Town of Hinsdale, Massachusetts Home COVID19 CONTACT DEPARTMENTS AGENDAS & MINUTES NEWS CALENDAR MORE WATER / SEWER COMMISSIONERS - Agendas & Minutes Find Next Meeting WATER / SEWER COMMITTEE AGENDA / November 15, 2021 at 10am Upstairs Conference Room, Town Hall, 39 South Street, Hinsdale, MA posted at 6:30pm on 11/9/2021 10:00 AM Call to Order Approve minutes of previous meeting Old Business – Timeline and history of this Committee New Business – Continuous leak report for October 2021 How to address the “narrative” going forward. Northgate proposal/Dave Prickett Consultant Private Water lines Water testing Any other business not reasonably anticipated Public Comment Meeting Adjournment WATER / SEWER COMMITTEE MINUTES / October 4, 2021 at 10am Present: Upstairs Conference Room, Town Hall, 39 South Street, Hinsdale, MA posted at 1:30pm on 11/17/2021 PRESENT: Laura Galliher, Mary Rice, Russ Parks ABSENT: Dick Eastland, Monica Montferret OTHERS: Bob Graves, Town Administrator, Tom Spiro, Water Sewer Administrator. The meeting was opened at 10:02 am. A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes of the August 30, 2021 meeting as written. The motion passed unanimously. Bob Graves reported that, to this date, Northgate has not re-submitted their application to the Zoning Board of Appeals. He also reported that Dave Prickett has not yet begun the Water Project that was funded at the ATM. We all discussed what this Committee should be tasked to do going forward. It was suggested by Bob Graves that we do a narrative on the History of the Water and various Sewer Systems that would be available for the public at any given time. We also should work on all the policy's adopted through the years and clean up any conflicting issues. This could be put on the website and available to everyone. Bob and the Committee gave a brief overview to Tom, our new Water Sewer Administrator. Mary will give him the timeline of our Committee and the issues we worked on, since it's inception in 2015. The next meeting of this Committee is Monday, November 15, 2021 at 10:00 am in the upstairs conference room at Town Hall. Respectfully submitted, Mary A. Rice, Secretary WATER / SEWER COMMITTEE AGENDA / October 4, 2021 at 10am Upstairs Conference Room, Town Hall, 39 South Street, Hinsdale, MA posted at 2:30pm on 9/29/2021 10:00 AM Call to Order Approve minutes of previous meeting Old Business New Business – review guidelines for Committee set by Select Board review original list of tasks 2015, completed and incomplete set goals for this Committee going forward review Town Administrator newsletter – re: Water/Sewer Northgate Continuous Leak Report August Water Sewer Administrator Any other business not reasonably anticipated Public Comment Meeting Adjournment WATER / SEWER COMMITTEE AGENDA / August 30, 2021 at 10am (rescheduled from August 23) Upstairs Conference Room, Town Hall, 39 South Street, Hinsdale, MA posted at 8:45am on 8/18/2021 rescheduled posting at noon on 8/23/2021 10am, Call to Order Approve Minutes of previous meeting Old Business New Business Any other business not reasonably anticipated Public Comment Meeting Adjournment WATER / SEWER COMMITTEE MINUTES / August 30, 2021 at 10am Present: Upstairs Conference Room, Town Hall, 39 South Street, Hinsdale, MA posted at 10:35am on 10/05/2021 Present: Laura Galliher, Mary Rice, Dick Eastland, Russ Parks, Monica Montferret The meeting was opened at 10am. A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes of the August 11, 2021 meeting as written. The motion passed with one abstention. The Committee discussed the lengthy history of this Committee with our newest member, and refreshed our memory as to what some of the issues were and are still ongoing. We also heard some concerns and questions expressed to our members from the public over the past few years. We will try to address some of these in future meetings and try to correct some of what may be misinformation. At our next meeting, we will focus on the original goals of this Committee and how we move forward from here in a positive and effective way. We will also prioritize our concerns and work off the original list of tasks set forward by the DEP mandate and our late Chairperson Laurel Scialabba from 2015. The next meeting of this Committee is Monday, October 4, 2021 at 10:00 am in the upstairs conference room at Town Hall. Respectfully submitted, Mary A. Rice, Secretary WATER / SEWER COMMITTEE AGENDA / August 11, 2021 at 6:30pm Downstairs, Community Room, Town Hall, 39 South Street, Hinsdale, MA posted at 6:30pm on 8/7/2021 6:30pm, Call to Order Reorganization of the Committee New Business Any other business not reasonably anticipated Public Comment Meeting Adjournment WATER / SEWER COMMITTEE MINUTES / August 11, 2021 at 6:30pm Downstairs, Community Room, Town Hall, 39 South Street, Hinsdale, MA posted at 8:30am on 8/31/2021 Present: Laura Galliher, Mary Rice, Dick Eastland, Russ Parks The meeting was opened at 6:30 pm. Reorganization of this Committee is as follows: Russ Parks, Chair; Mary Rice, Secretary Mary Rice said she posted this meeting to discuss our concerns with Water and Sewer issues related to the proposed RV park that is currently being reviewed by the Planning Board. The main purpose was to request that David Prickett, P.E., President, DPC Engineering, LLC be contacted to review this plan. This is the firm that was hired several years ago to review our current systems, including EDU's for Sewer 1 and Water, rates for Sewer 1, Water, Sewer 2 and Sewer 3. Bob