Board of Public Works Meeting November 20, 2025

I'd like to call to order the Dartmouth Board of Public Works meeting for November 20th, 2025.

This meeting is being recorded. Uh roll call.

Mr. Gier present.

Uh the chair, Mr. Alme is present. We have a quorum. Uh, our first order of business is to approve and accept warrants. Do I have a uh do I have a motion, Mr. G?

So moved.

Uh, I will second to approve and accept warrants for bills payable period ending September 22nd, 29th, October 6th, 14th, 20th, and November 3rd, 10th, and 24th.

Um, Mr. Gier, how do you vote?

Yes.

Chair votes yes. Item is approved. Um, next item is to approve and accept payrolls for the week ending weeks ending October 18th, 25th, and November 1st and 8th. Do I have a motion?

So moved.

I have a motion to approve. The chairs.

Um, Mr. Gier, how do you vote?

Yes.

Chair votes yes. Item is approved. Next item on the agenda is to approve and accept meeting minutes. Um, I'd like to defer this to our next meeting. Uh, Tim and Jen, I've got a a few things I want to go over with you uh before we and I don't want to spend everybody's time going over some of the uh uh small items that I found. So, if you don't mind, I'd

like to um either have a call and re review the draft minutes prior to the board considering them.

Okay.

All right. So, um Mr. Gier, would you uh consider moving that item to our next meeting?

I would move that we uh take up the item with the approval of the minutes at our meeting in December.

Okay. Okay, the board seconds. Uh, yes.

Yes.

Board votes yes. So, we'll defer the consideration of our meeting minutes uh until our next meeting. Uh, next item on the agenda is old business. Uh, I'd like to with um Mr. G's concurrence, I'd like to move item F to the top of this list and consider that first. Yeah.

Uh because uh we have some senior members of the town's administration with us and I'd like to uh get to the item they want to discuss first.

Okay.

With that, uh we'll move to item F, discussion of the water enterprise fund.

So move.

All right. So we'll move that up.

Cody or Tim, do you want to lead the discussion on that?

Uh I'll start and then Tim and Gary are both here. Um you know we had uh come before you at your previous meeting to make you aware of some concerns um in the trends in the water enterprise fund uh particularly regarding the revenues um and expenses. So you know we did kind of put the the board on notice that we were anticipating the need for a midyear rate increase. We the team has worked

diligently over the last month um to determine what level of a rate increase would be necessary. And so what I'd like to do is um go over some of the um the figures that that we've come up with, some projections for the remainder of the fiscal year, and then um essentially present to you what we feel would be necessary for a rate increase. Now, now we're not going to have you vote that

rate increase today. We'll have you do that at your um your next meeting which you know we can talk about. But I'm going to share my screen if it lets me here. I don't send requests. So whoever is the admin if you want to let me share my screen.

Okay. Good. Thank you.

Okay. Can everyone see this?

Yeah. I think you got a double. There it is. I got Okay. So um ju just high level I'm going to walk you through what we have here.

We have prior fiscal years 24 and 25. We have fiscal 26 year to date and then we have fiscal 26 you know projected for the remainder of the year. Obviously the outlier is right here. New Bedford water purchases. You know we've to date Q1 of fiscal 26 spent almost $1.8 million in water from the city of New Bedford. um that is more than we spent in the past couple of years total.

So, you know, we we can project that we're going to spend um about another $600,000 more when we project our our you know, our um monthly costs through uh the fiscal year. Now, we anticipate a couple of wells coming back online hopefully some at some point this winter. So, hopefully that reduces the reliance particularly as we get into more peak season. um May and June. But again, we

still anticipate, we've always purchased water from the city of New Bedford. Um so we anticipate still purchasing water from the city of New Bedford. We project our wages though, which is pretty much what we budgeted right around a million dollars. So for the water enterprise fund and then our other expenses um in addition to New Bedford Water come in right around $ 1.5 million. So you take

those two and you get that $3.9 million um figure for for total expenses.

You add that with your wages, you get 4.9 million. The water enterprise fund has about a million dollars in debt service that we're paying annually. So you add that in and then you have indirect and overhead costs right at 1.263.

So that brings your total expenditures to the 71. We have liabilities. Um so the do when they certify um our retained earnings, they consider um some different liabilities. out outstanding receivables is one of them. And so we can estimate that at around 600,000.

What the the big thing here is if things keep going how we anticipate, we're looking at a um you know, we're going to be in the hole by almost $500,000.

We project a deficit of around $473,000.

So we need to make that up essentially between January and June.

Um the the one of the challenges being your peak water season, right, is essentially the other half of the fiscal year. You we're using we use more water from from um July one through December 30th because you have those peak months of you know July August. So we're we of 100% of water and speaking with Tim you know you really only use 40% in these six months. to use 60% in the other um

six months. So, so this is the estimated revenue from rates um for the remaining six months of the fiscal year, January through June, and you take, you know, it's a simple math equation, right? You take your your margin here, and you divide it by the remaining rates.

essentially we're looking at an 18% increase um would would be necessary on January 1 to to to break even. And I and I and I say that because this is not building any reserves. This is essentially breaking even for this fiscal year. Um, one of the other things I want to make you aware of is we there is still a chance even if if the board did move forward with an 18%

increase um effective January 1, the way that our billing takes place, we would not necessarily capture right six months of revenue at the at the increased rate because we build we have different sections build at different times of the year. um we certainly would capture that for commercial, but we may not capture that for for a lot of our residential, which which presents a challenge um in

the in the existing fiscal year again.

So, so Tim is looking at our options um and Gary's working with our consu consultant to see if we can um change the billing cycles. We've talked about wanting to go to quarterly billing anyways. So, that's certainly an option that we're exploring. And then um I will let Tim touch on some of the other um fees that he has looked at and some of the other changes that that we may look

to to implement um as part of this to to try to really make this operation solvent. I mean this is um we we cannot operate at a at a $500,000 loss um in an enterprise fund. The re the reality is too right even if we have to do a transfer at the end of the year right now we only haveund 140,000 approximately $140,000 in retained earnings in the water enterprise fund

right so so if you're negative by $500,000 you even if you pulled like we did this year you you were not going to have enough funds to cover the deficit so so this is really critical Mike do you have any questions No, I had an opportunity to sit with Tim uh this week. Um he went over the situation.

Um I think the the whole thing spins around the consumption the you know the significant consumption of water in this municipality. We're breaking all kinds of records it seems in the in the amount and uh we're going to have to do what we have to do until we can get some um wells back online and uh be able to produce some water from the aquifers, you know, in Dartmouth. We have no choice.

Tim, do you have a sense of the timing of bringing the some of the wells that are offline back into production?

Uh can you hear me?

Yes. Yeah.

Okay. Okay. Good. Um, so we had we had prioritized so we're currently working on the 579 or road uh treatment facility upgrades. Uh, and we kind of re prioritize that project to install the CT uh pipe loop which is which is the four log uh to be able to turn the uh penelli wells back on. So, we uh all the underground is currently installed and they're working on installing the piping

into the building and getting those connections made. So, you know, we're working uh steadfast to get get those connections made, get that all tested and then working on trying to get those back online uh towards the the end of the year. Um so, we're working with our consultant and working with the with the contractor out there on site. Um, so it sounds like bringing those wells on the timing will

not affect our need to purchase water from uh New Bedford this fiscal year. Is that correct?

