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 8:17 AM by Chairman Bates.

Seasonal abatements presented and approved.

Bill schedules signed as presented.

Minutes of 02/01/05 approved as written per a motion by George Cavanaugh. Danette Gonsalves seconded the motion. Unanimous vote to approve.

Steven Harris came before the Board to speak regarding an issue he has that the Town has a water main on his property. He is asking for compensation for it being there. Mr. Harris also claims the road is in the wrong place, and that it should be at a sharp right angle instead of a curve. The water main was laid out according to the plan received. Mr. Harris needs to go to the Town Engineer to see where exactly the road and layout should be. This also needs to go before the Selectmen. The Board of Water Commissioners will present to these departments per a motion by George Cavanaugh. Danette Gonsalves seconded. Unanimous vote to approve.

Update given by Superintendent Wiegand on the Selectmen's meeting. The Enterprise Fund needs to be discussed more and be covered by the local TV station so the citizens can be informed. Town Accountant David Ryan helped to solidify figures to the Selectmen. Mr. Wiegand has spoken to Patrick Costello formerly of Kopelman & Paige and he has reviewed further and will send a letter to the Board. Approximately 1500 people are not connected to town water. Charges would have to be sorted out for these people.

Mr. Edward Crowell and Mr. Paul Prue of the Dennis Water District came in and spoke to the Board regarding how their system is set up. The money collected remains in the District, but the budget is approved by the voters. A Water District also has its own Finance Committee. They also do all their own building, installing of roads, etc. The District is also listed with the legislature as a contractor so they are able to do all their own work. They charge for installing their own water mains using their own people. Their District has approximately 20-25 employees, and services 13,000 customers. Any district boundaries need to be just a little smaller than the town boundaries. They also set aside money every year so they can pay cash for projects such as towers. etc. The Board appreciated and thanked them for their visit and input.

Town Administrator Wayne Melville asked where the Board stands on the Enterprise Fund. The Water Department will be examining the indirect costs further. He feels that the Board of Selectmen will go along with the Board of Water Commissioners. The financial impact is of concern to Mr. Cavanaugh.

Five weeks to recommendation of the articles by the Board of Selectmen.

March meetings set for 03/08/05 and 03/22/05.

The Board recommends that there be no logo on the new water tower, it should be left blank.

Meeting adjourned at 9:40 AM.

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