:35 | >> pH is a weird one to
8:37 | >> It was an issue with
8:38 | the plant losing flow and some of the
8:41 | flow pacing. So,
8:43 | when the plant was starting, we were
8:45 | having some spikes, which we reported to
8:47 | DEP.
8:49 | We believe we've got that corrected now.
8:52 | We're not seeing those problems more
8:54 | recently, and I think that'll reflect in
8:57 | the September report when I write that
8:58 | for you.
8:59 | >> Yeah.
9:00 | Does phosphorus limit go away sometime
9:04 | soon?
9:06 | >> I don't think it goes away. I think it
9:07 | increases to a 1.0. Don't have that
9:10 | right in front of me. I know there was a
9:12 | change and usually it's November 1st,
9:14 | and then I believe it goes up to um
9:17 | a 1.0 monthly average instead of the
9:20 | .11. Um, I can look into that for you if
9:23 | you want and send you an email.
9:25 | >> It's typical that it goes up to one.
9:27 | >> Right. They Not
9:29 | In most places, yes. Like even in
9:30 | Sturbridge, ours changes on November
9:32 | 1st. I'm sure Charlton does the same.
9:35 | Um,
9:38 | and then even then, you know, until
9:40 | with the with the phosphorus, it's
9:42 | directly related to TSS. The last TSS
9:45 | before the um
9:48 | incinerated closed was down to a four,
9:50 | which I was hoping then the phosphorus
9:52 | would come back down with it.
9:54 | Um
9:55 | But it didn't Like I said, once it
9:57 | closed, um we didn't get to that. So
10:01 | So I have the permit in front of me on
10:03 | November 1st, it does go up to
10:05 | >> 1 mg per liter.
10:06 | >> Yeah.
10:07 | You attribute the
10:09 | phosphorus
10:11 | and the nitrogen in the E. coli
10:14 | to solids inventory more than
10:17 | >> Definitely the phosphorus. The E. coli
10:19 | was more um you know, your UV system
10:21 | just wasn't producing the way it needed
10:23 | to. With you know, with us getting
10:24 | permission from MassDEP, having that in
10:27 | writing, um the E. coli's gone away.
10:30 | The ammonia issue, um the ABCs are
10:33 | performing now. We are nitrifying.
10:36 | We just haven't had enough chance, you
10:38 | know, once we got caught up on the
10:39 | hauling, the incinerator closing down
10:42 | really set us back a couple weeks.
10:44 | >> But you attribute it more to solids
10:46 | inventory than CoMag performance?
10:48 | >> That CoMag system is in need of some
10:51 | serious work. Um that system's been
10:53 | altered. It's not running the way It's
10:57 | not running the way it's designed to
10:58 | run. Um it's going to need some work.
11:01 | We've actually priced out um some things
11:03 | that we'll need to do moving forward.
11:06 | We just haven't pulled the trigger on
11:08 | that until we know what the board
11:11 | respectively decides to do with the
11:12 | contract.
11:14 | >> Yeah.
11:15 | Okay.
11:15 | >> Cuz some of the parts lead times are
11:17 | five, six weeks.
11:19 | We've looked into some other work where
11:21 | um
11:21 | pumps have lead times of of months.
11:24 | And we just didn't want to get into that
11:26 | until you decide whether you were going
11:28 | with another company or you were going
11:29 | to retain Veolia's services.
11:33 | >> Okay.
11:34 | And just to to add to a little bit about
11:36 | what um
11:37 | Shane had mentioned about the uh the
11:39 | valving in CoMag,
11:41 | um
11:42 | >> [clears throat]
11:42 | >> the the wasting and return systems on
11:44 | the CoMag process utilize the same
11:47 | pumps. So, in order for it to cycle
11:49 | between return and wasting,
11:53 | automatic valves actuate um below the
11:56 | tanks to uh to divert flow to um their
12:00 | intended location. Those valves at one
12:03 | point were replaced with manual valves.
12:06 | Um so, SCADA can't really communicate
12:09 | with those valves to tell them what
12:11 | position to be in. So, we're having
12:13 | challenges with getting um the proper
12:16 | wasting and return ratios, as well as um
12:20 | the process utilizes what's referred to
12:22 | as goosing, where the valves will open
12:26 | uh more so than normal, um and the pump
12:29 | speed will ramp up. This scours the
12:31 | lines, so any buildup of magnetite or
12:33 | solids in those lines um will actually
12:37 | clear out. Um again, replacing those
12:39 | valves with uh manual valves kind of
12:42 | eliminated that process from working.
12:45 | So, Shane and I have um Shane and the
12:47 | team there have looked into uh replacing
12:50 | those valves and get getting them
12:52 | automated and functioning as intended.
12:57 | >> Yep.
13:01 | That that's a really hard process to
13:04 | run, just logistically moving
13:06 | that magnetite around is really
13:08 | difficult. So, I I get I get that.