No, the end of the calendar year. So, we're trying to get that done the end of the calendar year or just into the the calendar year so so we can produce more water throughout the rest of the fiscal year.

All right.

the also. Yes.

Yeah, I I understand. I'm just trying to see what changes may occur. Um and anything else that that you'd like to share with us, Tim?

So, I also uh sat with the city of New Bedford um this week and discussed uh possible uh rate uh reduction on what we're paying because we're currently paying a bit more than uh their residents are paying. And they they did uh say that they you know they would be interested in in discussing this uh further and it would have to be approved by their water board. Um but they they could not go

lower than what their residents are paying but they would be interested in in discussing uh either the a full rate or maybe a a tiered rate uh moving forward. I think I, you know, we should move forward and and and present to their water board to request this.

Do we know how much their other municipal uh customers are paying?

Uh we don't.

Can we can we find that out? That's also that's also a concern of theirs is it you know they said you know if they lower our rate then some of their other c uh municipal customers will probably follow suit.

Okay.

All right. Um but but we can work on that.

Yeah. And then on uh some related matters, these things don't affect the need to adjust rates, but I'd like to uh request him that you identify someone on your staff uh to identify the um the local companies that do irrigation system service.

and I'd like to develop a um a relationship with that group uh for a couple of reasons. One is to encourage or require, if we don't already do it, um a check on these systems to make sure that the sensors that can identify periods of rain essentially turn the systems off for a minimum of two days, perhaps more.

And I'd also like to uh work with that group to uh provide to their customers some kind of a written card or something that can be placed on or next to the irrigation system controllers that remind them that it's illegal to irrigate lawns during certain periods. periods of time.

All right. I we've we've got to do something so we don't run into the same problem next summer.

So that what I'm asking then is to set up a process where we reach the big water the big residential water users and at the same time put out the word to some of the um other large irrigators.

such as golf courses uh and figure out a way to make sure that they are using water efficiently.

And then I have a question. Um Gary and Cody, did you see the um the spreadsheet that Steve Sullivan put together on rates?

He put together he put together one.

Yeah. For the water. Yes. For the for water.

The percentages and the comparisons.

Yep. We have seen that.

Okay.

um when you develop your recommendation to us, I want to consider um a much higher rate for the upper block recognizing that the that is the high water users recognizing that that's not going to make much difference until next summer. But I think um as I looked at those the tiers, I think there's room to um encourage efficient water use through fiscal means and also make that part of a um a public

outreach as we get into the summer.

Uh that's been effective in other areas.

All right. So that that's basically um my input. Mike, do you have anything else?

Oh, I think you made it uh very clear that the consumption of water needs to be looked at along with the issue of certainly what fiscally will sustain the water enterprise fund. But I think you make a very good point there.

Okay. Um Andrew, if I may.

Yeah.

Yes. Uh so so I think you know also looking at you know uh our staff you know keeping an eye out on on these on on non-essential water use through through May through September and uh and and enforce the the bans moving forward and um we're working also working on some public notification as well additional public notification and and then you know in speaking with Cody and Gary uh you know we're looking at

the possibility of moving to quarterly billing uh sooner than later if we could do that at the start of the the calendar year uh rather than the fiscal year. I think it'll it'll it'll be beneficial for us the water enterprise fund and and the consumers where the rate is being increased. Uh so you know having more billing cycles uh will I think reduce that effect or that impact on them and then allow us to

uh regulate the revenue coming in as well.

Right. I have I have one other question.

Um, I'm not I'm not big on deferring um fiscal pain, but is it possible to negotiate uh the timing of our payments to New Bedford uh so they uh so that they show up in in our next fiscal year?

Well, we're not really allowed to do that, Rob. Um we do kind of has a requirement. We have to pay services.

Yeah. Current year bills with the current year's budget. That's why every once in a while you'll see a a prior year bill go to town meeting. Um because we we're required to pay, you know, current expenses with the current year's budget.

Okay, that's an easy answer. Thank you.

All right. Um anything else on this item? The only thing I would ask since we have Gary on is could you send over to Tim uh a print out from the collector's office on uh any water and sewer billings that are 90 days and a rears a list of them and the amounts you were working on that um you had asked that the last uh board meeting. So we're actually ready to lean those to

the real estate tax. So, um, once that what probably in a week week or so, I can follow that to Tim.

Thank you.

Is that going to be with a turkey and stuffing?

Yeah, the stuffing I see in the envelopes. Okay, I got it. All right.

Um, this is a pretty serious matter. So, uh, I'm sure that if your if the professional team has uh a painful recommendation, we will do our best to uh to implement it. Um, nobody likes to see an increase in water rates, but um, part of I I got to say this. Um, part of this is due to people not being careful last summer. Um, and there was enough in the newspaper about droughts and

we did noticing. So, um, unfortunately some of the big users may have brought this on the rest of us and uh, we'll just have to deal with it as best we can. All right. Okay.

Anything else on this item?

No.

All right. That's we actually we actually started the year in a drought last year.

Yeah, I know.

The year in a drought. We started the year.

Yeah. So, but this is likely to happen again. So, um absolutely.

We we've we're going to have a broader set of issues that we work with, I think, in the next 12 months, including uh looking at augmenting our existing supplies and seeing if that helps us with the financial end.

Okay. Uh, if we're done with that item, uh, we will go back. Uh, Gary, Cody, is there anything else that you guys need to present to us?

No. No. Thanks for moving this up. We appreciate it. And, and if any of you have any questions, you know, feel free to reach out. We recognize 18% is is significant, particularly in, you know, a mid-year rate increase. Um, but we we've been diligently working on this and I think, you know, we made a um, you know, really a promise to the community that that we would not allow a deficit

to occur again and and unfortunately this is what we're looking at. So, but if there's questions prior to the next meeting, feel free to reach out to any any of us and we'll sit down and go over them.

Thank you. Yeah, I think if uh Mike made a good request, Tim, if you could give that forward that to us when we get it.

And then uh I think at the next meeting, Tim, if you have you can put some meat on the bones of a uh an aggressive water conservation program for uh starting in the spring. Um, I think that's going to be part of the message to the citizens that uh we can do our part, but you've got to do your part and we're basically all in this together.

Um, yes.

So, all right. I will Okay.

Thank you, Cody and Gary, for your work on this.

Thank you.

All right. Thanks everyone. Take care.

All right. Moving up. uh old business a comprehensive wastewater management plan. Tim, give us an update.

So, the the uh the CWMP uh request for qualifications is ready to advertise. Um I had kind of changed direction and we were looking at possibly advertising uh a request for proposals uh to try to be more efficient. Um but but we looked at you know I think it's kind of split on on different communities requesting RFQS or RFPs. Uh so we decided that that's going to delay this going out a little to to

com really compose that RFP. Uh so uh to eliminate any further delays um we're looking at just putting out uh you know tidying up the RFQ and and advertising it. Uh we're working on the advertisement dates and and looks like uh we can make the December 3rd advertisement date and with a deadline submitt around uh like January 13th.

I think I think going the RFQ route is a smarter way because then you're going to be able to weed out firms that can take on a project of this caliber.

