Barnstable Municipal Water Supply Board | Jan 21, 2025
The meeting covered various updates on capital projects, operational reports, and financial matters.
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The meeting covered various updates on capital projects, operational reports, and financial matters.
Key Points
- Capital Projects: Significant discussion focused on the progress of several capital projects, including:
- New well exploration (Phase 4): Facing legal challenges.
- Pilot testing project (Mary Dunn Airport Wells): Internal reviews and contract extensions are underway, aiming for completion by the end of February.
- New Straightway water treatment facility: Site plan review approved; NOI submitted; working on Title 5 variances and stormwater permits; 90% plan submission received and under internal review.
- Lead service line inventory and replacement: Update to inventory submitted to meet public accessibility requirements.
- Route 28 Yarmouth Road intersection project: Curb stop relocation slated for completion by the end of January.
- Route 28 East sewer expansion and water main replacement: Awaiting GIS as-builts.
- Ocean Street water main project: Installation underway; disinfection and pressure testing in progress.
- Mary Dunn well projects (various): Some on hold due to weather; others progressing with change orders and pre-fabricated building scheduled for mid-March delivery.
- 16-inch transmission main project (Mary Dunn Road): Review lagging.
- Mary Dunn storage tank rehabilitation: Procurement complete; ready for bid advertisement.
- Operational Report: Covered various service calls, including water leaks, frozen pipes, and hydrant replacements. Also included updates on meter replacements (70% complete), hydrant testing (delayed due to weather), and valve inspections.
- Financial Matters: Discussion included a billing issue related to fiscal year 25 increase implementation, and a significant price increase (24-45%) for a three-year activated carbon contract (projected cost: $650,000-$675,000 per year).
- Abatement Request: An abatement request for $4,933 was approved for Sho String Properties LLC for water main installation at 110 School Street, covering system development charges and inspection costs. The board decided to refund the system development fee but not the construction costs.
- Council Assignments: The board discussed and approved assignments for communication with Town Council members.
Highlights
- The significant price increase for the activated carbon contract highlights rising costs in the water industry.
- The approval of the abatement request demonstrates a willingness to incentivize projects that benefit the water system.
- The ongoing challenges with several capital projects underscore the complexities of infrastructure development.
- The proactive communication with Town Council ensures smoother collaboration on future projects and funding requests.