HARWICH WATER DEPARTMENT
Water Commissioner Meeting Minutes
December 18, 2007

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

Meeting called to order at 8:20 a.m. by Chairman Donald Bates.

Abatements presented and discussed. Motion made by Chairman Donald Bates to approve abatements. Motion seconded by Vice Chairman George Cavanaugh. Unanimous vote to approve; abatements signed.

John Our and Chris Our of Robert B. Our Company came before the Board of Water Commissioners to discuss completing work in the Town of Harwich. Both gentlemen presented concerns and inquired as to why the company has not been granted any work in the Town of Harwich. Superintendent Wiegand explained that the Town and the Law requires that the Department receive three quotes for anything under $25,000.00 and that any job over $25,000.00 is required to be sent out to bid, upon which the lowest bidder is accepted. He further explained that Robert B. Our Company has consistently been one of the highest bidders. Mr. John Our explained that while he understood the regulations of the Department, but expressed that after twenty-five years of service in the Town of Harwich, it appears that they have just been dropped. As jobs become available Robert B. Our quite often is unaware of these jobs. Both gentlemen requested that they be given a fair opportunity as jobs become available. Superintendent Wiegand assured the Ours that it is nothing personal, reiterating the regulations and procedures the Department is required to abide by. He further expressed his appreciation for coming in today to discuss these concerns.

Chairman George Cavanaugh made a motion to approve minutes from meeting held on Tuesday, November 20, 2007. Motion seconded by Clerk Danette Gonsalves. Unanimous vote to approve.

New Business/Correspondence:

Superintendent Wiegand received a letter from Zisson and Veara. On Friday, November 30, 2007 there was a second water main break on Sea Street. Zisson and Veara represent Mr. Allan Campbell and his case against the Water Department for property that was damaged from a water main break on Sea Street back in February. Zisson and Veara requested all documentation from the most recent break, explaining why and how the incident happened and how the Water Department responded. Superintendent Wiegand informed the Board that he responded to this letter explaining that this water main is scheduled to be replaced in the spring and provided the requested documentation.

The Board discussed account #1111 and customer request for abatement. Customer was charged a $50.00 late fee for non-payment of their March bill, who claimed that this bill was paid. Principal Clerk Kelly Byrnes explained that the online banking company should send proof of payment to Town of Harwich Tax Collector. The customer’s online banking company sent a letter along with a copy of a check to the Water Department. Upon further investigation, a phone call was placed by Senior Administrative Assistant Barbara Sayers to the online banking company. The copy of the check was not for the customer’s account and further explained that the banking company was asked to send a letter on the customer’s behalf requesting that the $50.00 late charge be removed. Vice Chairman George Cavanaugh explained that since the bill was past due since April, the $50.00 late charge could not be removed.

Motion made by Chairman Donald Bates to deny request for abatement. Motion was seconded by Clerk Danette Gonsalves. Unanimous vote to approve.

Superintendent Wiegand discussed with the Board concerns about abatements and the policy by which abatements are granted or denied.

Town Administrator Jim Merriam has granted Town employees to be dismissed at noon on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. Department heads have been asked to stay and work a full day.

January meeting dates are scheduled for Tuesday, January 8 and 22, 2008.

Motion to adjourn made by Vice Chairman George Cavanaugh. Motion seconded by Clerk Danette Gonsalves. Unanimous vote to approve.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

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