Correct.

All right. So, you'll let us know uh when you're going to release the RFQ.

Yes. Yep.

All right.

I will keep you updated.

Okay. And then uh if you could if you're going to uh post that on the website, could you also let us know where we can find it when it's ready?

Okay. Thank you.

All right. Uh next item.

Anything else on that, Tim?

Mike, any question?

No.

Okay. No.

Next next item is the operational study update.

So at the last meeting um I brought a proposal um from a consultant uh based on the draft scope of the operational study uh developed by the town administrator and the board of select people. Um at at that meeting it was stated that uh we would want to possibly work on the draft scope a little further and and revise it um for our needs and the town's needs and then prior to

sending it back out for uh another proposal. Um does anyone have any comments on the draft scope at this time?

So, one of one of the things, Tim, I looked over the um you know, the stuff that was provided by Cody and the select board's comments, and they make some, you know, very good points in there.

It's it's very comprehensive the, you know, the breath of subject that they cover. But I'm wondering if it wouldn't make sense if we did as we just did with the the CWMP to look to put out for a request for qualifications. And the reason I bring that up is the more I looked at their uh things, the more I felt it was important that we get a firm that has experience with the

with the characteristics that uh Dartmouth has. I mean, we're one of the very largest municipalities as far as land mass. So, we have road length issues. Uh, you know, the utility services that we, you know, put out are significant in length and complexity. We produce our own, you know, municipal water, majority of it. Um, we run our own, uh, curbside trash and recycling pickup.

um or a university town. I I just my my biggest concern is getting a firm that can handle the characteristics of Dartmouth and adequately would address, you know, whatever the prioritize, you know, items are that we came up with and what the uh select board came up with.

But I think it really we got to get we got to get the right firm and that's why I'm sort of leaning in the direction of getting an RFQ out and uh then sitting down and you know see if they're capable of producing an end product. You're going to spend a lot of money between what you're putting in and what the general fund is putting in.

Yes. Yeah. and and you bring that up. Um and also, you know, looking, you know, at the town's going through a a compens compensation and reclassification study currently, right? and they're working on job descriptions and and comparisons with other comparable comparable municipalities and and they're having a difficult time finding the communities that are comparable comparable with us

due to everything that we do offer.

Yeah.

Yeah. It's it's unique, you know, and uh we we do offer a lot and we do a lot here in town inhouse, you know.

do a substantial amount and I want I want some uh firm that has done a community similar to Dartmouth and um so that we have we have some defensible because you make a very good point if it's if they are not able to get together you know something to give us you know some comparison issues it's it's really not of value.

Yeah.

Okay. So, Tim, can you uh work with Cody and come back to us and let us know how you guys uh decide to proceed?

Um absolutely. Yeah, I I agree with with Mike, but we've been my my my concern is that we've been trying to get this thing off the ground for a year and a half.

And um in in many ways, it's become more the town administrators study than ours. And so I' I'd like to encourage um some meeting of the minds so that this thing can start moving forward however it moves forward. And Tim if they depending on the discussion um please feel free to reach out to uh to Mike and make sure that he's comfortable whichever way you and the town administrator recommend. Okay? because,

you know, there's there's real value in doing uh an RFQ to make sure that whoever is going to give us a proposal and spend their time and our time on a proposal is qualified.

So, I mean, I I I definitely see that.

Um I'd like to sit in on that meeting. I I think um you know the the three of us sitting down uh we can put together I think the scope of an RFQ that would address the concerns I raised.

Yeah. Okay.

We'll do. That sounds good.

All right. Uh if there are no other questions or comments on item B, we'll go to item C, which is uh storm debris management.

Uh, so there are no current updates for storm debris management. I'm still working on um getting a a meeting with uh EMA director um and and see if they have any comments or or recommendations uh and then we'll we'll continue with the district um on this plan.

Okay.

Yeah. as long as we're making progress on it. Um I think we've got a little bit of time before uh the next hurricane season, but we're due. So yeah, I'd like to I'd like to get a draft over the winter and and you know, get it to the board for review. So all right. Yeah, I think that would be good. I mean, I realize you got a lot going on, but um

I I also encourage you to take advantage of some of the uh talented people you got on your team, even if it may not be something they've worked on before.

You know, stretch them a little bit. Um we do.

All right. Uh next item is, uh 33 Sagamore Drive, ADU.

All right. So at last meeting uh Mr. Andre had requested uh waiver of sewer connection fees for the connection of an ADU that he is permitted currently to construct at 33 Sagamore Drive. Um at the time of the meeting I had uh a request for town council to review our 2006 uh ADU seal connection policy. Um and town council has responded with the opinion that our policy and fees meet

760 CMI 71 71.033 033 uh since our fees serve a legitimate municipal interest uh by offer offsetting impacts from additional system use and it and it does not impose excessive costs or otherwise prevent the development of ADUs and in fact the count the cost is discounted in comparison with connection fees for single family homes.

Mike, do you have any questions?

Um, I I think it's you know our policy of 2006 um you know addresses that as a single unit and I believe that uh the fees uh that have been assessed uh should remain All right, Tim. Um, do you have any other information or background on this?

In other words, let me be more specific.

Do we anticipate seeing more ADUs?

Absolutely. uh the the state had had uh put out the 760 uh CMI regulation and and basically you changing uh municipal uh permitting on on ADUs which allowing allowing more ADUs and dwelling units to be built in municipalities with less restriction. So since then we have seen an uptick in in uh in permit applications for ADUs and I believe we'll cons continue to see uh permit application for ADUs

and how how do you expect to handle connection fees?

Um this the same way. So, um uh with the with the 2006 policy, we would um implement the the sewer connection fees.

Um currently, uh the 2006 policy um also was approved that any water connections that were that are made after the the meter and the in the dwelling unit that the existing dwelling unit. does not pay additional connection fees unless they have to connect before the meter. Any any you know so any AUS that have to connect to water before the meter will have to pay a new service connection fee and and they'll be issued

a new account number for water as well.

So I see the uh our applicant is with us.

Do you have any comments sir?

Um, good morning. No, I guess I do not.

Okay. Um, so we have a request for a fee waiver. Um, Mr. Gier, do you have any uh do you wish to make a motion?

I do not.

All right. Uh Tim, in absence of action by the board, what is the practical effect on the request for a fee waiver?

What is so do we have to take a motion to approve or deny or will no action by the board at this meeting uh constitute a denial of the request?

I'll I'll make I'll simplify I'll simplify the matter at this time. I would make the motion that the request be denied.

Uh Mr. Gier moves denial of the request for a fee waiver. Uh the chair seconds the motion. Uh Mr. Gier, how do you vote?

I vote to deny.

Uh the chair votes to deny. The action is uh taken. Um, so to be clear, there's the water connection has not required a fee and the sewer connection fee is discounted compared to uh a a new a complete new dwelling. Is that right, Tim?

Yes.

Yeah. Okay.

50%. Y All right. Uh, thank you for your attention to this matter, Mr. Andrady.

Um I I don't the the only consolation I can give you is the we treat everybody the same, if you will. Um anyway, uh good luck with the construction. Um I had older parents and uh however you choose to use your uh ADU, I hope it's useful.

