BWC Minutes
Wellfleet Board of Water Commissioners
Town Hall Conference Room
Tuesday, February 16, 2016, 6:00 PM
Commissioners Present: Justina Carlson, Chair, Neil Gadwa, James Hood,
Commissioners Absent: Catharie Nass, Lori Vanderschmidt
Also Present: Gail Fergusson, John Grebe, Roy Maher of WhiteWater, Inc., KC Myers, Kate Myers
Chair Carlson called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM.
Operator’s Report
Roy Maher presented his report. He highlighted the issue WhiteWater has been working on related to a circuit breaker on the Coles Neck Station pump. He does not believe that customers will be impacted by the problem. He also noted that the stations are showing signs of wear, in particular there are some cracks around roof hatches that require caulking.
Maher stated that the recent flow-testing went well, and he explained the results. These will be sent to Captain Ferreira in order for the Fire Department to proceed with color-coding fire hydrants depending on the water pressure available at each one. The process of flow testing stirred up some sediment that was of concern to some customers who noticed discolored tap water. It was agreed that in the future customers would be notified in advance of any work on the line that may result in water discoloration. To that end an email list will be developed to send notices in a timely manner.
Citizen’s Concern – KC Myers
KC Myers expressed her concern that was sparked by recent publicity over the Wellfleet Municipal Water System’s flawed financial model. Hood explained how the current financial model evolved, and how those currently connected to the system won’t be directly impacted by future expansion.
Abutter Gail Fergusson pointed out that a viable downtown benefits the whole community, and noted that when the water system was first developed the citizens were told that any deficit that remained after connections fees were paid would be turned to the general tax rolls to make up the difference.
Ms. Fergusson questioned whether the Briar Lane Expansion would be a current priority if Outer Cape Health Services (OCHS) didn’t require action. There is no apparent rash of well failures on Briar Lane that might have precipitated this expansion.
Hood explained through the use of nitrate and sodium level maps of Wellfleet, that there is a need on Briar Lane for clean water, and this area had been included in the 2003 Master Plan as part of the Phase II expansion before funding was depleted.
Ms. Myers offered to assist the Board in helping to promote expansion and community engagement.
The Board welcomed Ms. Myers’ offer and explained plans for community outreach in the near future.
Briar Lane Expansion: Next Steps
The Board re-examined the Proposed Financial Model for the Briar Lane Expansion and agreed that an assessment based on road frontage was not the most equitable solution. The Board also questioned the low cost of the tax levy in comparison to the relatively high betterment fee. Chair Carlson agreed to discuss both with Town Administrator Terkanian. She also will report back with feedback from the Board of Selectmen.
Work Plan Timeline for Briar Lane Expansion
The Board is on target in preparation for the Warrant Article.
Outer Cape Health Services (OCHS) Update
There are no further updates. OCHS will not hear about the status of the USDA funding application until April. OCHS will be going before the Board of Selectmen at their next meeting to provide an update.
Minutes
Chair Carlson moved to approve the 2/2/16 BWC minutes as presented; Gadwa seconded; the motion passed 3-0.
Correspondence
None
Topics of Future Concern
new BWC member recruitment
Agenda: March 1, 2016
Update on Briar Lane Expansion Financial Model
Briar Lane Expansion: Next Steps
Plans for Public Outreach
Status of Tower Painting & Repair
Next Meeting:
The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at 6:00 PM in the Town Hall Conference Room, 2nd floor.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 PM.
Public Records Materials of 2/16/16
- Operator’s Report dated 2-16-16
- Flow-Test Results dated 2-4-16
- Email from KC Myers dated 1-29-16
- Proposed Financial Model for Briar Lane Water Main Installation