Harwich Water & Wastewater Department

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

Chairman Bates called the meeting to order at 8:15 AM.

New service applications reviewed by Board members.

Bill schedules signed as submitted.

Abatements approved or denied and signed as presented.

Minutes of 04/06/04 - A motion was made by Danette Gonsalves to approve as written. George Cavanaugh seconded. Unanimous vote to approve.

Ruth Alberding and Barbara Smith of the Harwich Garden Club came before the Board to speak about Doane Park maintenance. A well was supposed to be in place by June, 2004, and they have pursued this by having an irrigation system donated. They have been unable to raise funds to install a well. It is very difficult for some of the members to have to set out hoses or haul buckets of water from a nearby faucet at the park. Superintendent Wiegand explained that the Water Department is trying to lower the amount of water consumption on town properties. It was suggested that possibly the Garden Club pay for the amount of water they use, thereby reducing the cost to the town as well. Barbara Smith agreed that she will donate the first year of water use. Danette Gonsalves made a motion to approve the proposal. George Cavanaugh seconded. Unanimous vote to approve.

Larry Cole and Barry Worth of the Utility Energy Committee brought the Board up to date on the wind turbine project. Another review has been done of town owned property searching for a suitable locations to erect a wind turbine. The Water Department has an excellent site, but it would require some clearing to be done. The Golf Department also has a site that would be good and would not need clearing. This would be a town project with Selectmen approval. Mr. Cole and Mr. Worth are just bring the Board up to date, and are making no commitments at this time. A zoning bylaw provision would be the best and most direct route for this project, rather than by variance through the ZBA. A bylaw change could not be proposed until the 05/05 town meeting. The Board of Water Commissioners expressed interest in pursuing this project further.

Cape Light Compact - regarding energy conservation funds. DMI of Newton is the overseeing company for qualifying rebates. The Water Department has been pre-qualified and final approval should be obtained in approximately a week. There is no cost to the Department as this is all grant money, and will make the Pumps more efficient. Approximately $72,000 was the amount estimated for equipment to be installed to replace the existing Parco valves, etc., and to bring the equipment to greater efficiency.

Fire hydrant replacement list reviewed by the Board.

The Board reviewed a bill from William Halley from his plumber. The plumber and homeowner claimed it was sand in the system that caused some damage at the property. Bruce Cahoon investigated further and believes it was the rust in the homeowner's service, and had nothing to do with the Water Department. The Board denied the request for reimbursement to the homeowner.

Discussion regarding leak detection. Superintendent Wiegand is working on this in conjunction with the Superintendents in the adjoining towns. So far it looks like an initial investment by each of approximately $20,000 to share equipment. Mr. Wiegand will keep the Board updated on progress.

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