HomeMy WebLinkAbout1982-11-22 Board of Public Works MinutesBoard of Public Works Meeting of November 22, 1982 Page 1
A meeting of the Board of Public Works convened in Room 13,
Municipal BLilding at 7:30 P.M.
Present were Chairman Wood, Secretary Fallon, Board Members
Barker and Polychrones and Superintendent E. Roger Louanis and Assistant
Superintendent Edward U. McIntire, Jr.
It was moved, seconded and voted 4:0 to accept the minutes of the
Board of Public Works meeting of November 8, 1982 as corrected.
It was moved, seconded and voted 4 :0 to accept the minutes of the
Board of Public Works meeting of November 115, 1982 as corrected.
The Board discussed and reviewed the bids regarding Sodium
Chlorite and reviewed Assistant Superintendent McIntire's memo dated
November 22, 1982.
Mr. Fallon moved that the Board award the Bid for Sodium Chlorite
to the low bidder, E & F tang & Co. Inc., 640 Pleasant Street, Norwood,
Ma. in the amount not to exceed $123.20 for 100 lbs. dry for a total
amount not to exceed $10U4,155.28, the motion was seconded.
Present from E & F tang w Co., Inc. were Peter Allen and Rob
English and from New England Chemical Company, Mr. Robert treating.
Mr. Fallon stated that under the original bid the amount stated
was 184,900.02.
time.
Mr. English stated the amount did not seem correct to him at the
Mr. Griff in oaned tiie
,l meeting at 35 p.m.
Mr. English stated the freight in fact is charged on the full
40,000 tank load. The material colt is charged on the actual amount of
material purchased.
Mr. treating of New England Chemical stated that initially the
plant can take in 40,000 pounds, the plant has a 4,000 gallon tank which
would hold tie 40,000 pounds.
Board of Public Works Meeting of November �2, 1 ?32 Wage 2
Mr. Gri-ffin asked if the Superintendent still felt that the E & F
Kinq & Co. bid is the acceptable bid.
Superintendent Louanis stated yes, the Department believes they
are the lowest eligible bidder meeting the specifications.
The motion passed 5:0.
Mr. Fallon read the letter from the Reading Campfire Organization
requesting permission to Christmas Carol on the main common of Reading
Square on December 9th at 6:30 F.M.
It was moved, seconded and voted 5:0 to grant the Campfire
Orqanization permission to Christmas Carol on the main common on December
9th at 5:30 F.M. subject to the usual stipulations:
1. No alcoholic beverages may be served in the
public way.
2. Proper police and insurance protection must be
procured.
3. The area must be broom clean at the conclusion of
the event.
It was moved, seconded and voted 5:0 to accept the letter from
RESCO and tte copy of their standard community contract as a point of
information.
Mr. Griffin questioned Definition 1.1 (iii).
It was moved, seconded and voted 5:0 that the Board accept the
letter from James F. Carlin, Secretary of Transportation Department
regarding the amendment to the Public Works Economic Development Program
as a print of information, and urge that the Gaor•d and Department support
his request to contact Senators Buell, Drennan and Representative Garrett
for their support of this bill passage.
Board of Public Works Meeting of November 22, 10/82 Page
It was moved, seconded and voted 5:0 that the Board accept the
General Presentation Schedule for the FY84 Budget as a point of
inf ormat iorr.
It was moved, seconded and voted 5:0 that the Board accept the
signed Standard Invoice from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts awarding
the Town $568,100.00 as the partial payment on improvements to the Water
Treatment Pant as a point of information.
It was moved, seconded and voted 5:0 that the Board accept the
BPW meeting schedule for November and December as a point of information.
The Board met with Camp Dresser & McKee at 11:55 P.M. to discuss
the process requirements and the position requirements for a Chemist at
the Water Treatment Plant as well as the completion of the Operations and
Maintenance Manual.
Present from CDM were John Willis and Stephen A. Calabro.
