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.

Bill schedules signed as presented.

No new service applications to be signed.

Minutes of 02/04/03 unanimously approved per motion by George Cavanaugh and second by Danette Gonsalves.

Informal discussion with Fred Rys and George Messias of Sterling Road and Dundee Circle. They are abutters to several town properties (parcel E-6) located off Depot Road in South Harwich. One parcel is labeled water protection and they are concerned with housing units being proposed to be built on it. They will also be speaking to the Conservation Commission regarding their concerns. The land in question is presently under the jurisdiction of the Board of Selectmen. Up to 46 bedrooms can be placed on the property according to information they have received from the Town Planner. Nitrate loading is also of concern. They suggested that if any development is ever approved, the developer be requested to install their own sewage treatment plant. The Water Dept will have to check the zone of contribution and our bylaws and get back to them.
508-432-2173 - Frederic Rys
508-430-9929 - George Messias

The Board reviewed the application of Pinnacle Site Contractors to be placed on the water service installers list. Danette Gonsalves made a motion to approve their application. George Cavanaugh seconded. Unanimous vote to approve.

Rate study preliminary draft passed to Board members for review. The overage rates should be at $1.75 - 2.75 - 3.75 per Superintendent Wiegand in order to maintain revenue, with a $50.00 base rate being charged twice a year. The Department has approximately 5 million dollars in water main projects to do at this time. Mr. Wiegand also presented a 15 year plan chart for review. Another possible rate increase could be done in 5 years. Also, a tier adjustment in gallonage could be made. A rate increase would be effective with the next billing cycle starting June 1st. A public hearing will need to be held.

Step increases for David Tracy and William Peninger approved by the Board.

The Board also approved the request to advertise the primary operator's position in house. An entry level position is being advertised this weekend in the local newspapers.

A letter was read from Neil Salzillo asking for an increase up to L4. He must do distribution work if this is approved per the Board.

The annual statistical report has been sent in per Superintendent Wiegand. He also reported that the wells out back of the main station should be on line within the next month, along with the SCADA system.

Taxpayers Association meeting report given by Superintendent Wiegand.

Meeting adjourned at 9:20 AM.

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