TOWN OF PITTSFORD
WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION
November 15, 2016
Water and Sewer Commission Members Present – Dave Pearson, Ernie Clerihew, Bob Harnish, and Helen McKinlay. Absent: Clarence Greeno. Others present: Shawn Hendee, John Haverstock and Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
Dave Pearson, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 6:36 PM.
Adoption of Agenda:
J. Haverstock stated that there was no need for Executive Session.
J. Haverstock stated that there was no need to amend the agenda.
Motion by B. Harnish and seconded by H. McKinlay to adopt the agenda as presented. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
Minutes:
The minutes from the October 18, 2016 meeting were signed, with one minor change.
Town Managers Report:
J. Haverstock reported the following:
· Bruce Babcock has recommended a “low key” water conservation message due to the low rainfall this summer/fall and the fact that OMYA is using municipal water, which has caused the activation of the Florence well. This message has been placed on the website and a copy is included in the packets for review.
Public Comment:
None presented at this time.
Water:
Review Proposal from Contractor for Brush-Hogging Near Water Sources:
J. Haverstock stated that a proposal has been received from Dave Parker, who taps the sugar maples at Mt. Nickwackett, the area of the Town’s springs, to do the brush hogging work in the area (including two mowings) for $500 per year. D. Pearson inquired how much land is involved. J. Haverstock guessed that there is 8 – 10 acres. E. Clerihew inquired how long this currently takes to be accomplished each time. J. Haverstock stated that the area must be kept pristine. Bruce Babcock will be contacted for the specifics and the item was tabled to a future meeting.
Consider Request to Purchase Tractor:
Shawn Hendee was present to discuss the potential purchase of a tractor with backhoe and brush hog attachments to assist with mowing and small jobs that require digging. There were quotes included in the packets for review.
The quotes ranged from $39,412 – $60,760 and did not take into consideration the possible trade of the small Kubota tractor with cab.
J. Haverstock inquired where the equipment would be stored. S. Hendee explained the area in which the old bagger unit was located would need to be cleared for storage.
B. Harnish inquired if the proposed tractor would allow for digging frozen ground. S Hendee stated that currently, Markowski Excavating is contacted to dig the frozen ground, however, the proposed tractor may be used for smaller jobs in the winter and Markowski would continue to be contacted for the larger jobs.
B. Harnish inquired about the size of the proposed tractor. D. Pearson stated that the proposed tractor is 52 hp. S. Hendee explained that Bruce Babcock spec’s the tractor and included R4 tires.
B. Harnish inquired if there was enough funding available in the Vehicle Fund. J. Haverstock stated that the external audit confirmed $27,395 as of 6/30/16 in the Fund with a $10,000 yearly allocation. J. Haverstock inquired if the truck would be needing replacement in the near future. S. Hendee stated that there were no known issues with the current vehicle and its mileage will be lowered due to the fact that samples can now be taken to Rutland rather than Burlington.
Following discussion of the proposed tractor and its uses, S. Hendee was instructed to contact the salesman to obtain the trade-in value before any final decisions are made. This topic was tabled until the trade-in information is received.
S. Hendee exited at 6:55 PM.
Status Report on Water System Mapping Project:
J. Haverstock read an e-mail from John Kiernan. Mr. Kiernan will be meeting with Shawn Hendee on November 22 to discuss the status of the project and review various programs that are available.
Status Report of Water Line Replacement Project at Intersection of Routes 7 and 3:
J. Haverstock reported that he met with Shawn Hendee, Bruce Babcock, Eric House from VTrans and Tom Markowski on site to discuss the permit requirements. J. Haverstock explained that there are segments of this project that can be done with directional boring and other segments which will require open excavating. There is one abutting property that is currently for sale, so obtaining permission may be challenging. Markowski Excavating stated that they can begin the project “in a couple weeks”.
Sewer:
Update on Wastewater Treatment Facility Capacity Study:
J. Haverstock reported that Mark Youngstrom will be meeting with Shawn Hendee and Brooks Newbry on December 8 to discuss the Wastewater Treatment Facility’s capacity.
J. Haverstock stated that Rep. Shaw currently sits on a committee in Montpelier that oversees the Police Academy property and the connection and capacity requirements will be considered in the discussion, in the event the Academy wishes to connect to the municipal wastewater system.
Water & Sewer:
Other:
B. Harnish inquired whether the hydrants would be drained prior to winter. J. Haverstock stated that the hydrants are flushed regularly. However, he will follow-up with Bruce Babcock and Shawn Hendee for more information.
D. Pearson inquired whether the Asset Management project would also include estimated replacement value.
Executive Session:
There was no need for Executive Session.
Adjournment:
The Commission adjourned at 7:14 PM.
The next regular meeting will be held on December 20, 2016.
Respectfully Submitted
Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
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David Pearson, Chairman
______________ABSENT____________
Clarence Greeno, Vice Chairman
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Bob Harnish
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Ernie Clerihew
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Helen McKinlay