Water & Wastewater Commission

WATER/WASTEWATER FACILITIES COMMISSION COMMISSION MINUTES February 12, 2014 A meeting of the City of Fitchburg Water / Wastewater Commission was held on February 12, 2014 at the JA Provincial Building, 1200 Rindge Rd, Fitchburg, MA. The meeting commenced at 4:30 p.m. Members present: Lenny Laakso, Commissioner DPW Rick Healey George Siener Ron Lubianez Members Absent: Michael McLaughlin Carol Brown Others present: Denis Meunier, Deputy Commissioner Water Joseph Jordan, Deputy Commissioner W.W. Mary Jane Franklin ITEM # 1: Approval of last meetings minutes: The minutes for the January 8, 2013 meeting were approved by unanimous vote. ITEM # 2: Public Forum: No forum comments were received. ITEM #3: Department Update: Mr. Meunier explained the status and estimated costs associated with several projects: A DEP mandated physical separation of unused water main from Wachusett Reservoir to the Narrows Rd pressure reducing station is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2014 by Pacella with an estimated cost of $10,000-$15,000. The repair of Fitchburg Reservoir Discharge gate is anticipated to begin in the summer/fall of 2014 and performed by Pacella. The estimated cost is $45,000. The original gate was installed in 1915. Repair the emergency generator Detroit Diesel Engine at JA Provincial Plant. While routine maintenance was being performed, serious damage to the cam shaft and lobe rollers was uncovered. Mr. Meunier is evaluating options to either repair in place or to replace with a new or rebuilt motor. The estimated cost is $50,000-$75,000. He explained that all of Fitchburg’s water needs can be provided solely from the Regional Plant in Westminster should a power outage occur at the Rindge road facility. There was some discussion about the feasibility of renting a generator. Replace 9000 feet of water main on various streets in conjunction with the sewer separation. This is an ongoing project and water work is not expected to start until the fall of 2014. The estimated cost is $2,000,000. Purchase a used backhoe loader to replace the Kubota Tractor. Three bids have been received. Mr. Meunier is recommending purchasing the 2002 430DIT CAT loader/backhoe from 202 Truck and Equipment. The bid price is $39,500 with a trade in allowance of $15,000 totaling $24,500. Mr. Laakso made a motion to approve the purchase of the used backhoe loader for $24,500 and Dr. Lubianez seconded the motion. The motion was approved by unanimous vote. ITEM #4: Revenue and Collections status: Mr. Meunier reported $684,000 was outstanding as of February 7, 2014. Before going to monthly billing $1.2M was past due. He expects to continue collections in the spring. ITEM # 5: Status of Sewer Separation and Plant Upgrades: Mr. Jordan reported that the secondary system upgrades are continuing at the plant and are approaching 90% design completion. He explained that the Mayor will appoint a committee to prequalify the general and electrical contractors. He anticipates that bidding will start in April with the cost of the project estimated at $20M. Mr. Jordan reported that DEP supplied comments that were being addressed. The CSS-4D sewer separation work started in January. The contractor stopped construction due to the low temperatures for two weeks. They have stated that the work will be completed by the end of this year. Mr. Jordan explained that there have been no serious issues with Revoli with the exception of complaints from Unitil. A meeting with Revoli and UNITIL took place to help understand what each company expects from the other. Mr. Jordan has received approval from the Mayor to fill two operator positions. He expects the positions to be filled by early March. Two unexpected repairs in the sanitary sewer lines were recently completed: Repair to a manhole located in the Nashua River was damaged by ice and allowed river water to flow into the sanitary sewer and repair to a sewer collapse which occurred on Mack Rd. Blue Diamond performed the work on both projects. Mr. Jordan reported issues with a pending change order for the CEPT project. No work can be done until the change order is approved by Purchasing. Mr. Jordan is concerned that delays in this process may result in missed deadlines and the possibility of EPA fines. ITEM # 6 other business: Mr. Meunier asked the Commissioners to sign an amended project agreement for the Kirby property. The agreement that was originally signed had an error that has been corrected. The next meeting is scheduled for March 12, 2014 at 4:30 pm at the JA Provincial Building, 1200 Rindge Rd, Fitchburg, MA. The meeting adjourned at 5:30 PM Minutes Prepared by_________________ Mary Jane Franklin