Meeting of the water commissioners is called to order July 16th 6 at 6 pm and is being recorded. Roll call. Chairman Ed Johnson here. >> Commissioner Dave Mesworth here assistant director John Gutard
>> office administrator for Julie Betty >> and John Kaine is unable to attend the meeting. Okay, Richard, you got >> Okay. Well, I filed for unabatement. Uh,
an apartment garage that I own on Oill Road. Uh, as it turned out, an an electrician that I was having do some work left the toilet running. Nobody's there. and you didn't have the
right address. I didn't know where it was. And it ran and ran and ran and I got a bill for $828 and change. And I'm asking for an abatement uh of what the excess would have been, which is approximately $600.
Would have bill would have been a couple of hundred at minimum anyway, uh even with nobody there. But somebody here, when I say here, the town um didn't have the address right. They have 632 College
Highway, which would be Fox's property across the street on the easterly side of College Highway. And um obviously that isn't right. And I don't know who it was that was going trying to find where this water was being uh was
running. somebody from uh the town couldn't find it and they were on the wrong street. Uh which isn't my fault and u it went on for days because of that and otherwise this could have been caught the first day in which case the
bill would not have been excessive and it wouldn't be a problem. I wouldn't be sitting here. Um, so I'm asking for the one time in 50 years that I've been there that um you um excuse the excess amount. Uh and uh there's nobody there
anyway at this point. So I mean even if you turn the water off, it doesn't matter. I haven't been in the building in 6 months. And uh but that's not the point. The point is um you know I'm asking for that. I think it's reasonable and I think the town screwed up by
putting the wrong address and you don't have anything for Coil Road and u you know that's not my that's not my fault. Um so you know I'm asking that you uh that you adjust the bill accordingly and give me an abatement for for what the
bill would have been versus what it is. I hope that's a reasonable request. >> Rich, what do you got? Have you got anything on that? Our system pick up on it. Um the system picked up on it through the actual the pumping station. So the pumping station was running and running. Kevin was then able to go all
right what's going on? We got a leak going on. So he was up and down coill >> up and down. We went to many they water department went to many different houses. They knocked on doors. They got a they got okay. So Kevin finally realized, oh wait a minute, let me check this one because that's got the line off Cole's Hill. >> Yeah, that's my understanding what
happened too. >> Kevin went in. He knocked on the door. I believe he got a hold of his brother. I believe >> my manager. your manager and and his brother because his brother got the other part of the wood shop. So, he's able to get access in and that's when he fell the toilet with me. >> Well, my only question is Rich, if the thing is vacant, you're not using it.
Why don't you leave the water shut off? >> Well, I wasn't expecting a problem. I figured I might rent it out again at some point. >> Your your point is valid. No argument there. Uh I had a I had two two brothers that were there for 25 years. their
father was my banker many years ago and then they moved out at the end of the year and uh uh I still have uh uh the garage downstairs which I use personally. Uh I have a couple cars in there and uh and then the apartment we were trying to get it fixed. Turns out
that the electrician had to do a bunch of work. I had two guys that are >> one was 57, the other's 61 who couldn't change a light bulb. >> Yeah, it's very >> really sad. >> But that you you have a valid point. >> Yeah. I mean the I mean the toilet malfunctioned and the the water went
through our meter. >> I understand that. But you could have caught it initially if you had the right address. >> You didn't you didn't have 12 coil road and if you would caught it the first day that you you saw that it was running you would have caught it and it would have been no more than maybe one day at the
most. >> A um is that something that we do out of out of nights or is that something that has to be done? If there's a leak we have to notify immediately. No, >> I just am asking a question because I'm nearly >> But you had the wrong address. You know, you got a >> Was it 6:35? >> 635.