Thank you for your attention. We we should we should we appreciate you bringing this to us and uh and uh and good luck with your with your project.

Yeah. Thanks again.

Okay. Uh next item on the agenda is item E, water pollution control composting.

All right. So previously I I had updated the board that our our current uh contractor uh agreement uh to Paul and market are bioolids compost is ending our contract terminating our contract in October 2026 and they they will no longer be in the in the market of uh in the business of of bioolids composting. They have a facility up in Maine that they will be closing down.

Um, in turn, they have uh submitted a scope uh and a and a price estimate to haul our bioolids uh continue to haul it but not market it. And uh at a cost of about $1.3 million per year. Um so after that meeting um Dennis and I met with our consultant uh Stantech to look at other other options um and you know mostly all the options are expensive um extremely expensive including paralysis, gasification,

incineration or supercritical water oxidation. You know, all these require specialized equipment, although uh the footprint of many of these uh much of this equipment isn't too uh too large to to be designed for a site. It's just an expensive uh process.

Um so in the meantime we'll be working on uh reaching out to other companies that can can use or market uh our compost uh to m maintain our composting operations. Um which which keeps keeps the residents brush you know moving uh an opportunity for the residents to dispose of the brush and leaves and um and in and our you know composting operations with with the bioolids at this time.

I I will say that, you know, uh Dennis has been working with our our staff and and company. We had our agitator is uh both went down this week. So, they've been working hard. So, that's going to be quite a bill as as did our our grinder. So, so that's probably going to be a $10,000 repair bill as well. So, so that's all to do with our bioolids and and our compost. So, so you know, it's

all it's all expensive equipment and uh we're uh hopefully we can find a a program or outlet that's that's less costly. If not, we'll be looking at, you know, at rates uh to increase that budget line item next year.

Tim, what do our neighbors do with their uh bioolids?

Uh so currently I think New Bedford hauls liquid uh to uh Rhode Island to an incineration plant in Rhode Island. So so that's one of the options incineration and uh you know same thing you're paying for the hauling in the incineration. So it's it's expensive.

Is there is there any um need or any utility in discussing with some of our neighbors a a regional solution to everybody's bioolid problem?

Yeah, I think that's that's always a good discussion uh to regionalize, you know, a facility that could that could handle, you know, all of our bioolids because it's getting it's getting more expensive and it they're getting fewer and fewer facilities that handle it.

Yeah.

You know, you know, a lot of these a lot of the facilities are actually some of them are, you know, trial facilities and and a lot of them are out west, you know, so so trying to get anything local is is difficult because they're there aren't too many.

So, and they're expensive. And you you uh listed a number of u options for handling the bioolids. And it seems that some kind of a discussion with some of our neighbors uh about whether any of those options are worth discussing at a regional level.

Yeah.

You know, uh we we've got a regional landfill. I realize it's got a limited life, but um some of the long-term planning for uh solid waste and uh bioolids would make sense. I imagine the technology is moved forward since the last time I worried about this stuff. So um I think I think the issue though is that in 1995 when we did the plant upgrade um the composting operation was an intricral part of that uh improvement

and I can I know from uh knowledge that in fact these materials that Cassella has been taking have been used in applications for development of um you know uh landscaping and you know final uh construction landscaping. Um I think the composting is you know the the way to continue. Um, I think I had a chance to sit down with Tim to talk about, you know, some more opportunities and I

think we keep this on the agenda, but I really would like them to work hard towards the direction of um, you know, continuing the compost operation. I can tell you having worked in New Bedford, you know, for 3 years and seeing the budget uh for bioolid disposal, you will cringe when you see what in fact that costs. And those plants are very difficult to permit. Um, and it was one of the items that ended up

getting scuttled off of the parallel products uh proposal and I think for very good reason. Uh, so I think we ought to be talking in the realm of what can we do with the end material, what are the markets, what are the opportunities and continue if improvements are needed in our compost and operation. Look at that.

Thank you, Mike. One of the things I recall uh seeing in uh on the west coast was use of these materials in agricultural operations particularly orchards and um they of course because of the scale of agricultural operations were able to find a market more easily.

But so I understand um the way things were in a different place 20 years ago.

So I but I appreciate the challenge.

All right. So yes, you'll report back with us.

Right.

Absolutely.

Okay.

All right. Uh that concludes old business, new business. Uh first item is engineering services asset management program. Uh Tim, you wanna Yeah. So we have um we were we were awarded a grant uh through the state for asset management of sewer and storm water uh with a project total of $250,000.

Um but it required it required a match.

So the the grant award wasn't $250,000.

It's actually 150,000 with a you know $100,000 match. So, we worked uh with Tai and Bond and we are planning a $40,000 inind match of inind services to DPW working with uh time bond and then a $60,000 uh fund uh from the sewer enterprise fund uh towards actually split between the sewer enterprise fund and a general fund for the sewer in a storm water asset management. Um, and so this fund is this

this portion of the match is funded through an article that was awarded at town meeting in the fall.

Okay. Um, Mr. Gier, any questions?

Tim, uh, I read through the materials in the the packet. Um, I was quite surprised to see the number of culverts that they had identified. um you know that were going to be evaluated. I I think one of the important things is and I maybe I missed it in the propos in the uh contract but I think each of the culverts as they are identified and located and are available on your uh GPS

system is that at the same time they should be looking at that culver and they should be grading it on a scale maybe from 1 to 5 1 to 10 so that you're able to incorporate into your capital plan. Um, you know, some cost estimates for those that are found that are going to need to be replaced cuz I mean sooner or later somewhere over time you're going to have to replace them and some

are more urgent than others. And I think for us to be able to get a condition uh rated um will help you in that regard.

Absolutely. No, I agree.

That's an excellent suggestion.

Um, anything else, Mr. Gier?

No.

Yeah, I have a couple of questions.

And like I said, we we will have staff uh working with them as well uh in the location of the of the culverts and uh you know, we'll work with them too to look at the the condition as well.

Um I got a couple of questions. As I read through the uh the RFP, I was curious to know uh the relationship with the Buzzards Bay Coalition uh Buttonwood Creek Watershed Management Plan. I didn't see any mention of that. That seems to have done a fair amount of work uh inventorying condition and location.

So, is that is that taken into account in this uh in the scope of work?

Yeah. So, so there's a lot of uh connection there. Uh so Ty and Bon has worked on our MS4 um for quite a while and developed you know a lot of our you know a lot of our storm water uh assets and uh infrastructure and also um they've also worked with with Buzz Bay Coalition on on the Buttonwood Burke uh uh program as well. So, so I think you know they have a lot of that information

um that they'll be able to use for this as well.

And um I noticed there was a discussion of uh an advisory group. Um so I would imagine the Buzzards Bay Coalition would be part of that.

They could be definitely.

Okay. All right. Um so this item is for approval. Do I have a motion?

I would make the motion that we approve the awarding of a contract to Tyin Bond um for the amount of the grant and for the uh contribution from our uh enterprise fund.

All right. I have a motion by Mr. Gier to uh approve the Tyen bond contract and uh as presented and the um participation of the public works department and the town. Uh the chair will second the motion. Mr. Gier, how do you vote?

I vote yes.

