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:

Jerry Patria, Chairman

Randy Brown, Vice Chairman

Brian Pranka

Freda Brown

Mr. Pranka made a motion to accept the minutes of July 6, 2016.  Mrs. Brown seconded the motion.  None opposed, the motion passed unanimously.

The members of the Sewer Implementation Committee received a letter from Ms. Thayer, Lakewood Village Apartment dated July 20, 2016.  The letter enclosed copies of bids from Crestview Inc. for the sewer construction project for a lateral connection and a pump system.  The lateral connection will provide for residents of Point Grove Road, the V.F.W., and approximately 4 residential properties on Two States Avenue.  In the event Ms. Thayer chooses to install a pump station at the complex, the properties along the sewer line will not have the ability to connect to a public sewer system.  Ms. Thayer is requesting a reduction in the betterment assessment as compensation for the installation of the sewer line.  Laterals for individual properties were quoted at $5,436.00 each.  Ms. Thayer’s engineer will work with each homeowner to determine where each lateral will be installed.  It will be the responsibility of each property owner to hire a contractor to make the connection to the main sewer line in the roadway.  The proposal will not require a Town vote as it is funded solely by Lakewood Village Apartments.  A betterment pay schedule for individual property owners will also need to be determined.  The SIC members agreed that this project will be the official end of Phase I.  Any other public sewer connections will not qualify for the Phase I betterment cost.    Mrs. Brown made a motion to present a contract to Ms. Thayer inclusive of the stipulations of a betterment credit in the amount of $107,975.00, the betterment assessment of $178,980.02 be paid in full to the Town of Southwick within 5 years of the contract approval, and that building #2 does not have to be connected until such time as necessary due to a Title 5 failure.  Mr. Pranka seconded the motion.  None opposed, the motion passed unanimously.  A letter will be issued to the Select Board for the recommendation.

Congamond Road Project   Mr. Brown stated that the grant application for Massworks Infrastructure program was in process of being completed.  The Select Board held a meeting for all business owners that may be affected by the public sewer installation.  The only attendees were representatives from Big Y.  A large part of acceptance of the application is dependent on business owner needs.  Mr. Brown also stated that an application is being submitted to RDA, which may cover a small portion of the cost through a grant program.   The SIC is exploring every possibility to ensure that the business and property owners get as much financial support as possible to make the project more palatable.  The application to Massworks Infrastructure program is due September 2nd.  The Town should receive an answer relative to their qualification by the end of the 2016 calendar year.

Mr. Pranka made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:37 p.m.  Mrs. Brown seconded the motion.  The vote was unanimous in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Nilsson, Secretary