>> Yeah, I have on my work order 632635 college. >> Well, they're two separate. No, that 63 631 to 635 is a separate separate service. >> Yep. But that's where we saw the leak coming was in that general area. So that's why he was sent there and that's how we
>> 632 was across the street on the other hill college highway. Dave, >> well I I look at it like I mean we do have the wrong address, you know, >> we I don't know how we didn't how were
we able to contact him directly. >> Yeah. I mean otherwise I was know >> we did we not well we didn't collect it on >> we didn't know where it was. So Kevin was going to everywhere he could. >> Didn't show through the meter
>> the meter. Yeah. But we didn't get it on a continuous flow. It showed through the pumping station and it it shows that it started on the 16th and then was rectified on the 26th. So that was I believe during the Thanksgiving Day
break also. >> So we didn't have any one of our census station that records >> continually running. That's what caught Kevin's eye. Why is this running? So that's why he started going up and down the road for two days looking for >> and then we were able to locate didn't even know that that the the service
existed at 12 co it's a separate meter so you have to >> I understand that but if you if you had the right address you would have caught it right away it wouldn't have been 10 days it might have been one day or two days >> no that's not necessarily true >> that's that's not >> I'm here asking you to to to do that for
me that's you know we know what the facts are and there's no argument there >> I think 600's a little steep myself personally way. >> I'm going to have to go after the electrician for this and try trying to avoid doing that if I can help.
>> Well, I'm going right back to my original point. The thing is vacant. Nobody checks on the place. It went through our meter. It wasn't our toilet yet. We take it. It took us a day or two to find it, but we found it. But I I strongly I disagree with going with a 600. I'd cut it in half. That's more
That's all I would I'm going to go for. >> You want to do >> Well, I think you should go a little more than that. No, I want to go 300. >> All right. >> It's not It's not our responsibility, Rich, to check your house or your >> Well, no, I understand that, you know, but I'm 50 years I've been there and I've been paying a lot of time. >> I know. I understand.
>> Take a break. I mean, >> well, you know, I you know, it's I understand what you're saying. I don't disagree with the sit the facts speak for themselves. There's no argument that. >> Okay. We were delayed a little bit, but >> were delayed a lot. De wasn't our responsibility to begin with, >> right?
>> Well, you should have known where the billing address was. You should have known where the meter was and you didn't. >> We didn't we didn't have a reading on your meter that said there was a leak. >> So, under no obligation, even if we do to notify you, you're it's it's your obligation to keep your plumbing.
>> No, I I understand that, but you got to, you know, you got to know where it is, too. You didn't know where you didn't know where it was. >> We didn't That's what we were saying. If if your meter had showed a leak, we have a we have meters now that we can detect a leak. >> Yeah, I understand. Somebody's house is has constant running meter.
>> We can notify but we didn't get that. >> He admits you didn't know where it was. You went up and down the street. You didn't know where it was because the meter >> Yeah. >> Well, we know, you know, we're arguing semantics. I mean, >> you found it because the pumping station when you checked it every day. >> Yeah. No, no, I no argument there. Okay.
But had you had 12 co road, you would have known as some, you know, the first time you went looking for it and it would have been taken care of >> because >> right >> pumping station was moving. >> No, I'm saying the day that they went looking for it, whatever day that was, the first day that you went up and down
Coast Hill Road and you couldn't find it >> cuz none but none of the meters were telling us what we didn't know which where the leak was. It was just a pumping station that was telling us, right? Well, don't you have my understanding that don't you have a way of being able to
>> like a divining rod where you can actually find where the water flow is? >> Don't you have something along? That's what I have leak detection where you have to be able to get into the house, hook up to the meter on the inside and then you can go outside and magnetically try >> magnetically find it. >> There's also the widgets which is just basically a trench. How about $500 and
they'll pay the $328. >> Give me a break. >> I'm going to go 300. >> Are you going to go? >> Huh? Well, what if I don't pay it? What are you going to do? >> Don't pay it. You'll find out. >> Well, you'll find out, too, because I'll just, you know, I'll leave it shut off.
And uh, you know, you want to come after me? If you want to go that route, we can do that, too. I you know, uh, >> don't threaten me, Richard. Don't threaten anything. I Because I >> We're trying to be fair here. It's not our responsibility to keep your check your property out. >> I've been a pretty damn good citizen in
this town. Well, Dave, I don't do what you want to do, but I'm I'm asking for once in 50 years. I'm asking for something because I paid my taxes in this town for 50 years without any problems whatsoever. And I'm >> I pay my taxes, too. So, >> well, yeah.