Uh chair votes yes. Item is approved. Uh next item is uh new business B engineering services water division SCADA system.

Yes. So this agreement is with wooded and current uh to uh continue upgrades on our SCADA systems for our water uh division. Um the the original agreement was was much higher, but we reduced this uh to uh stay within uh a budget due to our due to our current uh budget concerns. Um so this contract is for $25,000.

Uh and it's it's currently funded through the operational budget for for SCADA work.

Mr. G, do you have any questions?

I don't.

Uh so Tim this is for further development of the SCADA system. Is that correct?

Yes.

Okay. And the the reason I ask is that I noticed that the um one feature of the uh interaction between the consultant and the town is it's limited to uh normal business hours. And so that implies to me that there is nothing uh provided in case in the middle of the night somebody needs to get a hold of uh the consultant for an operational reason. Um is that correct? That's an explicit um

exclusion in the contract that's done on purpose, right?

Okay. Uh that's, you know, I think it's, you know, in their contract. Uh is is uh Tony still on here? Tony?

Yes.

Can you comment on uh working with Wooded and Curran? Uh in their contract, it states uh that it's for normal uh interaction with the town during normal business hours. Is that for our normal business hours or is that uh from wooded and current or have we do we have communication with them off hours in in situations where we need them uh if we have problems with SCADA?

Yeah, that's that's during any any hours uh including off hours.

Is it?

Yes.

All right. Okay. With that I can clarify that. Yeah. Do I have a motion for approval?

I would make the motion that we approve the contract with wood and current in the amount of $25,000.

Mr. Gier make uh moves approval. Chair seconds. All in favor, Mr. Gier.

Yes.

Chair votes yes. Item is approved. Uh next item is uh Hawthorne Street improvements design amendment.

Okay. So this amendment is to the existing contract for design of the improvements of Hawthon Street from Sulkum Road to the current uh the town/new Bedford City line. Uh the amendment includes additional scope to survey and submit the project through Mass DO's intersection control evaluation uh for the intersection of Hawthon Street and Sulkum Road as uh we're looking at you know possible uh

signalization. We did um we did do a completed a a signant war warrant analysis with SURED at this intersection and there you know there is uh some concern uh with traffic in the intersection and especially you know with a middle school at the corner and we don't currently have crossing guards in town.

So um there have been accidents at that intersection u as it it's it's a heavy traffic area along Soum Road and in the intersection control uh will allow also controlled crosswalks um at that at that location if we do uh install signals. So, uh, Mass DOT is interested in in in us going through the the intersection control or the ICE, uh, part of their review. Um so so this uh

part a large part of this is um amendment is to deal with that and this middle uh through mass dot but it also includes um environmental resource delineation um uh the subsurface utility engineering uh so this has to go through mass dot's subsurface utility engineering and utility coordination uh with with mass dots District of utilities construction ability engineer, the deuce um also includes a hybrid

alternative plan for mass DOT based on their comments at our last meeting and and on based on the review of the plan and uh and also the 25% design submitt and and comment resolution through Mass DOT and and since then I've also met with the city in New Bedford uh to discuss poss will work beyond the city line uh to uh provide connectivity with our upgrades and our improvements. Uh so it

doesn't just stop at the city line, it continues into the intersection of Brown L um and possible connectivity with the Buttonwood Park uh jade use path. So we're in discussions with that. I've sent them the plans and uh and we're looking at you know other costs to survey that and while we're looking at those costs mass dot is also looking at a way to combine both municipalities into a project or or whether they have

to keep them separate. So we'll know more as we move forward with mass dot in the city on that as well.

So this this uh this amendment uh is for 135,000.

Any further questions?

Yes. Um I did have a chance to talk with Tim u about this particular project. If you drive down Hawthon Street, I think you will all be amazed at how wide the street is and how much impervious cover is in that street. that the street was originally built, I believe, in 1953.

Uh there must have been some particular reason why they made it so wide. It's actually wider than Brownell Avenue and the section that goes from the New Bedford Dartmouth line down to Rockland uh Rockdale Avenue. Um, the big concern I have is that one branch of the Buttonwood Brook between the Quinn School and the synagogue there is the principal uh draining storm water draining for the

majority of that Hawthorne Street. And this is our opportunity to uh get that issue addressed with some measures that will clean up the storm water before it ultimately, you know, enters the brook.

The city of New Bedford has been working very closely with the coalition. If you see what the improvements are that they're doing at the uh Buttonwood uh park right at the intersection with 140, those are coordinated with the coalition. The coalition is working with the uh zoological society on improvements of the Buttonwood brook as it goes through the zoo proper. I think it would be imperative upon us to look

at what we can do to clean up another branch of the brook. There are four branches to that brook. People never realize it, but uh now's the time. And I would ask that it be specifically identified in this amendment that this uh engineering firm would meet with the coalition to hear what some of their ideas and suggestions are uh so that when we do get to the 25% design, we

don't suddenly say, "Oh, we should be uh doing, you know, some storm water management issues." So, I would just I would I would be in favor of approving the contract, but I would like to see an amendment that it says that they will meet with the coalition and they will be cognizant of integrating storm water management improvements into this project.

Yep.

Yeah, we can definitely set up some meetings.

Yeah and I agree with all the time and effort that's been put into the Buttonwood Brook uh watershed plan and ideas for improving water quality and hydraologic conditions in the brook. Um the town can really add to that process with how it handles this particular project. So I I agree with uh with Mr.

Gier very strongly.

Yeah.

So all right.

Yeah. So we haven't there is a there was a storm water component to this contract and uh and to the design improvements of Bathon Street. Uh we haven't we haven't gotten to that point yet as we're still at the pre-25. But um I will work with GEC uh to definitely work on work on uh treatment options as well as meeting with the coalition to discuss their recommendations as well.

All right, Mr. G. Anything else?

I do not. I will make the motion that we approve the sum of $135,000 to TEC for the Hawthon Street improvement design amendment, I should say.

Mr. Gier moves approval. Uh chair seconds. Mr. Gier, how do you vote?

Yes.

Uh chair votes yes. Uh item is approved.

Uh next is on call industrial commercial wastewater consulting services. Tim.

So um in working with with uh our consultant Stantech um and I know we've brought on call services from them forward to the board for uh sewer and water. Um this agreement is for on call services uh to work with Stantech on their industrial and commercial wastewater discharge side. Um so we we work uh closely with them uh for any any industrial and commercial wastewater discharges on on samplings and

recommendations for any treatment prior to discharging. Um and it seems like there's been an uptick in in uh in projects lately. Um, and in in the past a lot we we've had uh commercial and industrial uh discharge uh applicants actually um contract with the consultant rather than us contracting with the consultant.

But we feel it'd be more efficient if if uh we contract with the we'll have contract with the consultant and issue the cost to the applicant through our 53G account and then and then we can fund that that uh contract through that that account and work with the both the the applicants and the consultant rather than having the consultant work directly with with the applicant. And I think

it'll be more efficient and uh and and move a lot of these projects uh forward.

This is so a a typical uh estimate for starting a a review of an industrial commercial wastewater uh applicant is about $5,000.

So that's what this agreement would be for.

Any questions, Mr. Gier?

I don't have any questions.

All right. I have none. Do I have a motion to approve?

