Harwich Water & Wastewater Department

Members Present: Chairman Donald T. Bates, Jr., Vice Chairman Danette Gonsalves,

Clerk George Cavanaugh, Superintendent Craig Wiegand, Secretary Carol M. Connor

Also Present: Selectman Robert Peterson

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

Report given by Superintendent Wiegand on last night's Selectmen's meeting and he listed what he feels are the alternatives to the Selectmen's actions.

1. Terminate the agreement between the Board of Water Commissioners and the Board of Selectmen.
2. Issue a bill for FY'03 for $65,000 (back charge).
3. Issue a bill for FY'04 for $65,000.
4. Issue a bill for FY'04 for $429,000 for fire protection.
5. Special town meeting to bring Enterprise Fund vote to town meeting floor, let the town voters decide.
6. The stance the Selectmen took on 09/20/04 cripples 30 year Capital Improvement Plan.
7. Issue water bills for the 1st half of FY'05 $32,500 for town water to town accounts.
8. Issue bill for fire protection for FY'05 for $214,500 for 1st half of year.
9. Total bill for 1st half of FY'05 is $247,000.

Regarding the Selectmen's meeting on 09/20/04, Mr. Peterson believes the present Board of Selectmen is in favor of going to an Enterprise Fund. Per George Cavanaugh, once it is in place we could go to the general laws and then repeal the Enabling Act and operate under the general laws. FY'04 was to be considered a "wash" per the agreement made and then start new with FY'05. Mr. Cavanaugh would like to see a written agreement that the Board of Water Commissioners can charge for fire protection. The Board of Water Commissioners will ask town counsel or the Dept of Revenue (or both).

Minutes of 09/07/04 - Danette Gonsalves made a motion to approve as written. George Cavanaugh seconded the motion. Unanimous vote to approve.

Bills signed as presented.

Applications reviewed as presented.

Selectman Peterson spoke regarding his concern about ANR plan subdivisions being approved by the Planning Board. One area of concern is Squantum Path (near well 10), and another is Spence and Davis plan on Halls Path One. The lots have been re-subdivided again, and no water has been extended. Mr. Peterson has asked for all plans to come to the Water Dept., including all ANR plans. At the building permit stage would be the place to catch the lots that are slipping through. We could also propose a bylaw that town water be installed to all new houses being built.

Discussion re: rate change. The rates now are not high enough to encourage conservation. Another consideration could be a betterment charge. We should leave the minimum rate the same, and increase overage charges. The Board will ask the new town accountant to come to the next meeting.

The Board discussed the proposed installation of an irrigation system at Fire Department Station #2. This goes against the agreement of town facilities to conserve water.

$525,000 short term loan needed to complete site work at the new tank site until the town goes to the Bond Counsel. The Board of Water Commissioners agrees to do this.

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