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
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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.
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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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