Motion would be to approve the uh authorization of $5,000 for on call industrial commercial wastewater consulting services with Stantech.

I have a motion to approve by Mr. Gier.

The chairs the motion. Um Mr. Gier, how do you vote? Yes.

Chair votes yes. Item is approved. Uh next item E, an update on the D recycling dividend grant.

Yes. So we uh were recently awarded uh an RDP or recycling dividend grant award for $32,400 um in working with the district um and all of the recycling opportunities that we provide to our residents. um uh is what what uh has given us this this amount for the award and and this this funding is is to be used for recycling program. So it's to put back into our recycling program and to to better it.

Um so it's great that we received this funding uh to use on our programs through this. Also, Go ahead.

Go ahead.

I was just going to move on to the next award.

Can I can I make a comment on this one before you move to that one?

Yeah. Uh, I think uh that you know I'll make I'll make a a good point and I'm glad you mentioned it to Tim is that the the town of Dartmouth at their transfer station recycles an awful lot of materials well beyond what I have seen at some other locations and I I give you folks credit for things such as tires and uh shrink wrap and you know all of

that stuff you do they do a good job.

Secondly, I would just comment that the addition of a additional worker to be out on Saturdays has worked very well.

The individuals are very helpful.

They're very good at uh directing people to put things in their proper location and I'm very pleased with the outcome and I want to thank uh the you know the town and especially Paul Pico for putting that uh in place. One thing I would ask is that if you could use some of this grant award to make the improvements to the lithium battery uh recycling station with uh segregation of

types of batteries in there and uh some general upkeeping so that the the door opens a little easier for people and some proper signage. It says car batteries on it, but it's used for all different types of batteries. And I think if we could use some of that grant to uh bring that into the more uh current age, that would be very helpful.

And and that you bring that up, Mike. Um so we, you know, we are working to uh you know, update that disposal container. And there was also a grant um that we're possibly looking at for a new container uh for uh for batteries as well in the future, but that's probably about a year out. So So we'll work on that um updating that that container and uh and including signage too um to help residents dispose properly.

I think if we could get the signage in there right away, that would be a big help. Um, my only suggestion is make sure that you make the container something that's nonflammable because uh, as we all know, there's some serious concerns about lithium ion batteries.

Correct. Yep. And proper disposal of the batteries and and taping the contacts, I think, is one of them. But to to to have safety, you know, safe disposal and prevent fires.

Good.

Jim, I'll echo Mike's uh comments about the transfer station. It turns out um I've been there both on a busy Saturday when I actually saw Mike, although we didn't discuss any business.

So, it was a a uh chance meeting, unplanned chance meeting. Um, and also been there during the week and helping my uh a family member with uh a trailer full of household waste of various kinds. And your staff was extremely helpful both at the uh at the station and on the floor, if you will. um helping us identify the right container to move a uh an awkward uh vehicle around. So that that worked

out very well. So and you know I neither Mike nor I identified ourselves and I don't think they recognized us. So it was you know we got an honest um experience and again it was very positive. So all right thank you. Thank you for the for the good news.

Please please let the staff know that that people really do notice. Um and the you know it it makes a huge difference for uh public facing service. So Mr. Chairman Mr. Chairman Derek Mr.

Chairman Derek Martin uh thank you so much for that uh coming back. I think one thing is like I've said it before and I use it all the time a team takes on the identity of its coach. um in getting them to really, you know, work hard for themselves and do a better job.

Something that we've been speaking about is leadership and teamwork and and all those stuff. So, it's starting to get really catchy down here and they're starting to get on board. Um we are here to be there for our residents and the public. And um I agree with Mr. Gier with the uh you know, two guys up there because it's such a big facility. Um, I've been really pushing um for a golf

cart uh up to the top so that guys can get from one side to the other a lot quicker. And if you just have a bag or something and we have a little platform on the metal now, we eliminate um you know a resident having to get into those tight quarters and they can just exit.

So, we're, you know, we got a couple more upgrades because, you know, we feel that um those containers with the uh the flip pieces of metal on the end. So, we want to try to eliminate that for safety as well. And we're going to put some small maybe fences across the bottom, which maybe will allow um residents to come up to the bins, you know, in the garbage area, but not completely get to

them. So when they throw it in, um the guys have been doing an extremely good job of cleaning up after themselves and and it it gets catchy. So thank you. Um because the um getting the appreciation and the notice um and that's what I tried to tell them. We tried to go after a small grant and we're still looking for it because I want to make sure that the guys are noticeable. sometimes

they're up there and we're not sure with the new guy, especially with the extra guy, you know, who is our employee and, you know, who's a resident. So, it's something that I want to do so that the residents can turn and maybe see, you know, when we in in the winter, we all have, you know, our high viz jackets and you know who it is. But in the summertime, I'm trying to get some maybe

some t-shirts or something with our logo on it so you can actually identify the res uh the worker and and that'll help them make smoothly. So, thank you so much for uh you know for the pat on the back.

Well, you guys earned it. So, and and and we have seen on occasion uh both uh people and vehicles end up in the containers. So, so I think some fencing is a good idea.

Great, Tim. Thank you.

All right. Uh Tim, you were in the middle. You had a couple more things on the grant.

Yeah. So the next um we also had applied with uh through the district uh for a grant award for food waste drop off equipment and we were awarded additional $3,000 uh and and this would also be applied towards uh you know for the for the work that goes towards the the food waste drop off.

And then lastly, we had also applied for an SMRP grant uh for COD cardboard recycling drop off equipment. Uh so this is a a higher cost equipment where we're looking to upgrade our cardboard compactor and and provide and transfer our existing compactor uh to the bought a school to provide them with a cardboard compactor. Uh the cost of this is over $32,000.

Um so we were looking at hoping hoping for the grant to to award at least a portion of of that purchase. Um and then the rest would be through RDP funds. Um so we were denied that grant this round.

Uh so I think we'll continue pursuing that and uh and look at hopefully we can put the cost with you know with a grant in in our RDP funds.

Right. Um now if I understand correctly Tim uh cardboard is very valuable as a recyclable material.

So, h how if if you had this equipment upgrade, would you be able to capture a larger percentage of recyclable cardboard, do you think?

Uh no, we we you know, we have we have our two containers. We have our our large open container and then we have a cardboard uh compactor for the smaller uh cardboard. Um it's just um you know the the I think the biggest problem is is some of the schools don't have um cardboard compactors and a lot of the cardboard ends up in the trash. So it would give them an opportunity uh to

recycle more and and and keep a lot of that out of the the waist stream and and ending up at at Crapo Hill.

Yeah. If you could do you have a number an estimate that how much would be diverted from the schools if you were able to follow through with everything you want to do.

I'm not I'm not sure what they use it, you know, how much cardboard they they send out. I know mostly I think at the beginning of the school season, you know, when when everything's coming in boxed and then and then all their shipping, but I'm not I'm not sure of of an actual tonnage.

Yeah.

Board from the school. I can request from Yeah, I might be able to look at some of the other schools what what they handle, you know, for cardboard and uh see if we can estimate from there. Yeah, that gives the state something to actually use as a basis for the award. So, even though it's not the primary purpose because of what it allows the town to do. Um, yeah.

Okay. Mike, do you have any other questions?

