Hingham Sewer Commission
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
8:30 a.m.
The meeting was called to order in the Central Meeting Room South at 8:34 a.m. Those in attendance included Commissioners Salerno and Demko, Jim Dow, Kate Lathrop, Ed Monahan, John Barry, and Glenn Johnson.
• Presentation by Veolia Water
Unfortunately, due to the severe winter weather Veolia representatives were not able to attend to make their presentation. They will be rescheduled for the March meeting. Kate Lathrop reminded the Board that as of January 2010 Hingham had $296,000 available for funding assistance for I/I projects. The funds are available in the form of 45% grant money and 55% interest free money. An underground assessment project may be eligible for these funds. This will be discussed further after the Veolia presentation.
• Discusion of CDM Scope of Services re: Contract Operations
David Polcari presented the Scope of Work he had drawn up in 2007 at the January 11, 2011 Commission meeting. Commissioner Salerno explained that he would like to invite Irma Lauter of the current Government Study Committee to come to the March meeting and ask David Polcari to present the scope of work again at that time. After that presentation, the Board will decide whether or not to proceed with the proposed study.
• John Barry, 60 Howe Street
Mr. Barry had concerns regarding the appearance of the Howe Street pumping station and the beach behind the station. Mr. Dow explained the Town Counsel states that the Sewer Department property is confined within the fence at the Howe Street station and that the department has no jurisdiction over the beach area. After a brief discussion it was concluded that the back of the building will be given a "face-lift" in the spring. Mr. Barry offered to purchase shrubbery to be planted at the station and it was agreed that the Sewer Department would plant the bushes he provides. (See attached photos provided by Mr. Barry)
• Connection fee for 58 Elm Street
Glenn Johnson, a contractor in the town, explained that he is requesting that the $1174.80 connection fee for an additional bedroom at 58 Elm Street be waived. Members of that family were involved in a very serious accident, leaving a young daughter possibly disabled. A group is planning to build a downstairs bedroom for the girl on a pro bono basis. Mr. Salerno explained that no other board is waiving fees at this point and that, while the Sewer Commission has great sympathy for the family, it cannot step out of line with the other town departments. Mrs. Lathrop suggested that Mr. Johnson petition the Board of Selectmen for a decision. If the Selectmen agree to waive fees, the building department would be able to waive permitting fees and we could then consider waiving our fee.
• January 20 minutes
It was moved, seconded, and voted to accept the minutes of the January 10, 2011 Commission meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:54 a.m.
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.