Water & Wastewater Commission

WATER/WASTEWATER FACILITIES COMMISSION COMMISSION MINUTES July 23, 2015 A meeting of the City of Fitchburg Water / Wastewater Commission was held on May 6, 2015 at the JA Provincial Building, 1200 Rindge Rd, Fitchburg, MA. The meeting commenced at 4:45 P.M. Members present: Lenny Laakso, Commissioner DPW Rick Healey Michael McLaughlin George Siener Members Absent: Ron Lubianez Carol Brown Others present: Jeff Murawski, Deputy Commissioner Wastewater John Deline, Deputy Commissioner of Water Mary Jane Franklin ITEM # 1: Approval of last meetings minutes: The minutes for the June 10, 2015 meeting were approved by unanimous vote. ITEM # 2: Public forum: No public forum comments were received. ITEM # 3: Water rate study: Michael Schrader from Tighe & Bond gave a presentation on the rate study focusing on usage and revenues. He discussed several different scenarios for rate increases and the rate impacts of each. The amount of revenue needed, which in turn, would determine what needs to be funded was discussed. There was also a discussion on how and when to approach City Council with this information. ITEM # 4: Option of outsourcing billing: Mr. Deline explained there was a potential for saving $30,000 per year by outsourcing the water/sewer bills. It currently costs approximately $100,000. ITEM # 5: FY16 budget – advertising for new hires: Mr. Deline explained the vacant positions have been posted. ITEM # 6: Damage in Westminster Street sewer: Mr. Murawski explained a sewer collapse occurred during a paving project done by MASS DOT. The infrastructure in this area was insecure and unfortunately, the City was not notified of the project. He is using funds set aside for the river manhole for the restoration. ITEM # 7: Brief update on sewer damaged in the Nashua River: The repair has been completed and only a small amount of ancillary work needs to be done. ITEM # 8: West Plant Anaerobic Digestion, DRAFT Feasibility Report RECEIVED & MADE AVAILABLE: Mr. Murawski reminded the Commission that on July 8, 2015 the anaerobic digestion draft feasibility report was made publicly available on the City’s website. He stated he gave a brief presentation to City Council on July 14th. Mr. Murawski will schedule a meeting with various Boards and members of the public to discuss the conclusions and recommendations of the report. Mr. Murawski had a positive introductory discussion with John Barrett (City Solicitor) and Nancy Wilson (Chief Procurement Officer) regarding the advantages of a public/private partnership such as a 30% tax incentive if committed to by the end of the year. Mr. Murawski reminded the Commission that a long term solution for Fitchburg’s sludge would need to be addressed if the anaerobic digestion proposal failed to happen. ITEM # 9: SSU Project: Mr. Murawski reported that an OPM contract needed for the Airport will be used as a format template for Wastewater SSU project. Mr. Murawski reminded the Commission that that because of some sub trades this should have been a Chapter 149 project and Wright Pierce’s contact prohibits Chapter 149 work. There has been a reversal by Purchasing regarding the RFP and Wright Pierce’s contact will be amended. ITEM # 10: Policy on Sewer billing abatements: Mr. Murawski discussed the current policy and if there should be some minor changes. He would like to publish the abatement policy on the website and possibly add an annual billing insert. ITEM # 11: Sewer emergency notification: Mr. Murawski stated the sewer emergency procedure, which was excerpted from the Emergency Response Plan, was publicized to the City website. ITEM # 12: Fitchburg/Westminster IMA: Mr. Murawski had a preliminary discussion with Josh Hall (Director of Public Works, Westminster) about possible revisions to the intermunicipal agreement between Fitchburg and Westminster based on the changes at the West Plant. ITEM # 13: “Hardship” sewer only accounts: There was a discussion regarding an official policy for dealing with hardships specifically related to the cost of metering a well for a sewer only account. Other Business: Mr. Deline reported the Water St Bridge has been repaired and is back in service as of today. He discussed the possible “tie in” of Lunenburg in case of emergency. Mr. Deline also mentioned Fitchburg would benefit in case of emergency. The motion to allow the negotiations of an IMA in case of emergency was made by Mr. Siener and seconded by Mr. Laakso. It was approved by unanimous vote. The next meeting is scheduled for September 9, 2015 at 4:30 P.M. at the JA Provincial Building, 1200 Rindge Rd., Fitchburg, MA. The meeting adjourned at 7:40 P.M. Minutes Prepared by_________________ Mary Jane Franklin