Public Works & Public Safety Commission

Department of Public Works Board Meeting Tuesday August 9, 2016 Members Present: M. Doughty, S. Pearsall, K. VanGorder, C. Kostuk, P. O’Mara, R. Teeter Others Present: Superintendent‐ C. Bistocchi Deputy Superintendent‐ N. Dovi Meeting called to order at 6:30pm by Pat O’Mara. Approval of Minutes from the DPW Board meeting from May 10, 2016 Motion by M. Doughty Second by R. Teeter All in favor – Unanimously approved Old Business: None. New Business: Water Grievances 1.) 161 Port Watson Street: Ann Wittmaack was present to give discussion on her water grievance. She provided some paperwork and invoices from her plumber. Ms. Whittmaack had no idea why her bill was high. Addressed the Board Members and request a test of her meter. The Board agreed to test meter and report back after with the results. Motion to table by: First: R. Teeter Second: C. Kostuk All in favor: Unanimously approved 2.) 31 Pearl Street: D. Jo Schaffer was present to give discussion on her water grievance. She first thanked DPW and Water Department for all they do, and fixing the water main. Ms. Schaffer was out of town when her hose disconnected from the washing machine and flooded her basement. P. O’Mara explained the process of water usage; if the water runs through the meter you pay for it. Also, all internal plumbing is the property owners responsibility. Advised Ms. Schaffer she could file a grievance through the Waste Water Department for the sewer portion.  Motion to deny by: First: S. Pearsall Second: M. Doughty All in favor: Unanimously approved 3.) 134 Groton Avenue: John Barden was present to give discussion on his water grievance. Mr. Barden was unaware of the current procedure to have the curb box shut off. His pipe froze and flooded the basement. The Board reminded him of the Rules and Regulations, if the water runs through your meter, the property owner is responsible for all charges. K. Kostuk explained he could file a grievance through the Waste Water Department for the Sewer portion of his bill. C. Bistocchi advised he could go through small claims court if he was unhappy with the outcome. Motion to deny: First: M. Doughty Second: C. Kostuk All in favor: Unanimously approved 4.) 100 Groton Avenue: No one from Rybren Realty, LLC to represent or explain water grievance. Some paperwork provided with the Grievance Application Form. Not enough information provided to overturn bill. Motion to deny: First: P. O’Mara Second: S.Pearsall All in favor: Unanimously approved 5.) 34 South Avenue: Pete and Ed Bennedy were not present to speak on water grievance. Without supporting documents or any information the board had a quick discussion to deny grievance. Motion to deny: First: M. Doughty Second: C. Kostuk All in favor: Unanimously approved 6.) 11 Rosewood Avenue: Was not present to speak on water grievance. Provided some paperwork of recent internal plumbing repairs. However, the board discussed the Rules and Regulations, if the water runs through the meter, the property owner is responsible for charges. Motion for deny: First: P. O’Mara Second: M. Doughty All in favor: Unanimously approved  7.) 93 Wheeler Avenue: H. Paul Seeber Jr. (POA) was present to speak on his mother, Gertrude Seeber’s, behalf. After hearing the grievances before him, he understood the Rule and Regulations. He was advised he could file a grievance with the Waste Water Department for the sewer portion of the bill. Motion to deny: First: M. Doughty Second: P. O’Mara All in favor: Unanimously approved Extra Items for Discussion: ‐Discussion of current water supply/aquafer levels due to seasonally dry conditions. ‐Brief discussion of current summer construction projects. ‐Progress on various grant funded projects. Motion to adjourn meeting at 7:34pm: First: C. Kostuk Second: S. Pearsall