13:10 | >> Yeah, it's a it's it's a
13:13 | For such a small process, there's a lot
13:14 | of moving parts, and all those moving
13:17 | parts are really integral to uh to
13:20 | proper operation. So, if you lose one of
13:23 | those parts or one of those chemicals or
13:25 | one of those mixers,
13:27 | the process really suffers. So, we think
13:29 | when we get that all squared away, we
13:31 | get the the wasting operating as
13:33 | intended, the return operating as
13:35 | intended, the performance numbers that
13:38 | we see coming out of that are just going
13:39 | to improve that much more.
13:41 | >> Yeah.
13:58 | >> Uh
13:59 | does anyone have any questions?
14:01 | >> I just have something. Um
14:04 | I noticed as I Shane, I should have said
14:06 | something to you.
14:07 | And I know there's lag time
14:10 | with your invoicing, but could we get a
14:12 | current R&M chemical sludge breakdown?
14:14 | Cuz this looks I mean, I'm just looking
14:16 | at it quickly now.
14:18 | Um it looks like it's last month's.
14:21 | I could be wrong.
14:22 | >> So, I I gave you the one I gave you was
14:25 | through um
14:29 | You're right. It was just through um
14:32 | July. When I do the September report,
14:34 | I'll make sure it's up through
14:35 | September.
14:35 | >> Yeah. Yeah. And I know
14:36 | >> And actually, if it helps, I can even um
14:39 | download it tomorrow and email it to you
14:41 | if that'll help you.
14:43 | >> uh yeah, cuz I know uh Trisha, Jen, and
14:45 | I have been going back and forth with
14:46 | things, and that's the other thing I
14:48 | wanted to um make mention. Um
14:51 | we're not ignoring Trisha. Uh we're
14:53 | going to do Jen's going to do a deep
14:55 | dive into those outstanding invoices.
14:58 | >> Understood. And then I'll I'll um
15:00 | I don't know how that happened, to be
15:01 | honest with you. I will I have the
15:03 | reports on my email. It's just Give me 5
15:06 | minutes to download them and I'll send
15:07 | it over to you.
15:09 | >> Okay, great.
15:09 | >> I apologize for that.
15:10 | >> Not a big deal.
15:21 | >> I I just got a quick question about the
15:23 | coal mag. I'm a little curious.
15:26 | Um I know Dennis was working on that
15:28 | valve. I'm not sure where it left off.
15:30 | Are both trains in the same situation
15:33 | currently?
15:38 | >> The the train that was online was the
15:41 | one um that we were concentrating on the
15:44 | most.
15:45 | We we had some other issues with the
15:47 | other train. We
15:49 | um we had stolen parts off off of the
15:52 | other train to make one um
15:54 | So, I'd have to dig into that more.
15:57 | Um
15:58 | But, you know, with those like like Zach
16:00 | said, with those actuated valves being
16:02 | removed and not having the ability to
16:05 | goose properly, you know, that kind of
16:08 | and not waste properly, it kind of
16:09 | screws up the whole system. So,
16:11 | uh to be honest with you, Vinnie, I can
16:13 | look at the other unit, which is on our
16:15 | list of things to do.
16:17 | Our goal was really to get the the unit
16:20 | um that we had been
16:22 | using back up and working cuz that's the
16:24 | one that seems to perform the best.
16:26 | >> Okay, I was just curious. I mean
16:29 | Yeah.
16:30 | If the other one was 100% ready, I was
16:33 | thinking maybe it would be an easy
16:34 | switch, but yeah, you're right.
16:36 | >> And the actuator is it just hanging
16:38 | there, you know, so I don't I don't and
16:40 | honestly, I wasn't there. I don't know
16:41 | who did what and it doesn't matter cuz
16:43 | we just want to move forward. I don't
16:44 | even know if the actuator is the issue
16:46 | or if it was the valve that was the
16:48 | issue. So, again, you know,
16:50 | >> the valve blew out. He showed me it when
16:52 | he was here.
16:54 | >> Okay. And then, you know, on just you
16:56 | know, he should have replaced it with
16:58 | the proper valve and hooked the actuator
17:00 | back up, but he didn't. Maybe he had a
17:01 | reason for that. I can't speak to that.
17:03 | Um but, we are definitely it's got our
17:05 | attention and we're working on it. I
17:07 | will look at the other unit um
17:10 | tomorrow to see if that's a possibility.
17:12 | But, when we turned that other unit on,
17:14 | we weren't having much luck, either.
17:16 | >> Yeah, that one always kind of had some
17:18 | quirks to it.
