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

Meeting called to order at 8:15 am.

Mr. Alan Campbell came before the Board of Water Commissioners to discuss his claim for damages at his property, numbers 18 and 20 Sea Street. There was a water main break in the early morning of March 7, 2007 north of these properties. Mr. Campbell's driveway was destroyed and there was damage to the lawns and foundation of an outbuilding on the property. Mr. Campbell presented pictures to the Commissioners showing the damage. He explained that Superintendent Wiegand did visit the property on the afternoon of March 7, 2007. At that time, Superintendent Wiegand explained that Mr. Campbell should present his claim to the Town Administrator. Mr. Campbell gathered the costs to repair the damage from his landscaper and presented the claim, in the amount of $32,575.00, which was then filed with the Town's insurance company and later denied. The insurance company stated that the reason for denial was that it was an unforeseen occurrence that could not be predicted and thus is not covered. Mr. Campbell explained to the Board the urgency in which these damages need to be repaired as he rents these properties out for the summer months. As the properties look right now, Mr. Campbell explained that he cannot rent them and, as a result, will lose money. Superintendent Wiegand is waiting to receive quotes from local contractors to repair these damages. George Cavanaugh explained that the Board of Water Commissioners would take this situation under advisement and would be in touch as soon as possible.

Motion made by George Cavanaugh to approve minutes from meeting held on Tuesday, February 27, 2007. Motion was seconded by Danette Gonsalves.

Motion made by Donald Bates to approve abatement. Motion was seconded by Danette Gonsalves.

Motion made by Donald Bates to approve legal bills for union employee contract negotiations. Motion was seconded by Danette Gonsalves.

Superintendent Wiegand asked permission from the Board to have Barry Worth and his committee look over proposals and quotes from several electrical companies that would potentially save the Water Department on energy costs. Superintendent Wiegand will present recommendations to the Board at the next meeting.

Superintendent Wiegand also asked permission from the Board to purchase four (4) portable air purifiers for the Department. Superintendent Wiegand is researching the costs to purchase these units and is looking into purifiers that are the most cost beneficial. Costs will be presented to the Board at the next meeting.

The water main construction projects began on Shore Road Extension this week. Work should take approximately two weeks. The next area of construction will take place on Braddock Lane and lower Bank Street.

The generators have been ordered and are expected for delivery in May. They will be installed by June 1, 2007 and will cover one hundred percent (100%) of the Department's units.

Superintendent Wiegand explained that a question/answer informational ad about the Perchlorate Bylaw will be displayed in the Cape Cod Chronicle, Harwich Oracle, and on Channel 18. Superintendent Wiegand wanted to make sure that the citizens of Harwich would be well informed about this issue prior to the Annual Town Meeting where this Bylaw is to be presented. Superintendent Wiegand also asked if the Commissioners would participate in an interview on Channel 18 prior to Town Meeting to address this issue further.

A brief discussion took place regarding seasonal help and anticipated summer projects.

A discussion took place regarding recent concerns about the confinement of meter pits. Superintendent Wiegand is trying to alleviate any meter pits in Town by putting these meters inside houses or using meters that pull up and out of these pits.

The Board discussed further what steps are to take place regarding Mr. Campbell's claim. George Cavanaugh suggested that they seek advice from Town Counsel and see what their recommendations are.

Upcoming meetings are scheduled for April 10, 2007 and April 24, 2007.

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, April 10, 2007.

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