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

James Vincent

Art Pinell

Mr. Pranka made a motion to accept the minutes of May 24, 2016.  Mr. Vincent seconded the motion.  The vote of the Committee was unanimous in favor.

Mr. Vincent made a motion to accept the minutes of June 14, 2016.  Mr. Pinell seconded the motion.  The vote of the Committee was unanimous in favor.

Mr. Pinell made a motion to change the time for all SIC meetings to open at 6:00 p.m. instead of 7:00 p.m.  Mr. Vincent seconded the motion.  The vote of the Committee was unanimous in favor.

The SIC members discusses the check list for new dwellings/buildings.  Mr. Lawler, Building Inspector, is implementing an on line program which will automatically email Town Officials when a new building permit is issued.  Each department will in essence “sign off” on the permit indicating their acceptance.  The program, Permit Eyes, should be operational sometime in the fall.  The organization that will be responsible for determining if an EDU should be assessed to a new dwelling/building will be determined once the program is operational.  

The Select Board approved the recommendation for Zanto’s.   A .75 EDU will be assessed on the vacant segment of the complex when it becomes occupied, or within one year (May 2017) depending on whichever is sooner.

The SIC received a copy of a letter sent from the USDA on June 2, 2016.  The USDA has withdrawn the two applications for a sewer expansion targeted for Powder Mill Road/School project.  The grant funds of $920,000.00 will be returned to the United States Treasury.

Congamond Road Project   Mr. Patria discussed the alternative options for funding the project with Select Board member Mr. Fox.  The focus of the project is to get the EDU assessment down to a palatable level, similar to that of Phase I pricing, for the Congamond Road residents.  Mr. Brown presented a grant application for Massworks Infrastructure program.  The grant focuses on economic development, job retention and creation.  A large part of the application focuses on business owners in the area detailing hardships caused by not having a public sewer system such as Dunkin Donuts which was closed when their septic system needed to be repaired.   The business lost customer revenue and the employees lost earned wages.  There are also other business that may benefit from a public sewer including the now vacant Berkshire Bank building.  It may be possible that a business would consider the building if public sewers were available.  The application for the grant needs the participation of the business owners to show the applicability relative to economic development.  Mr. Brown and Mr. Pinell will meet with Mr. Fox on the 29th to further discuss the application.  Mr. Brown will also ask if there are remaining funds for Pioneer Valley Planning Commission to assist with the completion of the application.

Mr. Brown noted that a Community Development Block Grant was issued for the reconstruction of Veteran Street.  There are approximately 17 residential dwellings on the street.  The grant will include new paving and water line, widening of the road, and drainage reconstruction.  Mr. Brown suggested that it may be possible to install a dry sewer line during the construction.  Due to the topography, it is likely that connections will require a grinder pump.  Mr. Brown stated that there may be a way to install a pump station in the neighborhood which could service the residents through a gravity sewer.  Mr. Brown will compose a conceptual cost list.

 

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

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Nilsson, Secretary