>> And if I have a problem in my house, I take care of it. >> Well, the discussion is over. So, I don't know what you want to do, Dave. >> Well, I'm going to make a motion to >> What do you make? Whatever you want. You can make the motion. >> Make a motion to 300.
>> All in favor? I >> Oh, you got a second. Y >> 300 Rich, that's what we're going to give you. >> You can There is a There is a a >> appeal process right here. >> I don't have a copy. >> There's a superior court.
>> I don't know. I I I haven't looked at it. I used to keep we used to keep a copy here, but I don't keep it anymore. >> They'll probably have to do that, but I'm not satisfied. I'll be honest with you. matter of principles. >> They was got more than 10% that was as
voted. >> Yeah, but it's asking did they do a favor for him in that aspect? >> Hey, 300 it is. Take that. It only is an 11. >> All right. What's the next one near
>> we have the next one is 27 Hudson >> and yeah. So I don't know if you read my exper but sad to say the over the years I had electric heat tracer on
the main the meter is coming up. It's been there for years. It's been there since 1983. And for whatever reason, at the end of the season, either the electric went off or either way, the pipe froze and fuse
separated and a meter ran. Eventually, someone in the tunnel called me and u I met the guy or I didn't meet the guy. I sent some guy out there to meet him and they got the thing shut off. I mean anyway uh and I live
[clears throat] in the back and I also live in another place at this time of year was snowing and I have a 700t driveway so I wasn't there so I I was avoiding cleaning the snow and that was the time it broke. So, I'm asking I came
up to $8,900. >> And as Richard said, in the past, I had my toilet leak over at my house, and you actually called me and told me it was leaking. But this time, I the day I found out, I guess, >> almost $9,000.
>> We found out and sent somebody over. >> Yeah. >> I sent somebody to you. We couldn't get a hold of you and I sent Kevin to there and found your help that helped him climb up the pipe and shut everything. >> Yeah. They went to the neighbor's house and the neighbor got it wrong >> because we couldn't get a hold of you in
2. >> Well, the two inch and I think it goes down. You took out the two inch in the past and made an inch and a half. Made a smaller meter I believe. >> Yeah, in half two inch. But once it went, it was just full bore. So that's why >> Yeah. Well, it went through the meter then it went. >> Yeah.
where we just full open and then Kevin was able to get there through the system finding an alarm went off like it's a lot of water Kevin was able to find it he was able to hop he got in there I remember cuz it was cold and he got wet and but he was able to shut it off and then >> yeah him
holding a laughing shield or something >> he got wet >> so >> so how long did how long was that running >> that long >> that was only running two >> pretty much Right. >> Yeah, that's what it was after the meter. That's what froze on the inside
will open and >> it was Yeah, I think it was in Well, I think it's an inch and a half. Well, it's 2 inch pipe length to an inch and a half meter or something. It's just >> But anyway, so I was just asking if I'm I'd be happy
if he knocked off half of it. >> I'm thinking I already paid the full amount. I I don't want I don't want to penalize. >> You're paid in full. >> Yeah. >> What do you think? Half? >> Yeah, I would go with half. I would be put with half. >> Yeah. I mean, we did get on as soon as
possible and you know >> Yeah. As soon as I found out, my guy was right up the road. He wasn't, you know. >> Yeah. >> Like I said, once Julie saw she got a hold of >> Monday. You want to make a motion that Monday? >> Yeah. They busted it on Thursday or
Friday and Monday. Yeah, it was on a Monday that broke. >> 2250. >> Yeah, 2250. Yeah. >> I make a motion to obey $2,250. >> No. Is it 2250 or half is 45? >> Yeah. Half of $4500.
