Tri-Town Board of Water Commissioners

TRI TOWN BOARD Of Water Commissioners Braintree, Holbrook, Randolph Braintree Town Hall MINUTES October 5, 2016 PRESENT: Chairman, Joseph Sullivan, Mayor, Town of Braintree; Richard Brewer, Town of Randolph, Timothy Gordon, Town Administrator, Town of Holbrook. IN ATTENDANCE: Alejandro Alves, Jim Arsenault, Bob Campbell, Lou Dutton, Ben Ecord, Ben Fehan, Senator John Keenan, Barbara Mello, and Robyn LaFrance. Mayor Sullivan opened the meeting at 10:40 am and he welcomed new Braintree Director of Public Works, Jim Arsenault. Introductions were done. There was brief discussion concerning hurricane Matthew. New Treatment Plant/Legislator & State Funding update: Senator John Keenan, Mayor Sullivan  Senator Keenan explained that the Legislature hasn’t looked at this issue in a long time. He shared some comments on the Environmental Bond Bill. He also said that the Governor can, if he chooses, offer a 1:1 ratio state match to fund a new plant or for the MWRA hookup fee. He said that money is tight now and the governor is cautious on funding major infrastructure projects. He discussed the state budget pressures, the bonding cap, and noted that demands and needs are widespread. His thought was that if there was to be any direct impact it would have to be thru the State Legislators in the usual process.  Sen. Keenan shared thoughts on the current drought and the fact that the MWRA has plenty of water. He believes there will be a renewed interest in the MWRA by communities for this reason. He pointed out that the MWRA should be interested in coming further south. Due to the drought, some communities might be interested in joining the MWRA but can’t afford to. He noted that Union Point (formerly SouthField) is moving fast and they have water needs to address. Weymouth is looking into the MWRA for water.  Mayor Sullivan shared comments concerning the MWRA’s wastewater costs and the increase. He said the MWRA is not sensitive to the rate structure of cities and towns.  Mayor Sullivan reported that the Board already voted on building a Tri Town treatment plant and that looking at the new rate structure there was no doubt that being independent is better.  The Board plans to contact the Governor and Lt. Governor this fall regarding funding of a regional entity. The board will make the argument for it between now and the end of the year with the administration. The new treatment plant is estimated to cost approximately $42 million dollars. Fifty percent will come from Braintree and the other 50% from Holbrook and Randolph combined. Holbrook and Randolph will decide how they split the 50% cost.  There was discussion regarding dredging and capacity, and the need to review the bathymetric survey.  The Board asked Sen. Keenan for his assistance coordinating a meeting with the rest of the state delegation. Sen. Keenan and Alejandro Alves offered to take the lead and set up meetings to 1  discuss helping with the funding of the Tri Town water treatment plant. Sen. Keenan offered to contact Rep. Walter Timilty and the other Representatives.  The Board will write a formal letter to follow up with Senator Keenan.  Senator Keenan is interested in touring the site and this will be coordinated with the Board members and the legislators to take place in the very near future.  Rich Brewer briefly discussed the interest in possibly reactivating the Cochato River and the history of the issue.  Tim Gordon reported on his homework with regard to contacting the D.E.P. to understand the steps that need to be taken to obtain new source approval.  There are a few steps and hurdles in this process. Need to gather engineering work, filing and testing.  Lou Dutton will get three estimates from engineers on this work.  Lou Dutton explained water testing samples of the Cochato River that he did from every parameter two years ago and it all tested fine.  Mayor Sullivan asked if Holbrook would consider having a public meeting in the near future to gage public opinion. Status of Tri Town Water Supply: Lou Dutton  Lou Dutton reported that the water capacity is at 57%. MINUTES: the minutes of the September 13, 2016 meeting were reviewed. MOTION: by Tim Gordon to accept the minutes. SECOND: by Rich Brewer VOTE: Unanimous Other: Action items  Senator Keenan’s office will contact the other Legislators to coordinate meetings to discuss Tri Town.  Mayor Sullivan will send a letter to Sen. Keenan as a follow up to today’s meeting, and Robyn LaFrance will coordinate a site tour meeting.  Next meeting date was set for Tuesday, October 18 at 2:00 pm 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 2