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.

No service applications to be signed.

Deborah Fuller addressed the Board regarding shut-off's for non-payment of bills. At the present time there are 12 scheduled. Any persons that are on payment plans will be held off unless they do not adhere to payment schedule. Danette Gonsalves made a motion to go ahead with the turn off's as planned with notification to the Board. George Cavanaugh seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimous to approve.

Mark White of Environmental Partners Group gave a presentation on upcoming field activities. Andy Miller (hydrologist) also present. Mr. Miller has previously been working at the Mass Military Reservation/Otis National Guard Base with their water problems. The effects on the ponds in the area of the test wells are being studied and Environmental Partners is creating a groundwater model. Well #10 was permitted in 1989, and the effects on surrounding ponds were not as big an issue at that time. Groundwater fluctuates approximately 4" each season in the area. Should there be a wellfield in this area instead of just 1 additional well is a question they will be addressing. Pumping rates and days have been started at different depth zones and are in the early stages now, but show major impact in the shallow well zone. Medium and deep well effects are fairly similar and impact approximately 500 ft on the surrounding area. Water that is pumped out during testing may be put into the cranberry bog which also has an overflow into Robbins Pond. A meeting has been scheduled on August 20th with the Cape Cod Commission staff to bring them up to date on findings.

Motion made by Danette Gonsalves to approve the minutes of the July 22, 2003 meeting. George Cavanaugh seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous to approve.

A contract in the amount of $52,100.00 was signed for the studies and modeling, etc. done by Environmental Partners Group.

Abatements approved for services #2585, 6088, 7402, and 2343. Abatements denied for services #1495, 1498, and 6691.

The Board reviewed the 2nd request for abatement for service #6622. The circumstances have not changed from the previous request, therefore, the Board voted to deny the request again.

Discussion with Wayne Melville:

1) A letter from Mr. Johnson, Dept of Revenue, Director of Accounts denying the use of emergency funds for water tank repairs was received by Mr. Melville. He then proceeded to call Mr. Johnson and explained the circumstances and another letter has been sent seeking approval.

2) The Board of Selectmen voted at their meeting against the installation of a water service on the Tody Bole cul-de-sac. A letter has been sent from the Board of Selectmen to those residents.

3) Question asked if a line item for capital improvements can be put in the Water Department budget? Mr. Melville answered that it could, but money would have to be spent all in that year. If not, it should be put in an article. This would be good year to propose the article.

4) An update was given on the Stagg appellant court case. Town Counsel has filed a motion to have the hearing dropped because the paperwork was not filed on time by Mr. Stagg. A ruling should be coming forward within a few days.

Ti-Sales quoted $95.00 for radio reads for meters. Superintendent Wiegand did not think this price was good enough so he pursued it further and the price is currently at $79.80.

Department heads meeting to be held on August 12, 2003, at 1:00 PM, in the meeting room at the Fire Department.

Meeting adjourned at 9:50 AM.

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