Graves, Town Administrator, has forwarded those plans to Dave and has discussed this with him prior to this meeting. Bob will notify us when Dave Prickett gets back to him with his input. The Committee discussed some of the information presented by Monica Montferret who is on the Lake Management Committee. She has requested appointment to this Committee that will be voted on at the Select Board meeting following this one. The Committee will look into a few of these issues for our next meeting. Some of those issues involve reported abatements, sump pumps, list of all users on all systems, flow meters, pump stations, original list of tasks from 2015, (completed or yet to be) to name a few. The next meeting of this Committee is Monday, August 23, 2021 at 10:00 am in the downstairs Community Room at Town Hall. Respectfully submitted, Mary A. Rice, Secretary WATER / SEWER COMMISSIONERS AGENDA / May 26, 2021 at 6:30pm Downstairs, Community Room, Town Hall, 39 South Street, Hinsdale, MA posted at 1:15pm on 5/24/2021 Public may attend meeting in person and by zoom: Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84930460709 Meeting ID: 849 3046 0709 One tap mobile: +16468769923,,83541527424 # US (New York) 6:30 PM, Open Meeting Review/approve previous meeting minutes of April 28, 2021 Review Dave Prickett’s report Discussion about need for establishing a Water & Sewer Committee to report to SB and its mission and parameters Discuss and vote on FY22 Sewer Rate Structure Meeting Adjournment WATER / SEWER COMMISSIONERS AGENDA / April 28, 2021 at 6:30pm Downstairs, Community Room, Town Hall, 39 South Street, Hinsdale, MA posted at 2:15pm on 4/26/2021 Public may attend meeting in person or by zoom Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83123398327 Meeting ID: 831 2339 8327 Phone for dial-in: 646 876 9923 One tap mobile: +16468769923,,83541527424 # US (New York) 6:30 PM, Open Meeting Review/approve previous meeting minutes of March 5, 2021 Discuss and make decisions on abatements: Camp Emerson Discuss Rate Structure Meeting Adjournment WATER / SEWER COMMISSIONERS MINUTES / April 28, 2021 at 6:30pm Downstairs, Community Room, Town Hall, 39 South Street, Hinsdale, MA posted at 4:15pm on 6/5/2021 Public could attend meeting in person or by zoom Dick opened meeting at 6:34 p.m. asked if everyone could mute their phones. Ray made a motion to approve meeting minutes of March 5, 2021, Vivian seconded, all said Aye. Viv made a motion to abate 50% of sewer bill $3,850 and water bill of $1,200 for a one-time covid abatement of $2,525. Vivian said Aye, Dick said Aye. Ray abstained from vote. A check will be issued for a refund to Camp Emerson. Rate Structure is still on hold, pending Dave Prickett needed information from Diane. Another meeting needs to be conducted before July 1 to set new rates for sewer III as it is running in the red. Ray made a motion to adjourn meeting at 6:40 pm, Viv seconded, all said Aye. Respectfully submitted, Lynne Baumgartner WATER / SEWER COMMISSIONERS AGENDA / March 5, 2021 at 1pm Downstairs, Community Room, Town Hall, 39 South Street, Hinsdale, MA posted 9am 2/26/2021 updated at 9am on 3/1/2021 Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85634405303?pwd=NUg2SEFpc3h1dUQ1SWxwZTB6RDZVUT09 Meeting ID: 856 3440 5303 Passcode: 5501235 1:00 PM, Open Meeting Dave Prickett of DPC Engineering to attend via zoom to discuss three maintenance proposals Discuss and make decisions on abatements: Camp Taconic, Dave Duquette Continue previous discussion of optimal Water & Sewer Department organization Discuss creating policy for misuse of equipment Discuss early payoff of USDA loan Meeting Adjournment WATER / SEWER COMMISSIONERS AGENDA / October 21, 2020 at 10am Downstairs, Community Room, Town Hall, 39 South Street, Hinsdale, MA posted 8:50am 10/16/2020 Public may attend meeting in person or by phone: Teleconference 413-449-5095; code 706954 Open Meeting Review / Approve Previous Meeting Minutes August 27 meeting Discuss Sewer Policy for new connections Discuss Camp Romaca request for abatement Sewer hookup – Bill Salvini Any other business to come before the board Adjournment WATER / SEWER COMMISSIONERS AGENDA / August 27, 2020 at 10am Firehouse Pavilion, Maple Street, Hinsdale, MA NOTE: Meeting place has been changed to Downstairs, Community Room, Town Hall posted 8:40am 8/23/2020 amended 8/25/2020 Public may attend meeting in person or by phone: Teleconference 413-449-5095; code 706954 Open Meeting Review / Approve Previous Meeting Minutes June 10 meeting Discuss Continuous Leak Letter distribution and response over past months Discuss demand letter/tax lien protocol for non-payment of water bills. Discuss Water Meter Loan: Pay off loan? Eliminate January billing for meters? Discuss Camp Taconic request for abatement Discuss best way forward for Water Sewer Department Setting up SOPs, Completing mandated state filings; Enough time allotted for administrative duties? What does Superintendent need for best results? What does department look like 3 years out? 5 years? Any other business to come before the board Adjournment WATER / SEWER COMMISSIONERS MINUTES / August 27, 2020 at 10am Community Room, Downstairs, Town Hall, 39 South St, Hinsdale, MA posted 1:30pm 10/21/2020 Public attended meeting by phone: 413-449-5095; code 706954 Vivian opened meeting at 10:00 a.m. asked if everyone could turn off their phones. Ray made a motion to approve the June 10 meeting minutes as presented, Vivian seconded, both said Aye. Dick abstained. Viv said we are