>> No, it's $8,900. >> That's what you're asking for. >> Wow. >> Oh, amount of water abatement. I'm ask >> Yeah, this is what you're This is what you're asking for. An abatement right there. Oh, but I was asking for half of that 8,900. But
>> yeah, you're ask you're asking for 4500 for abatement. So, we're going to go with half of that for you. >> Half of the 4500. >> Yeah, because that's what you're asking for abatement. Yep. >> Oh, well, maybe I asking for half the water bill, but you're going to pump them.
>> I second it. I de Johnson I >> Okay 250 >> woman I do not see our 35 snapped in So then
they'll send out a check to him or >> I believe it may be a credit for a couple of as long as nothing busts again. You'll have a credit for a little while. I'm sure >> they use that credit for tax or just water. >> I believe it's just water >> unfortunate. right off your next bill.
>> Yes. >> But I can find out and I believe I emailed Is it >> Patty? >> Yes. Thank you. >> Okay. You'll be sending me something too. >> Yep. So yours will um as soon as it gets paid, I'll be able to credit it the
$300. >> Change the the address. >> So the address that I have is 635 College Highway in my system is what it's under as. Is that not correct? Not not on this cuz I don't show a 12 coill road when I pull anything up on the map.
>> 12 coil doesn't >> Well, 635 is is is the store, >> right? >> 631 is the cabinet shop, the barn and 635 is the store. Those are totally different from that. >> Yep. They have separate meters with the
same address. So, the barn has its own meter and the tax bills, everything comes separately. >> I will happily change that for you if that will make you That's not a question of me. It's a question of getting >> Yeah. Just put the apartments 12 colors highway. >> 12 coil road.
>> I mean Coill Road, right? >> 631. >> That's the That's the cabinet shop. >> Yeah. That serves That's the meter in the cabinet shop serves 631 to be the cabinet >> when the cows were in there. We can make >> All right. So 631 then feeds the
>> is the one that is >> 631 feeds the feeds the house. But so Brian mail 12 and that meter I think in the system is under 635 >> struggling. Let's put it that way. >> So now we got to go in.
>> Yeah. Just Yeah. Just whatever. >> The water bill itself is just for his bill goes 50 years ago. So I just ran a cop from there and I pay the bill for both. >> Okay. >> 35 Septton Drive.
>> She is not here. She's not here. >> Well, she didn't read her paperwork very well anyway. >> No, that's why I made sure to have that. >> It says right on the bottom that when you go to a payment program, once it goes over there, >> it's And she was denied over there and we can't override Tom Thurk.
>> No, not >> once it goes over there, >> we can't override her. >> They are the bosses. >> Okay. >> All right. What do we got here now? You don't need me anymore. We're all set.
>> Thank you very much. >> All right. What do we got here? >> We're all set. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. >> All right. Let's move on to the We'll review the minutes later. Elderly rate applications, 19 of them.
[laughter] >> Wow. Well, >> here we go. They're all right here. I didn't put them all in there just so that way you didn't have >> Okay. So, they all meet the requirements. Every single one of them. Yes, sir. >> Yes. [laughter] >> Yeah. I'm not going to read them all.
>> I went through everything. I checked all their mailing addresses, their water for the year. Yes. They all met the requirements. >> Okay. Have a motion on the floor to accept all >> accept all 19 building the rate application. >> Second. All in favor? Johnson? I
>> miss I. >> Okay. Right along commitments sign them afterwards, right? We had to sign them, right? >> Yeah. I'll give them to you at the end of the meeting. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> All right, Rich.
>> So, for the director's report for the water department, we did uh I was able to upload our consumer conference report. was submitted and posted >> town hall online everywhere. Uh North Lake Avenue water main construction project phase one replacement and
service lines off the household is done. There's a new 8 in C900 main and 1 in residential service lines running from hydrant at the hydrant at 125 North Lake to Rodney Newport >> which is just past the old bungalow.
