February 3, 2004
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at 7:00 P.M. in the Sharon Town Offices with Chair Norman Katz, Selectmen Walter Joe Roach and David I. Grasfield and Town Administrator Benjamin E. Puritz.
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 P.M.
Minutes
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to approve the Executive Session minutes of January 27, 2004 as submitted and the regular session minutes with the following corrections:
Under Structure of the Standing Building Committee
Page 3, 1st para: Change: “Selectman Grasfield stated that we need to do more to reach out . . . ”
To: Selectman Grasfield underscored the opinion of SBC Member Bill Croteau that we need to do more to reach out
Page 1, 2nd para: Correct initials (STB) to (SBC)
Under FY’05 Proposed Budget Recommendations
Page 5, 1st para, line five:
Change: “approximately three full-time positions . . . ”
To: “approximately four full-time position . . . .”
Under Police Station Rehabilitation and Expansion - Award bid
Correct: $28.000 as $28,000.
Continued Hearing on White Goods Disposal Fees
The Board reviewed Memo from Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works, dated February 2, 2004, wherein he states that during the past two weeks, the DPW has researched other Towns regarding fees for removal of white goods and other recyclable goods. The Board reviewed the attached chart of fees posted for removal of items in surrounding Towns.
Mr. Hooper was present and began by explaining how Waste Management, Inc. collects quarterly payments from residents of $45 per quarter, and out of that amount, $25.09 goes to Waste Management for transportation, $10.82 goes to SEMASS for disposal fees, and $10.66 goes to B.F.I. for recycling pick-up.
Mr. Hooper stated that the fees for white goods came about when it was no longer possible to landfill white goods. The funds collected from white goods are deposited into the Town’s recycling revolving fund which is annually considered at Town Meeting and allows for such fees.
This fund is used to fund labor and vehicle costs incurred hauling white goods and recyclable scrap metal and paper to collection points and covers the cost of disposal of any white goods containing Freon.
The Board reviewed a spreadsheet showing a comparison of fees for disposal of white goods and other items of surrounding Towns. Mr. Hooper added that “we are revenue neutral” re fees collected on these items and that, “DPW does not want to be in the Waste Disposal or Hauling Business.” Mr. Hooper stated that we could go back and look at getting a better deal for scrap hauling by calling companies that withdraw the Freon (from appliances) and recycle themselves.
In answer to the question of blanks left in the spreadsheet, Mr. Hooper explained that other Towns that have a scale and charge per lb. for certain items that we charge a fee per item. In answer to the question that other Towns may be charging less for trash pick-up, Mr. Hooper stated the recent bid history, wherein we only received two bids. We will be going out to bid again, will be advertising and could include the curbside collection of other items as a condition of the contract. Selectman Grasfield requested to keep the hearing open as we continue to look at comparison numbers and other variables for pricing.
Mr. Ruvich discussed his survey where he found that other Towns were paying less for trash pick-up and others had pick-up of larger items at the curbside for no additional fee or for lower fees. Mr. Ruvich expressed the opinion that if people drop off items themselves, the fees should be minimal.
MOTION: (Roach) to leave rates as they are now and to further investigate what other Towns are charging.
DISCUSSION:
Selectman Roach stated he was more interested in rates from other Towns that have the same vendors as we do and that are paying less and “if we are paying higher fees and getting less service.” Town Administrator Puritz stated he would recommend that there be an alternate bid to consider which would be inclusive, and to keep it as it is as it may be more beneficial to the typical homeowner not paying for pick-up of white goods for other users. Mr. Ruvich added that he was more interested in pick-up of couches and mattresses than white goods, and is interested in how other communities handle pick-up of these more common items.
Mr. Hooper stated that it is his understanding that the prices listed have been in place since 1991.
In answer to the question, Mr Hooper replied that he could have further information within 30 days.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to keep the rates as it is and to keep the hearing open for 30 days.
It was suggested that residents keep receipts for fees paid for white goods disposal
Status of WMAC Recommended Future Exploration Sites
The Board reviewed Memo from Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works, dated January 23, 2004 wherein it is recommended that since there have been a significant number of test borings at the four locations (Gobbi Pit, Canton Street, Blair Circle and Maskwonicut Street) recommended by the WMAC for further exploration, only the Canton Street site warrants further effort. Mr. Hooper was present and suggested that no additional borings should be installed at Canton Street until after water quality results are obtained from the nearby Sharon Memorial Park irrigation well. The Water Department is discussing testing on Gobbi property on the easterly side of I-95. Problems with access to the Gobbi property were discussed. Mr. Hooper added that fourteen test borings in the area around the Gobbi
property indicate that it would not be a tremendous well, estimate 100,000 gallons per day and that this well may not be worth the price of the land. He discussed the recommended Islamic Center site as considerably better and stated that area is still a viable option. He stated that he will have more quality data for the Canton Street site from the Cemetery by next spring. Mr. Hooper stated that the Blair Circle site would be the same as the Gobbi site and that another test will not likely tell us any more information than we already have.
