Minutes of Plum Island Work Group Meeting
August 21, 2006
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Newburyport City Hall
Present:
Members: John Moak, Mayor- Newburyport
Vince Russo, Selectman- Newbury
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 3:00 PM by John Moak
2. Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the July 17, 2006 meeting were approved by a 3-0 vote.
3. Requests for Changes and/or Additions to Agenda
Vince Russo requested that a discussion of the drain line on Plum Island Blvd. be put on the Agenda under New Business.
4. Project Coordinator Report
George Gustafson went over his report as contained in the Workgroup Package. An extended discussion occurred on the letter to Phase I homeowners. Based on the discussion it was voted 3-0 to delay the official startup date (i.e. the date from which the 60 day and 120 day required tie in period starts) to September 5, 2006. Gustafson was also requested to change the date when applications would be received from August 28th to August 29th and to increase the number of banks who have special loan programs from two to three. The telephone number where homeowner’s can call with questions will be decided by Brendan O’Regan.
Gustafson noted (at end of meeting) that he had received a draft copy of the Auditor’s report. He will distribute it to Workgroup for comment.
Brendan O’ Regan went over his activities for the month. Brendan announced that Pat Healy had been selected as the Service Connection Coordinator and that she will have office hours from 8AM-12 noon. Her office will be located at the Highway Garage. Brendan strongly recommended that the GIS work, record drawings and paving work not be deleted from the Project. Brendan also explained how the $270 water meter cost was calculated.
By a 3-0 vote the Project Coordinator reports were accepted.
5. Old Business
Implications of City Council Vote- John Moak went over the results of his meeting with the City Council on August 16, 2006 saying that he will be sending them a communication with recommendations for action. John Donovan went over his August 14, 2006 memorandum summarizing what needed to be deleted if the funding was not restored. He also noted that SRF funding may be in jeopardy if some of the deleted items are not restored.
6. New Business
Change Order No. 3 to Contract 2- The Workgroup voted 3-0 to recommend the approval of Change Order No. 3 to Contract No 2 in the amount of $7,xxxxx.
Plum Island Blvd. drain line- Vince Russo explained to the Workgroup that the Town of Newbury wished to replace the drain line on Plum Island Blvd. prior to its paving. He explained that the Town would pay the entire cost of this work outside of the Water & Sewer Project budget but that they wished to have D&C Construction do the work as a change order to Contract 2. Based on the above the Workgroup voted 3-0 to allow Newbury Board of Selectmen to negotiate with and authorize D&C Construction to install the drain line on Plum Island Turnpike.
7. Approval of Bills
Based on the recommendation of Gustafson the Workgroup voted 3-0 to approve bills in the amount of $133,779.79 as contained in the Workgroup package.
8. Citizen Comments
Dave McFarlane expressed his concern that a lot of cleanup needs to be accomplished on the Island. He also reiterated his concern on the type of pipe required for house connections. Gustafson to respond.
Larry McCavitt expressed his concern on the paving of the bike path at the Plum Island side of the bridge and in front of the Audubon Society. He also expressed his concern with some depressed water main valve boxes. Gustafson stated that the issues were on the punch list to be completed.
Bob Conner presented a letter requesting answers to connection questions (copy attached).
Ron Barrett asked if any actions were taken relative the issue he raised at the last meeting in relation to pipe costs for service connections. Brendan O’Regan responded that the Sewer Commission voted to allow 45-degree bends. Ron Barrett also asked for a status report of the unpaved road issue. Vince Russo gave an update of the Town’s meetings with DEP.
9. Next meeting date, time and location
The next meeting of the Workgroup will be held on September 11, 2006 at 3:00 PM at the Newbury Town Hall.
10. Adjournment
The Workgroup voted to adjourn by 3-0 vote.
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