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Sunday, July 28, 2013

Monson: In The Dark About WS Commitments!

Monson Water/Sewer Commissioners negotiated an agreement [below] that grossly differs with previous estimated water usage by their own members.

Since this is an IGA [Inter-Governmental Agreement], it would require Town Meeting Approval of BOTH communities: MONSON and PALMER.

What else has Mohegan Sun failed to address?

No FLYOVER as promised!

No zoning change!

No WATER!

What ELSE?

They're simply Shooting in the Dark!



Minutes 2013.06.12


Commissioners Present: Chairman Joseph C Prior, Vice Chairman Douglas R. North, newly elected Paul C. DeMaio
Employees Present: Superintendent: Craig W. Jalbert; Secretary: Dale Barnes-Johnson
Guests: James Amman Superintendent of Palmer Water District #1
Open the Meeting: The meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m.

Palmer Water Connection ~ Jim Amman, Superintendent of Palmer Water District #1 (PWD1) joined the meeting to discuss the status of the MassDOT bridge replacement project. In 2006 the Monson Water Department and PWD1 agreed to investigate the possibility of an interconnection between the two public water systems during the planned State Avenue bridge reconstruction project. However, we have been informed the bridge project has been put on hold in the 6 year planning queue with remediation of the piers to be scheduled sooner rather than an actual replacement. Therefore our interconnection is on hold.

Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority (MTGA) is currently proposing a destination style resort in Palmer, PWD1 has been in preliminary negotiations with MTGA on water distribution and water supply issues. The District currently has adequate supply to feed MTGA, but doing so will maximize its’ current Withdrawal Permit and also leads to concerns of lead source out, lead treatment plant out, max day demands and sustained fire flow scenarios. PWD1 has looked for alternate forms of well development which would be costly and come with no guarantee the State would give approval. Due to confidentiality issues, until recently Jim has not been able to approach Monson about possibly reaching an agreement in principle on the actual construction of the interconnection and setting of terms and conditions on the purchase and sale of water. Last week Jim and Craig met to briefly discuss the concept and he is here tonight to present this proposal for the interconnection to the Board Members.

Due to the condition of the existing bridge, engineers have recommended crossing under the river by means of Directional Boring. The launch point would be on the Palmer side from the DPW yard and would continue under and past the Mobile Pipeline (per Mobile Pipeline Specification) to the final receiver pit where the terminal manhole would be installed. Terminal manholes on both ends of the directional boring with wick drains in the interstitial for the determination of leakage either in the sleeve or main, the man holes would be water tight construction with water tight covers. Within the manholes there would be transition from HDPE to conventional Class 52 Ductile Iron Water Main Construction. The main would interconnect to the Monson Distribution System on Fern Hill Road. From the terminal man hole on the Palmer side the transition to Ductile Iron would continue to a location along Bridge Street in the Palmer DPW yard and between the river and dog pound a semi buried vault structure would be constructed with valving, water meter, SCADA control back to the Graves Brook Reservoir Treatment Plant and a connection for similar monitoring to the MW&SD (if constructability and radio frequency transmission is available for monitoring). The main would then continue to approximately 50’ north of the Water Street intersection where it would be tied back to the PWD1’s Distribution System. Provisions would be left in the vault for Monson to construct a meter and pump for reverse feeding back to Monson from Palmer.

The inter-community water rate for the sale of water would be set at the Town of Monson normal consumer rate (currently $5.35/1,000 gal), without discounts or surcharges; rates would be established on an annual basis. The sale rate of water between the two water departments would be bi-directional in flow. The approximate usage would range from 35,000 gpd (25 gpm) to 150,000 gpd (105 gpm). Under emergency circumstances flow rates may be increased, if first mutually agreed upon by both Superintendents. An agreed upon minimum usage of 1,050,000 gallons per month or an approximate average of 35,000 gallons per day would be set for rate establishment and billing purposes. Under this minimum the monthly bill would equal $5,617.00. An approximate fire flow capacity of 2500 gpm @ 55psi residual at the intersection of Bridge St. and Water St.; there is no detrimental impact on the residences or business in the Water St., Bridge St., Main St. areas of the Palmer distribution system under normal domestic flow conditions and this added demand. The reverse feed to Monson could be potentially designed to this value pending further engineering study.

The cost of the Directional Boring / Meter Vault (as described) / final interconnections between the two systems are being funded by negotiation with MTGA. The interconnection between the two systems will only move forward, if MTGA is awarded the Gaming License for Western Massachusetts. The construction of the project will take place within 27 month window of time from the date that MTGA is awarded the license. After completion of the Construction and Testing and Commissioning of the interconnection, the sale of water for emergency usage by either department will commence. The final wording of this agreement would be handled by both systems legal representation.

The timeline that the District has to complete its’ negotiations concludes at the end of June. The District is seeking an agreement in principle to the proposed described project with the MW&SD for the interconnection and sale of water; once a decision has been made a joint meeting would be scheduled with Palmer Water District and MW&SD Commissioners.

The Commission discussed what appears to be an ideal opportunity to carry out what was started 6 years ago with MassDOT, it could raise revenue, fire flow etc., and be paid for by MTGA. From the impact of our customers and system, the State Hospital used higher flows. Actual flow testing of our last hydrant on State Avenue would need to be done to see how it impacts the low pressure areas of our system. We lost a significant customer recently (MDC) so this proposed level of usage would just be a replacement and therefore would not stress our wells. The question of permitting and additional annual State paperwork was raised; Palmer would file the “significant system modification” application to MassDEP, Monson’s portion would be included in the submittal. Otherwise, additional annual paperwork would be minimal similar to MDC. As far as billing, Craig and Dale explained it would be quite straight forward with a minimum usage. Maintenance on the vault structure and equipment would be absorbed by PWD1 as part of their annual maintenance. Maintenance on the valve controlling flow back into Monson would be described in the future agreement.

Commissioner Prior expressed his reservations regarding the potential backlash from Monson residents who are anti-casino, although he agrees it makes sense for business, but would like to meet again to discuss the details. Commissioner North is concerned that the pump and meter for flow back into Monson was not included in the project. It cannot be a true interconnection unless water can flow both ways. Craig agreed the final project must include those items. Commissioner North also added that Palmer and Monson tried to make this happen years ago with MassDOT, now the potential means to make it happen has presented itself and he agrees in principal with the proposal. Craig conveyed the need to represent the majority of our customers; an interconnection would make for a better water system for both towns. Doug summarized he agrees with the framework and to go ahead with interconnection, the proposal is preliminary and would only move forward if MTGA is awarded the Gaming License for Western Massachusetts.

Paul made a motion the MW&SD agrees in principle to the submitted proposal for the construction of the interconnection with PWD1 and the setting of terms and conditions on the purchase and sale of water. Joe seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Amman expressed his appreciation for the time and consideration of the Board.

NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at 6:30p.m.


http://www.monson-ma.gov/Public_Documents/MonsonMA_WaterSewerMin/2013minutes/I0411D158

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