17:19 | >> Yeah. And then Vinnie, I think what
17:22 | Shane said with the the head the
17:24 | actuator still being attached to the
17:26 | wiring,
17:28 | um what we can instruct the team there
17:30 | to do is is to actually manually uh move
17:34 | that valve position
17:36 | um through SCADA and see if the see if
17:39 | the actuator rotates. I mean, it's not
17:42 | attached to a valve, but it will at
17:43 | least let us know
17:45 | if uh the actuator, which is probably
17:47 | the the substantial part of the the cost
17:50 | of the valve, is still functioning.
17:53 | >> Yeah, I know I know we had a blowout on
17:55 | that valve cuz he showed me the big hole
17:56 | in it, but
17:58 | I don't know if the actuator is still
17:59 | good, so that would be good to find out.
18:01 | Yeah, I'm just wondering the condition
18:03 | of the other train, to be honest with
18:04 | you.
18:05 | >> Yeah, we can give you an update on that.
18:06 | And honestly, you know, we have the
18:08 | similar system in Starboard, and those
18:10 | valves, the ones that you know, control
18:12 | the goosing, they're famous for the
18:14 | magnetites just wearing through the
18:15 | body. So, I'm not surprised you've had
18:18 | that issue. We've had it in Starboard.
18:20 | We actually keep a spare on the shelf
18:21 | here for that reason.
18:23 | Um but it is something we're we're going
18:25 | to address.
18:26 | >> Yeah.
18:26 | >> All right.
18:27 | >> Thank you.
18:28 | >> Yep.
18:39 | >> Is there any further discussion on the
18:40 | topic?
18:43 | >> This um limit report looks like the same
18:46 | report from last month, is it?
18:48 | >> Yeah, that's cool.
18:49 | >> Yeah, he said he'll uh we'll send it and
18:52 | update it tomorrow. I can send it out to
18:54 | you guys.
18:55 | >> Okay, I missed it. All right, thank you.
18:59 | >> Is there any further discussion on the
19:01 | topic?
19:06 | Hearing none,
19:07 | uh new business. Uh the department
19:10 | processes.
19:12 | >> Okay. Um I don't know if all of you can
19:15 | see Jen, but Jen is the new water sewer
19:20 | admin and we are very excited to have
19:23 | her.
19:23 | Um she comes with a history of working
19:28 | for another municipality in the water
19:29 | sewer department. So, she knows her
19:32 | stuff.
19:33 | Um
19:36 | the way she did meetings is probably
19:38 | different than way we do it. So, I am
19:42 | just want to go over a few things with
19:44 | how things are done. Like, is there
19:47 | anything you want changed or anything
19:49 | you want added? For instance, um the
19:51 | timing of the agenda packet. We usually
19:53 | send it out the Monday before the
19:55 | meeting. Are you guys okay with that? Um
19:59 | when somebody wants to connect a new
20:02 | house or like a a brand new house
20:05 | being built or a house looking to
20:08 | connect, do you guys want to be notified
20:10 | of that?
20:11 | Um
20:14 | I know we need to come before the
20:16 | commission when
20:18 | say someone has a large
20:21 | um privilege fee.
20:24 | If it's an existing home,
20:27 | so um with the assessor speaking, the
20:29 | assessors want all new connections to be
20:31 | paid in full, all the privilege fees.
20:33 | But, existing homes, it is okay to be
20:36 | assessed over time. So, that is normally
20:38 | brought to the commission for approval.
20:41 | Um
20:42 | aging report looking at outstanding
20:44 | balances, do you want any information on
20:46 | that? Do you want any information on
20:48 | meter reads and how they're doing? Any
20:50 | faulty meters? Any repeat issues? What
20:54 | do you guys want because Jen's starting
20:56 | fresh and she's just wants to make sure
21:00 | you guys get all the information you
21:01 | want and need.
21:05 | >> Well, I'll go I'll go first if it's all
21:07 | right.
21:08 | >> Sure.
21:09 | >> I have no issue with the agenda package
21:11 | timing. I could
21:12 | pick whatever's convenient and
21:14 | logistically useful for your end.
21:17 | >> Okay.
21:17 | >> Um the new connection notifications
21:19 | initially when I got on the board
21:22 | all the single family homes were going
21:24 | through us. We kind of
21:26 | authorized um Vinnie to take care of
21:30 | those, but I did think that we would
21:32 | receive some kind of a monthly
21:34 | list at some point. These are the ones
21:36 | that got tied in.
21:38 | And
21:39 | with our moratorium in the
21:42 | restrictions on the amount of water we
21:44 | can treat
21:45 | I do want to and I don't know who does
21:47 | this, but I do think we should have a
21:49 | kind of a running tally of our
21:52 | um
21:53 | of our commitments.
21:55 | >> Okay.
21:55 | >> We've told this guy he can have 15,000.
21:57 | I've told this guy he can have nine and
22:00 | and it's growing closer to our limit.
22:02 | >> Okay.
