WMAC MEETING MINUTES  -  MAY 22, 2008

 

Attendees:  David Crosby – Chair, David Hearne, Paul Lauenstein, Rory McGregor – Secretary, Len Sekuler, Jack Sulik, Bob Weeks

 

Others: Eric Hooper – Superintendent - DPW, Nancy Fyler – resident and staff member at Neponset River Watershed Assoc

 

  1. The minutes of the April 3, 2008 meeting were discussed.  Some minor amendments were incorporated before the minutes were approved by vote: 6-0-1.  They will be posted to the WMAC website. 

 

  1. Pat Jones and Tony Rocha, representing Energy New England, demonstrated the “Water Calculator” program, which is a web-based tool for educating users on the impact of water conservation measures that can be implemented by home owners.  This tool helps to create awareness about water conservation practices and how they can financially benefit each household  (low flow toilets, wash machine, leak elimination, etc.)  Pat advised that the software package might cost in the $3K to $5K range if the Town elects to purchase.  In discussion after the presentation, we agreed that the concept was interesting and in line with the types of educational programs that we would like to pursue.  However, with input from Nancy Fyler who is working on educational outreach initiatives on water conservation to the Sharon school system,  we decided that there would be less expensive ways to pursue a “Water Calculator” program.

 

  1. Nancy Hammett, a consultant to the Town, presented her preliminary report on “Water Use Profile and Demand Forecast”.  She pointed out that impact on water conservation in Sharon requires focus on residential water use.  She reviewed water usage data by the town over several years and showed how this information can be used to go forward with demand forecasting.  Prior efforts at water demand forecasting (Sharon Master Water Plan, Metropolitan Area Planning Council) were also revisited.  She listed the real estate development projects that are n various stages of design and construction and their potential demand impact.  In closing, she invited WMAC members to forward any additional inputs or information requests before she submits her final report to the Town.

 

  1. Paul Millet from Environmental Partners Group Inc. presented a recap on the preferred location to obtain emergency backup for water supply from the town of Stoughton.  He had prepared a report, dated April 17, 2006, citing the intersection of Chemung Street and Bay Road as the best place to connect with the Stoughton system.  Sharon’s in-town investment would be on the order of $500k to $750K for a small pumphouse in the Violet Circle neighborhood.  The more significant investment could be with Stoughton, depending on the work required to effect the connection.  Stoughton has a consultant for this purpose, Westminster and Hampton, who will estimate the related costs.  David Crosby agreed to approach the selectmen and encourage further discussion with their Stoughton counterparts to get this project moving.

 

  1. The WMAC and Eric Hooper agreed that a similar analysis of an emergency connection with the town of Norwood should be investigated.  Eric will work with Watermark to prepare a brief report.

 

  1. Eric Hooper distributed written proposals from 5 companies who bid on the New Master Plan for Sharon’s Water Supply System.  Eric Hooper and WMAC members will conduct interviews with all bidders on June 19 and 26.  There will be 3 interviews on June 19th and 2 on June 26th, starting at 7pm both evenings.

 

  1. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the WMAC will be on July 10th at the Town Hall at 7:30pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Rory McGregor