The Board reviewed the spreadsheet showing numerous test borings at the various locations since 1966. Selectman Roach asked members of the Water Management Advisory Committee (WMAC) that were present what the WMAC recommends.
Mr. Thibault stated that there was a subcommittee formed to make recommendations, and that this subcommittee has not had time to get into details. It would be seeking a systematic approach to the four recommended sites and that the approach would be to get a consultant to assemble the available information and later decide if future exploration and pump tests are warranted at all sites. They have concluded that the Maskwonicut Street site is not warranted. Further, they approve of waiting to do pump testing at the Canton Street Site until the “quality information” is in. In answer to the question by Mr. Roach, it was stated that the recommendation to proceed with evaluation of the sites was not a fully developed recommendation. They recommend proceeding in a
systematic approach - not immediately going to drilling. They also recommended getting access to the Gobbi property.
In answer to the question by Selectman Roach of borings off Old Post Road, near the cranberry bogs, Mr. Hooper responded that the Water Department did those this past summer. Mr. Hooper added that it would be cheaper to get water from the MWRA than to purchase land for a well with a small yield; it may not to be financially worthwhile with up to one million in permitting costs.
Selectman Grasfield questioned the original recommendation by the WMAC to proceed on testing at the four locations and the support given by the Board for immediate action. He noted that the Water Department had $100,000 appropriated for future source exploration in FY04. He referred to the previous statement by Mr. Hooper of looking into a “hole in the basement” as to the limited information available from previous drilling. He suggested that we get outside and drill holes rather than spend money for more studies. Contradictory comments made by members of the WMAC included:
need for a professional hydro geologist on board;
time is of the essence as it takes a long time to get a site approved;
wait for the subcommittee recommendations; and
WMAC originally recommended immediate action.
Mr. Hooper discussed drilling near the Gobbi site as it would provide reasonable aquifer material on the Gobbi site. In answer to the question as what it would cost to do a survey, Mr. Hooper recommended hiring a consultant at a cost of $15,000. He further stated that it would cost about $10,000 per site to test all four locations and that he could get an RFP ready in a month’s time.
Selectman Grasfield volunteered to approach the owner of the Gobbi property to get access to that property for testing.
It was the consensus of the Board that the study can be done in parallel with the tests and that the test should continue without further delay.
VOTED: (Roach/Katz) Voted unanimously to appoint Selectman Grasfield to go and talk to the landowner of the Gobbi Pit.
In answer to the question as to how long it would take for a consultant to evaluate the existing data, to suggest addition data and to come to a conclusion with the subcommittee of the WMAC as to the best of the four sites, Mr. Hooper replied that it could be done quickly. He estimates 60-90 days.
VOTED: (Roach/Katz) to ask Mr. Gobbi’s permission to take action on his property and to move forward.
Town Administrator Puritz recommended that the Town take action in a systematic way, and not drill holes until the consultant issues his report withing the 60 -90 day period, and we get a definitive recommendation from the WMAC as to “the site.’
Mr. Birschbach stated that, at the time the WMAC made its original recommendation to take action, there were concerns about losing the Gobbi property to 40B development, but that we need to have an aquifer management strategy. He also recommended going forward with testing in parallel with a consultant study. Mr. Thibault offered another opinion and spoke about proceeding in several steps and that there are practical aspects that need to be resolved before drilling.
MOTION: (Roach) that the Board move forward and that he believes that both things can go on together.
Selectman Grasfield stated that he is not in favor of waiting for another consultant’s study and that the money is available to drill at the four sites recommended by WMAC.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to move forward.
Proposed Water Department Capital Projects FY2005
The Board reviewed Memo from Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works, dated January 23, 2004, wherein he lists the status of FY04 proposed Projects:
Consultant Services ($100,000)
Continued future source exploration and identification ($100,000)
Radio read meter system (year 1 of 2-year program at $650,000 per year)
A/C pipe replacement in anticipation of Main St. project ($25,000)
Replacement of 30-40 hydrants in anticipation of Main St. project ($32,000)
A/C pipe replacement - Winslow/Gabriel/Stoney Brook ($200,000)
Depot/Billings Street main replacement ($75,000)
A/C pipe replacement - Morse Street ($150,000)
Closing loop between Pine St./Old Post Rd. and South Walpole St. ($180,000)
As of June 1, 2003 the Water Reserve Account stood at approximately $2.16 million.
