Wastewater Support
WASTEWATER SUPPORT COMMITTEE
Donn Griffin Room
Monday, April 30, 2018, 8:30AM
MINUTES
Present: Christopher Harlow, Acting Chair, Noreen Donahue, Ann Howe, Peter Hughes
Not present: Sharon Pfleger, Chair
Also present: BoS Liaison Larry Ballantine, Health Director Meggan Eldredge, Town Administrator Chris Clark, Peter Cuddy
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 8:30 AM by Acting Chair Chris Harlow and taped for Channel 18.
Public Comment - None
Minutes of 4/3/18: Motion to approve by Peter Hughes
Seconded by Ann Howe
Vote: Yes-4 No-0
Discussion – Feedback from Recent Community Meetings
Peter Hughes commented on the 4/17/18 Realtors’ meeting which he attended. He explained that the timing of when to disclose the fact that sewers are coming to the East Harwich area is critical to realtors. The consensus of realtors is that if you are dealing with a property in the Phase II area, now is the time to disclose the sewering plan to potential buyers as realtors have a fiduciary responsibility to disclose the possibility of necessary sewer connections. Larry Ballantine added that realtors want to know where we would need easements for the six (6) pumping stations and other locations. Noreen and Peter suggested that the committee follow up regularly with the Realtors’ group, perhaps getting on their agenda every three months.
Ann Howe asked about the status of the “final” map and street listing for the Phase II project. Noreen displayed a copy and stated that it can be found on the Wastewater website under “Recently Added Documents”.
There was discussion regarding the 4/19/18 Community Public Meeting. The meeting was well attended with approximately 80 attendees present. Noreen’s impression was that the meeting went very well, lots of new and detailed information from the presenters. As to questions asked by the public, Noreen noted the gentleman who said that being directed to information sites was good, but the affected public really needs tutors from the town to facilitate their sewer connection process. It was agreed that the committee’s project of creating a “Step by Step Guide” to connections would play an important role in this aspect.
There was discussion as to some fees which were questioned by the public. One cost is the annual Sewer Use Cost displayed on brochures for many years. It states that the average is estimated at $510 per year based on a usage of 70,000 gallons per year and predicated on Chatham costs. Noreen Donahue and Larry Ballantine questioned this figure, feeling that it was overestimated and overstated and requested of Chris Clark that the figure be analyzed and broken down.
Update from Town Administrator
Chris Clark updated the committee on many technical aspects ongoing between the Town, Chatham and CDM Smith. The location of pump stations is next on his agenda. Also, aspects of the upcoming Town Meeting were discussed and Chris Clark outlined what presentations and handouts were being prepared.
New Business – Meggan Eldredge, Director Board of Health
Meggan Eldredge gave a presentation covering what records can be accessed though the Health Department website such as septic locations. She also gave some guidance related to maneuvering through the Health Department database accessed via the Health Department website under “Online Property Information”.
Meggan explained that even though hook-ups will not begin until 2021, homeowners will be required to select the location of their connection “stub” next May (2019) when construction begins.
Meggan mentioned that she and Water Dept. Superintendent, Dan Pelletier plan to have some information workshops in the Phase II area.
Correspondence and Announcements
Noreen announced that three banks which have premises in Harwich have confirmed that they will be attending the Wastewater evening meeting on June 21, 2018 to provide information on what loan programs they might have suitable to finance the cost of hook-ups.
Next Meeting Date
Next meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at 8:30AM in Town Hall.
Adjournment
9:50 AM
Minutes respectfully submitted by Noreen Donahue, Clerk.