>> Oh, okay. Okay. Uh and then they're actually going to they all this week they were loming filling in and then Tuesday they will be paving the road. >> So that is excellent and Kevin the water guys did a great job helping them out finding a lot of services that are very
good >> to find. >> I was able to send in our risk and resilient assessment and our emergency response plans to certification letters I'm sorry to ask D. It was a a five fiveyear uh cycle. Okay. Want these certificates. Yep, >> we are in a level two drought. Um, we
are limited one day a week. Uh, the antenna at the uh takes has been working intermittently. >> We've been uh working with Cor main to replace the transceiver and the backup batteries and hopefully that will solve it. We did have an antenna sweep. >> Oh, did you?
>> Yep. And that was okay. >> Okay. >> So, that's what leads us in Corman to the transceiver and that's probably why. With that being said, I know I put it down in new business, but the idea is to move the antenna onto the new tower when the time >> when it's Yeah, I saw that under new business. Yep. Yep.
>> And then, uh, we're getting ready to start working on our list for lead and copper samplings. That is usually in August, September. We want to make sure that we have enough households, some newer households for new households that haven't been tested or sampled, I should say. So, that's on that. And then,
luckily, Wood, we had one water uh repair. It was the crack in the main on College Highway by number 10 down south. Yep. >> And then that North Lake Avenue, we had to repair a hydrant due to which we believe was the water handler from when they were putting in the new main back filling.
>> Oh, >> that's the danger part. That's why we tried to ask no vibratory rollers out, but I think they still had a >> they had a jacking jack on a machine. >> So that was a which inadvertently caused their line on the temporary line on their side to end up leaking through. So
that was a crazy day. Pretty lucky. So that was up to date so far. >> Okay. It worked wonderful. Got a lot of backflow readings done, huh? >> A lot of readings done. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Yep.
>> Seasonal turnons. >> Yeah. A whole bunch of them. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> We got to sign those too later, right? >> Uh no, the work order just for your knowledge. It's just the backflow test that we had um done. there. So, we had a total of
there was a lot in there. >> Yeah, there was like 40 >> 48. >> Oh gosh. >> 48 I believe it was 44. >> Yeah, there was a Yeah, the work orders. Yeah, >> those are the the backflow. >> Yeah, I saw that. Yeah.
>> And then Yeah, the final reads for our commitments. We had a lot done. that there was a lot of final missed >> a lot going on. We missed a few >> meetings. And we're also working on the shut offs
at this time for non family which will go out July. >> How many we got? >> 228 as >> Yes. >> Is it the same ones every month? >> Yes. >> Same. >> Yeah. I figured that. >> Yeah. You've been doing great getting that going. So, we'll be doing that within
the next town club. Hopefully, my wife paid her. [laughter] >> You didn't pop up. >> Tomorrow. >> I was what, a week or two ago, a bird crapped on her car and she's out there rinsing off with the hose. I do.
>> That's it. She's going to >> I was up at camp and I saw it on my room camera. I said, nobody would have said nothing. She was just rinsing the bird crap off. That's all I need. >> That's all. Okay, old business. >> So, really, just so you guys know, this is just me trying to get a a grasp of
everything that we've had going on in the last year or so since Randy left all that stuff before him or John was running it. I just wanted to put everything down and then we can all have a chat of which things we want to continually work on where you guys want them, knock things off the list, so to speak. Um, but I just want to try to get
everything out so that way we're up to speed for the next month and we're all together on it. >> Yep. >> So, it's really just updating you guys. Um, we do have a lot of rules and regulations. We're going to uh there's a couple other things we're looking at like the demo side of things. We got quite a few demo permits and I know the
wording is kind of like 40% and I just want to clarify some of those things. Would you guys make sure that the wording is what we want and then where we go next with the rules and regulations whether it's got to go to town meeting and whatnot and follow up that >> um ADU policy. I'm still getting up to speed with John um listening to meetings
from where you guys were and then we'll be able to go and see what you want to do with that. I know we haven't touched base too much, so that's why I just want to keep keep dialogue opening. >> Same with the water rates and just fees. Um, we a little behind, so that's why that's there. >> Oh, while we're talking about that, did
you uh find out what we have for retained earnings? >> Is that it's tough for me because I can't see it. I don't see it in any of the spreadsheets I get. someone to work with accounting to get a better understanding of where it's at, where we're at, what we have, and then use the rates, and see where it wants to.
