SIC Meeting Minutes

OPENING:  A public informational special meeting of the Sewer Implementation Committee opened at 6:30 p.m.  The following members were in attendance:

 

Mr. Brown made a motion to accept the minutes of 11/22/16 and 11/29/16.  Mrs. Brown seconded the motion.  None opposed, the motion passed unanimously.

The SIC members discussed the Warrant Article for a dry sewer line on Congamond Road.  The article was tabled by Select Board member Mr. Fox due to the lack of support from the Finance Committee.  

Mr. Brown suggested an option of just installing a force main line from Miller Road to College Highway at an estimated cost of $300,000.00. A force main will require that all residents who wish to connect will pay a connection fee, install a grinder pump and provide electrical connections.  Prior to installation, each resident will have the option of paying for a stub to the sewer line allowing for a future connection at an estimated cost of $1,000.00.  If a resident chooses not to pay for a stub, they would not be able to disrupt the road reconstruction for a period of 5 years.  Mr. Pranka stated that DEP does allow for septic system repairs even if a public sewer line is available.  Any resident who chooses to repair their septic system will be mandated to prove they would have a hardship connecting to public sewers before being granted a waiver.  

With the exception of paying for a stub, there would be no cost to the residents until or if they wish to connect.  However, Mr. Brown cautioned that if the public sewer line is not expanded, the current users will be required to pay for the $2,000,000.00 interceptor project and all operations and maintenance costs inclusive of the yearly IMA payment to Westfield in the amount of $50,000.00.   An expansion of the public sewer line to include the businesses along College Highway may reduce the amount of O & M costs to current and future users.   

Mr. Brown will compose an estimate of costs associated with the dry sewer line and on lot costs for review at the next meeting.

Mr. Brown stated that a Community Block Grant was received for improvements on Veteran Street.  The grant will include widening the road and drainage.  It may be possible to install a sewer line to connect Veteran, Bungalow, and Lakemont Streets.  Mr. Brown will compose a conceptual plan with estimated costs.     

Mr. Brown made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:20 p.m.  Mr. Pranka seconded the motion.  The vote was unanimous in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Nilsson, Secretary