I do not.

Okay. All right. So, this is an update so we can move to uh the MEGA safety grant award.

Yes. So, we had also applied uh for a mega safety grant award through the state and we were awarded uh $5,000 towards uh safety equipment. Um so, this this round of this award is is being used to cover the cost of the purchase of two personnel safety hatches which will be installed on two of our at two of our sewer pump stations.

Okay. Any Mike any questions?

No.

Uh I have no questions. So the next item is uh discussion of public works call service.

Yes. I had asked him to uh put this on the agenda. Um, I had been looking at the city of New Bedford's 311 system whereby folks can call in, you know, um, uh, different issues relative to defects in the road or public works related uh, issues and concerns. And I I really think and I had a good conversation with Tim and he's going to have some conversation with uh Cody um about a system whereby

a call or an email somehow gets documented as having been made by a concerned citizen on a matter. But I think what's important is also that um the system have some robustness to it whereby when the uh town or employee uh or department head responds back that it's documented into a system. Um I think this would be very helpful both for the citizen and for the the department head.

um and also would be able to give us some kind of uh print out on the nature of frequency and type of uh calls for service uh that are received. Um I look at you know how busy uh the department heads are in the highway division and water and sewer and solid waste and you know I can understand sometimes maybe it's difficult for them to take a call

or get a call back and I think if we had a system in place you know that would be helpful. I've I've heard very good things about the 311 system uh in New Bedford and I think we ought to do a little deeper exploration about the possibility of implementing in our public works department.

Okay, I think that sounds like a good idea um for a number of reasons. It also gives us another way to reach out to the public so they're aware of of first of all that we this the town has a very broad scope of services that are provided but secondly um we care and the uh we care we want to hear from you part is really important. Um, by the way, and um,

I got a call from a resident about the speed signs on Elm Street, uh, the 30 mph signs, and it was very positive feedback. So, you know, two signs, very simple, Tim, um, and even though they're yellow signs, uh, it makes a difference. And I I don't know whether it's me or whether it's real, but I get the sense that people have slowed down a little on Elm Street, which was the whole point of the signs.

So anyway, I just thought I'd place to mention that even though they even though they're yellow, they give the same message. So yeah, and that's that's the uh that's the issue the point. Okay, that 311 system is an app base. If you go on to the city of New Bedford's uh uh home site, you can download the app. It comes up on your phone, which is great because if you're out and you see

something, you can just click the app and you can uh send the information on to the public works department and it's and it's part of the open gov uh software. So, we we currently use open gov software. So, um you know, and most of the software seems to work pretty well. I know the town had done a a portal which was on the website um uh for residents to reach out and contact

about any issues and also for the town to ship any projects on. Um and it it wasn't app-based and it didn't get much if any use uh so they they actually ended that uh program recently. Um, but I think an app-based, you know, program could could work a lot better because people want that, you know, application at their fingertips. Uh, so they can, you know, when they see something, they

want to I want to voice it at that point rather than wait to get on get home and log into a computer. So, right, like the saying goes, I have an app for that.

There's an app for that. Absolutely.

Well, and then there are those of us who are old enough that we try very hard not to put new apps on our phones.

So, and and some of us I know a few people like that.

Yeah. Well, some of us um have always avoided social media and I don't feel any the worse for avoiding social media.

I'll I'll say that in public.

Right.

If you want to get a hold, call me right. And I think, you know, a lot of people use social media uh to, you know, post complaints about different different things in in town, in every town, you know, if they have an outlet to, you know, and sometimes they're just asking how do you you know, how do you who do you complain to about this, you know, so so it you know, somebody says,

"Well, there's an app for that, you know."

Well, and a and a number 311 and and a number. Absolutely.

Pretty simple.

Okay. Um, yeah, I think that's a great idea, Mike. And, uh, so I I encourage Tim, you to uh see if that can actually happen.

Even if I don't have the app, put it back under old business. Keep it under old business so we can uh regularly visit.

Yeah, we can. Yeah, I agree. Okay. Um, committee updates.

Um, Mike, do you have anything?

I don't. Uh, I look forward to meeting with Tim and Cody and talking about the scope for the RFQ um relative to the operational study.

All right. Um, capital projects met last week. Uh, we discussed next steps. Um, and we're basically looking for more detail on some of the uh very large projects.

Um, I'm not sure how well all committee members understood um the public works uh water supply projects, but we had a good discussion on that. Um, and I think they came away with a better better uh feeling. Um that's all I have.

Uh next item is uh director updates. Tim.

All right. So just an update on a on a few projects. Um the Ellswick and Route Six uh pump station upgrade rebuild rebid is currently um being scheduled for advertisement on November 26th uh with the opening of electric filed sub bids on December 18th and general bids on January 15th. Um our our consultant Stantech is working on that advertisement and we we will assist any way we can to get that bid moving.

Um also um that you know that that project is to provide uh capacity for the preserve 40B uh project which which is currently uh advancing. they've installed uh the first phase of of sewer infrastructure and water infrastructure although uh they although they are you know they're pressuring uh to get uh water and sewer connection permits for multiple buildings um the the sewer is not completely

tested and the water pressure testing has not passed yet to date. So, we're holding, you know, we typically hold off any any uh permits to connect until the all the infrastructure is tested and has passed. Um they were um under their extension permit, I had approved them for a single building connection um with their also their clubhouse. Um but we looked at the we looked at the numbers as the estimate uh

in the pump station numbers uh in in in the calculations and we could we will allow them um to to connect four buildings so they can get their vertical construction underway as they don't have they can't just uh get the get the bank to approve uh for for one building when they have a number of buildings to be built I think 16. So they they uh they were looking for four buildings and and

working with a consultant, we could allow the the four buildings reconnected prior to the um upgrade. And that's mostly because um the Lincoln Park development has not been completed and they still have uh their last phase of mixed use in commercial um buildout hasn't been hasn't been completed. It hasn't even been been uh submitted for review of permitting. So, so that that flow hasn't

hasn't been introduced to the system.

So, you know, I think so we can allow that flow by the preserve since they they're ready to go.

Um, next the Any questions on that on either of those?

Yeah. Yes.

Mike, do you have any questions?

No, I don't. But um that I I I'm I'm a bit concerned at how much the initial bid was overrun by uh the estimate for that Ellswick uh street lift station. Um I sort of want to wait and see what those bids come in on the rebid. Um, but I think it if they come in and they're still over what the original amount was and um, we're going to need to have some discussion about

who is going to be paying for that additional amount.

Yep.

Yeah. And so what we yeah what we planned what we planned for the rebid is uh using a deductible alternate for the uh to put the the most crucial uh pump station up front and and and the uh less critical station u under the deductible alternate so we can at least move forward on on one of those stations uh as soon as possible.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

All right. Um I have no no comments. Next item, Tim.

Um just an update on the the uh the next residences of at Hawthon um 40B uh discussion. Uh their initial storm water review has been uh conducted by the peer review consultant and submitted. Um it was pretty thorough and although all of the uh design information isn't isn't there wasn't submitted by the developers and in their consultant. Um the uh the peer review took that into

cons consideration and commented on that and they were they were pretty thorough in their review. I had I had done a sitewalk with the with the peerreview consultant as well and and looked at looked at the site in and compared to the the design plans and they uh the peerreview consultant our our other review consultant for sewer and water is is also currently working on their review. Although

there's a substantial amount of of information and design data that's missing from the submitt um that they also taken that into consideration based on their review.