>> Yeah, I think accounting has it because I remember when Linda Carr when she was in accounting, she saw we hadn't retained earnings one year, she wanted to take some of that. No, no, no, no, no. >> What I got from Laura is it's it's you got to really have all not like the end
of the year where the audit is, but then what everything you took in, what everything is, what's left, and then you put it together and put it all back, >> right? Because well like I said the last meeting last meeting we had >> when we went to the bond for the second tank. >> Mhm. >> We had to make sure we had so much money
in the retained earnings if we defaulted on the payment. Y >> which we never have but we had to promise them that we would keep so much in the retained earnings in case we defaulted on a payment. >> So I just want to make sure that >> No. And that's I remember you said I want to make sure >> I forgot what the minimum was that we
had to have for them but there was a stipulation we'd have a minimum in retained earnings and I just want to make sure I don't want anything go wrong and up our payment or interest or whatever. So >> okay >> water withdrawal permit
>> that is another uh thing we're working on to find out what our steps to renew. Um me and John I know John had a class and he was able to talk to Dwayne I believe from the D >> giving some updates where I think it's 29 27 >> 27 or 29 is where that's where that's
at. So we want to try to get on that now to get it rolled. So it did get renewed but we're working on it but I don't know what the next steps will be to renew it as is. >> Do we change anything like where is the state looking? So that's that's my >> Yeah, because I know
>> when Randy was here, when he was working on it, >> there were some things he wanted to change, but there was give and take involved. Correct. >> So that's where we got to be careful that we don't, >> you know. Correct. >> We don't want to give something up if we don't have to, you know, but he said he didn't he didn't know what it was exact,
but he said there's given give and take. So just want to make sure that we don't give up too much. No. >> Is it actually the process moving it forward? because it hadn't been forward for years, >> right? Nothing. >> It's It's moving. I guess the turtle is moving. It's moving.
>> If I can interject for this one, um >> what we're working and trying to prepare for is just going to be worth renewal. >> I think perhaps what you're um angling towards is a different permit with different parameters. >> No, no, no. Okay. Just making sure.
We've been talking about this for years. >> They just they just kept saying, "We're working on it. We're working on it." And nothing got done for years. >> I was surprised when >> every time I heard that, I'm just thinking there's somebody that got a political job on the eastern part of the
state whose job title is to do these permits and he's never been in the office, you know, and now he's probably collecting a pension. >> [laughter] >> Suffice it to say the um as I sat there and granted as everybody I think here
knows I'm not a water system specialist and I have my thumbs on it grow up trying to pick up and get running but I was surprised to see that our extension was so it was still years out from right now. So good opportunity to at least prepare.
>> Yeah, it's just a typical thing to say you're going to renew it at this time and then they're not ready. The FAA does this to all. >> Yeah. >> They they come up with these mandates and then they come back and say, "Well, we're not ready for it, so we're gonna
extend it." >> Yeah. Unfunded unfunded mandates for storm water, right? >> Yeah. Stormwater World a 10-year permit's good for 15 or 20. >> Okay. Okay. North Longard open station. We have uh Ty and Bond putting together uh some draft plans to see which avenue
to go to try to take >> either rebuild it or bypass it like we talked about like Dave brought up. >> Yep. Yes sir. >> I would I would almost most lean toward that would you bypass that pump station and go >> and go all the way to the Westfield line like we talked >> but we'll see what see where the money
is. >> Exactly. Correct. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Yep. So that's we're working on that sale. >> Okay. New business. And obviously, like I said, our plan is to once the new tower is up, we really start working into seeing to get our water um antenna over
to that one, which will obviously be higher due to over the tree cover. I also want to get the power wash uh the power wash the tank system >> once that's done. Right. >> Once once the towers are up, right? >> Right. I want they're they're still trying to get the generator in. I think last week they they got to move the
fence >> and they're taking the old tower down, right? >> Yeah, I believe. Uh well, I want to follow up, make sure. That's why we want to get over there. >> Right. Right. >> Yep. >> That my understanding that was the the deal that they would take the old one down, >> right? I just want to follow up with the chief and the company. >> Okay. Sure. >> Yep.
