Tuesday April 27, 2010
8:00 a.m.
The meeting was called to order at 8:05 in the South Central Meeting room. In attendance were: Commissioners Salerno and Spath, Dave Polcari CDM, Jim Dow, Kate Lathrop, Mat McIver CWMP, Jon Asher Industrial Park, and Katy Lacy Planning.
• Review minutes of 9/17/09, 11/11/09, and 2/9/10
Commissioners Salerno and Spath voted unanimously to approve the minutes for the Commission meetings held on 9/17/09, 11/11/09, and 2/9/10.
• Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan final draft
The floor was turned over to Dave Polcari. He explained there were two phases to the study: Phase I: Needs Assessment and Definition of Areas within the town. That had been completed some years earlier and remains basically unchanged. Phase II: Recommended Plan. This explores different alternatives for each area and is a more refined examination of wastewater needs. The principal focus is the Industrial Park area of southwest Hingham, due to need and the town’s economic situation. Section 5 of the draft recommends that the Industrial Park project go forward either through Weymouth or Hingham.
Michael Salerno asked if the draft keeps other, lower, priorities on the table to be implemented later. Dave Polcari replied that it doesn’t do that as currently written.
Both Mat McIver and Katy Lacy expressed the wish that the plan be amended to indicate that other selected “needs areas” identified in Section 4 be kept on the table for possible action at a later date should the community as a whole endorse it.
With that in mind, Commissioner Salerno moved to accept the draft study subject to amending after receiving opinions from the next public meeting, DEP, MWRA, and MEPA during the comment period. The motion was seconded and voted unanimously.
Katy Lacy has mailed copies of the draft to DEP and MWRA. The Environmental Notification Form (ENF) is needed to go in with the submission to MEPA. Dave Polcari said that little effort is needed to complete the ENF. It will include a checklist and a broad list of recipients. MEPA is required to have 1 public hearing and the CWMP Committee must hold one more public hearing. It is hoped that these may be combined into one meeting.
• General Office business
The meeting was turned over to Jim Dow to discuss various areas of Department operations.
o Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG)
The Board of Health reviewed and approved the proposed program on 3/18/10, fines and license suspension for violations included. The next step is to give the new regulations to all of the food preparation facilities and to come up with a time line to institute the new program. Both the Sewer Department and the Board of Health are compliance officers. They can enter any establishment at any time to inspect. Fines will accrue on a daily basis until they conform to regulations. Letters to establishments will be sent by certified mail.
o Weir River Sewer District (WRSD) Changeover
The up-grading of the WRSD pump systems has begun. Many residents are not returning calls to schedule appointments. They may believe that if the up-grade does not occur, they will not have to assume responsibility for their own systems. This is not the case. Jim will send a letter stating that effective 6/30/10 the Sewer Commission will no longer have any responsibility for the systems whether up-graded or not. The letter will stress that the Sewer Commission is currently paying for the up-grades with no cost to the homeowner. A time frame will be established for the up-grade work. Properties where we have not been able to install the new equipment will receive the necessary parts and will be responsible for the installation themselves.
o Walton Cove
A check-valve problem occurred during the recent heavy rain events causing the drive shaft of the pump to shear off. The check-valve has been replaced and a new drive shaft will be installed. It is expected to cost $3600. We hope to be reimbursed for these costs by FEMA/MEMA as part of the disaster assistance being offered for storm related damage.
o Malcolm Street
As part of the annual Capital Improvement plan, a new pump is going to be installed once the new lift handle arrives.
o Personnel Issue
Letters are going out to crew members regarding the notice necessary for time off. They are currently noting their time on the calendar at Broad Cove only. According to the DPW contract they are required to give two days notice for vacation/personal time. Going forward, they will have to complete a form for Jim requesting the time off at least two days ahead of time in addition to noting it on the calendar.
• Other business
Dave Polcari delivered a roll of paper plans of the GIS layer we contracted for in 2005. He also delivered discs of MDF and PDF files. Jim will have these copied and give a set to Steve Becker for inclusion in the town’s GIS.
Commissioners Salerno and Spath reviewed the fiscal 2010 rate calculation. It was moved, seconded and voted unanimously to accept the rate of $8.50. The rate remains unchanged from fiscal 2009.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:42 a.m.
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.