22:03 | >> Um
22:05 | I I think I I think I would like to have
22:08 | more information on the revenue you
22:10 | know, we see costs all the time, but we
22:13 | we see revenue.
22:14 | >> Yep.
22:14 | >> So, I think it would be useful for me to
22:17 | see
22:19 | you know, each quarter these are the
22:21 | >> I mean
22:22 | we can run reports like from our expense
22:25 | accounts. She can give you balances on
22:27 | where things stand as well. Like um
22:30 | all those bills so you guys can get a
22:32 | current balance of what is in our O&M
22:34 | account.
22:35 | So, anything like that just let us know.
22:37 | >> Yeah.
22:38 | >> Let me know.
22:39 | >> I think the risk for that I see is that
22:41 | for you know, years and years we've been
22:43 | relying on a large um invoice that went
22:46 | to the turnpikes.
22:48 | You know, at some point we've been
22:50 | warned that that's going to end and and
22:52 | I'd like to see
22:53 | >> Um I just heard that's going up for
22:55 | rebid.
22:58 | >> Oh, so they're not going to close it
22:59 | right away. It's
23:00 | >> Right.
23:00 | >> years
23:01 | >> the time. Yeah.
23:02 | >> But
23:03 | Yeah, still like
23:05 | what are we what are we taking in
23:06 | because we always talk about what we're
23:08 | what we're spending.
23:09 | >> Okay. So, those are my
23:11 | that's my wish list.
23:17 | Anybody else?
23:24 | I know when the quarter ends you all
23:26 | come in to sign the commitment report
23:28 | which means that's how much money was
23:30 | billed out including all the surcharges.
23:33 | I didn't know if you wanted
23:35 | anything else.
23:39 | >> Well, it might be a case if we don't
23:40 | know what we're not getting.
23:42 | >> True, yeah.
23:43 | >> Accurate.
23:49 | >> Well, moving forward we can
23:51 | absolutely notify you of any and all new
23:54 | connections
23:55 | and then
23:57 | income.
24:00 | And if you would you like to know what
24:03 | is outstanding?
24:05 | Like what bill what the dollar amount is
24:07 | for outstanding
24:10 | bills that haven't been paid? Is that of
24:12 | any interest?
24:16 | >> I I I think it's of interest.
24:18 | >> Okay.
24:19 | >> Yeah.
24:21 | >> I think I understood from a few meetings
24:24 | ago that
24:26 | um
24:27 | somehow the town runs those people down
24:29 | and make sure those don't stay
24:31 | outstanding for too long but I think
24:33 | it'd be useful to know
24:36 | >> Sure.
24:36 | >> what what that looks like.
24:41 | >> Um
24:42 | so maybe this is just a thought. Um you
24:45 | know how Vinnie does his overall monthly
24:48 | review, maybe Jen can do something
24:50 | similar like this many connections, this
24:53 | much came in and this is where we stand
24:55 | for outstanding invoices. Would
24:57 | something like that be good?
25:00 | She could actually just put it in a memo
25:02 | and just let you guys know or an email
25:04 | monthly or
25:06 | it doesn't even have to be part of the
25:07 | meeting. She can just send it out to
25:08 | you.
25:12 | >> I can't see how we wouldn't like it.
25:14 | >> Okay.
25:14 | >> It's It's just isn't it unless it's more
25:17 | work for her that she can't fit in, but
25:19 | I'm guessing that that it's not.
25:21 | >> Jen, would you rather it be part of the
25:23 | meeting or just like a monthly update to
25:26 | the commission at through email?
25:29 | >> Whichever they would prefer. I have no
25:31 | problem. I've done it both ways in the
25:33 | past with other boards.
25:37 | I mean, I can put it into the
25:40 | agenda packet.
25:42 | >> Now that I'm thinking about it in New
25:43 | Connections, why don't we do it just
25:45 | like You can do a summary.
25:48 | Like a 2-minute summary of what is going
25:51 | on.
25:52 | >> Sure.
25:52 | >> That way they if they have questions
25:54 | regarding the connections, that would be
25:55 | the time to talk about it.
25:57 | >> Absolutely.
25:58 | >> Does that make sense?
26:04 | Okay.
26:07 | So, next Robert, you want to take over?
26:11 | >> Up next the next order of new business
26:15 | is the McLeary engineering proposal for
26:17 | traffic management plan and master DEP
26:20 | response.
26:25 | >> That was all part of your packet for you
26:27 | to review.
26:33 | >> Is Is Chris on?
26:35 | >> He is.
26:35 | >> He
26:36 | I see his name.
26:38 | >> Yes, I was able to jump out of my other
26:40 | meeting. Good Good evening.
26:42 | >> Hi.
26:43 | >> Good evening.
26:45 | So,
26:46 | yes, so the traffic management plan
26:49 | proposal
26:50 | as you probably been aware of we're
26:53 | trying to get this Route 20 and other
26:55 | work that's been associated on on Route
26:57 | 20. We have to develop a MassDOT
27:00 | compliant traffic management plan.