>> Uh get the power the tanks power wash after all that. Um I do want to look and find some good funding for the leak detection to do this year. >> Okay. >> As some uh funding was left off the board. having any problem.
>> And before I forget, the select board, I believe I left you the the hearing for Monday night >> where the PVCP will try to seek and transfer 100,81 and 82,915
from the town's fiscal year 22, 23, and 24 block grant to give us the funding to help extend the water main from Rodman Court to Chapman Street. And that's >> Robin Court. Where the heck is that? >> So when you were to take bungalow and it
come to the top of Northife. Yep. >> Where you going to use that? Well, you come down. The rodman court runs right through between houses. Really? >> Yep. It's an unaccepted way, but there's a water line that runs right through it. I think it's >> been here my whole life and every been on the fire department. Fires there. >> The three houses from the top of
>> Bungalow where it hits North Lake >> and that little road right there. >> There's a little road right there. Yep. And it feeds it's got the water line for three houses up there. So, we were able to tie into it and now with the issue of the bungalow, >> it's a whole another game that what do
we do with that section? It's so small. I don't know if we can ever really get funding to do it, but do we need to replace if something happens? There's trees. It's just these other things. >> Oh, yeah. Got to be. >> It's not. So, the idea is to go from Roden Court to Chapman with funding then
have at least the water man for all North Lake. >> Oh, I see what you're saying. Okay. Okay. And we'll have to go for funding uh next year or end of this fall time for funding and furn which I would like to say is summer drive water >> extension. >> Yeah, because we're going to extend that. Right. Summer drive.
>> Right. But it all has to be done in phases now due to funding. Right. >> So we got the North Lake funding. There was extra funding. PVCP was happy there. They had some extra funding. So we're trying to get all that to finish North Lake this year. >> Finish that North Lake. Yeah. >> Right. And then we'll go next year hopefully get more funding to try to do
summer drive Chadman but at least for the water man it's just the tings the funding is so tight >> you're replacing the mains. Right. >> Right. Maintain services. Yep. >> Right. Right. >> But the funding overall is just tighter nowadays. And what Randy was able to loop it all group it all together to get
all of bungalow done. >> They don't allow that no more. So it's really just funding for water and maybe sewer and drainage and pavement. was the rolling ball and I had to go. >> Okay. On top of >> Okay. >> And lastly, John, if you don't mind, then you'll be a little bit
>> You can find the C attach behind the director's report for what he's about to speak of. >> Yeah. Thanks, Julie. >> No problem. >> Oh, you got the floor, John. Oh, boy. >> What? What? Been a long time. >> I knew there was a reason why you came
tonight. There should be rest assured I >> He doesn't have one. Here you go. >> I have an extra one. >> Just as a way to start a conversation, right? >> Uh you may recall my time here, I suppose, starting in July of 2025.
