BWC Minutes
Wellfleet Board of Water Commissioners
Town Hall Conference Room
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Present: Justina Carlson, Chair; William Carlson, Neil Gadwa, James Hood, Lori Vanderschmidt
Also Attending: Town Administrator Harry Terkanian
Chair Justina Carlson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Chequessett Neck Village Update
George and Carol Martin of Chequessett Neck Village were present to discuss their condominium water situation and possibilities for connecting to the Municipal Water System. The nitrate readings at Chequessett Neck Village were very high last summer but dropped over the winter. The Martins said that the condominium association had discussed the idea of bringing in a water line at their own expense, but the association had not agreed to this. They expressed interest in any other options that were available for the 16 units. The Board discussed with the Martins water treatment options for nitrates and sodium since a Town-initiated extension to Chequessett Neck Village is not likely to happen. The Water Commissioners said that any expansion plan would have to go before Town Meeting. The Board will take the Martins suggestions under consideration and respond to them by August.
Appreciation for Departing Member
The Board recognized Bill Carlson for his service to the Board of Water Commissioners. Town Administrator Harry Terkanian presented him with a certificate of appreciation.
Office Report
Coordinator Michaela Miteva gave the June 17, 2014 Office Report.1 She reviewed items including: financials, the latest connections, information on meters, the Consumer Confidence Report mailing, application availability for State Revolving Funds and the final scheduled construction meeting date. Also included in her report was a solicitation notice for public water supplier from John Felix of DEP. 2
Lori Vanderschmidt moved to extend the 50 % discount for connections to the end of September. Justina Carlson seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
Staffing Needs
Justina Carlson discussed the transition for Michaela Miteva from BWC Coordinator to Executive Assistant to the Town Administrator. Miteva will continue to assist the Water Commissioners until replacement plans for her coordinator’s position are in place.
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Fox Island Dike Break
A breached dike in the Fox Island Marsh had come to the Water Commissioners attention. This has compromised the water of a number of property owners that abut the marsh. The Water Commissioners were concerned about property that could become unsalable because of salt intrusion into the wells. A BWC representative will approach the Wellfleet Conservation Trust, the owner of the Fox Island Marsh Conservation Area, to discuss remediation of the breached dike. The adjacent Indian Neck area is a section of the town where future water system expansion is desirable.
Master Plan Discussion
Environmental Partners Group (EPG) representatives will be invited to the July BWC meeting to discuss updating the existing Master Plan. The Board discussed whether or not an RFP would be needed for an update. Lori Vanderschmidt said there was an updated nitrate study on Cape Cod. She believed that funding might be available if there is a widespread degradation of water quality and said the Water Commissioners should be working with the Wastewater Committee on water quality issues.
DPW Pipe Build – Water Expansion
Harry Terkanian said that the DPW would need more equipment and staff to work on expansion of water mains. The DPW is fully occupied during the summer months and not currently available for work on the water system; however, the Board of Selectmen is interested in the possibility. There are issues of licensing for water main installation that would have to be addressed. DPW might be available for fixing leaks, Mr. Terkanian said.
July & August Meeting Schedule
As a summer schedule, the Board will meet on July 15, 2014 and August 19, 2014. Additional meetings may be scheduled if needed.
Minutes
Bill Carlson moved to approve the minutes of June 3, 2014. Neil Gadwa seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:53 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________ __________________________
Mary Rogers, Committee Secretary Justina Carlson (Chair)
The Water Commissioners approved these minutes at the meeting held 7/15/14.
Public Records Material of June 17, 2014
1.) BWC Office Report of 6/17/14
2.) Solicitation notice for public water supplier from John Felix of DEP