April 29, 2003
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at 7:40 P.M. in the Sharon Town Offices with Chair Allen M. Garf, and Selectmen Norman Katz and Walter Joe Roach and Town Administrator Benjamin E. Puritz.
The meeting was called to order at 7:45 P.M.
Minutes
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the Minutes of April 22, 2003, including Executive Session.
Report on Booster Pump Alternative/High Pressure Service District (HPSD)
Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works presented a history of the recommendations of the studies done on water supplies and demand. Paul Millett from Metcalf & Eddy presented the Board with a Hydraulic Model and Master Plan Update with the latest Demand Analysis. Charts were shown with present and future average and maximum daily demands. The purpose of this plan was to revisit the hydraulic model to recalibrate and improve its accuracy. A chart of recommended improvements to both the Low Pressure Service District and the High Pressure Service District, dated January 22, 2003, was included with the presentation. Mr. Millett stated that we are going to need a new supply regardless of water conservation efforts.
Mr. Millet reported on additional hydraulic modeling of Booster Pump Station Alternative to Service the High Pressure Service District as proposed by Mr. Cliff Towner. A previous study looked at a Booster Pump without a dedicated storage tank. Mr. Towner’s alternative is based on the supposition that maintaining the Hampton Road tank full with greatly alleviate flow and pressure problems in this part of the Town. This alternative entails including the existing Hampton Road storage tank inside the HPSD Metcalf & Eddy modeled two separate HPSD configurations suggested by Mr. Towner.
The results of the study indicated that the low pressure problems would be avoided within the HPSD with either HPSD configuration. However, low pressures and storage deficiencies would be created in the low pressure service district due to the removal of the Hampton Road tank from that district, and increased stress on the Massapoag Avenue Tank. In addition, there could be potential water quality problems with the Hampton Road tank if is kept full without allowing for recirculation. The analysis concluded that the Hampton Road tank must remain outside of the HPSD, and a new tank must be erected inside, or there must be a new tank constructed outside of the HPSD to replace the storage capacity lost to the LPSD.
Proposal for Test Exploration at Two Locations off South Walpole Street
Mr. Hooper discussed the continuing need for a new well for the Town not to allow for increased withdrawal, but to allow a rest period for each of the present wells. The Water Department recommends that further investigation of the South Walpole Street area is warranted at this time. The Board reviewed a memo from Mr. Hooper, dated April 23, 2003 with a contract attached to GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. for the following Scope of Services:
1. GZA will install two test wells at each location to evaluate the viability of production wells at each site. GZA will be responsible for obtaining Dig Safe clearance and Board of Health approval (if necessary) prior to installation.
2. GZA will conduct short-duration, one-to two-hour pump tests at each test site and evaluate the hydraulic capacity at each site. Water samples will be collected at the end of the pumping tests. These samples will be submitted for iron, manganese and color analysis.
3. GZA will evaluate the data obtained, estimate potential yield and, as appropriate, either recommend a scope and location for the larger diameter test well development and prolonged pump tests or recommend no further investigation.
Mr. Garf suggested that a blending of all the water in the existing tanks be considered in order to dilute iron and magnesium in the water from certain wells. Mr. Hooper stated that it would not be cost effective due to the costs of piping. Mr. Hooper further stated that the Town should not abandon any potential well sites.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to award the contract to GZA Geo Environmental, Inc., Norwood, MA, in the amount of $16,725.
Reserve Fund Transfer Request - DPW
Eric Hooper was present to discuss a Reserve Fund Transfer Request in the amount of $225,000 as a result of the severity of the past winter and increased fuel, gas and diesel costs. The Board reviewed a Memo from Mr. Hooper, dated April 16, 2003 with attached spreadsheet.
The DPW expects MEMA reimbursement of up to $55,000 for expenses incurred during the mid-February storm.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve sending a Reserve Fund Transfer Request to the Finance Committee for the Department of Public Works in the amount of $225,000.
Water Related Data - Citizen’s Group
George Bailey was present on behalf of a newly formed Citizen’s Group to collect water data. He stated that the Group is made up of Walter Newman, Fred Clay and himself. The intent is to gather all known data and information about the water in Town. They hope this data can be analyzed to answer certain questions regarding well pumping, ground water, lake levels, and other issues that relate to water. Records are being gathered from the Water Department, Conservation Commission, Lake Management Committee, NEPRA, the Yacht Club, Board of Health, State Water Division, Canoe River, Norfolk County Mosquito Control, etc. It is the intent of this Committee to not make any judgments but to have this data available to turn over to engineers for further analysis.
Public Records
The Board reviewed a letter from the Public Records Division, dated April 28, 2003 re review of a public records request made by resident Edward J. Ruvich. Specific Mass General Laws were sited as evidence that the Town Counsel’s Office was appropriately responding to this request. It concluded by stating that “Accordingly, I will consider this administrative appeal closed.”
Senior Citizen - Clause 41A - Property Tax Deferment
The Board reviewed a letter from the Board of Assessors, dated April 28, 2003 regarding funding of tax deferrals through a revised Clause 41A. It is stated that the cost for the proposed changes to this exemption program will not be reflected in the overlay account, but would be reflected in reduced cash flow.
Election
Selectmen Katz and Roach commended Garf on his achievements during the past three years. All three Selectmen urged the residents to vote on Election Day, May 6. There will be a reorganization of the Board at its next meeting.
Executive Session
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters of Collective Bargaining and Pending Litigation, and at the conclusion thereof, to adjourn for the evening
The Board entered into Executive Session at 9:05 P.M.
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