Sewer Commission Meeting
Friday January 16, 2009
10:00 a.m.
The meeting was called to order at 10:10 a.m. Those present included Commissioners Salerno, Demko, and Spath; James Dow; Kate Lathrop; Hugh and Susan Kilmartin; Dan Quayle; Russell McLoud; Julia Flynn; and, later, Susan Ahearn
• Review of possible extensions in lower Central and Thaxter Streets
Michael Salerno up-dated the group on the results of his meeting with the Capital Outlay Committee on the previous evening. In order for the Town to consider taking on these projects in this difficult financial environment, Capital Outlay feels it important to demonstrate need. This will be important in presenting the requests to Town Meeting. They also had specific concerns: Would sewering lower Central make 48 Central (Hingham Institution’s former drivethrough) a more buildable lot? Would the project open up any buidable lots on Thaxter Street? They were also concerned about any properties that would be included in the betterment who had not expressed a desire to tie in. 51 Thaxter is a case in point.
The estimated costs for the projects range from $65,000 to $125,000 for lower Central Street and $150,000 to $250,000 for Thaxter Street. The Town is going out for an extremely large borrowing ($35,000,000) in the fall. If the proposed projects could be included in that borrowing our costs of borrowing would be negligible. If not, the borrowing costs could run as high as10 basis points of the total cost of the combined projects. In order to be included in the fall issue the projects would need to be completely finished and bettered. That would include the design, bid, construction, and betterment phases.
The costs to the residents would include their unit betterment, the $1000 connection fee to the Sewer Department, the actual connection of their residence to the main line, and the abandonment of their existing septics.
Dan Quayle of 38 Thaxter Street presented the board with copies of maps showing wetlands on both sides of the street. He informed the meeting that when 512 Thaxter installed their new, raised septic in 1996 it required not fewer than4 variances from the town.
The Kilmartins presented three large photographs of water in the street and yards in their area. In addition, they explained that they have no basement – a stream runs under their house.
Julia Flynn brought in a copy of her septic installation from the 1970’s.
After more general discussion regarding the proposed projects it was moved, seconded, and voted unanimously that the Sewer Commision will go forward with separate warrant articles for sewering lower Central Street and a section of Thaxter Street. Capital Outlay, and Town Meeting will be the ultimate decision makers.
• Back-billing for 108 Main Street
A letter requesting the abatement of back billing charges for the property at 108 Main Street was discussed. It was moved, seconded, and voted unanimously to deny the request based on Commission policy and past practice.
• General department business
We will check with the Assessors office regarding the buildable lost issues.
A vehicle inventory and vehicle maintenance were discussed. It was suggested that a preventive maintenance schedule for all vehicles be set up.
A copy of the 30 page pump station assessment done by CDM will be emailed to Ted Alexiades.
Capital Outlay requested that we get maps from Planning as they have an expensive map making machine.
The repair to the dip in the line in North Street is to be addressed before paving is done. We need to get a scope of work and advertised bid done as soon as possible. CDM will need to do this. Aqualine, who has done a good job on the Mill Street work has looked at it and would like to bid on it.
Jim Dow presented the board with revised Overtime, Laundry Use, and Access to Department Property policies. The Commissioners approved and signed each.
Micahel Salerno reported that Capital Outlay approved all our 2010 requests.
It was moved, seconded, and voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the 10-9-08 and 1-12-09 Commission meetings. They will be forwarded to the Selectmen and the Town Clerk.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:12 a.m. No future meeting has yet been set.
Minutes prepared by Kate L. Lathrop
This summary does not include every item discussed by the Board, nor the full extent of the discussions. The full meeting is available on tope in the Commission Office.