Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Newbury Town Hall
Present:
Members:
John Moak, Mayor- Newburyport
Vince Russo, Selectman- Newbury
Dave Hanlon, Sewer Commission
George Lawler, Water Commission
Staff:
Brendan O’Regan, Director of Public Services
George Gustafson, Plum Island Project Coordinator
Also Present:
John Donovan, CDM
Bill Squillace, City Auditor
1. Introductions
The meeting was opened at 2:10 PM by Vince Russo
2. Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the January 18, 2006 meeting were approved by a 4-0 vote.
3. Requests for Changes and/or Additions to Agenda
Gustafson requested that two items be added to the Agenda under New Business- Telemetering and Wetlands Mapping
4. Project Coordinator Report
George Gustafson went over his report as contained in the Workgroup package. Considerable discussion occurred relative to the paving issue, the connection process and the project budget.
a. Paving issue- Gustafson stated that a hearing was held at the DEP offices concerning the City and Town’s appeal of the Superseding Order of Conditions on the unpaved roads issue. DEP is refusing to discuss the alternate paving proposal (i.e. a ten foot pad around each pit and valve) as suggested by the Town and City until the legal issues are settled. After much discussion the Workgroup voted to drop the appeals if such an action is okay with the Newbury’s attorney and Vince Russo.
b. Connection process- Gustafson went over the connection schedule, publicity plan and the plan showing the water and sewer connection zone phasing. Based on the discussion the following actions were taken
(1.) By a 4-0 vote the Workgroup voted that the phasing of the connection process as shown of the map and attached schedule presented at the Workgroup Meeting (Water and Sewer Service Connections Phasing, Plum Island dated February, 2006). An amendment was offered and voted down by a 4-0 whereby people with contaminated wells would be allowed to tie in early. If such a case arises the issue would be handled through the Boards of Health and, if proved needed by them, would be allowed.
(2.) The Workgroup voted 4-0 to send a letter to homeowners similar to the one contained in the Workgroup Package. Prior to the letter being mailed Mayor Moak and Gustafson will reformat the letter.
(3.) The Workgroup asked that more information be provided about the need, duties and cost for a coordinator for the connection process.
c. Project Costs- Gustafson went over the Project Budget Summary, as contained in the Workgroup Package, saying that an additional $850,000 will be required to complete the project. Gustafson and Donovan went over the reasons for the overrun. Donovan handed out to the Workgroup a copy of a summary showing increases and decreases to the construction portion of the project. The summary is attached to these minutes.
Brendan O’ Regan went over his activities for the month noting that the Plan of Operation has been submitted to DEP. He also went over his March 2, 2006 memorandum relative to sewer connection pipe materials. A copy of the memorandum is attached to these minutes.
5. Old Business
No old business was discussed
6. New Business
a. PITA Sewer Connection- Ron Barrett requested on behalf of PITA that a vacuum pit be placed in front of the Town’s parking lot for a future comfort station. No vote was taken on the connection with the feeling of the Workgroup being that it was a technical issue.
b. Change Order No 2 to Contract 2- Change Order No. 2 in the amount of $73,994.00 was approved subject to the review and approval of Brendan O’Regan.
c. Electrical Changes at Vacuum Pumping Station- John Donovan explained the need for local disconnect switches at the sewage pumps. The additional cost will be about $5,500. D&C Construction was authorized to proceed with the work subject to Brendan O’Regan's approval.
d. Telemetering Change- The Newbury Fire Department is requesting that a dedicated fire alarm line be run from the vacuum pump station to the fire Newbury Fire Department. The cost would be about $35,000. The Workgroup voted 4-0 to send it back to the fire department asking them to coordinate it with the Newburyport Fire Department and their proposed station on the Island and to look for other funding opportunities.
e. Wetlands Mapping- John Donovan noted that they have become aware that a “bootleg” copy of their wetlands map has been prepared. He also stated that the Plum Island Beach Association has requested numerous documents relative to CDM’s preparation of the map. He was concerned with the cost of producing these documents. Bob Conner of the Beach Association spoke and stated that a one page letter summarizing the intent of the mapping exercise will meet their needs and that all the information requested would not be necessary. John Donovan agreed to write such a letter. A copy of the Beach Association’s letter is attached to these minutes.
7. Approval of Bills
Bills, as contained in the Workgroup’s package, in the total amount of $ 222,839.99 were approved by a vote of 4-0 based on the Project Coordinator’s recommendation.
8. Citizen Comments
Ron Barrett spoke out on the need for change orders, the amount being spent on legal fees, the sewer connection process and the lack of public meetings on the wetland regulations.
Bob Conner asked why the Newburyport Water Department had to install water meters, how most people want the unpaved streets paved, the need for an emergency process to allow tie-ins when there is a public health issue, and the tie-in process in general. Based on his comments Vince Russo asked Brendan O’Regan to ask the Water Commission to allow licensed plumbers to install the water meters.
9. Next meeting date, time and location
The next meeting of the Workgroup will be held on April 18, 2006 at the Newburyport City Hall at 2 PM.
10. Adjournment
The Workgroup voted to adjourn by 4-0 vote at approximately 5:00 PM.
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