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 8:20 AM.

Donald Bates made a motion to approve the minutes of 08/24/04 as written. George Cavanaugh seconded the motion. Unanimous vote to approve.

Abatements for accounts #6527 and #9409 approved and signed.

Appointment: Paul Doane inquiring about a small lot he owns and would like to develop (lot 28) on Gristmill Lane in Harwich Center. There are some issues with placing both a septic system and a well on the lot as it is abutting a wetland. There are conservation issues as well with an adjoining drainage ditch and a culvert possibly having to be installed. Mr. Doane asked about an access off an extension of Gristmill Lane which is a private road. He was also exploring the possibility of an easement from Bank St., or off Lovers Lane or Tody Bole Lane. Mr. Doane plans to have a survey done to be sure a Title 5 septic system can be installed. If an easement is the chosen way to go, it would have to be 20 ft. wide. Mr. Doane needs to check with the Fire Department to see if a hydrant will be required. A meter pit would also need to be installed. The Board of Water Commissioners has no problem with Mr. Doane pursuing this idea further.

Mr. Wiegand asked the Boards permission for the office staff to work overtime to keep the billing on schedule during unexpected absences. George Cavanaugh made a motion to approve as much overtime as necessary. Danette Gonsalves seconded the motion. Unanimous vote to approve.

Leo Yuskus of Haley and Ward spoke to the Board regarding a reduction in cost of the new tank contract of $139,906.00. The changes in the contract were also reviewed. The new contract amount is now $2,442,094.00. Contracts are ready to be signed, along with a "notice to proceed". The engineering agreement was reviewed and explained. A resident meeting has been set up for 09/15/04 at the Community Building (room 3) at 7 PM., so as to keep the public updated on the progress. Engineering agreement and notice to proceed both signed by Chairman of the Board.

A response letter from Hroma Corporation has been received regarding the failure to complete the tank refurbishing contract. It has been turned over to Town Counsel to address the issue.

A fax from Northern Data was received and stated there would be a charge of $5,000.00 for a de-conversion. Munis is looking into extracting the information in some other way. George Cavanaugh made a motion to pay the bill only if necessary. Danette Gonsalves seconded. It was a unanimous vote to approve.

Mark White of Environmental Partners Group addressed the Commissioners with an update of site 10A of the new source exploration. Iron and manganese treatment will be necessary if we use this site. If we draw one million gallons per day from just the upper aquifer it would basically dry it out. There will be a surface water draw down from any location chosen. Well area #10 is still the best site per Mr. White. Another possibility would be more areas with a smaller (500,000 gallon) draw. An option also could be a regional treatment plant serving Harwich, Brewster and Dennis. The Board of Water Commissioners will speak to both Dennis and Brewster water commissioners to see if they have any interest in pursuing this idea further.

There was a discussion regarding a groundbreaking ceremony for the new water tank. It will be held on 09/20/04, at 2:00 PM at the site.

Meeting adjourned at 9:35 AM.

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