going to discuss the continuous leak distribution and response over the past few months. Boris has been vigilant about getting the letters out. They had several repeat leakers, two out of the three have past due accounts. We haven’t given out any fines since Covid-19. We cannot turn any Utilities off due to non-payment since the Governor issued the state of Emergency. After June, we can add fines but have yet to do so. If it continues after 90 days, you will be fined $50 a month plus they pay the additional water usage fees because of the continuous leak. Then it because part of the tax lien. When they do come in to pay property taxes, the monies go directly to pay off the overdue water bill/fines first, and leave the remaining balance open on their taxes, subject to interest. Dick said it doesn’t make sense to have a policy that is not effective or enforced. This issue is on hold. Mr. Kleinman from Camp Taconic sent in a request asking if his sewer bill can be reduced or abated due to lack of people there. The people staying at the camp went from 750 to less than 100. Bud noticed that the meter was off since last October 2020; and read zero since then. Discussion followed, Dick make a motion to award a one-time abatement of 50%; Ray seconded, all said Aye. Credit will be on his next bill. Discuss the $175,000 Water Meter Loan Pay off the remaining balance. Cost of each meter was $625; so for 10 payments over five years equals $62.50 for 280 water meter users. Three hundred twenty-three people are paying for water meters, the funds have come in and we have obtained more money than needed to pay off the water meter loan. Dave Prickett had a letter with options for paying off the loan. The January 2021 billing for $62.50 would not necessarily have to be collected. However these meters have a 20yr life expectancy, with a 15yr warranty. Should the meters break, if we have no money in this reserve fund, where does the money come from? Discussion followed and it was decided to collect the final payment in January and keep as a reserve fund. An email was sent asking when the Betterments end… 2039 is the answer. Going forward we don’t want to undermine Bud. He is the department head. All the discussions should start with Bud, and if he needs to find past answers or the best way forward for Water Sewer Department – he should be asked the initial questions. The Finance Chair send in a list of questions, that we do not have time for today. So Viv is requesting more time to review and think about solutions at the next meeting, such as setting up SOPs, completing mandated state filings; is there enough time allotted for administrative duties? What does Superintendent need for best results? What does department look like 3-5 years out? Ray made a motion to adjourn at 11:18 a.m., Dick seconded, all said Aye. Respectfully submitted, Lynne Baumgartner WATER / SEWER COMMISSIONERS AGENDA / June 10, 2020 at 6:30pm Community Room, Downstairs, Town Hall, 39 South St, Hinsdale, MA posted 4:40pm 6/8/2020 Public may attend meeting in person or by phone: Teleconference 413-449-5095; code 706954 Open Meeting Approve minutes from January 24, 2020 Discuss Continuous Leak Letter distribution and response over past months Appoint Scott Forgey to Water/Sewer Operator position Discuss Camp Emerson request for abatement Discuss Sewer pump replacement plan Discuss letter/tax lien protocol for non-payment of water bills Any other business to come before the board Adjournment WATER / SEWER COMMISSIONERS MINUTES / June 10, 2020 at 6:30pm Community Room, Downstairs, Town Hall, 39 South St, Hinsdale, MA posted 11:30am 8/31/2020 Present: Select Board, Town Administrator, Administrative Assistant Rich opened meeting at 6:30 p.m. Ray made a motion to approve the January 24 meeting minutes as presented, Vivian seconded, all said Aye. Viv said that we started sending continuous leak notices out in January. The numbers since dropped from 40 down to 5 which is good news. Discussion followed. Kevin McDonough from Camp Emerson is requesting a $4,000 abatement. He supplied history on his water usage over the past years. He paid his recent $14,809 bill in full. After much discussion, Viv made a motion to authorize the abatement for $4,000, Ray seconded, all said Aye. He thanked the Board very much since he cannot open this year because of COVID pandemic. Superintendent Bud Hall announced that Scott Forgey took over the slot where Dalton Noel left off. He is Bud’s lead person for Water/Sewer issues within the department. Bud said that he is trying to replace the sewer pumps for each of the five pump stations. Lenore station has a lot of issues. The cost estimate to fix is $6,000. Bob suggests expediting a new one, as it is critical. Boris informed us that there are 77 people who haven’t paid their water bills; 22 out of those were $5 or less. He sent out a final notice letter with a pay date of June 29 as a reminder saying that the unpaid water bill becomes a tax lien on the property. We received a letter from Patrick Mehr, on Rose Drive, with an issue of clear stagnant water on his property. It has been explained that this is not the Town’s responsibility, it is part of the Rose Drive private water project which is from Camp Emerson. A letter will be sent from the commissioners explaining we cannot help. Question was raised on Water & Sewer clerical staffing. Viv response was, the Select Board hasn’t forgotten about the issue, but because of COVID we are a little behind. Comment from Rich: he thanked folks for