Harwich Water & Wastewater Department

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

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

Abatements signed for accounts that are no longer seasonal and were charged in computer. #8772, 720, 1685, 1751, 2315, 2956, 4469, 4659, 7657, 2339, 1016. Also payment plan approved for Souza on Dogwood Lane.

New service applications reviewed by Board members.

Minutes of 09/27/05 approved as written per a motion by Danette Gonsalves. Seconded by Donald Bates. Unanimous vote to approve.

Board members reviewed a letter of support to the Joint Committee on Environmental, Natural Resources and Agriculture re: DEP impact statements and the policies they set.

Memo read from Wayne Melville re: a bill received from Steven Harris. This is to be turned over to Town Counsel for review of our options.

DEP letter regarding assessments read.

Copy of revised Rules and regulations given to Board members for review.

Barbara Sayers came to the Board regarding billing and abatements. Any water passing through the meter (whether used or wasted) is the responsibility of the homeowner. Frozen meters are also the homeowner's responsibility. Payment plans or insurance letters can be obtained from the office. Danette Gonsalves made a motion to adhere strictly to section 2.3 and 2.4 of the past and new rules and regulations - effective immediately. The motion was seconded by Donald Bates. Vote was unanimous to approve. The Board would like a notice in the spring bill to have homeowners check their irrigation systems.

Board discussed the apparent abuse of sick leave by some employees. Danette Gonsalves made a motion to issue a letter to employees regarding this and possible disciplinary action. Donald Bates seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve.

Per Superintendent Wiegand we need to watch Senate bill #122 re: fluoride being added to drinking water.

Public health fact sheet concerning West Nile Virus passed to Board members.

Comptroller position - applicant interviewed requested more money than the budget allows. Will readvertise for full time regular position.

Billing system - Utility section of Munis seems to be unworkable for the Water Dept. Discussion re: pros and cons of keeping system or going back to Northern Data System.

Flushing policy needs to be revamped for the spring per Superintendent Wiegand.

Discussion re small excavator for working on services - would be approximately $85,000 for machine, truck and trailer. BOWC feels the billing system in the office takes precedent to straighten out, then this request can be considered.

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