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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-03-17 Water and Sewer Advisory Committee MinutesWATER, SEWER AND STORM WATER MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES March 17, 2004 A meeting of the Water, Sewer and Storm Water Management Advisory Committee (WSSWMAQ was held at 7:47 PM on Wednesday, March 17, 2004, in the Conference Room, Reading Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA. In attendance were Chairman Richard Moore, Committee members Steven Oston and John Wood, Board of Selectmen Liaison Gail Wood, and DPW Director Ted McIntire. Minutes It was moved by John Wood, seconded by Steve Oston and approved by a vote of 3-0 to approve the minutes of August 20, 2003 as written. It was moved by John Wood, seconded by Steve Oston and approved by a vote of 3-0 to approve the minutes of September 17, 2003 as corrected. It was moved by John Wood, seconded by Steve Oston and approved by a vote of 3-0 to approve the minutes of October 15, 2003 as written. It was moved by John Wood, seconded by Steve Oston and approved by a vote of 3-0 to approve the minutes of January 21, 2004 as corrected. It was moved by John Wood, seconded by Steve Oston and approved by a vote of 3-0 to approve the minutes of February 4, 2004 as revised. Storm Water Management Plan The Committee discussed the funding options identified at the February 4, 2004 meeting. Ted presented the comments made by Finance Director Beth Klepeis. Beth and Town Accountant Richard Foley would be willing to meet with staff and the Committee to discuss the funding options. After much discussion the following action items were identified: 1. Develop input on assessing costs of the Enterprise Fund. This will involve an internet search by Committee members; 2. Develop pros and cons of assessment methods; 3. Identify expected real costs of enterprise funds and existing costs to be shifted from the general fund to the enterprise fund; and 4. Build a package of information with options identified, including pros and cons and accompanying commentary. Ted indicated that Joe Delaney has information on existing storm water utilities and how they were setup. This information will be included in the next committee agenda package. Minutes - WSAC March 17, 2004.doc Page 1 of 2 Water and Sewer Issues AquaSave - The Town of Reading has joined the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Recreation and Conservation in submitting a proposal for a grant to perform piloting of the AquaSave program within the Town of Reading in parklands and selected residential applications. Ammonia - The ammonia system at the Water Treatment Plant was activated on March 1, 2004. To date, it has operated as expected with no glitches. It was noted that Peter Tassi had received a complaint about the taste of the water since the ammonia was used in the treatment process. Peter informed the caller that the Town had, in fact, not activated the ammonia system but was intending to do so the week of March 1, 2004. Water Meters - Staff has referred the issues that the department is having with Northrup Grumman and the failure of the read units, to Town Counsel. Water Conservation Program - Staff is working on a contract to retrofit toilets, urinals and sink fixtures in municipal and school buildings. The program is expected to commence in late spring and be completed by mid-August. The rebate program for low-flow toilets, high efficiency washing machines and rain sensors has begun. In approximately one week we have received over twenty requests for rebates. Water Treatment Plant - Staff has asked CDM to review an additional option of constructing a new water treatment plant with the membrane filtration process. 20" Water Main - The consulting engineering firm of Stearns and Wheeler has not developed final plans and specifications for the construction of this water main in the Birch Meadow area. DPW staff is constructing a portion of the 20" main that is within the athletic facility playing areas. 12" Water Main - Due to high ground water, there is no action on this project. Construction is expected to resume by mid-April. Water System Leak Survey - A water main break estimated at over 150,000 gallons per day was located and repaired. The Town-wide survey was completed and all leaks have been repaired as of this date. Monthly Reports - Staff will include a copy of the monthly reports from the Water Treatment Plant and Water and Sewer Distribution Divisions in the Committee package. The next meeting is scheduled for April 14, 2004. It was moved by John Wood, seconded by Steven Oston and approved by a vote 3-0 to adjourn the meeting at 10:17 PM. Minutes - WSAC March 17, 2004.doc Page 2 of 2