helping with the Water & Sewer Committee, (Mary Rice, Laura Galliher and Bonnie Conner who were present at tonight’s meeting. Not present were Russ Parks and Dick Eastland). Viv made a motion to adjourn at 6:59 p.m. and Ray seconded, all said Aye. Respectfully submitted, Lynne Baumgartner WATER/SEWER COMMISSIONERS AGENDA / January 24, 2019 at 9:30am Community Room, Downstairs, Town Hall, 39 South St, Hinsdale, MA posted 10:45am 1/21/2020 AMENDED at 11:40am Open Meeting Approve minutes of January 8, 2020 Discuss and adopt abatement policy Discuss and adopt Continuous Leak Letter and discuss SOPs going forward Discuss possible early payoff of USDA water loan Final comments, if any Adjournment WATER / SEWER COMMISSIONERS MINUTES / January 24, 2020 at 9:30am Community Room, Downstairs, Town Hall, 39 South St, Hinsdale, MA posted 10:30am 6/12/2020 Present: Select Board, Admin. Asst., Water/Sewer Superintendent Bud Hall 9:32 a.m. Rich opened the meeting Viv made a motion to accept the January 8th minutes as written, Rich seconded. Viv and Rich voted aye; Ray abstained since he was absent on January 8, 2020. Rich read aloud the proposed abatement policy to be adopted by Hinsdale Water/Sewer Commissioners within 45 days of the request. An abatement would be allowed on a case by case basis on the usage only. Vivian made a motion to approve the policy, Ray seconded, Rich stated it would be going forward, all said Aye. Rich read aloud the proposed Continuous Leak letter and discussed standard operating procedures going forward. Water running through the meter every 15 seconds over several days triggers a report. The letter would be mailed out first class. The board will monitor usage for the next 30 days, and a 2nd notice will be sent, If it continues after 2nd notice, user will be fined $50 a month until the problem is corrected. Residents can use as much water as they need, but a continuous leak is water going through that meter every 15 seconds, night and day, 24/7. It could be just a drip which causes them to be on the continuous leak report. Ray made a motion to approve the continuous leak letter, Viv seconded, all said Aye. We received a letter from Treasurer to consider paying off USDA water loan. To pay the principal amount, which is due on June 9, it would save $45M in interest. We would still have enough funds in surplus for catastrophic emergencies. This item may go on the Annual Town Warrant for vote if we think it has merit. We will table the discussion until we hear back from our advisor, David Prickett. Viv made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:17 a.m. Rich seconded, all said Aye. Respectfully submitted, Lynne Baumgartner WATER/SEWER COMMISSIONERS AGENDA / January 8, 2020 at 6:45pm Community Room, Downstairs, Town Hall, 39 South St, Hinsdale, MA posted 3pm 1/2/2020 Open Meeting Review / Approve the minutes from December 11 meeting Formulate policy regarding abatements vs. unpaid personal property taxes Discuss abatement request time limit (Select Board Meeting follows immediately after) WATER / SEWER COMMISSIONERS MINUTES / January 8, 2020 at 6:45pm Community Room, Downstairs, Town Hall, 39 South St, Hinsdale, MA posted 2pm 1/24/2020 Present: Vivian Mason, Rich Kardasen – Ray Bolduc was out sick Rich announced Vivian would chair this meeting since we would go right into the Select Board meeting immediately following this one. Vivian opened Meeting at 6:45. Rich made a motion to approve December 11 meeting minutes, Viv seconded, both said Aye. Viv said we are trying to come up with a consistent Policy regarding abatements. Considerations: A time line in which to file. Do you have to pay the bill in full before you have to apply for an abatement? For real estate or personal taxes, you pay within the 30-day time limit to avoid penalty charges such as interest and late fees. The assessors have up to 90-days to decide to take action. If an abatement is given, it can go back to the Treasurer’s office, and that money can be applied to whatever else that person owes in outstanding debt. Discuss abatement request time limit – Bob suggested making it a 60-day period beyond the invoice date. That way residents would get the invoice once, and in 30 days receive second notice with late fee added on. So the town would prove due diligence. Rich made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:00 p.m. to go directly into the Select Board meeting, Viv seconded. Respectfully submitted, Lynne Baumgartner WATER / SEWER COMMISSIONERS MINUTES / December 11, 2019 at 6:30pm Community Room, Downstairs, Town Hall, 39 South St, Hinsdale, MA posted 4pm 1/9/2020 Present: Water/Sewer Commissioners Ray Bolduc, Rich Kardasen, Vivian Mason; Water & Sewer Administrator Larry Turner; DPC Consultants – Dave Prickett & James Rivers Rich opened the meeting. Ray made a motion to approve the September 11 meeting minutes as presented; Vivian seconded, all said Aye. Jim Rivers, Staff Engineer showed a presentation about the Phase I and II Infiltration and Inflow Study. David Prickett followed up and congratulated everyone in the room for doing a great job. He said the Town of Hinsdale’s Sewer System’s net worth is $40 million. The Sewer department provides preventative maintenance, instead of waiting for a repair to occur, new pipes and parts were replaced so the system could perform without incidence. Larry keeps his paperwork in order, and has a good communicate flow with Massachusetts DEP. Report from the Superintendent Larry proposes to not bill residents for the remaining 