HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-12-13 Board of Public Works Minutes December 13, 1976
Meeting of the Board of Public Works opened at 7:30 P. M.
in Room 16, Municipal Building.
Present were Chairman Russell , Secretary Dustin, Board
Members Blood, Price and Botka, Superintendent Louanis and
Paul Dube of the Finance Committee.
Minutes of the previous meeting were accepted as written.
Following a brief discussion it was moved, seconded and
voted to sign Weston and Sampson' s "Proposal for Comprehensive
Water System Study - Engineering Services" the upset limit be-
ing $25,000.
It was moved, seconded and voted to approve the following
Orders of Taking for sewer easements:
Order of Taking for Causeway Road, sewer easement
Order of Taking for Annette Lane to Apple Gate Lane
Order of Taking for Colburn Road to Deborah Drive
The Board signed the three documents.
' Meeting adjourned temporarily at 7:45 P. M. and reconvened
at 8: 10 P. M. The Board met as the Board of Survey in the interim.
The Board met with James Nugent, Health Agent and John
Caffazo and Sandra Trainor members of the Board of Health at
8: 10 P. M. The Superintendent reported to the Board that he had
communications with Dr. Wells of the School Department concerning
the University of Massachusetts ' desire to conduct a study of the
affects of a high sodium level in the Reading water supply on the
blood pressure of approximately three hundred Reading students.
Dr. Wells wished to inform the Board of Public Works of the im-
pending survey and requested the Board' s comments on the proposal .
Mr. Nugent, the Health Agent, had also contacted the Superinten-
dent and requested this meeting with the Health Department and
the Board of Public Works to discuss the matter . Mr. Nugent
stated the purpose of the joint meeting was one of communica-
tion so that all parties would be aware of the problem and the
impending survey so that any adverse publicity might be avoided.
A chart of the sodium level of the Reading water supply from
71-76 indicated a high level of sodium in both Revay Well supply
and the Hundred Acre Meadow area but had recently dropped signi-
ficantly to a lower level in the Spring of 1976. No estimation
as to the reason for the drop was given. It was suggested by
the Board of Public Works that the problem would be turned over
to Weston and Sampson Engineers and Consultants on the water
study to investigate the problem immediately. Members of the
Health Department questioned why the high level of sodium had
not been dealt with previously since the standard 20 milograms
per liter was expected to be adopted soon by the State Health
Department. The Superintendent stated that prior to this time
the Health Department did not have a standard of sodium allowed
but rather a combined standard of chloride of 250 parts per
million. Mr. Botka suggested samplings be taken by the Depart-
ment and attempt to obtain use of the testing facilities at
Andover at the new treatment plant. It was agreed that although
current sodium levels were insignificant it would be the first
order of priority for the Board 's consultant to investigate. '
The Board thanked the Board of Health for its participation.
The Board signed the Pay Roll for the period ending
December 12, 1976 and the Bill Roll dated December 17.
Meeting adjourned at 9:50 P. M.
Resp ully submitted,
Secretary