Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-05-14 Board of Public Works MinutesBoard of Public Works Meeting of May 14, 1984 Page 1 A meeting of the Board of Public Works convened in Room 16, Municipal Building at 7:30 P.M. Present were Chairman Barker, Secretary Hampson, Board Members Polychrones and Griffin and Superintendent Anthony V. Fletcher. Under the Superintendent's Report, the Superintendent stated at the Water Treatment Plant it would appear that the chlorine dioxide room has been straightened out. They are replacing controls on the lime system and this should be operating Wednesday, and we would expect everything to be operating normally by Friday. Ericson Co. spent a great deal of time today at the plant due to a letter written by me recently and I am fairly confident this will be settled by the end of this week. Quality remains good. Superintendent stated he met today with Mr. Watson of BFI. Mr. Watson assures me part feels strongly we will There could be serious to a possible strike. I would not expect any dump in Reading if we overhauled. of the problem is the closing of landfills, but he not have a recurrence of these pick-up problems. problems, however, in the next couple of weeks due I have told him it would be perfectly possible that troubles in reference to Reading as we still could iad to. I am also having our one packer truck Mr. Griffin asked what about the follow-up on the venting system in the chlorine dioxide room? Superintendent Fletcher replied a test will be made when the oxidation situation is squared away, we will then do a smoke test. Mr. Griffin asked if smoke has the same natural characteristics. Superintendent Fletcher replied smoke is lighter than chlorine dioxide. Board of Public Works Meeting of May 14, 1984 Page 2 Mr. Griffin then stated he is not sure this is a valid test. Mrs. Wood joined the meeting at 7:37 P.M. Mr. Griffin stated I feel there are hidden dangers in that room, I still get a very distinct odor from that room. Superintendent Fletcher reported today is the first day that I did not smell muriatic acid. Mr. Griffin stated please validate for yourself and for the safety of the men that the tank valves and the vent system are functioning safely. Mr. Polychrones asked what is the target date for acceptance of the treatment plant? Superintendent Fletcher replied I have not as yet set the date. The date we set before was May 15. I am looking for at least a two week demonstration of performance, perhaps two weeks from Wednesday (May 30). It was moved, seconded and voted 5:0 to abate the 104% sewer lateral assessment billed to Mark K. & Linda M. Nichols, 432 Haverhill Street, in the amount of $424.00 for Plat 166, Lot 3A, commited on Sheet No. 2, Bill No. 2 dated February 7, 1983. The Board next reviewed the Request for Drain Line Extension on Forest Street (between House No's 86 and 104). A Mr. & Mrs. Ryan requested that they be allowed to install a manhole and approximately 20 feet of reinforced concrete pipe at the end of an existing drainage line. This will provide access to their house lot. It was moved, seconded and voted 5:0 to grant permission to install drainage requested in accordance with plans approved by the Engineering Department. Board of Public Works Meeting of May 14, 1984 Page 3 At 7;45 P.M. the Board met with Charlie Costello, Conservation Commission Administrator, to discuss the proposed Drinkwater development in North Reading. Mr. Costello stated I want to bring you up to date regarding the wetland matters in North Reading as it relates to the project. The Conservation Commission in North Reading has been working on the Order of Conditions. Added to that is the inclusion of observation wells to be placed along the perimeter of the project. In about three weeks we will have a final Order of Conditions. As far as the Conservation Commission is concerned, I think that this project should be appealed for a greater detailed review for the sewer filtration plant permit. The wetlands and potential groundwater contamination matter might not get properly reviewed if there were not an appeal of the local conservation commission. He stated he will get a copy of the Order of Conditions immediately and from that point we have 10 days to decide whether or not we want to appeal. He stated he would go over this with Superintendent Fletcher. Mr. Fletcher stated that they are insisting we get permission to put in test wells on land in North Reading. I think the Board of Public Works and the Conservation Commission must appeal this for no other reason than someone has to install the test wells. DEGE is now saying they may not be able to do the testing. These tests cost $200 - $400 each. Mr. Griffin stated this is an extremely sensitive matter. Do we have in-house the kind of people who can work with this information. Should we hire a constultant? Mr. Costello replied about one month ago I recommended the Conservation Commission hire a hydrogeologist to substantiate the facts Board of Public Works Meeting of May 14, 1984 Page 4 that I came up with. We did hire a consulting engineer. We put together a report that I believe presents the facts in a good manner and it is the function of the MEPA review study to draw up questions from all those concerned and it is up to the developer to answer these questions. Superintendent Fletcher stated I am sure if we appeal, we will have to hire some expertise. I think you may need some substantiation on hydrogeological matters. Mr. Griffin asked can you see an advantage to having a private consultant assisting us? Superintendent Fletcher stated I think Charlie is covering this very well. Because of Public Meeting Laws I can't think of an advantage to hiring a consultant at this stage. Mr. Griffin asked if "down the road" in the Order of Conditions is there any way of restricting the method by which they would do snow removal and ice control. Superintendent Fletcher replied I don't know, if they pave the area as depicted, the plans clearly show the entire area will drain into the