At what point Tim does the missing information get into the review uh and affect the discussion over approval?

Um it's I think it's it's kind of ongoing. Uh so as they don't really have a deadline to get information in um because they're you know they pretty much said this is all we're required to submit by the state at this point to have a full submitt. So they they submitted you know like a 25% you know complete package. So so as they submit more we'll complete more review

to see you know what what we have but I think I think the you know basically the estimated flows the flows can be estimated on the proposed numbers um of of dwellings but that has changed from their existing proposal. it it is it has been reduced uh due to the design of the site and the restrictions based on grading and uh you know and setbacks and whatnot. So you know some of their other

design I think uh through the comments um from our consultant and us based on location of of some of their facilities might might even further reduce the the number of housing units. Um, so, uh, we'll wait to see on their response to these comments.

And how does that affect the hearing schedule before the zoning board?

Uh, the hearings have been scheduled. Um so you know based on their you know their submittal of responses and and uh you know you know as long as our peerreview consultants are are meeting their deadlines um you know that I think they'll keep the meetings on schedule.

Um so I I don't think it will it'll it won't affect the meetings because the meetings will continue to be scheduled and and and held you know regardless of uh you know the lack of information you know from the from the developers.

But is it possible or um can it happen that the zoning board decides to take action and the information provided for these services is incomplete and therefore they just have to be careful. Yeah, they just have to be careful on their action because you know any anything that's appealed to the state uh usually uh gets awarded in favor of a developer. Um so yeah I I get that but I am uncomfortable

that there is there are changes to the project being made and the review is based on incomplete information our review and that there's uh I don't like whether not knowing whether the zoning board could take action on an incomplete what we assert is incomplete information.

No, I don't believe they would.

All right. So, you you'll keep us surprised and if there's any chance that the uh zoning board is going to consider an approval action on what the public works department believes is incomplete information.

Would you let us know as soon as you find out?

Sure. And they'll be, you know, they'll they'll also be working on a a negotiation of a comprehensive permit, you know, which is also a long drawn out uh task. Uh that that'll be future. And I think that that basically weighs heavily on the approval as well.

Yeah.

On that agreement of that.

I just I'm I'm uncomfortable with this process. I guess that in summary.

Yeah.

Um yeah, I think it's it's just a a poor process at the state level.

Yeah. Uh Mr. Gier, any other comments?

I don't.

Okay. Uh Tim, next item.

Um the next the Sherbrook Farms 40B.

Just an update on that. Um the the storm water review is is currently underway and we are planning a site visit and sitewalk with the peerreview consultant of that uh project site with uh with them this this Friday. So we we'll go out there meet with the consultant and uh and and walk the site and discuss any any uh any issues that we see uh based on the the submitted design.

They had we don't we're not working on uh the review yet for sewer and water but but they our peerreview consultant will be working on that uh shortly.

Tim do I recall that there's there are questions regarding waste disposal on that site.

Yes. Yes. Yep. and the the you know the developer uh is handling that with uh their own consultant and and reporting to the to the town on it.

So what kind of a challenge I this is a rhetorical question so you don't necessarily have to answer. What kind of a challenge does it pose to an evaluation of uh storm water controls on the site when there's no final cleanup uh or final clean even final cleanup plans of uh questionable waste disposal on the site?

Okay, that's a rhetorical question.

Well, I'll say it does definitely poses a challenge. Um and and in the past the town has required that uh that the consultant pay for a an LSP uh that the town would hire to oversee that and I believe this this is not happening on this site. So it does does pose a concern. So Mr. Ge any questions?

I don't but you raise a good point. Um you know once once the development is built if it is going to be permitted you have the question of you know unknown site conditions uh from previous you know activities and impact upon people that you know acquire those properties or live on those properties. A very good point.

I mean that and typically there'd be uh subsurface evaluations drilling um to determine what is what's been disposed of and also what kind of residual contamination there might be both in the soils and in uh groundwater.

And I note this isn't that far from one of our well fields.

Right.

Correct.

Okay. Um, any other questions?

Oh, Tim, next item.

Um, just uh so just an update. You know, we had we had an employee injured um at had an accident at the Capable Hill site. Um he um he is in stable condition, has gone through um multiple surgeries and uh you know we're hoping for the best for him um in his recovery.

Um he has a long road ahead so keep them in your thoughts.

All right. Uh what what kinds of um demonstrations of support do you think are important uh or appropriate to he or his family?

Uh so you know we've expressed our support uh especially through uh through Derek and Paul over the highway department um has been in complete contact with his with his family. Um um I know our you know our HR and and town administrator and HR director was at the highway department as well speaking to the current employees offering them support as well and you know and we'll be in touch with with his family. We're

offering you know we're taking that donation as well. Um and we have um we have a card going around if if the board members would wishing to sign it.

Yeah. Yeah. Just let us know please how we would uh sign the card and also if you could uh provide information about donations for their family.

Yeah. Yes, we'll do.

All right.

Mr. Chairman, questions.

Mr. Chairman, Derek Martin. Uh right now, just so you know, what we've been doing is um one of our drivers has kind of been going around here um with the G, you know, and then they leave the card with me. So, um the card is at the office. So, feel free if you guys have any, you know, some free time, you could stop by and we have the card here at the highway office right now.

All right.

Derek, just Derek and and Rob, just so you know, we have a card too here at the office. Okay, great.

All right.

Right. If there are no questions, uh Tim, any other items?

Uh just some update on staffing. So, you know, we're currently in the process of of of hiring an administrative clerk. Um uh we have we had extended an offer and uh they have accepted. So, they're looking to start on December 1st.

Good. uh which is great news. Um it's been an important position and it's been tough uh working without that being filled.

Um we're also uh in the process of of hiring another associate engineer. Uh offer has been accepted and they're working on a a scheduled start date.

Great.

Next, uh, our next thought is moving on the the billing clerk. We're holding off a little bit to get the get the admin clerk acclimated before we, uh, add another new personnel. Um, but I think if we're looking at moving forward with quarterly billing, um, I think that billing clerk is is crucial to that being successful. So, So, so I'll be working with HR to to to get that readvertised and uh and we we had

done some interviews on that uh position in in the past. Um but we had we had uh somebody take the position and then get an get an offer for a better paying position while she was here on her first day and she left. So, uh we'll work on uh refilling that position.

Um we also I Friday is uh our assistant superintendent of water. Uh also acting superintendent um Tony knows it's his last day is this Friday. uh he's moving on uh and we wish him well. And uh we've we've been interviewing uh candidates for uh his replacement as well.

Anything else, Tim?

That's about it for now.

Mike, do you have any questions or comments?

No, I'm good.

All right. Uh any anybody else have any questions or comments?

All right. Hearing none, I will entertain a motion to adjurnn.

Motion to adjourn.

Mr. Gier moves to adjourn the meeting.

Uh chair seconds. Mr. Gier, how do you vote?

Yes.

Chair votes yes. Our meeting is adjourned. Thank you all for your time.

I appreciate it.