Harwich Water & Wastewater Department

Present: Chairman Donald T. Bates Jr., Vice Chairman Danette Gonsalves, Clerk George Cavanaugh, Superintendent Craig Wiegand, Secretary Kelly Byrnes

Meeting called to order at 8:17 AM by Chairman Bates.

Motion by George Cavanaugh to approve minutes from June 19, 2006 and July 11, 2006; seconded by Chairman Donald Bates. Unanimous vote to approve.

RFP's are going out today and BIDS should be coming in soon.

Superintendent Wiegand updated the Board regarding the issue with the chemical Perchlorate and the Cranberry Festival fireworks. He still hadn't received a response from the Selectmen.

Superintendent Weigand also updated the Board as to the progress of the installation of new hydrants around town. The men are making good progress and the goal is to have all hydrants without gates completed by the end of this year.

Water Main Project- The goal is to start adding extra valves to some of the mains so that smaller sections of town can be isolated when conducting work and other repairs.

Superintendent Wiegand and Sandy Cummings are currently working with Foster on Munis. They are working with Tyler Forms for billing with the hope that it will make the billing process easier and more accurate.

Superintendent Wiegand proposed that the Board consider rewarding any of the men who come up with a streamline idea that will help the Water Department significantly, by giving them an eight hour time off. The ideas need to be well thought out and have long term results for the Department. Ideas will be presented first to Superintendent Wiegand and then presented to the Board of Water Commissioners for approval. Motion approved by Chairman Donald Bates and seconded by Clerk George Cavanaugh.

Motion proposed that the Board approve a job description change for office employee. This would make her "Head of Billing," which would be considered an administrative position. She has taken on a lot more responsibility with the billing and Superintendent Wiegand feels it is well deserved. Motion by Clerk George Cavanaugh to approve, seconded by Chairman Donald Bates. Unanimous vote to approve.

Position for Principal Clerk brought in 43 applicants. Superintendent Wiegand and Sandy Cummings interviewed 3 candidates they felt qualified for the position, but after careful consideration believed that Kelly Byrnes would be best suited for it. Motion made by George Cavanaugh to approve; seconded by Chairman Donald Bates. Unanimous vote to approve.

Motion was also proposed that the Board vote to raise the office manager a two-step increase. He explained that she has done far more than expected, is a very hard worker, and that the office has really turned around for the better. Motion by George Cavanaugh to approve, seconded by Chairman Donald Bates. Unanimous vote to approve.

Environmental Partners is currently putting together a program for the next 5 years, which includes preliminary plans for a new treatment plant for the new source. Update will be given on August 22.

Superintendent Wiegand met with Nextel this week and decided to switch phone service over from Verizon. Nextel will save the Department about $180/month. They are hoping that there will be fewer complaints about not having service.

GIS computers have not been placed in trucks yet, still waiting on the brackets to arrive for installation.

Next meeting to be held on August 8, 2006

September meetings to be held on September 12th and September 26th.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:40 am.

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