Harwich Water & Wastewater Department

Present: Chairman Donald T. Bates, Jr, Vice Chairman Danette Gonsalves, Clerk George Cavanaugh, Superintendent Craig Wiegand, Secretary Carol M. Connor

Meeting called to order at 8:15 AM by Chairman Bates.

Motion made by Danette Gonsalves to approve minutes of 08/20/02 meeting as written. Seconded by George Cavanaugh. Unanimous vote to approve.

Deborah Fuller spoke to the Board members regarding the turn-offs that are scheduled due to non-payment. The Board stated that the turn-offs should go ahead as scheduled, but use discretion with the elderly and children.

The Board re-opened discussion regarding the Beverly Farris subdivision off Queen Anne Road. Due to installation costs, the applicant now wants to use wells instead of installing town water. Planning Board had raised the question as to what jurisdiction each Board had. The Board of Water Commissioners does not have the authority to make applicants install water.

8:30AM Appointment: Herb Bell approached the Board regarding the events of the past few months between the Water Department and Bell Plumbing and Heating Service. One problem was the fact that an itemized bill was not received. Mr. Bell's computer system is not set up to charge individual man hours but charges on a job cost basis. A breakdown of parts and labor will be appropriate per Mr. Cavanaugh. Mr. Bell will be able to provide this type of invoicing in the future.

8:45 AM Appointment: Town Planner Susan Leven and Chairman of the Planning Board Angelo LaMantia visited the Board looking for information and clarification regarding the rules and regulations of both departments. Water Department regulations at this time do not require subdivisions to install water. Planning Board regulations state that the Planning Board will follow the Water Department requirements. Superintendent Wiegand suggested a joint meeting between the Boards to form a set of rules and get approval from Town Counsel. This could be a set of rules similar to Board of Health issues per Ms. Leven. The enforcement would be with Planning Board but the recommendation would be with the Water Department. Per Mr. LaMantia they can draft a zoning bylaw (or rules and regulations) and present it to the Board of Water Commissioner for approval. Water quality and quantity issues need to be discussed between the Planning Department, Water Department and the Board of Health. Mr. LaMantia and Ms. Leven will look into this further and determine new rules and regulations if necessary.

Superintendent Wiegand reported that D. L. Maher is at the Water Department today starting phase one of the well repairs. All repairs should be done by the end of this month. He is also putting together a contract for the SCADA system repairs.

Step increases were signed for Philip Sparrow, William Peninger, Dusty Eldredge, Michael Sanford, and David Tracy.

Water ban -- Motion by Danette Gonsalves to go to a voluntary ban after 09/15/02. Seconded by George Cavanaugh. Unanimous vote to approve.

With regard to the request for opinion on the Caleb Chase fund, the Board feels that they should not comment on this as the ultimate decision lies with the Board of Selectmen.

Meeting adjourned at 9:30 AM.

Donald T. Bates,Jr., Chairman
Danette Gonsalves, Vice Chairman
George Cavanaugh, Clerk
Craig Wiegand, Superintendent
Carol M. Connor, Secretary