27:04 | With this proposal
27:06 | I I am
27:08 | going to develop something that I'll be
27:10 | able to use for anytime any work needs
27:12 | to be done on on the DOT on on the DOT
27:15 | right-of-way. So, it it'll also, you
27:18 | know, we have to get this um that line
27:22 | cleaned
27:23 | um
27:24 | jetted and cameraed.
27:26 | So, this this component is has been
27:28 | really was what what's holding us up in
27:30 | order to get out there in addition to
27:32 | getting, you know,
27:33 | um quotes from the folks to get that
27:34 | worked on.
27:35 | But, this needs to be submitted as part
27:37 | of that roadway access permit with the
27:40 | MassDOT um in order for them to approve
27:43 | uh to approve this work. What we're
27:45 | proposing is is really a rolling uh
27:47 | rolling management plan. So, I have to
27:48 | put in a bunch of develop a bunch of
27:50 | different pages and and you know, and a
27:53 | and the attenuators and the rest of
27:54 | that. So, they So, once we propose doing
27:57 | work in the road, um they they they will
28:01 | um they'll they'll approve it.
28:08 | >> Are you looking for a a motion from the
28:12 | commission to approve the
28:14 | >> Y- yes, yes, exactly. Just so you know
28:16 | that I have a scope of work and a level
28:18 | of effort that's I'm looking for. But,
28:20 | that one end up and also this this two
28:22 | proposals there. The other one is for
28:23 | that uh MassDEP response. Um I didn't
28:26 | want to go ahead and start um you know,
28:28 | expanding um monies towards that um
28:31 | towards those responses and those and
28:33 | those uh requirements without without
28:35 | the board's approval. And so, that's
28:36 | that's what I'm looking for motion on
28:37 | both of those uh both those proposals.
28:40 | >> Yeah, I think they might be in in
28:42 | backwards order on my
28:45 | mine. So, the
28:48 | the $15,000 one is for the DEP response.
28:52 | >> Yes. Yeah.
28:52 | >> The traffic management plan are just
28:55 | okay. That's the $5,000 effort.
28:57 | >> Yeah. Yeah. And And everything will be
28:59 | billed as I typically do as a time and
29:01 | expense so my service items and hours.
29:03 | Um but I just wanted to give the
29:05 | commission um budgetary numbers to to
29:07 | approve to so I can move move the work
29:10 | forward.
29:10 | >> Yep. So, the the $5,000 is is your
29:13 | portion. There are subcontractors that
29:16 | are going to
29:18 | be added to that cost to get that work
29:20 | done.
29:20 | >> Yes, to do to get the work done. Mine
29:22 | will have We will have um MassDOT work
29:25 | access permits in hand. So, when we
29:28 | identify the subcontractor to do the
29:30 | actual work, um this has been the This
29:32 | has been the hurdle that we've had uh
29:35 | you know, to to to jump through. So, um
29:37 | I've determined the level of effort I
29:39 | need to do that and that's and that's
29:40 | what that is.
29:41 | >> Yep. And then you'll come back to us and
29:42 | say, "Hey, we need another X number to
29:45 | to hire the
29:47 | detail to
29:48 | to actually clean the lines and to
29:51 | dispose of the stuff."
29:52 | >> Exactly. Yeah.
29:53 | >> Yeah. Okay. Well, I I move to approve
29:55 | the
29:56 | the traffic management plan for $5,000
30:00 | in accordance with proposal 0543211P.
30:05 | >> I'll second it.
30:07 | >> [clears throat]
30:08 | >> Is there any further discussion on the
30:10 | matter?
30:14 | Hearing none, hearing
30:15 | Let's take for a roll call vote.
30:17 | >> Mr. Sensale?
30:19 | >> I.
30:20 | >> Mr. Uh Mr. Gagner?
30:23 | >> I.
30:23 | >> Mr. Graton?
30:24 | >> I.
30:25 | >> Mr. Thomas Coleman?
30:27 | Mr. Robert Coleman?
30:29 | >> I.
30:34 | >> Okay, the the next proposal is the um is
30:37 | for that MassDEP uh response to start
30:40 | pulling together um
30:42 | the items that were listed uh
30:45 | as a result of the uh that the BEP,
30:49 | we'll call it an enforcement meeting. Um
30:51 | so I just again putting together uh a
30:54 | level of effort to start identifying the
30:57 | requirements for updating the O&M, the
30:59 | IPP, um and getting into the the C Mom
31:02 | and that type of I I and and and at
31:04 | first just respon- putting a formal
31:07 | response together to uh let them know
31:09 | that you know the commission's aware of
31:11 | this and um and your intent is to comply
31:14 | with all of these uh requirements.
31:18 | >> Yep.