watershed. Mr. Botticelli of Grove Street asked if we do go through the appeal studies and the developer is left to go on, what guaranty do we have that due to lack of maintenance on a package treatment plant that the effluent is going to be good quality five years down the road. Superintendent Fletcher stated I will not accept a primary plant. Where do you by-pass this thing when it breaks down? Even though the conditions are reasonably restrictive they don't even come close. Down the road we will need backing. Mrs. Wood asked if North Reading has established the flood plain level. Board of Public Works Meeting of May 14, 1984 Page 5 Mr. Costello replied they have adopted the FEMA elevation of 75. The Wetland Regulations state that the FEMA Flood Plain elevation shall be used unless other more accurate information is available. To our benefit in this area the Ipswich River has been the subject of a lot of investigation by the U.S.G.S. and the Army Corps of Engineers. We do have solid information that we can use a more restrictive elevation. The other thing is that recently the State of Massachusetts has declared a war on groundwater contamination. The State has to back us. Mrs. Wood asked if the sewer pumping system fails, who has the power to investigate. Mr. Costello replied us, and after an appeal the DEQE takes over. Sewer filtration plants are subject to permits only through the DEQE. They also run the testing program. Mrs. Wood stated the DEQE has more projects than inspectors. How do you make sure this doesn't fall by the wayside. Mr. Costello stated the MEPA process will have to address this. Superintendent Fletcher stated I will press for an advanced wastewater treatment plant. Chairman Barker asked do you have any action you want this Board to take at this time? Mr. Costello replied we have done what we have to do thus far. Chairman Barker thanked Mr. Costello for coming. The Board next reviewed the RESCO contract for rubbish disposal. Superintendent Fletcher stated you have seen this contract many times, it now refers to Reading. It will, of course, have to be reviewed by Town Counsel, but it does match other communities contracts. The difference is that Mr. Madigan of RESCO presented this on a 10 year contract basis. He is still ready to execute the contract for five years. Board of Public Works Meeting of May 14, 1984 Page b You can make any amendment that you want. I think we really should consider strongly doing this on a 10 year basis, given what is even more apparent in the last few days. Mr. Polychrones asked at the end of five years do we have an option? Superintendent Fletcher replied yes, but under new terms. Mrs. Wood stated I think we would be better off to negotiate with the other communities in 11 years time. Mr. Hampson stated 11 years sounds a little more reasonable. Mr. Griffin stated I wonder if this is a consistent stance on the part of RESCO. When Mr. Madigan came before us he spoke of a confidence level and that he would be able to facilitate Reading instantly. He was so confident that he would offer any time of contract length with no change in the contract. I was for the 11 year contract in the beginning. I do feel confident that Mr. Madigan's stance is that he was sufficiently confident in his operation and their good policy to sell to Reading, that he would continue on without a variation. Mrs. Wood stated at the meeting Mr. Madigan was talking about a delayed contract. When he went back to his Board, they would not allow the delayed contract. They could close the doors at this time to commercial haulers. Superintendent Fletcher stated yes, they would rather have the consistency of a community rather than a private hauler. Peg Russell of Finance Committee stated Mr. Madigan stated he would try to keep a 10% buffer of commercial haulers. She stated she questioned the same thing about contract renewal. Are there any communities that sign on for a short period of time? Board of Public Works Meeting of May 14, 1984 Page 7 Superintendent Fletcher replied we are going to be the first community to sign on for a short period of time. Mr. Griffin stated I am concerned about my misinterpretation of Mr. Madigan's statements about length of contracts. Mr. Barker stated nothing in what Mr. Madigan said implied you are going to be welcomed on the same terms. All he said was try it and you will like it. Secondly, I don't think we have to be very naive to realize the situation is bigger than the Town of Reading. Chairman Barker moved and it was seconded that the Board adopt and authorize the signing of a contract for a period of 11 years subject to the concurrence and recommendations of the Finance Committee and send the Superintendent and the Chairman to the Finance Committee. Mr. Griffin stated prior to the assignment of a time certain duration of the contract, I would like the time reviewed to-assure the year is correct to bring us in line with the 18 other communities. The motion was amended to state 11 years or whatever the original contract with other communities has reached and subject to appropriation. The main motion as amended was voted 5;0. Peg Russell stated I as not sure how Finance Committee will handle this. Perhaps by a Reserve Fund Transfer. It may be that Finance Committee may wish to hold this for a Special Town Meeting. This timing must be taken into consideration. Mrs. Wood stated I would be honestly surprised if it qualified under an Emergency Fund Transfer. The Board next discussed the John Street Facility. Superintendent Fletcher stated Chapter 579 has to do with Designer Contract Selections for public buildings. You have to advertise Board of Public Works Meeting of May 14, 1984 Page 8 these projects in the Central Register and through this whole process contractors and designers are certified. He stated he has written the policy he would like the Board to accept. Mr. Hampson asked if this was advertised in the newspaper. Superintendent Fletcher replied yes. Virginia Adams of the Historical Commission stated Bill Fowler of the Highland School Committee