3 periods for water meters. Currently, there is a surplus in the Water Revenue account. It would relieve them of paying $62.50 off their next three water bills. He said there is no projected capital expenditure in the near future. The pumps were replaced that were given an “erroneous” reading on the magnesium levels in the town water. DPC Engineering’s advice after reviewing Town of Hinsdale’s data for 2 years, it was up to the town, to keep the money in a surplus account or to pay down the water meter loan and eliminate a high-interest debt. Water leak at Camp Emerson was discovered after 2 weeks – discussion followed whether the town should bill the camp in full for 85730.8 cf divided by 100 x $5.80, $4,972.39. After asking DPC Engineering’s advice, Viv made a motion to charge them the full invoice, with a payment plan arrangement if necessary. Ray seconded the motion, all in favor said Aye. Discussion of Water & Meter loans –Larry proposes that the surplus will be $440K at the end of FY2020; we could pay off the water meter payment of $35K and the loan payment of $122K to eliminate a $46K interest charge. Discussion followed and no vote was made until the plan is proposed to the Finance Committee for review. Discuss future of Water & Sewer Department – Larry announced his retirement within the next year. There is a backup water operator, Nate Murphy within Phase 1 of training. Sewer portion may be given back to the DPW for continued preventative maintenance. There were be more personnel that would need to be hired. Vivian made a motion to adjourn at 8:03 p.m.; Rich seconded the motion, all said Aye. Respectfully submitted, Lynne Baumgartner WATER/SEWER COMMISSIONERS MINUTES / September 11, 2019 at 1pm Community Room, Downstairs, Town Hall, 39 South St, Hinsdale, MA posted 9:30am 12/13/2019 Present: Water & Sewer Commissioners Ray Bolduc, Rich Kardasen, Vivian Mason; Water & Sewer Administrator Larry Turner Viv opened the meeting. Report from the Superintendent Larry said we have a high Manganese level coming out of the tank. He has been in contact with Deirdre Doherty and Cathy Wanat from DEP. It is harmful to those under the age of 1 year drinking the water. Larry was also in touch with Bob Hoyt from DEP to isolate the problem. The issue may be the pump that brings water back up to the plant. A new pump is going to be installed in a few days. Current pump may have a buildup of manganese in it. Pump runs constantly, pH and chlorine levels are constantly being read. We want to integrate it smoothly with a different type of pump, and replumb it. A+ plumbing, Rick DeGeorgis will install it in the next couple of days. Bernie takes readings on 1) raw water, 2) filtered water, and 3) water coming out of the tank. Going into the tank, manganese level is low, coming out of the tank, levels are high. Notification letters were written last Friday, September 6, mailed out Monday, September 9. No feedback as yet from the letter. To head off any complaints, we will buy a pallet of cases of water, and make it available to the townspeople affected. The water will be stored here at Town Hall. Rich wants us to be proactive. If we have extra cases, we can store it somewhere to avoid freezing in the winter months. On the sewer side, two pumps were installed and checked for Ashmere. Sewer Department has a control on causeway. Yesterday they cleaned all pump stations, performed twice a year, takes a full day to do all five. All of Plunkett Lake grinder pumps chambers have been serviced. Hopefully we can start on Ashmere Lake, there are 200 altogether. Trying to fix chambers on a few that show cracks, rather than replace, will be taking a look again in the spring. The cracks are above the water line so the sewage stays in the chamber. In twenty years, we found some sediments, but we don’t have to clean them every year, every two or three would be sufficient. Abatement discussion. One hundred thirty-five late notices (25%) went out in the mail (down from previous year which was 170). Total bills = 700 bills go out twice a year. So far this billing period, two abatements totaling $21 based on the average water usage for six months. In earlier billings, four households got abatements where the people left the water running over the winter, because the water main isn’t low enough between the main and the curb stop. Average of the last 3 summer months, and average it over the winter months to be accurate. Five households, one on Robinson Road, would have been paying over $2,800! He took 3 months of the summer, and looked at the winter months average; came up with an abatement of $2,049. Larry discussed this over with Bob. The household was told they would have to pay it next time, if they didn’t adjust their usage. Billing error and meter error. Water will freeze between main isn’t low enough between the main and the curb stop at Gary Daniels, Mrs. Anthony, John Ferrin and Country Road Estates, bleeder going through master meter. Bleeder puts water through meter as a constant flow, so no stagnant water. Jericho Road and Buttermilk Road so the line doesn’t freeze. Going forward, requests for abatements will come to commissioners for vote of approval. Talking about department after Larry retires: Water Treatment and superintendent position will be hard to find someone to do both positions; might be especially difficult to find a water treatment and/or superintendent candidate willing to take on the sewer piece. Superintendent might need a clerk to perform the billing aspect of the job. Rich