The Board started with the discussion of the Chemist, and the
letter from Carl G. Hiltunen of CDM outlining the process and position
requirement:. for the chemist.
Mr. Barker stated he had problems with the tests that were listed
to be done three times daily. He felt that many of these tests tend to be
kinds of things that are on a start -up curve.
Mr. Willis stated he didn't think he could address these tests on
an individual basis. The primary purpose at the Water Treatment Plant is
to prov:.de tc1p quality finish water. Water quality is generally the
product of a chemist. He didn's know of another treatment plant that is
not under the direction of a chemist. These tests are done routinely on a
day to da.. basis. In fact, the operation of the treatment plant is a
continuing process. In the past, the plant had not been under the control
of a chemist, on that basis CDM recommends that the Town at least
entertain the idea of hiring a chemist.
Board of Public Works meeting of November 4, 1532 4 Page 4
Mr. Barker questioned if under the Job Description, would the
chemist supervise or would he be a coordinator.
Mr. Willis stated this was just a generalization and he would
supervise the operation of water analysis and control the laboratory.
Mr. Griffin questioned Item 6 under Typical Examples of Work
Performed. He questioned if CDM was talking about a single consumer
complaint and i -I the testing would be done in the home or would the
samples be brought back to the lab.
licensee.
mr. Willis stated the samples would be brought back to the Lab.
Mr. Barker questioned if the chemist would be required to be
Mr. Calabro stated it would be helpful, but not required.
Mr. Polychrones stated he did not feel the job would require 30
hours per week, and asked what the chemists' other duties would be.
Mr. Calabro stated CDm felt that a 30 hour week was warranted,
each task was determined by minutes and then multiplied by the number of
hours needed to perform the duties for a total of 30 hours per week.
Mr. Fallon stated he objected to the fact that CDm was
recommerding 30 hours per week.
chemist.
Mrs. Wood asked if the State would be double - checking the
Mr. Willis stated yes, on a regular basis, in terms of the things
they corsidrr are minimum for the protection of public health.
Mr. Calabro stated the State does sp *At sampling at no cost to
the Town (comparison of tests in the lab and by the state).
Mr. Fallon asked is there such a person as a
chemist /bacteriologist9
r.
Board of Public Works Meeting of November 2'2, 1 ?321 Faye 5
Mr. Willis stated yes, people who normally do Water Treatment
Plant chemistry.
Mrs. Wood asked what specifically did CDM think would be
necessary as far as education and experience for this person.
Mr. Calabro stated CDM usually suggests the person have some type
of four -year Degree in chemistry.
Mr. Griffin stated the person should have used the Degree
substantially in this field.
Mr. Fallon asked to whose standards would we be evaluating and
interpreting test results.
Mr. Willis stated primarily that refers to interpretation of the
results. The chemists' objective is to produce the highest quality water
and to minimise the chemicals used in the process.
Mr. Fallon stated he felt supervision was necessary on the
ordering of chemicals and supplies.
Mr. Willis stated that obviously a request for such could only be
submittFd for the approval of the Superintendent.
Mr. Fallon recommended that the word Supervisor be substituted
for Sup (-r:.ntendent in all instances.
Mr. Barker stated he carne up with very few tasks that the Chemist
had to do.
Mr. Barker questioned who would perform the Chemist function when
he is not available, sick days, etc.
Mr. Willis stated the intent is that the Supervisor, would pick up
the slack.
Mr. Barker asked, giver, that the plant operates 10-12-14 hours a
day, what percentage of time would the Chemist need to be present?
Board of Public Works Meeting of November 2-2, 1082 Page 3
Mr. Willis stated he could work a standard work day, the Chemist
would only have to work eight hours.
Mr. Barker asked approximately what pay scale is estimated based
on your guidelines.
Mr. Calabro stated he couldn't answer that.
Mr. Barker stated there is a potential for overlap in
recordk (-eping with the shift operators or p:.art supervisors.
