Water Meeting
10/18/12
The Water Meeting was called to order at 6 PM. Board Members
Present were Councilwoman LaPine, Councilman MacDougal, Councilman
LaForest, Councilman Wrisley, and Supervisor Boisen. Also present was Town Clerk, Audrey Hoskins.
Attendees were Jim Dougan AES, Claude Cormier, Hydro Source, Derrick Wrisley,
Water Superintendent, Olive Alexander, Sally Johnson, David Hislop, Tina Gardner, Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, Colleen VanHoven, Jim VanHoven, Kathy Scott, and Susan Kennedy.
Claude Cormier, Hydro Source updated the Town on the test well. A well was drilled 250 feet and insufficient water was found. This was the sight that was believed to be the site that would yield the need water flow per minute. The site is shale that was discovered after the drilling started. Drilling was stopped. The recommendation is to expand the search for a new site. Multiple sites need to be identified. The firehouse site was chosen by the Board in 2009 for the test well because of accessibility and it was one the sites that was surveyed and listed as a possible test well site and was within the hamlet. Jim Dougan stated that the Town may have to look outside of the hamlet. Other possible sites were discussed. Claude said that they want to give the Town their best option to find water. This will be a Town Board decision.
Susan Kennedy said that Department of Health is willing to work with the Town when it comes to meeting deadline for have a working well system in place. She understands taking a well site takes time and usually you do not find this in your first test well. The usually run into delays and they understands that this happens.
Jim Dougan stated a report will be forth coming to the Town and he will make sure that Susan Kennedy she is kept in the loop.
Other sites were brought up and discussed. Councilman LaForest stated that he wanted the Town Board involved in all aspects of choosing a new site. The site near the old landfill was discussed and the rules involved in using this area for a test well was also discussed.
The firehouse site was discussed and the reasons why the drilling stopped at 250 feet. Susan Kennedy stated that ground water is less expensive as a capital expense and operation and maintenance is less expensive. She also stated that one than one test is usually need before the need amount of water is located. Jim Dougan stated the estimated for ground water was 1.6 million dollars and the cost for filtered water plant was estimated at 5.6 million dollars. Susan also stated the Board has the right to dictate the way the project goes, but this is where you need to rely on the professionals for guidance.
Jim Dougan stated that they were trying to be fiscally responsible with the Town’s money and is why they stopped at 250 feet when the shale was discovered and no water at the rate need was found.
Sally Johnson wanted to if there any advantages to a property owner who has the will on his property. She also stated in prior years septic waste was dumped south
of the old land fill area. The finical issue would be negotiated between the Town and property owner. Jim Dougan stated the maximum you can pay is the assessed value of the property.
It was asked what is the average number of test wells drilled before the required amount of water is found. Claude Cormier stated that number is all over the map.
The Town is looking for 40 to 50 gallons per minute.
Claude Cormier stated he was available for a conference call during a Board
Meeting at any time if the Board wanted to discuss with him or needs answers to a question.
The Board would like to read the report before they make any decisions.
The meeting was adjourned at 7 PM.
Respectfully submitted
Audrey Hoskins, Town Clerk