made a motion to obtain a pallet of water, Ray seconded, all in favor said Aye. Rich made a motion to adjourn; Ray seconded the motion, all said Aye. Respectfully submitted Lynne Baumgartner WATER/SEWER COMMISSIONERS AGENDA / December 11, 2019 at 6:30pm Community Room, Downstairs, Town Hall, 39 South St, Hinsdale, MA posted 2pm 12/9/2019 Open Meeting Approve minutes of last meeting, September 11 Discuss David Prickett’s analysis Water leak at Camp Emerson Discussion of Water & Meter loans Discuss future of Water & Sewer Department Adjournment WATER/SEWER COMMISSIONERS AGENDA / September 11, 2019 at 1pm Select Board Meeting Room, Upstairs, Town Hall, 39 South St, Hinsdale, MA posted noon 9/9/2019 Open Meeting Superintendent’s Report Policies: Abatement and Other Planning Ahead Adjournment WATER/SEWER COMMISSIONERS MINUTES / June 26, 2019 at 6pm Community Room, Downstairs, Town Hall, 39 South St, Hinsdale, MA posted 11am 7/22/2019 Set Water & Sewer Rates for FY2020 – The meeting opened with Larry passing out FY19 Water rates; and FY20 Sewer Rates. Larry Turner spoke about a proposal to eliminate the water meter fee of $125. He said we would need a special town meeting to vote on this proposal. Right now there is enough surplus funds in the budget. All we need to keep in surplus is one-year water meter payments which is mandated by the DOR. If we eliminate the meter fee, and keep the rates the way they are right now, we will still have enough in surplus for the minimum requirement. The water usage is $5.80 per 100 cubic feet which is comparable to other towns. This base rate was set to pay Town’s outstanding debt. Mary Rice and Laura Galliher spoke about their 3-4 year commitment to the Water & Sewer Commissions committee. They want to see analysis by David Prickett’s team before eliminating the meter fee. They feel it should be eliminated perhaps in the 4th year. They asked if we can find out what David Prickett’s recommendation would be. Rich made a motion to eliminate the water meter fee; Ray seconded and before Vivian could say Aye; there was discussion and the motion was rescinded. The Select board asked for more information before making a decision, perhaps even delaying the mailing of the water bills. Rich then made an amendment to the motion, to give the committee, Select Board, and Larry 30 days to process David Prickett’s analysis. The Water & Sewer Commissioners members, Larry Turner and the Select Board will meet again before the water bills go out at the end of July 2019 to go over year end numbers and loan figures to decide if we should eliminate the water meter fee; or lower the water rates and which loan to pay off if we have surplus in the account. Discussion on Loan payoff – use the surplus funds to pay off the Sewer loan with the highest interest rate, without any penalties for paying early. Diane will be asked to provide details. Rich made a motion to accept and approve the Sewer I Rates as NO CHANGE in FY20; Ray seconded, all said Aye. Since Dalton did not increase our rates on Sewer II, Rich made a motion to accept and approve the Sewer II Rates as NO CHANGE in FY20; Ray seconded, all said Aye. Larry proposed an increase of $25 on Sewer III rates. Rich made a motion to accept and approve the Sewer III Rates as a $25 increase in FY20; Ray seconded, all said Aye. Vivian recommended that there should be follow-up to find out what Pittsfield and Dalton are currently charging for Water & Sewer rates. Rich made a motion to adjourn at 6:50 p.m. Ray seconded the motion, all said Aye. Respectfully submitted, WATER/SEWER COMMISSIONERS MINUTES / July 22, 2019 at 9am Community Room, Downstairs, Town Hall, 39 South St, Hinsdale, MA _ posted 3:40pm 8/15/2019 Present: Water & Sewer Commissioners Ray Bolduc, Rich Kardasen, Vivian Mason; TA Bob Graves, Ad. Asst. Lynne Baumgartner, Water & Sewer Administrator Larry Turner Vivian opened the meeting and asked for a motion to approve the meeting minutes from June 26, 2019. Ray made a motion to accept the minutes as presented, Rich seconded, Viv agreed and all signed them. Set Water Rates for FY2020 – The meeting opened with Larry passing out Hinsdale Water Department Water Policy. Larry Turner spoke about a proposal to eliminate the water meter fee of $125. Right now there are enough surplus funds in the budget. All we need to keep in surplus is one-year water meter payments which is mandated by the DOR. If we eliminate the meter fee, and keep the rates the way they are right now, we will still have enough in surplus for the minimum requirement. The water rate is $5.80 per 100 cubic feet which averages 750 gallons usage. This base rate was set to pay the town’s outstanding debt. David Prickett wanted to review 2 years’ worth of data and Larry provided the 2 years’ worth of data to him. Larry’s goal is to offer the residents the best water at the cheapest price, overcharging the residents by adding to that surplus is not the goal. If we have an extra $88,000 why wouldn’t you pay down your debt? We can use that extra money now or wait one more year to do so as the consultant advised. The town has a young system, so we are not expecting any water main breaks. Why wait another year? This could save the town over $40,000 in interest fees, to use the surplus funds to pay off the sewer loan with the highest interest rate, without having any penalties for paying early. Viv stated the Town hired a consultant for his advice. We should wait until next year to take off the water meter fee. Residents were told and are expecting