BWC Minutes

Meeting date: 
Tuesday, August 16, 2016

 

Wellfleet Board of Water Commissioners

Town Hall Conference Room

Tuesday, August 16, 2016, 6:00 PM

Commissioners Present:  Chair Justina Carlson, Curt Felix, Neil Gadwa, James Hood, Catharie Nass

Commissioners Absent:

Also Present: Roy Maher of WhiteWater Inc., Christine Mason, System Manager Michaela Miteva, Gregory Sandborn and associate of Limerick Steeple Jacks

Chair Carlson called the meeting to order at 6:04 PM.

Operator’s Report

Maher presented his report and highlighted some repairs and cleaning WWI has completed in the last month.  He stated that Corpro made their annual inspection and reported that everything checked out normally.  He also reported that usage is up due to the dry and the hot weather conditions.

Manager’s Report

Miteva presented her report, highlighting her activities for the WMWS in the last month.  She stated that Environmental Partners Group (EPG) gave a quote of $950/day to provide supervision for the tank repair and painting project.  She is still looking for another firm to provide a competitive bid for the Clerk of the Works position.   Using the DPW to serve in such a capacity is a possibility.  The Board discussed the option of not hiring a Clerk of the Works at all because both the paint and the contractor’s work are under warranty.  There is also a risk of transference of liability from the contractor with a Clerk of the Works.

WMWS Status Report

In response to local concern for the aquifer levels due to an on-going draught, Spencer presented a chart that showed the USGS Observation Well Data for the last four years.  It appears that current levels are not remarkable.  They are lower than 2015, but higher than 2012-2014.  The Board would like to see the daily level of the WMWS wells.  Maher and Spencer will work together to collate and graph the data.

Review of Proposals for Annual Tank Inspection

A proposal was submitted by Haley and Ward to perform the annual inspection of the exterior of the water storage tank required by the Mass DEP.  Their bid was for $600 for a thorough inspection complete with photos. WhiteWater, Inc. gave an estimate for the same job for $500, however they have no experience doing these inspections.  Choosing Haley & Ward would provide an independent verification status of the tank.   This inspection should take place after the tank repairs.

Chair Carlson moved to approve Haley and Ward’s bid to perform the Mass DEP annual tank inspection; Hood seconded; the motion passed 5-0.

Water Tower Repair Bid Discussion

Gregory Sandborn of Limerick Steeple Jacks was present to respond to questions.  Although he believes that power tooling would be adequate, Sandborn is willing to use sandblasting to prepare the surface that needs to be painted as long as the public is informed in advance.  He explained how he would attempt to contain the air-born particulates in order to maintain a level Class III containment.  He also explained that the new paint will not completely match the current paint job fading and weathering has occurred.  The Board agreed that reaching out to the abutters is a priority.  Sandborn agreed to participate in this outreach if needed.  His plan is to complete the project in September of this year. 

Maher pointed out that he needs to know when the project is to take place in order to drop the water level in the tank to the appropriate level.  He also stated that the Fire Department will have to be informed that the water level in the tank will be lower than usual for the duration of the project.

Once the Board recommends the proposal the next step is to present the proposal to the Board of Selectmen and the Health Agent.

Gadwa made the motion to accept Limerick Steeple Jacks’ bid proposal for repair and repainting of the water storage tank; Nass seconded; the motion passed 5-0.

Fire Suppression Regulation Policy

The Board will examine the State Building Code.  The WMWS has a $1,000.00 tapping fee in place.

Water Test Regulation for Rental Properties

Chair Carlson and Felix stated for the record that they have rental properties.

It was noted that the Town of Eastham requires home owners who intend to rent their property have an annual water test. 

The Board discussed the option of recommending such a requirement, but agreed that it would be up to the Board of Health to spearhead the initiative. 

Water Connection: Homeowner Financing Options

Felix stated that he did not have the opportunity to look into Special Revolving Funds, but will report soon.

Master Plan

Priorities include finalizing a viable financial model and determining the extent of the next expansion.  Felix pointed out that it is necessary for the Board to decide whether the expansion plan is driven by nitrate problems, sodium problems, commercial interests and/or fire suppression coverage. 

Public Outreach

Tabled for the time being.

Minutes

Chair Carlson moved to approve the 7/19/16 BWC minutes; Hood seconded; the motion passed 3-0-2. 

Correspondence

  • Email form Town Accountant Marilyn Crary regarding funds available for the tank restoration project.

Topics of Future Concern

  • System vulnerability, cyber and physical
  • Impact of the Mayo Creek Restoration Project
  • Software Updates

Agenda: September 6, 2016

  • Annual Mass DEP Water Tank Inspection
  • Water Tower Repair Bid
  • Special Revolving Funds for Connection Fee Abatement
  • Master Plan
  • Public Outreach
  • Fire Suppression Regulation Policy
  • Water Test Regulation for Rental Properties
  • Update on the Proposed Briar Lane Expansion

Next Meeting:

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 6:00 PM in the Town Hall Conference Room, 2nd floor.  

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 PM.                         

Public Records Materials of 8/16/16

  1. Operator’s Report, dated 8-16-16

  2. Manager’s Report, dated 8-16-16

  3. WMWS Status Report: USGS Observation Well data

  4. Letter from Haley & Ward, Inc. dated 6-21-16

  5. Letter from EPG dated 7-29-16