Mr. Calabro stated there is usually a daily plant log form. Both
the Chemist and plant operators can complete this form.
Mr. Barker asked what the cost impact would be of the new process
including sLpplies, etc.
Mr. Calabro stated the thing to keep in mind is (1) power and (2)
chemical usiage. A good chemist can save a good amount of money in
chemicals on a yearly basis.
Mr. Barker asked if CQM could possibly get a table of tests done
now vs. the proposed as well as the frequency of same done by the pliant
operator vs. recommended to be done by plant operator or chemist.
Mr. Barker asked the number of analyses to be done on a daily
basis b;• the operator and therefore what would the Chemist's daily
schedule of work look like.
Mr. Willis stated the plant operators are required to do daily
minimum testi.. The chemist will do his daily tests as well as weekly and
monthly etc:. We can't dictate what the schedule should be. In the long
run it is tte knowledge of the chemist and the Plant Operators on what
should be done.
Mr. Barker asked once we got the shift operator trained and we
had a lab person assigned, isn't it true you have a series of tests that
the shift operators could take care of and wouldn't that mean that the
chemist could be on a consultant basis.
Board of Public Works Meeting of November L 2, 1952 Page 7
Mr. Willis stated yes, however, if scimething breaks down and they
are needed somewhere else, it is a question of whether the shift operators
have the time to do this.
Mr. Griffin stated he could not factor thirty hours into a daily
testing procedure. In effect, what we really Have is a half -time operator
in 370 hours.
Mr. Willis stated what we are really after is someone with a
knowledce of chemistry to take responsibility to see the tests are done
and the shift operators are trained to do the tests, and interpret the
results that the operators take.
Mr. Fallon asked what laws affect the operation in a lab of a
chemist working alone - are we required by State or Federal Statute to
have someone with our "chemist ".
Mr. Calabro stated no, but you are required to have certain
safety conditions in existance.
Mr. Fallon asked about the cost of ongoing training - the time
involvec and the cost.
Mr. Willis stated if he is qualified you wouldn't have to provide
any train:.nc, however, we can't predict EPA Gcidelines.
Labs.
the lab.
Mr. Fallon asked who double - checks our chemist and at what cost.
Mr. Willis stated most instances. can be checked through the State
Mr. Fallon asked if CDM has ary idea of annual chemical costs for
Mr. Wallis stated it is a small fraction of the cost of running
the punt.
Mr. Fallon asked what is the shelf life of chemicals all ready
on -site and who will replace any that are no longer useful.
Board of Public Works Meeting of November 22, 1782 Wage 8
Mr. Calabro stated no chemicals have been ordered yet.
Mr. Fallon stated there is presently hydrogen peroxide being
stored on -s:_te which is not under refrigeration and therefore the shelf
life of this chemical is affected.
Mr. Fallon asked if the EPA and /or DEOE will accept any results
obtafnec through our lab.
Mr. Willis stated no.
Mr. Fallon asked if we must N certified.
Mr. Willis stated no.
Mr. Fallon asked if we have an incubator.
Mr. Willis stated yes.
Mr. Fallon asked under Recommended Lab Analysis - Daily Influent,
is the Alkalinity Test similar to a pool test'
Mr. Willis stated yes.
Mr. Fallon asked if the iron and manganese test is an in -depth
analysis_. or a simple spot test. It is Mr. Fallon's understanding that it
would take a couple of days to do an in -depth report.
Mr. Willis stated the iron and manganese tests are fairly
complex, but certainly do not take days. There is nothing in the new
treatment plant that is really different from a process point of view.
The chemical change is from caustic soda to lime.
Mr. Fallon asked under plant effluent - what is the difference is
iron anc manganese tests in this pase and the ones previously mentioned.
Why cant tte operator do all of them.
Mr. Calabro stated the test is the same. He also stated if he
were runn:.nc the plant, he would be doing the testing of iron and
manqanes.e more than three times a day.