to pay this meter fee for five years, which would leave two more years. Rich suggested that we maintain and keep the meter fee the way it is for now. Following consultant’s advice has paid off so far. Any opportunity that we have to pay down debt is a great idea. Rich makes a motion to maintain the water rates consistent to last year’s rates, Ray seconded, all in favor, said Aye. Review and Approve Water Policy Changes - #2 should read Water base rate fees will be paid in advance. Water usage fees are billed and paid after usage amount is determined. You pay in advance for base rate, and you are paying in arrears for usage. The rest of the policy remains the same. Rich made a motion to approve the Policy as amended; Ray seconded, and those in favor, all said Aye. Future of Water and Sewer Committee – Rich stated as Chair as of the previous meeting, they agreed to meet only once a quarter to check the progress of the finances; follow along to see what kind of changes are happening and to make suggestions. This committee will not micro-manage the Water/Sewer department. Fiscal year ends 2020, when term stops after David Prickett’s analysis is complete – committee will be dissolved. Larry provides hands-on knowledge of what is going on his departments. If he has any issues or problems he reports to Select Board and to Bob. Committee was formed to take care of a certain problem -- 2014 Sanitary Survey that we received by DEP, or take a $25,000/day fine. At that point, Larry admitted he did need help. Committee worked hard to get that chore done. Everyone pitched in. Laurel suggested we find a consultant for outside input (professional advice which was David Prickett Consultants). Now the committee has served its purpose. There is no other Water & Sewer superintendent that has a committee to oversee their position. Ray made a motion to dissolve the Water & Sewer Committee with our thanks, Rich seconded the motion, all said Aye. Short discussion followed about retirement within the Water Department within the next year. Rich made a motion to adjourn at 10:05 a.m. Ray seconded the motion, all said Aye. Respectfully submitted, Lynne Baumgartner Lynne Baumgartner WATER/SEWER COMMISSIONERS AGENDA / July 22, 2019 at 9am Community Room, Downstairs, Town Hall, 39 South St, Hinsdale, MA _ posted 2:20pm 7/17/2019 Set Water & Sewer Rates for FY2020 Review and Approve Policy Statement changes (2) Future of the Water and Sewer Committee WATER/SEWER COMMITTEE AGENDA / July 16, 2019 at 2pm Select Board Meeting Room, Upstairs, Hinsdale Town Hall, 39 South St, Hinsdale MA posted 4;22pm 7/11/2019 Open Meeting Discuss Water Rates for FY2020 Discuss future of the Water & Sewer Committee Discuss David Prickett’s analysis Adjournment WATER/SEWER COMMISSIONERS AGENDA / June 26, 2019 at 6pm Community Room, Downstairs, Town Hall, 39 South St, Hinsdale, MA posted 11:15am 6/24/2019 Set Water & Sewer Rates for FY2020 Discussion on Loan payoff Discussion on updating Water & Sewer Policies WATER/SEWER COMMITTEE MINUTES / December 3, 2018 at 1:30pm Upstairs Meeting Room, Town Hall, 39 South St, Hinsdale, MA Select Board members present: Harvey Drosehn, Rich Kardasen, Viv Mason Other employees & public present: Bob Graves, Kathe Warden, Larry Turner Harvey opens the meeting at 1:30pm and turns it over to Larry Turner. Meeting is being recorded. Discuss and possible vote on all Water & Sewer rates for the next billing cycle. Larry explains that Sewer II and all the others have good commitment coming in. Sewer I has a good $150,000 surplus in the budget. There is enough surplus in the budget not to increase the rate for one more year. Currently at $160 per year, which equates to $80 per billing period. Sewer II’s setup is hooked up to Dalton’s private system. We did see a rise in cost from $156 to $187; $31 a unit what Dalton has billed us. We did figure in some surplus and have administrative cost. Rich makes a motion to increase Sewer II bills by $31 effective with the next billing period, with an explanation as to why, Viv seconded the vote, all vote aye. Sewer III’s surplus is flat with $35,000 in each fiscal year with a budget of $133,000. $425 per edu. The plan is to get each sewer district a surplus of one year expenses. Cannot suggest increasing their rate -- Dalton gives us percentage of meter reading to give us exact figures; pump figures out of Ashmere & Plunkett pumps. Recommend leaving Sewer I and III the same. Surplus on Water budget $268,464 the commitment was $381,097 first we were going to bring in $111,000 surplus money on water usage rates. It will take 2 or 3 years to figure it out. Loans to pay out of budget. Proposed changes, no change. Non-residential EDU assessment for July 2019 We hired Dick Prickett to do a sewer usage study on meter readings & EDU figures mostly for our summer camps, and school. The figures were to decide if we should increase the rate, including the water usage. For the camps, he could not use the same formula based on water usage and sewer usage. School was using more water than realized, so we need to start charging more, and their sewer bill would increase as well. Rich made motion to accept Mr. Prickett’s recommendations to adjust non-residential EDU figures to comply with the meter usage starting Jan 1, 2019. Viv seconded motion, all said Aye. Discuss Lenore Project sewer hook-up fees. – Larry has a letter from 1998 he found with other easements in a box of files to Mr. Maxymillian. This letter is to confirm that the Lenore Development is not included