Hingham Sewer Commission
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
8:30 a.m.
• Commissioner Salerno expressed an interest in keeping sewer customers informed of department activities that could affect them. He suggested that, in the next bill, we ask for e-mail addresses and have IT set up a dedicated mailbox for responses to our notifications.
• Occupational Safety Up-date
Supervisor Dow received a response from Nancy Pearce of the State Division of Occupational Safety on 10/28 regarding our confined space policy. While she said that Hingham is far ahead of other towns in meeting safety requirements she did have 12 specific areas that she wanted to see addressed:
1. Identify and label all confined spaces by 12/31. Signage has been ordered and delivered.
2. Revise written policy. Mr. Dow set up the first confined space program in 1995. He has up-dated the 19 page document and sent it to DOS for their approval. Once they have okayed the up-dated policy it will be implemented.
3. Purchase any equipment not already in place that is needed of confined space safety. A new gas detection meter was purchased in July for $1500. However, it will need to be calibrated.
4. In-house confined space training. Jim Dow was told that it is permissible for him to train the crew in confined space procedures and it is not necessary to outsource the training to the MWRA or other organization. This training is planned for the December crew meeting. Yearly reviews will be done.
5. Institute a Lock-out Tag-out program. A packet has been written up and is being sent to DOS for input. The physical locks and tags have been obtained and assembled in kits. It is all right to have one kit per vehicle.
6. Train crew in Lock-out Tag-out procedures. This will be done once DOS has approved the information packet.
7. Install standard guard rails. 4 stations need new guard rails. A net system can be installed similar to the one at West Corner. The Capital budget will be used to pay for safety code issues.
8. Workzone safety training. Both the University of Lowell and Mass Highway have courses. The Sewer Department does almost no road work so the need for the course is questionable.
9. Mill Street grinder. A new grinder has been installed with all safety equipment.
10. Macerator. A macerator was suggested but the return on the significant expense is not worth it.
11. Ladder device for use at Bayberry We have received a full body harness and hooks to use on the ladder. The crew has been trained in its use and are required to use it.
12. Town Hall station wiring. There were some dead wires in the Town Hall station that have now been removed per the DOS suggestion.
• Minutes of the October 26, 2010 meeting
It was moved, seconded, and voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the 10/26/10 meeting.
• Department Operations Meetings
Supervisor Dow informed the meeting that he has instituted regular meetings with the crew to allow a wide open discussion of concerns and other department issues where opinions may be freely expressed without fear of repercussions. At a recent meeting they went over the station check lists. The crew had some suggestions that will be tried. All operations procedures and policies have been put in writing so there will be no confusion and any possible new hire will be able to "get up to speed" quickly.
Commissioner Demko wanted to let everyone know that recently Jim Dow saw a woman who had fallen on the street near Clarke Road. While other cars sped by, Mr. Dow stopped to help the woman to her home. He later took her flowers.
• 3A break
Mrs. Lathrop informed the Board that Ted Alexiades had said the costs associated with the recent force main break in 3A can be covered by Article 19 of 2002 Town meeting which appropriated $980,000 for the rehabilitation of that line. Approximately $800,000 remains in the appropriation. The force main break costs have put the Repair and Maintenance line item for fiscal 2011 in the red and will be billed out to the ratepayers. Therefore the board moved, seconded, and voted unanimously to transfer those costs to the Article account.
• CWMP letter
Kate Lathrop will work with Katy Lacy on a letter to up-date the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan committee on recent developments having an impact on the study.
• Fiscal 2012 Budget
Mrs. Lathrop informed the board that Ted Alexiades told her that this department should always prepare a level service budget since we cannot control the majority of our line items such as MWRA costs, Hull costs, Repair and Maintenance costs etc. The FY 2012 budget has been submitted.
• Mr. Dow described the MWRA work that was done recently which required a shut down of a portion of our system. The work was completed the previous night. He suggested that we ask MWRA to jet the lines involved because of the risk of solids blocking the lines. He will look into this.
• Commissioner Demko asked if there had been any recent odor complaints. Mr. Dow said that Victoria's had recently complained of odor problems but he feels that grease may be the issue.
• Mrs. Lathrop requested that the Board reconsider the increase in the minimum annual charge that was voted to begin in 2012. This will be dealt with at another meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:20.
Respectfully submitted,
Kate Lathrop
Office Administrator
This is a summary and does not include every point covered by the attendees, nor the full extent of the discussions. The full meeting is available on tape in the Commission Office.