Minutes for the WMAC meeting on Jan 18, 2007
by Rory McGregor
Attendees: Paul Lauenstein (Chair), David Hearne, David Ferestien, David Crosby, Jack Sulik, Rory McGregor (Secretary), Eric Hooper (DPW Superintendent)
Absentees: Len Sekuler, Mike Sherman
1. The minutes of the WMAC meetings for October, November and December were approved. Votes were 3-0-3, 2-0-4, and 5-0-1 respectively. The abstentions relate to new members not being at the meetings or not yet eligible to vote.
Item 3 in the minutes of the October meeting relating to the siting of the new soccer field on Gavins Pond Road received discussion; two WMAC members recalled that we voted to "approve the siting", one member recalled that we voted "not to object to the the siting"; both versions will be published in the approved minutes.
2. Report by Eric Hooper: Data packages distributed by the DPW the week before the meeting were reviewed; this included information on monthly water pumping totals by well, water table levels at various microwells throughout town, and nitrate levels at Wells 3 and 4. The well pumping data will be submitted by the town in its Annual Statistical Report.
Eric handed out sets of 3 maps to each WMAC member. The first two show the Water System and Well Locations to include the age of pipes in our water distribution network and the material of construction for the pipes; the third shows the aquifer suitability (geological fractures, wetlands, etc.). David Hearne requested that the DPW add the locations of test boreholes to the aquifer suitability map.
Jack Sulik and Eric both commented that it is time to prepare another Master Plan for our water system.
Paul Lauenstein showed a graph of monthly well pumping for Well #5 covering the past several years, and asked how the old Venturi meter on Well #5 could substantially under-record the actual amount of water pumped in May and June of 2006, while recording accurately from January through April. He pointed out that for the past two years the meter has substantially over-recorded the amount of water pumped. The explanation for the over-recording in 2004 and 2005 was that there was a buildup of deposits, causing the velocity of water to increase through the constricted orifice of the meter and throw off the calibration. Paul Lauenstein asked how a brand new Mag meter installed at Well #5 could be off by 7%. Eric Hooper replied that the installer made an error. Paul Lauenstein also pointed out that the data for Well #3 was adjusted upwards in 2003 even though every other adjustment in the previous 9 years was downward.
3. Paul Lauenstein reviewed the major initiatives of the WMAC over the past 2 years: new well exploration, emergency backup, water quality and water conservation.
4. David Hearne provided the perspective of the Finance Committee in reviewing capital projects which come from the Water Department. The operating philosophy is to appropriate funds for projects which are approved. The Water Department has a 5-year master plan for water system projects, which are funded with monies collected from water bills to residents and businesses. Until recently, the Water Department had a significant reserve, which has now been spent down. This does not present a problem for funding future projects, but it does reduce flexibility in choosing between projects.
5. The WMAC unanimously approved (6-0-0) the public service announcement prepared by Paul Lauenstein on water conservation in Sharon.
6. We discussed the lack of snow and possible impact on ground water. There has been plenty of rain, but it is flowing out of town through normal stream activity. This could lower the water table come Spring time.
7. There will be a nitrate study on wells #2 and #4 this Spring by Woodard and Curran. The road salt used by the DPW near Well #4 is coated to minimize the amount of sodium that enters the water supply. Calcium chloride is used on the sidewalks in the center of town. A salt/sand mixture is used in the rest of town.
8. The WMAC joined with the Conservation Commission to listen to a presentation by Michael Intoccia and his corporation for the development of the land running along the I-95 interstate highway between the Shaw's plaza at South Main St (Exit 8) and South Walpole Street. The town has received permission from Intoccia Corp to explore a part of what had been referred to as the "Gobbi property" for a possible well site. If the site proves suitable for siting a well, Intoccia Corp will donate the land to the Town.
Anticipated water useage in the "Life-Style Development Project" proposed by Intoccia Corp could range between 60K and 100K gallons/day, depending on types of business and number of housing units (tentatively between 140 and 170).
9. Eric Hooper presented a draft of his memo to the selectmen on proposed water rate increases. We agreed to the following modifications: increase the lowest rate from $2.60 to $3 per 1000 gallons; minimum charge for all 6-month water bills is $30; the charge to customers with separate irrigation systems will be the new maximum rate of $10 per 1000 gallons. Discussion of commercial rates was deferred.
0-15,000 gallons $2.60/M gals $3.00
15,000 to 30,000 $3.00 $3.50
30,000 to 45,000 $3.40 $4.50
Over 45,000 $7.00 $10.00
Separate irrigation $7.00 $10.00
Minimum charge $30.00 $30.00
10. The next meeting is Thursday, Feb 15th, 7:30pm at the Town Hall.
Rory McGregor
Secretary, WMAC