SIC Meeting Minutes

OPENING:  The regular scheduled meeting of the Sewer Implementation Committee opened at 7:00 p.m.  The following members were in attendance:

Randy Brown, Vice Chairman

Brian Pranka

Freda Brown

James Vincent

Art Pinell

Mr. Pinell made a motion to accept the minutes of May 19, 2016.  Ms. Brown seconded the motion.  The vote of the Committee was unanimous in favor.

Mr. George  Zantouliadis

The Sewer Implementation Committee met with Mr. George Zantouliadis to discuss the addition of a barber shop at 587 College Highway (Zanto Plaza).  Per the current Table of Equivalent Dwelling Units, a Barber Shop should be assessed 0.75 EDU’s.  Mr. Zantouliadis did a comparison of water usage for barber shops.  However, “barber shop/beauty salon (per chair)” is specified in the EDU table at .75 of an assessment.  The SIC did state that the assessment would be in accordance with Phase I pricing.

Also, after reviewing plans for the complex, it was noted that the addition to the building completed in 2007 (former Verizon store) was never assessed for a sewer connection.  In accordance with the current Table of Equivalent Dwelling Units, a mercantile store (up to 20 employees) should be assessed 0.75 EDU’s.  However, the members of the SIC did feel that there was a communications error between Town departments, at no fault of Mr. Zantouliadis, and will request that the Select Board consider working with Mr. Zantouliadis to determine a reasonable time to start paying off this connection fee. The Board felt that a 1 year delay, or until such time that the space becomes re-occupied, whichever is sooner, would be appropriate.

Ms. Brown made a motion to make a recommendation to the Select Board to assess the barber shop at .75 EDU’s, and the addition built in 2007 in accordance with above.  Mr. Pranka seconded the motion.  The vote was unanimous in favor.

The Committee will reach out to Mr. Lawler, Building Inspector, to discuss a way in which communication can be improved in the future.  

Congamond Road Project  The Sewer Implementation Committee members discussed a schedule for a one on one meeting with business owners in the Congamond Road / College Highway area.  A letter will be issued to the business owners requesting a confirmation to attend a meeting at Town Hall on June 14, 15,or 16 between the hours of 3:00 and 5:00 p.m.  A member of the Select Board and Mr. Stinehart will also be requested to attend the meetings.  Mr. Keenan, Congamond Road resident, requested if the business owners will have the option to vote on the project.  Mr. Brown stated that it would be a warrant article at a Town meeting.  Only Southwick residents are able to vote on articles presented at a Southwick Town Meeting.  Mr. Keenan then stated that he was working with Ms. Bishop, EMT, on a social media program to help the Congamond Road residents defeat the project.  The SIC assured Mr. Keenan that they were working to make the project cost effective to the residents as septic system repairs on Congamond Road are significantly more costly than those on Powder Mill Road.

 

Mr. Pranka made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:16 p.m.  Ms. Brown seconded the motion.  The vote was unanimous in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Nilsson, Secretary