Board of Public Works

Board of Public Works Minutes APRIL 21, 2021 - 5:00 PM Remote meeting Board Members Present: Thomas Malsbury, David Fagnand, Director of Public Works Present: Greg Nuttelman Board Clerk Present: Michelle Oliveira Public Present: ________________________________________________ Virtual Open Meeting Language: Pursuant to Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. chapter. 30A, subsection 18, and the Governor’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place, this meeting of the Easthampton Board of Public Works will be conducted via remote participation ______________________________________________________________ Roll Call Attendance Chair Thomas Malsbury: Present Member David Fagnand: Present Meeting was called to order at _5:02___ p.m. by: Thomas Malsbury. Seconded by: David Fagnand Thomas Malsbury vote: yes David Fagnand vote: yes, in favor __ all _ Motion carries. 1. Public Speak: none 2. Mayor Speak: Not present for meeting. 3. Approval of the April 7, 2021 Meeting Minutes Motion to approve April 7, 2021 minutes was made by: Thomas Malsbury. Seconded by: David Fagnand Thomas Malsbury vote: yes David Fagnand vote: yes, in favor _all_ _ Motion carries. 4. Continued Discussion of FY22 DPW Budget and Rate Review • Thomas received another month’s worth of data. They are still on track for their retained earnings. • Continued discussion about rate and incoming information about what usage looks like over the next few months to make sure this is the new normal use and not going to go back to the usage in prior years. (before COVID) • In the fall, will look at a complete year’s usage and determine what to do with the rates. • As of right now no long-term rate increase. 5. Director’s Report • With the return of full staffing levels on April 5 DPW crews have begun getting caught up from winter. • The Water Division has started our annual hydrant flushing program. • Wastewater Treatment staff has been dealing with rags and flushable wipe issues at pump stations throughout the City. These products cause our pumps to bind up and can damage city infrastructure. We are preparing an educational insert to go out with our 2020 Water Division Consumer Confidence Reports asking residents not to flush wipes and rags. • As of Friday 4/16, I do not have a definite answer as to when the Park Street roundabout will be put in service. • The Highway Division has been patching roads and sweeping streets throughout the City. • In conjunction with the Planning Department, DPW will be holding a public information session regarding the status of Main Street paving and Union Street reconstruction projects in the coming weeks. I will inform the board of the date of this session once one is set. Motion to adjourn the meeting at __ 5:06 _ p.m. by: Thomas Malsbury. Seconded by:_ David Fagnand Thomas Malsbury vote: yes David Fagnand vote: yes, in favor __all _ Motion carries. Next meeting Date: _May 5, 2021_________