31:19 | So
31:21 | there was an email from Jim Jim Laughlin
31:25 | um and then a follow-up uh that listed
31:29 | you know
31:30 | I don't know, 15 things on it.
31:33 | Is everything on that list part of this
31:36 | scope?
31:37 | >> When we get in So I have seen this been
31:39 | to a couple of versions of the O&M,
31:41 | Eric, so depending upon, you know, if
31:44 | we're talking about this an O&M that
31:45 | came with the original plant. There was
31:48 | another O&M that was submitted on behalf
31:50 | of uh you know, that it that Vinny had
31:52 | had submitted um
31:54 | really for updates. Uh it it's it's to
31:57 | it's to get a get a handle on, you know,
31:59 | dig through these files and I know most
32:01 | of them have been started at, you know,
32:03 | to a point. It's to to let them know and
32:06 | how deep do we have to get into them?
32:07 | Let them know that hey, yes again, we're
32:09 | here. Um there might be some additional
32:11 | work that comes back, but I I just
32:12 | wanted to be able to get the
32:14 | you know, uh roll up my sleeves and and
32:16 | and dig into these things and and get
32:18 | the ball rolling. If uh if I come across
32:21 | additional um requirements that that are
32:24 | going to take extra costs, I'll come
32:25 | back to the commission for those.
32:27 | >> Yeah, right. And and since the work is
32:30 | like
32:31 | as you spend time on it, it
32:33 | >> Yes, exactly. Yeah.
32:34 | >> But
32:35 | >> [clears throat]
32:35 | >> my interest I think is identifying some
32:37 | tasks that maybe we need to go, you
32:40 | know, someplace else on to get them
32:41 | done. And if I could just run some of
32:44 | these things by you.
32:45 | >> Yeah.
32:46 | >> Um the CWMP.
32:48 | >> Right.
32:49 | >> Is that in You think that's in this
32:50 | 15,000 or do you think this is something
32:52 | we should go find?
32:53 | >> Yeah, we we may need to you know, we may
32:56 | need to bring outside sources in for
32:58 | that or you know, it's it's it's just I
33:01 | know there's again there's been some
33:03 | framework done there. I just don't know
33:05 | to what, you know,
33:07 | degree that the state you know, that
33:09 | they may want a little more
33:10 | comprehensive than you know, than we can
33:12 | than we can do. So, we may want to
33:13 | outsource that.
33:14 | >> Yeah. And when you say we should
33:15 | outsource this, is that is that MacLeod
33:17 | is that the Water Sewer Commission?
33:20 | >> I think I think I can get you to the
33:22 | right you know,
33:23 | work on
33:25 | obtaining, you know, getting a quote for
33:27 | the right resources to accomplish those
33:29 | so that you're not, you know,
33:31 | um
33:32 | you guys don't have to, you know, go out
33:33 | and try to
33:34 | I mean, you obviously being in the
33:36 | business probably have some resources,
33:38 | but you may be, you know, busy with
33:40 | other things. So,
33:41 | >> Well, I mean
33:42 | >> I can assist in that.
33:43 | >> In 2002, when I was on the board last,
33:47 | we needed to get this done and we hired
33:49 | Tiehm Bond to do it
33:51 | at a cost of $600,000.
33:53 | >> Holy smokes. Well, yeah.
33:55 | >> So, you know, that's a big
33:57 | >> Yeah.
33:58 | >> I think now it's it's not the same level
34:01 | effort. There's
34:02 | you know, 20-year-old one that they can
34:04 | update, but I think if that's something
34:06 | that is going to get kicked back to the
34:07 | board,
34:08 | you know, maybe we start that process
34:10 | sooner rather later because
34:12 | Dan Dan made it kind of
34:16 | painfully obvious to us that that the
34:18 | CWMP is the
34:21 | is the gateway to get money from the
34:23 | state.
34:24 | >> Sure. Okay.
34:25 | >> So, so some of these other ones in here
34:28 | is the
34:29 | uh
34:30 | collection system mapping.
34:33 | You think that's something you're going
34:34 | to tackle?
34:35 | >> Yes, because we do like again, like I
34:38 | know that there's some been some GIS
34:40 | work through previous consultants.
34:43 | You know, I
34:44 | I really want to delve into them and see
34:46 | to what degree they're completed so that
34:49 | we can, you know, um
34:51 | determine what what the additional needs
34:52 | are to get those done, you know. Um this
34:54 | is you've done a lot of work as you
34:56 | said, you know, so it's just a matter of
34:58 | finding the latest revisions and and
35:00 | getting those updated.
35:02 | >> And in the IPP?
35:03 | >> Exactly, yeah.
35:04 | >> In this, okay.
35:05 | >> That would be it.
35:07 | >> Um then I I move to approve the $15,000
35:11 | proposal 054-3211P
35:15 | for the assistance with the response
35:17 | system STEAP.
