Tri-Town Board of Water Commissioners

TRI TOWN BOARD Of Water Commissioners Braintree, Holbrook, Randolph Braintree Town Hall MINUTES of March 6, 2018 Present: Mayor Joseph C. Sullivan, Braintree; Richard Brewer, Randolph; Timothy Gordon; Holbrook In Attendance: David Murphy, James Arsenault, Lou Dutton, Barbara Mello, Taylor Kelly, Mike Walsh, Edward Spellman, staff members from Weston and Sampson, staff members from Environmental Partners, Christopher Griffin. Mayor Sullivan called the meeting to order at 10:11am. Approval of Minutes: On a motion of Mr. Brewer seconded by Mr. Gordon to approve the minutes of the December 19, 2017 meeting. Vote was unanimous. Introduction of DEP Engineer for Tri-Town Board SRF project – Ms. Taylor Kelly:  Ms. Taylor Kelly from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection introduced herself to the board and gave an overview of how DEP will offer assistance in the process in the form of a $15 million loan at 2% interest.  DEP will require a full estimated cost of the project by June 30, 2018.  A loan from DEP will cover construction, construction services but not design costs.  Mayor Sullivan asked about if grant money would offset borrowing costs. Ms. Kelly replied that they want communities to get the best deal possible.  All three towns indicated they were confident in meeting the June 30, 2018 deadline. Holbrook will place an agenda item on the May town meeting agenda. Mayor Sullivan asked if there was any objection if agenda Items 5 through 9 were taken out of order. There was no objection. Sanitary Survey:  A sanitary survey is done by DEP every three years.  During the most recent survey trespassing was noticed and was cited in the DEP’s letter to Lou Dutton.  More “No trespassing” signs have been put up as well as signs indicating that there should be no domesticated animals in the area of the reservoir.  Staff will continue to monitor for trespassers.  DEP recommended the removal of the chlorination building at the Richardi reservoir.  Lou Dutton is working with BELD to put up security cameras which should be in place by spring. Dredging of the Richardi Reservoir:  The Walorz company which is about halfway through a ninety-nine year lease on the mineral rights at the Richardi reservoir wants to see the rights to dredge the reservoir.  Jim Arsenault indicated his support for dredging as this would increase water capacity.  A brief discussion followed concerning the best way to access the reservoir for dredging.  Dredging would still be several years away due to permitting requirements. Great Pond Dam:  Mike Walsh gave a brief update and indicated that the project is doing well. The concrete mats will be in place at the end of April.  Mayor Sullivan asked if there were any concerns about the contract, Barbara Mello indicated that there were none. Tree removal:  Jim Arsenault indicated that the all tree removals on West Street adjacent to the reservoir are complete. Lou Dutton expressed his opinion that future tree decomposition could lead to water treatment issues. Staff will monitor. Security Cameras:  Covered during the earlier discussion of the DEP Sanitary Survey. Interview with Weston and Sampson:  Mayor Sullivan gave a brief overview of the process and reminded those present that no decision on which firm to hire would be made during the meeting as they still had an additional firm to interview at a later date.  Representatives from Weston and Sampson and Keville Enterprises introduced themselves and gave a brief interview of their responsibilities as well as a brief history of their firms.  Steps including the design of a master schedule, public outreach, bidding law requirements were discussed.  Mayor Sullivan asked if they would be ready to start as soon as possible, the answer was “yes.”  Particular examples of previous water treatment facility projects for which the served as the OPM were offered.  OPM would also serve to bridge any disagreements between client and designer. Mayor Sullivan offered his thanks for the presentation and asked if there was any objection to a brief recess so that representatives from Weston and Sampson could depart and representatives from Environmental Partners could set-up their presentation. Hearing none, Mayor Sullivan called a recess at 11:40am. Mayor Sullivan ended the recess at 11:56am and called the meeting to order. Interview with Environmental Partners:  Representatives from Environmental Partners introduced themselves and gave a brief interview of their responsibilities as well as a brief history of their firms.  Environmental Partners believes that the job of an OPM is to advocate on behalf of the communities and important early steps include helping choose a designer and establish a schedule.  There was a discussion of “green credits” and whether solar panels would be an option. (Mr. Gordon departed at 12:44pm)  Representatives spoke about their experience as the OPM for the water treatment plant in Weymouth (2008-2010). Mayor Sullivan thanked them for their presentation. He announced there would be one more interview later in the month with a decision to follow in April. On the motion of Mayor Sullivan, seconded by Mr. Brewer and voted unanimously, the meeting adjourned at 12:59pm. Respectfully submitted, Christopher P. Griffin