Of the total authorized amount of $966,000, as of January 23, 2004, $371,263.65 had been spent, with bills for another 19,017.08 submitted for payment. At this time, another $143,814.80 will be due to McLaughlin Brothers upon completion of the Depot Street and Winslow/Gabriel/Stony Brook water main replacement project. Other known expenditures include wellhead wetlands spring evaluation, continued nitrate and microparticulate analysis and preparation of the Consumer Confidence Report.
Proposed FY05 Projects
Based on extensive discussion with the Water Management Advisory Committee and recent developments regarding Rattlesnake Hill, the Water Department is proposing the following projects totaling $1,935.000 for FY05 include the following:
Vulnerability Assessment/Emergency Action Plan/MWRA, Aquaria Connection feasibility ($50,000).
Exploratory Test Well Program ($50,000)
Regulation and Permit Driven Consultant Services ($75,000).
Preferred Alternate Source Permitting ($100,000)
Feasibility for Iron and Manganese removal systems at Well #6 ($35,000).
Nitrate Evaluation/Mitigation ($50,000)
System Maintenance: leak detection, pressure testing ($50,000)
Conservation ($50,000).
A/C Water Main Replacement ($600,000).
Edge Hill Road and Tiot Street.
Radio Read Meter System (year 2 of 5_year project $150,000).
Purchase of MBTA Property off Maskwonicut Street (estimated $500,000).
Purchase of the Rattlesnake Hill Property (first year payment of $225,000 _ debt service).
Mr. Hooper spoke about changes made to his FY’05 Capital Outlay Proposals based on discussion with the Water Management Advisory Committee, including monies appropriated for consultant services for future source exploration. Selectman Grasfield asked questions re balances remaining from FY’04 projects ( to include the amounts as they were considerable sums). .
Mr Hooper discussed unspent monies in the Water Reserve Account. Mr. Hooper answered questions from Selectman Grasfield as to why the Water Department delayed water main replacement under Morse Street. He replied that this was a component of the proposed High Pressure Service District; and, it was felt that “one pump” would not change the operation as a whole. It would be an integral component of the High Pressure Service District. Mr. Langley of the WMAC stated that there was a vote of this Committee to keep Morse Street on line for the FY’06 schedule.
Selectman Grasfield raised questions as to keeping such a large surplus within the Water Department Reserve Fund, with plans to use most of it in FY’05 for the listed projects. Mr. Hooper responded that the surplus built up over a period of years, and that the Town always planned to do a borrowing for the High Pressure Service District scheduled for FY’06.
Mr. Hooper reported on system improvements with the replacing of A/C Water mains. The proposed Capital Projects total $1,935,000 for FY05 and includes the purchase of the Rattlesnake Hill Property first year payment of $225,000.
Water Department Budget Revisions
The Board reviewed Memorandum from Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works, dated February 2, 2004, stating that as a result of Water Management Advisory Committee deliberation, Water Department Budget Line 5781 System Rehabilitation and Improvements was increased from $1,550,000 to $1,710,000 as a result of the following:
Regulation and permit driven consultant fees, and future source exploration increased from $200,000 to $275,000 to include a preferred alternate source permitting component.
Iron/Manganese treatment study was increased from $25,000 to $35,000 to more accurately reflect expected study cost.
Conservation was increased from $25,000 to $50,000.
Nitrate Evaluation/Mitigation study was added at $50,000.
VOTED: (Roach/Katz) Voted 2-1 (Grasfield opposed) to forwarding the Water Department Budget Revisions to the Finance Committee.
Town Administrator Employment Agreement
This item was deferred until another meeting.
Request for Proclamation - American Red Cross
The Board will sign the Proclamation for March as American Red Cross Month.
Net School Spending Agreement
Town Administrator Puritz discussed the Net School Spending Agreement for FY’03, dated January 21, 2004 between the School Committee and the Town of Sharon. This is a required end -of-the year report. Mr. Puritz requested that the Board authorize him to sign the agreement on behalf of the Board.
Selectman Grasfield raised questions as to the support of calculations contained therein. This item will be rescheduled for the next meeting.
Miscellaneous Correspondence
This will be discussed next week.
Adjourn the Meeting
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 P.M.
Roach, aye; Grasfield, aye; Katz, aye.
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