in the Phase III Sewer project. Larry asks if they have an agreement with Town of Hinsdale for the one-time hookup fee of $800 paid along with the permit fee? This would prove that the Town had a commitment to hook up sewers in 1998. Harvey noted they cannot charge to hook them into Sewer III per “the letter”. EDU Usage is there, we will get compensated… Just sewer, not the water on Lenore, billed under Sewer I rates. No charge for betterments under Sewer III; configured into Sewer I EDUs. Allegrone is hooking up all private homes to pump stations. Larry wants okay to not charge hookup fees. Letter of update on agreement to Legal. Harvey said our only responsibility is at the pump. No infrastructure responsibility. Rich made a motion for an update on agreement to be reviewed by Legal, Viv seconded, all voted aye. In other news, Bob meet with a Consultant, regarding organizing & storing all the files in this building. He plans on putting together a proposal for this year’s budget to have all documents in this building stored on a Mainframe database. The whole process will only take 2 to 3 weeks. Rich noted FEMA would approve for continuity in government to have consistency for all paperwork. Discuss fee structure for properties where access is available but not utilized or on system but have been abandoned. There are houses in Hinsdale that can take advantage of the Sewer running by their property but choose to have a Septic System and a well. Larry says there is no written policy about if the sewer goes by your house, you pay to be a part of the system, if you are using it or not. Viv doesn’t agree. Viv makes a motion to have Larry & Bob draft a policy to present Water & Sewer Commissioners. Rich seconded the motion, all in favor Aye. Public Comments - none Rich wanted to Thank Larry for all the work he has done working with Mr. Prickett & the committee. He forewarns about the future if he had to find a replacement for his position. Rich made a motion for Meeting Adjournment at 2:38 p.m. Viv seconded the motion, all voted aye. WATER/SEWER COMMISSIONERS AGENDA / December 3, 2018 at 1:30pm Community Room, Town Hall, 39 South St, Hinsdale, MA posted 8:30pm 11/29/2018 Discuss and possible vote on all Water & Sewer rates for the next billing cycle. Discuss and possible vote on non-residential EDU assessment for July 2019. Discuss Lenore Project sewer hook-up fees. Discuss fee structure for properties where access is available but not utilized or on system but have been abandoned. Public Comments Meeting Adjournment WATER/SEWER COMMITTEE MINUTES / October 1, 2018 at 1:30pm Upstairs Meeting Room, Town Hall, 39 South St, Hinsdale, MA posted 6pm 11/27/2018 Members Absent Others Bob Graves, Town Admin. Rich Kardasen, Select Board Larry Turner, WS Admin Dick Eastland Russ Parks Mary Rice Laura Galliher The meeting was called to order at 1:28 pm. There were no minutes from our last meeting on July 23, 2018. Mary Rice agreed to put some together as she had taken some notes. They will be done for our next meeting, and include June 11, 2018 as well. There was a motion made and seconded to nominate Rich Kardasen as Chairman, the motion passed unanimously. A motion was made and seconded to nominate Mary Rice as Secretary, the motion passed unanimously. The Committee reviewed the “Evaluation of EDU Counts for Non-Residential Sewer Customers” prepared by our consultant Dave Prickett from DPC Engineering, LLC. Larry reported an issue at the Verizon building where the meter is recording excessive usage. It has been determined there is no leak, and the meter is working properly. He is working with Verizon officials to figure this out and suspects there is some electronic interference with the meter on an irregular basis. He also reported several other customers, one being Camp Danbee, have not been charged the correct EDUs and that will be corrected. A motion was made and seconded to adjust the EDUs per Dave Prickett's report with the exception of Camp Danbee and Verizon as discussed. This Committee's recommendation will be reviewed and voted on by the Water Sewer Commissioners at their next meeting. The Committee discussed the July billing, continuing I & I work on the rest of the manholes, Sewer II billing increase from Dalton, Sewer III pump station issues, Belmont reservoir drain, other related issues with the gatehouse and the Master Plan. A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 2:34 pm. The motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Mary A. Rice, Secretary WATER/SEWER COMMITTEE AGENDA / November 26, 2018 at 1:30pm Select Board Meeting Room, Town Hall, 39 South St, Hinsdale, MA posted at 10:30am on 11/20/2018 Open Meeting Review minutes of previous meetings Review non-residential Sewer rates Discuss a rate change for Sewer 2 Review residential water rates prior to January 2019 billing Update on July 2018 billing – flat fee vs. usage revenue Any other business to come before the committee Meeting Adjournment Archived Agendas Water Sewer Agenda 10.1.18 Water Sewer Agenda 7.25.18 Water Sewer Agenda 2.5.18 Water Sewer Agenda 1.9.18 Archived Minutes Water Sewer Minutes 7.25.18 Water Sewer Minutes 7.23.18 Water Sewer Minutes 7.9.18 Water Sewer Minutes 6.11.18 Water Sewer Minutes 1.9.18 Water Sewer Minutes 10.4.17 Water Sewer Minutes 7.10.17 TOWN HALL | 39 SOUTH STREET | HINSDALE, MA | 01235 | 413-655-2300 Please send information and photos to: website@hinsdalema.gov Please allow 3 days before publication . 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