worked very actively on this and it might be a good idea to contact him. Superintendent Fletcher stated I suggest you adopt this policy because no State Funding is involved here unless you go through this procedure. Mr. Griffin stated I feel there should be an Ad Hoc Committee working on this. I do not feel confident that this Board can handle this. Chairman Barker tabled discussion on this item until later in the meeting. The Board next met with the Hazardous Waste Committee. Chairman Barker asked do you feel an engineering consultant should be hired to assist the Board of Public Works in developing plans for site preparation and overseeing the movement of fill material. Mr. Hampson asked is there a possibility the consultant can be used in the removal of trash. Superintendent Fletcher replied yes, we have explained this in the R.F.P. We have requested firms that are well-versed in geotechnics. A member of the Hazardous Waste Committee stated we are also concerned that the people working here are well-versed in public health and personnel protection. Board of Public Works Meeting of May 14, 1984 Page 9 Superintendent Fletcher stated I am fully prepared for this and have spoken with the State Department of Health, and what they expect from us. We will make our first determinations by doing site pits. We do have the existing study but don't have an awful lot of history. The test pits will certainly have a State review which they have agreed to do. The Hazardous Waste Committee stated the issue of odor needs to be addressed so that we do not become the offender to the Town. Superintendent Fletcher stated we must do this as fast as we possibly can, and I would like to rely on my own experience. Mr. Hampson asked do we have any update on the National Guard situation. Superintendent Fletcher replied General Quigley has received this letter. I don't have a definite feeling as to whether or not they will participate. Mrs. Wood asked did you consider any possible rodent problem you might have? Hazardous Waste Committee replied no, but this certainly is a potential hazard. Mr. Hampson stated I would suggest that someone from the Hazardous Waste Committee be involved in the interview process and the final selection process. Mr. Polychrones stated last Wednesday at the Space Study Committee Meeting, I brought up the subject that Superintendent Fletcher wanted a letter from any Boards in writing - requesting space at the new BPW facility. Their answer was that they didn't think they would need any more. They agreed that they would have to find a new location for the Civil Defense Department. I asked them for a letter, they stated they would not sign a letter to that extent, but would send a letter stating what they already stated at Town Meeting. Board of Public Works Meeting of May 14, 1984 Page 10 It was moved, seconded and voted S;0 to authorize the Superintendent to direct a letter to Mr. Nordberg of the Space Committee that in the absence of a letter from that Committee, the Board of Public Works and Department are proceeding to design the John Street facility with only those facilities of the Board of Public Works in mind, no other facilities for other Boards are being considered at this time in the absence of their direction. Mr. Hampson stated we should trim this building down to as small as possible and not take on any other Departments. It was moved, seconded and voted 4;0;1 (Mrs. Wood abstaining) that the entire operation; Engineering, Administration and Clerical functions, presently at the Town Hall be moved in total to the new Public Works Facility. Mrs. Wood asked what about janitorial services? Superintendent Fletcher replied we propose to do that in-house by hiring an additional person. The Board reviewed the memo from the Superintendent regarding the moving of the BPW Facility. The Board accepted this as a point of information and the Chairman stated the board should think about each of these areas and plan for another discussion of this around June 11. The Board again discussed the Central Register Chapter 579. Superintendent Fletcher stated there is no requirement as to the makeup of this committee. Mrs. Wood asked does this committee have to follow the Open Meeting Law? Superintendent Fletcher replied I don't know. Board of Public Works Meeting of May 14, 1984 Page 11 Mr. Polychrones stated I would like the Committee to consist of the Superintendent, one member of the Board and two outside people to make the selection, then this Board should make the final selection. Mr. Hampson stated the communities I am used to have the Department doing the screening. The Board Members are not necessarily involved. Chairman Barker stated I would like to see an "umbrella" set up and then make a determination on the John Street Landfill. Mr. Griffin stated I see no problem with establishing an Ad Hoc Committee. After a very lengthy discussion, it was moved, seconded and voted 5:0 to adopt the Designer Selection Policy as amended subject to Town Counsel review. It was moved, seconded and voted 5:0 that the Committee be composed of the Superintendent, the two Assistant Superintendents and the Town Treasurer if available. Under Old and New Business; Mrs. Wood asked about the testing of the new well. Superintendent Fletcher stated we have already gone to great expense. What came out of the meeting with DEGE is that the Town of Reading will write to the property owners in North Reading to test site wells on their property. If I do not get a reply within 7 days, I am going back to DEGE and have them make a decision. Mrs. Wood moved to go into Executive Session at 11:00 P.M. to discuss personnel matters, not to reconvene in open session, and the Chairman polled the Board as follows: Board of Public Works Meeting of May 14, 1984 Page 12 Mr. Griffin - aye Mrs. Wood - aye Mr. Polychrones - aye Mr. Hampson - aye Mr. Barker - aye The Board signed the Payroll and Billroll for the period ending May 11, 1984. The meeting adjourned at 11;00 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Secrets L