35:30 | >> Um I second.
35:35 | >> Is there any further discussion of the
35:37 | matter?
35:40 | Hearing none, I'll call for a roll call
35:42 | vote.
35:43 | >> Mr. Sanso.
35:45 | >> I.
35:45 | >> Chick Agner.
35:47 | >> I.
35:48 | >> Mr. Gratton.
35:49 | >> I.
35:50 | >> Mr. Thomas Coleman.
35:52 | >> I.
35:53 | >> Mr. Robert Coleman.
35:55 | >> I.
36:00 | >> Great, I have I got to run back into
36:02 | this I'm Melvin Dudley, so I apologize
36:05 | for the interruption.
36:06 | >> Thanks, Chris.
36:07 | >> Have a good night. Thanks, bye-bye.
36:09 | >> Goodbye.
36:15 | >> All right, with um
36:17 | with Chris
36:19 | um leaving, that
36:22 | leaves Vinnie.
36:24 | You're up.
36:25 | >> All right.
36:26 | So, this month I worked on those faulty
36:29 | meters. There were 17 of them on the
36:31 | list. I visited every house.
36:33 | Some of them I was just able to reread.
36:35 | Some of them Veolia staff reread.
36:38 | Um
36:39 | There were three of them I installed new
36:41 | meters in. Two of them got new MXUs.
36:45 | The
36:46 | 41 Lakeview
36:48 | He was in last month's meeting.
36:50 | He looking for an abatement on his bill.
36:54 | I went out there. I installed a new
36:55 | meter. It still wouldn't activate. So,
36:58 | when I started troubleshooting it, I
37:00 | found a broken wire behind the MXU.
37:03 | So, that straightened out. His meter is
37:05 | going to work fine for the next quarter.
37:08 | Myself, Mr. Robert Coleman, and Thomas
37:11 | Coleman went out to
37:14 | the five East rest area, Treehouse
37:16 | Brewery, and Amazon and hand-delivered
37:18 | the notices about not flushing things
37:21 | down the sewer system.
37:24 | >> Did one Did one go to stores or no?
37:28 | >> No, because stores isn't on that pump
37:30 | station.
37:30 | >> Okay. Okay. Okay, just
37:31 | >> Yeah, we only went to the people on that
37:33 | pump station.
37:34 | >> Okay.
37:35 | >> And then, the last item is um
37:38 | the Griffin Road
37:40 | water extension.
37:42 | They
37:43 | >> Oh, yeah.
37:43 | >> They sent me the shops request.
37:46 | >> Where does that stand?
37:46 | >> Last week
37:47 | >> Yeah.
37:48 | >> I applied for the permit and it said I
37:51 | didn't have permission to request that
37:53 | permit. So, I got Andrew, the town
37:56 | administrator, and Nick,
37:58 | the highway department super. I got them
38:01 | involved. They weren't able to submit it
38:03 | either.
38:04 | So, Andrew kicked it up to MassDOT, got
38:07 | them involved. And as of today, none of
38:10 | us still have permission to submit
38:11 | permits.
38:12 | >> Hm.
38:13 | >> So, once that's resolved, we'll get that
38:15 | permit and hopefully they can start
38:17 | working on that extension.
38:20 | Do you know who owns it?
38:21 | >> working on it?
38:22 | >> Um well, I don't know if they started
38:24 | working on it, but they shouldn't be
38:26 | working on it.
38:29 | I got I mean they could dig the whole
38:31 | other end of that street without issue,
38:33 | but the Route 20 side we don't have the
38:35 | permit for yet.
38:51 | >> I mean,
38:52 | is that it?
38:54 | >> Yeah, that was it. Um
38:55 | >> Um
38:55 | >> The meters I went out there probably
38:58 | six or seven different times to work on
39:00 | them.
39:01 | So, even though it doesn't seem like
39:03 | much
39:04 | it ate up quite a bit of time.
39:06 | >> Um
39:08 | yes, Zach, the other Zach, did meter
39:10 | reads
39:11 | and we had issues with the
39:15 | it getting it to import. So, we had to
39:17 | have tech support call them come out.
39:20 | It was just some random rare thing that
39:22 | happened and he was able to get things
39:24 | squared away. So, now Jen's going to get
39:25 | started on
39:27 | all of that.
39:30 | >> Is there any chance they did an audit on
39:32 | how many of the B type meters we have?
39:35 | >> He got up to over 107 and stopped.
39:40 | >> Are the B's the
39:42 | The B's are the new ones, correct?
39:43 | >> No, C's are the new one.
39:45 | >> C's are the new ones. Okay.
39:48 | >> So, he after speaking, he's going to put
39:50 | together a proposal about changing
39:52 | everything over,
39:53 | you know, using an iPad, just making it
39:57 | more
39:58 | current and easier.