Mr. Fallon asked under the Weekly Analysis of the plant influent
L
o ezvlai-i Free CO2- (Carbon Dioxide).
Board of Public Works Meeting of November 22, 19$2 Wage 9
Mr. Willis stated this is a test of COQ gas in the water, and the
hither it is the more lime you will have to use.
Mr. Fallon asked under the H2S (Hydrogen Sulfide) i.e., Woburn
Odor - we check odor three times a day. Is thi's a more extensive test?
Mr.. Willis stated yes, this is an analytical test.
Mr. Fallon asked about the Total Hardness Test for Heavy Metals
in the Water.
Mi.. Willis stated this is a test for calcium and magnesium.
Mr. Fallon asked about Total Dissolved Solids - is this an
in -depth analysis?
Mr. Willis stated no, this is primarily testing the filtrate of
the sample minerals tested.
Mr. Fallon asked about sulfate, nitrate and phosphate - is this
in- dppth or spot check?
Mr. Willis stated this is strictly to determine a change from the
norm that can be identified more quickly.
Mr. Fallon asked if the Total Coliform (fecal matter in the
water) and Standard Plate - Bacteria - is all one test.
Superintendent Louanis stated, no.
Mr. Fallon asked what kind of a test is the microscope test.
Mr. Calabro stated you place a water sample under a microscope
and idertify bacteria.
Mr. Fallon asked what a Jar Test is.
Mr. Willis stated this is the primary tool by which the operator
can determine the amount of chemicals needed in the water. You use six
:tars with a water sample in each, and mix the gars for up to 30 minutes.
iii. Fallon asked under the Distribution System what exactly is a
Chloramine Test.
Board of Public Works Meeting of November 22, 1982 Page 10
Mr. Willis stated chloramine is chlorine which is in combination
with ammolia. It is a fairly routine test for determining the nature of
the disinfectant within the system and referred to as combined chlorine.
Mr. Fallon asked if a fluoride test is done now.
Mr. Willis stated yes, and we do have a Fluoride Meter.
Superintendent Louanis gave a report regarding the Water
Treatment Plant.
He stated; In 1930 the water system in Reading started its
operation at 100 Acres. There was no chemist on board, only a pumping
station engineer. In 1951 the new treatment plant with coagulation and
rapid sand filters was put in. At that point, it was clear that the Town
could not operate this way.
The process since 1961 has grown. In 1973 the Town realized it
had to do something about the plant's capacity and ability to create a
better quality of water. The testing being done by the State is not
adequate to assure the Town and the people of the State are getting good
water to drink.
Mir concept is that the plant should have been designed so it can
expand with new methods of treatment with more and greater sophistication
and testing. We are learning every few years there is a new test coming
out. We ai-e at the point now that we have a plant that is nearly
complete.
3uperintendent Louanis stated he has hired a Pumping Station
Engineer-, with a strong chemical background. Superintendent Louanis
stated he does not believe 30 hours a week is necessary once we are
on -line btt that we will spend more than 30 hours a week getting set up.
Board of Public Works Meeting of November 2"2, 1982 Page ii
In effect, the engineer will be our resident head chemist who trains and
instructs tte other operators to carry out the necessary steps to insure
we have good water every day. The more testing we do should insure a
hiqher quality of water.
Superintendent Louanis stated he always has a problem with ,fob
descriptions and proposed recommended testing. My experience has been the
.sob develops. according to the abilities of the worker you hire.
Superintendent Louanis stated he felt we needed to grow a little
bit b(--fore we come up with a total staffing plan,.
Superintendent Louanis stated he felt the laboratory would be
used from day one until the design period erds. He hopes the Lab will be
allowed to expand to cover EPA requirements, etc. over the next 210 years.
The Superintendent feels he has hired an individual that will
meet the requirements and that he will be able to train our present
operators sct that they can test adequately and he hopes our operators will
qet some educational background in these areas.
