Harwich Water & Wastewater Department

Present: Chairman Danette Gonsalves, Vice Chairman Donald T. Bates, Jr., Clerk Gary Sinclair, Acting Superintendent Deborah A. Fuller, Assistant Superintendent Bruce Cahoon, Secretary Carol Connor

Meeting called to order by Chairman Gonsalves.

Minutes of meeting on 09/18/01 - motion by Mr. Sinclair to approve. Seconded by Mrs. Gonsalves. Unanimous vote to approve.

Bills and payroll schedules approved for payment and signed.

Service applications signed for #9276, 9282, 9281, 9280, and 9 Salt Meadow Lane.

Safety measures in the treatment buildings are being worked on. Eyewash has been reordered, and chemicals are reordered. Chains on stairs need to be put in place yet.

Old/Unfinished Business: Budget discussion. Date needs to be set as the budget deadline is 08/31/01. 5 year projection was reviewed. Board of Water Commissioners needs a copy of the capital plan as voted at the last town meeting. New tank and mains should be in F/Y2003. Iron and manganese should go into F/Y2004 due to pumping demands, and getting well #4 on line. We need a design and engineering funds article, along with current figure for design and construction. The engineering cost for the design needs an article. Leo Yuskus of Haley and Ward needs to be consulted on the current cost of a new tank.

New source exploration needs to be pushed up to F/Y2003. There would be 4 years of permitting. F/Y2005 will remain empty for now. Contact Ann Magor to see when we are on.

Mrs. Fuller recommended that the Board vote to have all the blue pipe removed from the system since there are presently problems and seeing that this is a resort area problems could occur during the winter and the town could be held liable for damages as we knew the pipe was faulty. The company is making good for up to 10 years. Motion by Mrs. Gonsalves to have all the blue pipe changed out at the expense of the pipe manufacturer. Letters were sent to all contractors. Seconded by Mr. Bates. Unanimous vote to approve.

Discussion regarding finishing the outside stairs, Mr. Sinclair suggested we hire an outside contractor to finish the stairs and we could possibly get the prisoners again. Rehab of buildings is still being worked on and money is still left in the article.

Per Bruce Cahoon, he spoke to Chuck Hart of Salt Meadow Motel, and Mr. Hart is going to be sending a letter to the Board regarding the rust problem and how he can help. Also, we should meet with the Chamber of Commerce and hotel/lodging group for support.

Route 28 contract vendor complaint. A call was received from Sumner & Dunbar that Chaves Construction still owes them $20,000. The engineer from EarthTech has contacted Sumner & Dunbar regarding the problem. The Water Department is still holding retainage for infra-red treatment.

Board discussion regarding John McCarthy's education costs. Mr. Sinclair made a motion to reconsider paying for his education. Mrs. Gonsalves seconded. Unanimous vote to approve. The Board of Water Commissioners is adding the stipulation that there should be no interference with his job, normal work day, flushing, standby, or leaks due to schooling or studying per motion by Mr. Sinclair. Seconded by Mr. Bates. Unanimous vote to approve.

New Business: Peter Scichilone's complaint regarding being asked to leave property was discussed.. Mr. Scichilone complained to Mr. Sinclair and Selectmen Donald Howell. It was an unauthorized vehicle within the gate. Mr. Scichilone should have parked outside the gate (as a visitor) and checked in with the office. A letter will be written and sent to Mr. Scichilone.

Per motion by Mr. Sinclair, signs will be posted on all Water Department facilities. These will require visitors checking in at office and no vehicles beyond the gates. Motion seconded by Mr. Bates. Unanimous vote to approve.

Privatize/financial impact information given to Board members.

Haley & Ward and Chicago Bridge & Iron information and letters read. A meeting should be held with the above companies and the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Fink is not an abutter to the property. We can bring in Leo Yuskus of Haley and Ward for a presentation at town meeting regarding the new tank. All cellular information should be put in writing to us.

A letter from Bruce Cahoon was read by the Board of Water Commissioners suggesting a warning be sent to John McCarthy as a direct order was disregarded concerning use of a town vehicle. This is insubordination per Mr. Sinclair and grounds for dismissal. A letter of reprimand needs to be put in his file. This should also include not responding to a page this weekend from the Fire Department because he claimed the pager was not working properly. Motion made by Mr. Sinclair to send a letter to John McCarthy about Water Department procedures and insubordination. Mrs. Gonsalves seconded. Unanimous vote to approve.

Old and new charges of Water Quality Task Force reviewed. This needs to be discussed with the Selectmen. Mr. Sinclair made a motion to appoint Mrs. Fuller as liason to Water Quality Task Force. Seconded by Mrs. Gonsalves. Unanimous vote to approve.

Per Board of Water Commissioners, it is recommended that the Superintendent make an employment offer to William D. Eldredge (Dusty)

Minutes of 9/21/01 - motion by Mr. Sinclair to approve. Mrs. Gonsalves seconded. Unanimous vote to approve.

Superintendent's report read.

Discussion regarding Northern Data System billing system and the billing problems that have been incurred along with the changes in versions being used. A letter needs to be sent to them stating that we will be pursuing further information through town counsel.

Meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM.

Danette Gonsalves, Chairman
Donald T. Bates Jr, Vice Chairman
Gary Sinclair, Clerk
Deborah A. Fuller, Acting Superintendent
Carol M. Connor, Secretary