40:01 | So, uh
40:01 | >> The problem that I said before with that
40:03 | was if we had too many of the older
40:05 | meters we'd have to change them all.
40:08 | >> Yeah.
40:08 | >> But that handheld also getting old.
40:10 | >> Yeah.
40:11 | >> So, yeah. We don't give those away for
40:14 | sure.
40:15 | >> Yeah, it's like going on 9 years old.
40:18 | >> Yeah.
40:21 | I guess we'll see how uh
40:23 | Do you already have the list of who
40:25 | didn't read?
40:27 | >> Um no, we're working on that.
40:29 | >> All right. When you get it, could you
40:30 | guys share it with me?
40:31 | >> Of course.
40:32 | >> Thank you.
40:37 | >> Um
40:41 | The Uh Minnie, did you see the email
40:42 | about the the new connection?
40:44 | >> I already sent the reply.
40:46 | >> Okay.
40:48 | And lastly, my thing is for Tom and
40:53 | Robert
40:54 | at the last meeting Eric had stated he's
40:57 | going to be busy and out of town and
40:59 | Tom, you had said you would
41:02 | like to be involved in the interview
41:03 | process for the superintendent.
41:06 | >> Yes.
41:06 | >> Um I know Lynn sent out applications and
41:09 | resumes. Were you able to connect with
41:11 | her about setting up a time?
41:13 | >> I am not.
41:15 | >> Okay.
41:17 | >> All right, we'll do that.
41:23 | We'll get that uh we'll get that
41:25 | resolved.
41:31 | >> I think
41:33 | that's
41:33 | all I have. Anybody else? This is
41:36 | probably the shortest meeting we've had
41:38 | in a long time.
41:40 | >> Well, uh
41:43 | I believe that
41:44 | we would
41:46 | There has been a meeting There's been
41:47 | meeting uh earlier today where we we
41:50 | have had reviews for
41:53 | well, pitches from two of the
41:56 | two contractors seeking to work for us
41:59 | to operate our plant
42:01 | and uh
42:03 | I believe that today would be the best
42:05 | day to at least discuss uh the
42:08 | possibility of selecting one, if not
42:10 | outright selecting one.
42:11 | >> Well, just letting you know it's not on
42:13 | the agenda.
42:19 | >> So, I don't know what the rules are
42:22 | because I suppose it would be a no-no as
42:24 | of time of posting whether it today was
42:26 | the day, but
42:27 | >> Yeah.
42:28 | >> No, we're not doing it today, Bob.
42:29 | >> put to the next month.
42:33 | >> We're We're definitely not doing it
42:34 | today.
42:35 | Um
42:37 | >> All right.
42:37 | >> The date will be determined shortly.
42:40 | >> Okay.
42:42 | Will it be the next meeting or
42:44 | an earlier
42:45 | >> We don't have a definitive date.
42:47 | >> All right.
42:54 | Was there any other business to be
42:55 | discussed?
43:01 | Uh hearing none,
43:03 | I introduce a motion. Uh the next
43:05 | meeting will be on November 4th.
43:08 | And I introduce
43:10 | >> Yeah, November 4th.
43:11 | >> a motion
43:13 | to uh
43:15 | end the meeting.
43:19 | >> I second.
43:21 | >> Who motioned? I didn't hear that.
43:23 | >> I did. I introduced a motion to end the
43:25 | meeting.
43:26 | >> You You can't motion.
43:28 | >> Oh, even to end the meeting?
43:30 | >> Yeah.
43:30 | >> That was I thought that was an
43:31 | exception.
43:34 | >> Motion to adjourn?
43:36 | >> I second. Uh I make a motion to adjourn
43:39 | the meeting.
43:41 | >> Second.
43:42 | >> I second.
43:43 | >> I second it.
43:43 | >> [clears throat]
43:45 | >> All right, Mr. Senso.
43:47 | >> I.
43:48 | >> Mr. Gagner.
43:49 | >> I.
43:49 | >> Mr. Grott.
43:50 | >> I.
43:51 | >> Mr. Thomas Coleman.
43:53 | >> I.
43:53 | >> Mr. Robert Coleman.
43:55 | >> I.
43:56 | >> All right, Jen will have a folder for
43:58 | you. She is located outside of Andrew's
44:01 | office. Um Robert, if you could just
44:04 | sign off on bills and then um
44:08 | I need three sig- or she needs three
44:09 | signatures for uh the minutes.
44:12 | >> Okay.
44:13 | >> Okay?
44:14 | >> All right. Thank you.
44:15 | >> Great. You guys have an excellent
44:17 | evening and a nice long weekend if you
44:20 | get Monday off.
44:21 | >> All right. Be well, everybody.
44:22 | >> You too.
44:23 | >> Goodbye.
44:24 | >> Okay.
44:24 | >> Bye.