um where uh I suppose I tried to give updates where I could and said I want to find out on other things. And so this was one that was hanging out and we all remember I think Norm Chver coming here and and trying to see what he get for action um out of the water commission as it relates to
>> master plan mandates. Um much to my surprise, uh there was some room. Uh the fur the very the more I thought about it, the more I realized there was a little bit of room for us to
um fill a gap in our local aquifer coordination methods. Uh in my time as town planner, it was easy enough for me to receive an application, say, "Yep, that's in the aquifer." And well, to be honest, I made a judgment call. If it
was something that was substantive, right? Um, a new project, new construction on Hudson Drive, something like that, I sent it off to, I think it was Jeff Hour over in West Springfield, wells were adjacent to downstream to ours. Um but uh in a way um
opportunities in nearby communities that both draw um upon the aquifer uh and those that if you will have land in the same maybe we all should be part of a tool this shared loop of communication. Um >> and to be fair what I deem to be important or deemed as a as a town
winner may not be the same thing as a water systems professional. >> So let's end that gap. Um, I was able to connect with uh folks over at the aquarium water company uh in in Westfield. They have a small water system um Jeff Hour's um replacement
over in West Springfield and of course Randy Brown over in Westfield. Um so between um if you will those four groups and those being um infrastructure based contacts rather than boards and commissions. [clears throat] Um but if you will with DPW's
participation, I think it's feasible that we could at least convene a group, share this information, come up with, you know, an agreement. All right, let's reach out to our planning and development arms or the permitting agencies in each municipality, update their um rules and regulations so
that distribution on new project applications is distributed to, you know, all those parties. I didn't think that was too much of a of a lift. Um it was the all these conversations were fruitful. Um And I think what I'm here for today is
on behalf of DBW looking for your permission to make this request of the select force um to form what ends up being a multi community and interstate um advisory uh group. I don't expect that uh the burden is going to be
exceedingly heavy on either DPW or uh the water commission members. if you choose to uh participate, you know, we can always be the liaison um between you and those other group members and I'm sure they're going to be operating the same to their respective groups in their
communities as well. >> So, if this sounds um like a reasonable path forward, it's a little bit to my surprise, but here we are and it's just a formality, I think I appropriate we get the select board to authorize us to convene that group. I don't see that. Do
you? We talked about that before. Anyway, >> talked to Southfield and whatever. Yeah. >> You said you talked with them and they're all on board with it. >> Uh yeah. So, and be fair, this was the infrastructure context, you know, aquarium versus if you I'm sure the West Southfield Board of Water Commissioners
are what happens to be. >> Okay. So, there's a little bit um >> Yeah, I know. Like I like I said, I was on a planning board in Russell, >> right? >> And whenever anything happened in a neighboring town, We got a letter from their planning board.
>> Yes. >> Letting us know whether or not we wanted to weigh in on it. So just that just that level of communication where >> if our planning board can notify us and we can notify >> anyone else in the aquifer if they want
to review the plans, you know, be be available for the public hearings or whatever. And that's that's basically what it was. And >> yeah. >> Yeah. I mean if you have orderly favor by annually to just sit down and see
what's kind of things we want to be appraised of and we got everything on the planning board. We got everything and we just look at it. >> No, it's not something we need to get involved with and just make a decision on the spot and >> if there was something then we then we'd
address it. you know, if you need to send a letter or just send somebody over check out the >> you know, you know, it just it seemed like that would be the most, >> you know, most fruitful way >> just to keep everybody appraised. >> I think you made the right comparison uh
at the planning board level, you're right, they reach out to any community that borders it. >> Okay. >> Oh, for fun. And I even looked at prior planners. always sent one down to Connecticut for fun just think they might not have any I don't know bearing upon a public hearing here in Massachusetts but they would have the
right to at least comment on it >> right >> so awareness yeah bring that same blending board procedure um if you're around and bringing it to those operate within the >> language as well >> yeah I said go for it
>> you need a you need a vote on those >> sure why don't we take if you don't mind me I like having a formality that needs my letter to Select board looks real tough. >> Yeah, you make a motion, Dave. >> Okay, I make a motion toward this.
>> Hey, I can suggest uh you're authorizing um DPW to um submit a request to the select board. >> Make a make a motion to authorize DPW to make a make a request to the select
board. We're setting up a aquifer committee. I'll second that. All in favor Johnson I and Dwell I. >> Okay. Thank you. >> That was simple. That was painless. >> Yeah. I thought the way it sounded
maybe a bunch of people volunteers. We had about the volunteers we need in this town. >> Oh yeah. Right. We're going [laughter] to go. We're going to >> turn out, right? We're going to go try the import problems. >> Okay. >> Is that it? You got anything more to
come before the board? Dave, >> I'm good. >> No public comments. >> Motion for adjournment. >> I make a motion to adjurnn. >> Second. All in favor? Johnson? I. >> Dave me I. >> Meeting is adjourned. Thank you all. Now we got