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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-10-15 Water and Sewer Advisory Committee MinutesJ «d p F WATER & SEWER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES October 15, 2003 A meeting of the Water & Sewer Advisory Committee was held at 7:35 PM on Wednesday, October 15, 2003, in the Berger Room, Reading Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA. In attendance were Chairman Richard Moore, Secretary Stephen Crook, Committee members John Wood and Steven Oston, Selectmen Liaison Gail Wood, DPW Water Treatment Supervisor Peter Tassi, and DPW Director Ted McIntire. AquaSave Jim Rolfe and Barry Swanson joined the meeting and made a presentation on their lawn irrigation system. They have a customer in Reading that would like to use the AquaSave system but are concerned about violating the odd/even water restrictions. They indicated that with Reading's outdoor watering policy, residents were allowed to water approximately 90 times during the growing season. With an AquaSave system, watering would have been used approximately 27 days. A total of 27" of water could have been used in Reading verses 11" with their system. The system also has a water interrupter capability if there is rain and would only water when the lawn needed it. They provided a handout of information for the Committee and answered additional questions. It was moved by John Wood, seconded by Stephen Crook and approved by a vote of 4-0 to contact AquaSave and ask them to submit a proposal on a pilot program which would consist of one residential property and one Town property. It was recommended that they supply a written endorsement from the Ipswich River Watershed Association and the Department of Environmental Protection. The Committee also requested that they address how water savings would be measured during this pilot program. Ted McIntire will contact AquaSave and apprise them of the Committees recommendation. Water Treatment Plant Tour The Tour of the Water Treatment Plant is scheduled for Saturday, November 1, 2003 at 9:00am. In addition to the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee, Town Meeting Members, the Board of Selectmen, and the Finance Committee have been invited. The staff will look into a wireless microphone system so that all attendees will be able to hear the presentation. Subsequent Town Meeting - November 10, 2003 1. Article 3 - This article deals with the approval of the Capital Improvement Plan. At this time, staff did not have an estimate for the replacement of the existing 20" water main in the Birch Meadow area. Ted explained the articles on the Water Treatment Plant design in the amount of $1.5 million and the MWRA water system buy in cost of $3.18 million. The Committee decided to schedule a meeting on November 10, 2003 at 7:OOPM at Reading Memorial High School, prior to Town Meeting, in order to take a final vote on the recommendation of the - -Capital Improvement Plan under this article. At that time, staff will have an estimated cost for - the replacement of the 20" water main. Minutes - WSAC October 15 2003. doe Page 1 of 3 2. Article 11 - Subject matter of this article is the design of the Water Treatment Plant improvements and additions, in the amount of $1.5 million. It was moved by John Wood, seconded by Stephen Crook and approved by a vote of 4-0 to recommend Article 11. 3. Article 12 - This Article authorized application to the MWRA for Reading to connect into the MWRA water works system at a cost of $3.18 million. It was moved by John Wood, seconded by Steve Oston and approved by a vote of 4-0 to recommend Article 12. 4. Article 13 - Subject matter of this article is to replace an existing 20" water main in Bancroft Avenue, cross-country through the Birch Meadow athletic complex, along Arthur B Lord Drive to Forest Street and to Colbum Road. There have been many breaks along this section of pipe and according to one of the Town's consultants, it appears to be due to external pipe deterioration caused by soil conditions around the pipe. At this time staff did not have an estimated cost for this project, and the Committee request that a meeting be posted for November 10, 2003 at 7:OOPM at Reading Memorial High School, prior to Town Meeting, at which time they will vote on their recommendation to Town Meeting. Water Conservation Update Staff has meet with CDM and the Sub-consultant and discussed the facilities upgrade to the school and municipal facilities. A meeting with the School Superintendent and Facilities Director will be scheduled within the next week. The rebate program will begin after the first of the year and CDM is working on the form to be filled out by residents. Ted indicated that there have been 10 water audits completed to date and letters have been sent to the 300 highest residential water users in the community. Water Meter Radio Read System We have experienced approximately 250 - 350 "no reads" in the last 3 billing cycles. To date, Northrup Grumman has replaced all malfunctioning units. Water Treatment Plant Update Peter Tassi reported that the pilot program for the MIEX treatment process has been completed and a final report is being prepared. There is a potential to save a great deal of money on chemicals used in the treatment process. The results relating to the organic removal has been very good, however, Peter has a concern about the sodium content and with the potential cost of the system. MWRA Water Works Connection The Town submitted the Final Environmental Impact Report on September 15, 2003. We expect to have a certificate from DEP prior to Town Meeting. We will be requesting Town Meeting approval for the Application to the MWRA and funding for the entrance fee into the water-system:- - - - Minutes - WSAC October 15 2003.doc Page 2 of 3 Selectmen Report Gail Wood, Board of Selectman Liaison to the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee, informed the Committee that there is a class action law suit against oil companies because of MTBE in gasoline products and the contamination of many water supplies. She indicated that the Town may join in the law suit. It was moved by Steve Oston, seconded by Stephen Crook and approved by a vote 4-0 to adjourn the meeting at 10:15 PM Minutes - WSAC October 15 2003.doc Page 3 of 3