HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 11/24/2008IMA Study Group Meeting
November 24, 2008 6:OOPM
Members:
Mansfield: None were able to attend
Foxboro: Leo Potter, Foxboro Water & Sewer Superintendent
Norton: Diane McElligott, New Member (first meeting)
Also in Attendance: Jay Barrows, State Representative
Lee Azinheira, Mansfield DPW Director
David Young, CDM
Duane Knapp, Norton Water & Sewer Superintendent
Fran Yanuskiewicz, Weston & Sampson
Discussions:
The following is a brief summary of discussions in the order listed on on the meeting
agenda:
1. Flow Commitment Updates
Jay Barrows as a representative from each community to provide an update on the
wastewater flow they will be requesting so that future scenarios can be narrowed.
Mansfield — Lee Azinheira and David Young discussed that Mansfield had
recently completed a flow projection update to the one done in 2002. Based on current
recommendations developed by staff and CDM, Mansfield will be requesting 450,000
gpd; a slight increase. Also the Town of Easton is now evaluating their potential
wastewater options and may be requesting 100,000 gpd as a customer to Mansfield.
Foxboro — Leo Potter said he believes the town will be requesting 300,000 gpd.
However, if more support doesn't develop quickly they may even lower that value to
100,000 gpd to just meet their very minimum needs.
Norton — Norton representatives indicated they will be requesting 335,000 gpd for
the town and expect to add 180,000 gpd to address Wheaton College needs.
In summary, the flows range from about 1.0 to 1.4 mgd. Each community needs to send a
letter to the Town of Mansfield indicating their requested flow commitment. Target
should be no later than the January meeting.
2. Wheaton College Discussions with Wheaton
Norton has had a couple recent meetings with Wheaton College officials but doesn't
expect to meet with them again until January. Wheaton is looking for 180,000 gpd in the
future. Their current NPDES permit is for 120,000 gpd. Their current flow when school
is in session is around 60,000 gpd.
There was some discussion about how Wheaton flows would be connected to the WPCF.
Under all scenarios they would be a customer to Norton, One scenario would be to
connect Wheaton now and move their 120,000 gpd NPDES permit over to the existing
WPCF permit. They would buy into the WPCF per the IMA terms and then pay for
60,000 gpd of future expansion. A second scenario would be for Wheaton to come in as
part of the expansion for 180,000 gpd.
Norton is reviewing several pricing options to accomplish the Wheaton connection. Lee
Azinheira requested a copy of the recent "connection fee" study so he could verify
assumptions utilized for costs at the WPCF. Norton will provide a copy.
3. Effluent Recharge Sites
It was noted that Norton was not likely to receive an SRF Loan for acquiring the Pine
Street effluent disposal sites.
David Young noted the Nature Conservancy had contacted him for a copy of the effluent
disposal evaluation report on the Reilly Property. They reported they are working with
the Reilly's to create conservation restrictions on some of the property. Reilly's are
seeking ways to lower taxes on their property.
Mr. Kok also contacted Mr. Young for an update who indicated flow commitments had
not been made yet and likely would not be known until early 2009.
Norton Water and Sewer Commissioners (WSC) will consider options for the town to
consider in terms of working with the property owners to try and lower taxes. They will
also begin internal discussions about sponsoring a town meeting article to appropriate
land appraisal costs for both sites. This would aide in acquisition discussions or potential
eminent domain processes. The Norton WSC will report back to Mr. Young after their
next meeting as he owes a return call to the Reilly's and Kok"s.
4. Action Items
• Flow commitment letters should be submitted by January IMA Meeting
• Norton to provide connection fee cost report to Lee Azinheira
• Jay Barrows to confirm filing date for Wastewater District Legislation
• Communities to review Spring Town Meeting article submissions (unlikely any
design money will be sought, may seek land appraisal fees, etc.)
• Complete CWMPs in Spring/Summer timeframe.
Future Meetings:
December 15, 2008 (Postponed till 12- 23 -08) 6:OOPM