Tri-Town Board of Water Commissioners

TRI TOWN BOARD Of Water Commissioners Braintree, Holbrook, Randolph Braintree Town Hall MINUTES September 13, 2016 PRESENT: Chairman, Joseph Sullivan, Mayor, Town of Braintree; Richard Brewer, Town of Randolph, Timothy Gordon, Town Administrator, Town of Holbrook. IN ATTENDANCE: Bob Campbell, Lou Dutton, Ben Ecord, Ben Fehan, Barbara Mello, Dave Murphy, Tim Thies, Pare Corporation, Mike Walsh, CDM Smith, and Robyn LaFrance. Mayor Sullivan opened the meeting at 10:45 am. MINUTES: the minutes of the August 31, 2016 meeting were reviewed. MOTION: by Tim Gordon to accept the minutes. SECOND: by Rich Brewer VOTE: Unanimous Status of Tri Town Water Supply: Lou Dutton  Lou Dutton reported that the water capacity recorded today, September 13, is at 54%. If there is no rain within two weeks we will be in Phase 5 of the water ban. If water capacity drops to 40% there will need to be discussions about other options and next steps.  Mayor explained that overall residents are cooperating with the water ban and are not using outside water. The mass messaging has helped to inform the public. Mayor noted that the use of a well is something that needs to be recorded at Town Hall and a sign posted on the property of those who have a well.  There were questions and discussion on adding chlorinated water to the reservoir.  Discussion regarding the general overview of the no rain status.  There was a question asking if the Board could notify D.E.P. now and put them on alert, and to find out the exact permit process. MOTION: By Rich Brewer to have Lou Dutton notify D.E.P. of what the interconnection process will be and notify that we are at 50%. SECOND: by Tim Gordon VOTE: Unanimous New Treatment update: Mike Walsh, CDM Smith  Mike Walsh explained that the work is completed and he has handed over documentation.  Mike Walsh explained that the most recent cost update was done in 2012 and there is an industry standard tool to use to account for inflation. He commented on dredging costs. He also explained that CDM uses a design/build approach and discussed that briefly.  Mayor Sullivan reported that there is no update on a state match or bonds. 1   There was no update on operating costs however Lou Dutton and Mike Walsh explained that there are D.E.P. regulations that require a water treatment plant to be staffed for 8 hours/day.  Mayor reported that he received no response from Sec. Beaton’s office with regard to making a site visit. Mayor is not optimistic about a state match at this point, and Mayor reminded the Board that the MWRA is always an option.  There was brief discussion about capacity and the bathymetric survey. It was mentioned that for 20 years it was believed that there was more capacity than was recorded and finally that was determined to be correct and the Board is pleased about the formal recognition by D.E.P. MOTION: By Tim Gordon to do the groundwork to explore Cochato River options with D.E.P. SECOND: by Rich Brewer VOTE: Unanimous  There was discussion regarding the MWRA spicket/interconnections from Quincy to Braintree and to Holbrook and Randolph. Mayor asked if it was known when the last time this was opened. There was an explanation that there is a fee to turn this on and Bob Campbell was asked to explore this. Proposals for the Great Pond Dam Repair Project Engineering Services: Barbara Mello  Proposals were received from CDM Smith and Pare Corporation.  Barbara Mello explained that the Board made a request to seek proposals and she described her role in this process. Barbara Mello provided a printed summary and copies of each proposal to each Board member prior to this meeting so they had time to review each proposal before meeting in person with both firms today.  She then gave a verbal summary of the two proposals received and a representative from each firm sat individually in front of the Board for an interview.  Mike Walsh, CDM Smith, took a seat at the Board table to discuss the proposal from his firm and answer questions from the Board. He answered questions relating to design services, charges and fees, and progress meetings. It was explained that a resident engineer would be on site two days each week and in constant communication during the entire process.  Mayor Sullivan pointed out that the CDM proposal did not include the Troxler rental, and the Pare proposal did.  Rich Brewer raised questions concerning the Pare proposal and the number of project progress meetings it offered. He wanted to be able to compare the proposals same to same. Rich pointed out that Pare Corporation inspected the dam and reported it to be in fair condition, and CDM Smith inspected the dam and reported it to be in poor condition.  In conclusion, Mike Walsh explained that CDM is critical to the project due to its historical knowledge, and dam engineering experience.  Tim Thies, Pare Corporation, took a seat at the Board table to discuss his proposal. He gave a brief background on the Environmental & Civil Engineering firm explaining that it has 80 employees and two offices in Foxboro and in Lincoln, RI. Tim discussed the Pare proposal and he answered questions from Board members. It was noted that the Pare proposal would cost more due to the fact that CDM would still need to be engaged as consultants.  There was brief discussion and comments concerning both proposals. It was suggested that the contract be awarded as a “not to exceed” contract and the Board agreed to that.  There was some discussion regarding the fish ladder.  Bob Campbell reported that Ben Fehan agreed to assist as the “project overview” person. 2   Tim Gordon raised a question concerning a Phase 1 capacity issue, and it was explained that we are not always in Phase 1.  Mayor Sullivan expressed some frustration that the state is not taking an active part and he’s resigned to the fact that the Tri Town Board will have to do this on its own. It was duly noted how much time, history, and progress has been made.  The Board needs to seek the opinions of Rep. Mariano and Rep. Cusack with regard to the Cochato River opening. A history with officials in Holbrook was also mentioned.  Dave Murphy expressed that it is important to recognize how people will feel about the Cochato River and the Board will need to look to the D.E.P. concerning the science of it.  There was a motion by Rich Brewer to award the Dam Repair Project Services to Pare Corporation but it was not supported. MOTION: by Tim Gordon to award the Great Pond Dam Repair Project Services to CDM Smith SECOND: by Mayor Sullivan VOTE: 2:1  Mayor Sullivan thanked Tim Theis and Pare Corporation and encouraged future involvement.  Mayor Sullivan reported that he would make informal phone calls to Senator John Keenan and Rep. Mark Cusack to invite them to the next Tri Town Board meeting.  Mayor asked for Randolph and Holbrook to do the same and invite their legislators, Rep. Walter Timilty and Rep. Ron Mariano and Rep. Bruce Ayers. Other: Action items  Board members will reach out to invite their Legislators to the next Tri Town Board meeting.  Next meeting date was set for Wednesday, October 5 at 10:30 am at Braintree Town Hall. MOTION: By Tim Gordon to adjourn meeting at 11:55 am. SECOND: by Rich Brewer VOTE: Unanimous Respectfully submitted, Robyn LaFrance Recording Secretary 3