Mr. Polychr•ones asked the salary of the new person.
:superintendent Louanis stated $18,800 for 40 hours.
Mr. Polychrones asked if the present operators can be trained for
this position.
Superintendent Louanis stated the present operators do not have
the educat:onal background needed and it would take a number of years to
qet this education and the Treatment Plant is going to be on -line in two
or three weeks.
Mr. George Taylor of the Finance Committee asked if there were
prototypes one could look at.
Mr. Willis stated yes, the plants he is aware of all have a lab
and a fEll -time chemist.
Board of Public Works Meeting of November 22, 19822 Page 1�
Mr. Calabro stated he will have a brief letter report with a
table of organization within the next month.
Mr•. Polychrones asked if the new man hired will work part -time
doing these tests that John Louanis normally does now.
Superintendent Louanis stated he will do other tests and help do
a lot of the tests that CDM recommends a chemist do. Once we go on line
for some period of time he will be working in the laboratory most all of
the time, ttrough the first full-year cycle at least, because the seasons
have a great effect on the water supply.
Mr. Polychrones asked if a'degreed chemist could be hired for
118.800 for 40 hours.
Mr. Calabro stated he felt $18,800 was a low figure for the
qualifications needed.
Mr. Fallon stated he had knowledge the man had been hired prior
to this evening and supposedly would be able to do a great number of the
tests listec here, inasmuch as the majority of them are presently being
done by the plant operators. Until we get into the more complicated
tests, i. (-., yearly, monthly, etc., he assumed that a great deal of this
work be:.nq recommended is not being done at present or is being done by
the State,
lie asked that the Department obtain the following information;
Cost of outside laboratories to Rio more sophisticated testing
requires b;- the EPA and the DECE.
�'. Outside costs we are presently incurring for testing.
3. The possibility that we may have accumulated equipment in the
laborator:.es., equipment our man is not either qualified to use or because
we qo tc, outside testing will not be used by the employees of the Water
Treatmert Plant.
Board of Public Works Meeting of November ��, 1932 Page 13
He stated he would seriously wonder whether some of it could be
r•etur•nec or whether it will be stored until somewhere down the road the
Superintendent convinces the majority of the Board we need a full -time
chemist.
Mr. Fallon asked why a drain was not installed in the Emergency
Shower in tie lab.
Mv. Willis stated they do not install drains for emergency
showers as they hope they are not used frequently.
The Board discussed the Water Treatment Plant Operations and
Maintenance Manual.
Mr. Calabro stated in the Grant that the Town has for the Water
Treatment Plant, there was $55,000 allocated for the O &M Manual. The town
has erected to do a good portion of that Manual themselves, particularly
because in looking at various examples, a very extensive Manual was
desired. CDM agreed to do their portion on a staged basis and let the
Engineering Department do as much as they felt comfortable with. in the
first d:scus -lion of the Manual, CDM was assigned to do basically the first-
six chemii:a3 systems which CDM has now finished. CDM has been requested
to do Schematic Drawings for each chemical system, and preparation of
manual sections addressing equipment controls, restart procedures, and
shutdown procedures for an additional funding requirement of t17,700.00.
Mvs. Wood asked why this amount of increase.
Mr. Willis stated CDM was requested to do a certain scope of work
Which was acreed upon. As it turns out, the Department is not in a
position to do the work as quickly or are not capable of doing their share
of tte Ma Dual as they see fit and have requested us to put together a
budget to do additional sections of the manual. This covers an additional
scope of work for their services in excess of what we have agreed to do.
Board of Public Works Meeting of November 22, 1 ?82 Page 14
Mr. Fallon stated $30,000 was agreed upon by Camp Dresser %IAL McKee
for their portion of the work to be performed.
Superintendent Louanis stated when it came before the Guard the
amount was reduced to $25,000.00.
Mi,. Fallon asked if CDM is now looking for $42,700.00.
