Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Newbury Town Hall
Present:
Members:
John Moak, Mayor- Newburyport
Vince Russo, Selectman- Newbury
Melanie Hession, 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
1. Introductions
The meeting was opened at 3:15 PM by Vince Russo
2. Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the June 16, 2006 meeting were approved by a 3-0 vote. Melanie Hession voting present.
3. Requests for Changes and/or Additions to Agenda
Vince Russo requested that two issues be placed on the Agenda under New Business. First Ron Barrett requested to speak to the Workgroup on sewer and water connections. Second, Judy Tymon, Newbury’s Planning Director, requested to speak to the Workgroup on the Plum Island bike path. Later in the meeting John Moak requested that he be able to make the Workgroup aware of some correspondence he received. It was agreed that John’s issue would be discussed under New Business
4. Project Coordinator Report
George Gustafson went over his report as contained in the Workgroup Package. He stated that the punch list on Contract No. 1 will be completed by the first week in August. This includes the stripping of the Turnpike itself plus the backing up of the shoulders with gravel, loam and seed and asphalt. Relative to Contract 2 it was reported that the acceptance tests were progressing smoothly with the only major test required to be completed being the chlorination of the water lines. That work started today. If everything goes without a hitch the chlorination of lines in the Phase I area should be completed by July 24, 2006.
Gustafson reiterated his concern, expressed in the written report, that with the lack of funding in Newburyport and the appeal by Newbury of DEP’s order it is doubtful that the unpaved roads will be paved for this winter. Gustafson suggested that the discussion of the recent City Council vote and the startup of the water and sewer connection process be delayed until the New Business segment of the meeting.
In response to the suggestion of Vince Russo, Gustafson will discuss with CDM and the Contractor a plan for notifying the Fire Departments of both communities which portions of the water system are available for fire service and which sections are not.
Brendan O’ Regan went over his activities for the month. Brendan announced that the Water Commission reduced the cost of the water meter for Plum Island residents from $400 to $270. Brendan will discuss with the Water Commission their feelings relative to the $15 charge for the Connection Coordinator. Brendan expressed his feeling that the resolution of this issue should not delay the hiring of the person for this position.
5. Old Business
Paving of Plum Island Turnpike- John Donovan went over the CDM memorandum concerning the paving of the Turnpike as contained in the Workgroup package. John is to get back to the Workgroup as to whether the minimum width of the road is 30 feet or 32 feet. The Workgroup expressed its desire to have a double lined center line on the Turnpike and expressed its displeasure on the amount of time it is taking to complete the work on the Turnpike.
6. New Business
Start-up of the Connection Process- A discussion began on the start-up process with Gustafson recommending that it start on August 1, 2006. Due to a potential issue coming up under New Business on sewer pipe issues Brendan O’Regan suggested that the discussion be delayed until the sewer connection pipe issue is discussed. After that discussion (see Sewer Pipe item under New Business) the motion was made that the connection process begin once Brendan O’Regan has approved the Sewer and Water Connection Package. Motion was passed by a 4-0 vote.
Implications of City Council Vote on Funding- Gustafson presented a memorandum (copy attached) outlining possible cuts to the project budget and recommending specific actions be taken by the Workgroup. Vince Russo expressed his concern that the Council action could affect the entire projects integrity. Mayor Moak also expressed his concerns about the affect of the vote on the project. After much discussion the Workgroup voted 4-0 that Gustafson implement the three recommendations contained in the Memorandum.
Contract of Gustafson Environmental- The contract of Gustafson Environmental was renewed by a 4-0 vote for one year starting June 30, 2006 as required by said contract. A discussion followed on the number of hours being billed by Gustafson and the number of hours to be billed after substantial completion of the project.
Sewer Pipe- Ron Barrett made a presentation stating that he had information showing that the price of water and sewer pipe for a Plum Island property (i.e. Class 21 will cost $2,059.32. If the same pipe were purchased for a home in Newburyport (i.e. Class 35) the cost would be $1,316.13. Further discussion showed that the major reason for the cost increase is the cost of fittings and the requirement that 22 ½ degree fittings be used. After a long discussion it was decided to leave a final decision on this matter to Brendan O’Regan with input from CDM.
Plum Island Turnpike Bikepath- Judy Tymon expressed her concern that the plans, as originally prepared for the Turnpike bikepath by CDM were not being followed. Gustafson responded that the shoulders of the roads could not be constructed as shown because to do so would require the filling in of the marsh.
Homeowner’s Loans- John Moak stated that in response to a letter he had sent to the local banks one had written him saying that they would offer homeowners a 5% loan to cover the cost of installing the water and sewer connections.
7. Approval of Bills
The Workgroup voted by a 4-0 vote, based on Gustafson’s recommendation, to approve the bills, as contained in the Workgroup package, in a total amount of $357,141.98. Gustafson noted that there was an error on the spreadsheet as contained in the Workgroup Package and handed out a corrected spreadsheet. Melanie Hession questioned the police overtime.
8. Citizen Comments
Steve Mangion stated that he measured the width of the Turnpike and that the minimum width he measured was 32 feet. He also stated that he was glad to see the minutes of the Workgroup on Newbury’s webpage. He recommended that the Workgroup look at the tapes he gave Barry Connell so that they would be aware of what was originally promised. He also expressed his concerns about the “taste and odor” issues caused by the elevated chlorine level during the hookup process.
Bob Conner suggested that the Newburyport City Council members come to more meetings of the Workgroup so that they could become more aware of the issues the Workgroup is facing.
Dave McFarlane expressed his concern on the hookup process, the interest rate article passed by City Council and add-on costs.
9. Next meeting date, time and location
Per previous actions by the Workgroup, the next meeting of the Workgroup will be held on August 21, 2006 at 3:00 PM at the Newburyport City Hall.
10. Adjournment
The Workgroup voted to adjourn by 4-0 vote at approximately 5:55 PM.
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