Present: Vice Chairman Danette Gonsalves, Clerk George Cavanaugh, Superintendent Wiegand, Secretary Kelly Byrnes

Meeting called to order at 8:15 am.

Motion by George Cavanaugh to approve minutes from meeting held on Tuesday, January 9, 2007. Motion was seconded by Danette Gonsalves.

There is a scheduled appointment this morning with Mr. Gilbertson, Account # 1312. The meeting is in regard to high consumption from the Spring 2006 billing period.

The Board reviewed a written agreement that will be mailed to customers having committed to a payment plan. The letter explains the agreements established between Water Department Billing Clerk and the customer. The written agreement requires the customer to sign and return to Water Department and explains consequences for not following deadlines of said agreement.

Superintendent Wiegand is waiting to hear back from the contractors who will be conducting the work for the generators. Work is to begin as soon as possible.

Next week, three water main projects will be sent out. The three water main projects will be held on Braddock Lane, Shore Road and Shore Road Extension, and Pine Grove Rd. We will also be replacing water mains on Division Street. However, due to the fact that Division Street runs from Harwich into Dennis the plans need to be discussed and coordinated with the Town of Dennis Water and Highway Departments. This project will be started later in the year.

Almost seventy-five percent (75%) of the new hydrant flags have been put on. The remaining hydrants will be painted this summer.

The union contracts still haven't been ratified. There is still negotiation taking place on one section of the contract. It is a possibility that the contracts will be finalized by the end of the week.

Attorney Richard Sandman met before the Board of Water Commissioners this morning to present his case for a Class Action Suit. Last week, Mr. Sandman met with the Town Selectmen presenting litigation against the gasoline industry for their use of MTBE in gasoline. This chemical has already been banned in twenty-four (24) states and has been found to be a harmful carcinogen to humans; however the number at which it becomes harmful in humans is still unknown. Cases are currently being mediated in New York. The Harwich Water Department is in good standing with seventy (70) other water facilities in Massachusetts. Mr. Sandman explained that by signing this contract it would be no cost to our Department, but that our only "responsibility" would be our cooperation. This cooperation would include our willingness to provide water samples that would be used for testing and other like matters. Mr. Sandman also explained that they do provide quarterly updates to clients for the purpose of keeping their clients updated with cases that are currently open. George Cavanaugh explained that before we commit to signing the contract we would like it reviewed first by Town Council and based upon their recommendations, the Board will take further actions.

Motion to adjourn made by George Cavanaugh. Motion was seconded by Danette Gonsalves.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 am.

Next meeting to be held on Tuesday, February 13, 2007.

Donald T. Bates, Jr., Chairman
Danette Gonsalves, Vice Chairman
George Cavanaugh, Clerk
Craig Wiegand, Superintendent
Kelly Byrnes, Secretary