Mfr. Willis stated this is now necessary for the completion of
their scope of work.
Mr. Calabro stated CDM has completed the original scope of work
and have $13,000 remaining. He stated that he arrived at the t17,1100
figure fo- the start up and shut down procedures for the chemical systems.
The important thing is that this is not a lump sum proposal, ,just an
estimation of our upper limit.
Mr. Griffin asked if we have identified what the Department can
do and what CDM can do.
'superintendent Louanis stated yes.
Mr. Willis stated: I swear that the $42,700 is absolutely the
upper limit on this work.
Superintendent Louanis stated the chemical system's schematic
drawing is an addition from what we originally talked about. It is only
broader:.ng tte presentation of the work. After looking at the pipes and
color codinc and the need to be able to follow one system, it was felt
that a schematic drawing would give us much better control over the
maintenance of that equipment. This came out as a result of the
discussion with the operator and Supervisor regarding how we were going to
follow valves by numbers alone.
Mr. Calabro stated a lot of the Manuals they do completely
include schematics.
Mr. Fallon stated Start-Up and Training was voted at $15,000.00.
oar•d of Public Works Meeting of November 22, 1952. Page f5
Mr. Calabro stated in the Grant there is $55,000 for O &M and
$15.000 for Start-Up and Training procedures for a total of $70,000. His
records show the first Town authorization:
$5,000 - Operations and Maintenance Manual
;15,000 - Start -up and Training
Mr. Barker asked why the schematic drawings for each chemical
system we,e not included in the original drawings.
Mr. Willis Mated the type of schematic drawings being talked
about are mtch more detailed and are for maintenance purposes.
Mr. Barker asked if we grant this Change Order when is the manual
goinq to be totally completed and bound, etc.
Mr. Calabro stated portions of the Manual that are completed now
are being used for the training.
Mr. Barker asked again, when will the manual be completed.
Superintendent Louanis stated he wants Alan Swan completed and
out of there by the 15th of January. The Manual will never be completed
from an operational point of view.
Mr. Fallon asked on the preparation of Manual sections regarding
equipruert controls, doesn't the manufacturer supply a certain amount of
this information.
Mr. Calabro stated the manufacturer does supply certain
information, but we are talking about 10 or so different components, each
manufactured by different manufacturers.
Mr. Calabro stated the schematics will be 11" x 17" encased in
plastic and placed on the wall by the chemical systems.
Mr. Barker stated he would like to have the Department or CDM
recap where we stand regarding Change Orders.
c
Board of Public Works Meeting of November 22, 1982 Page 16
Mr. Willis stated that as of this morning there is still the
outstanding credit of $12,000 - '13,000 and these are Change Orders
totalling somewhere around $9,000.00. The project costs at this point are
still urchanged.
Mr. Polychrones asked if we award the $17,700 for the O&M Manual,
will it be completed.
Mr. Calabro stated CDM will have done all chemical systems
completely.
Mr. Polychrones asked if Alan Swan will be able to handle the
rest of it.
Superintendent Louanis stated yes.
Mr. Barker moved that the Board authorize the expenditure of an
additioral $17,700.00 to CDM for the additional work per their memo of
November 8 for work on the O &M Manual at the Water Treatment Plant. It
was seconded and voted 4:0:1 (Mr. Fallon abstaining).
Mr. Fallon requested the amount the Department is absorbing for
our Share of the O &M Manual.
Superintendent Louanis stated he could have these figures for the
Board by next Monday night.
Under Old and New Business:
Mr. Griffin stated that he would like: a copy of the presentation
made at Town Meeting by Mr. John Baranofsky. Mr. Griffin felt he thought
this was a revival of the Charter Commission.
Cuper•intendent Louanis stated he would try to get the information
from the Town Clerk.
The Board signed the Payroll and the Billroll for the period
ending November l9, 1982.
The meeting adjourned at 10:59 P.M.
Respectfully s milted,