1999-07-06Salem and Beverly Water Supply Board
50 Arlington Avenue
Beverly, Massachusetts 01915
Minutes of Meeting
July 6, 1999
The meeting was celled to order at 10:05 A.M. Present Were Chairman Fletcher, Members
Bornstein and Killilea, Superintendent Knowlton, Attorney Darling and Linda Vaughan,
Secretary.
Also present was Randy Fouch, P.E. from Weston & Sampson Engineers.
The June· minutes were approved on a motion by Mr. Bornstein, second Mr. Killilea, all in
favor.
Current Expense warrant #24, Payroll warrant #24, Fund Account warrant #9 and MMDT
warrant #32, were signed. No special accounts were presented for signature.
· Presentation by Mr. Fouch:
Mr. Fouch presented members with a report on Weston & Sampson's findings on the canal
pumping station. The pump is 89% efficient. It is a good unit that needs a little work to
bring effectiveness back up. They ran a vibration test which showed the pump and motor
to be in good condition. The pipeline is in good condition also. However, the motor needs
some electrical work and the motor control panel does not meet current standards and is
dangerous. Mr. Fouch made five altemative recommendations to the Board to upgrade the
canal pumping station.
1. No improvements, just fix up what we have.
2. Fix-up pump, replace motor, separate starter for motor
3. Fix-up pump, replace motor, 2 variable speed unit that can run up to 10-24 mgd
4. Replace motor with a new 480 Volt unit, refurbish the pump and add a new variable
frequency motor controller.
5. Add a submersible 10 mgd pumping unit.
Mr. Knowlton remarked that we would need to get a design soon, as the motor is not
functioning well.
On a motion by Mr. Bornstein, second Mr. Killilea, all in favor, the Board voted to authorize
Weston & Sampson to proceed with the design of the improvements in recommendations
#4 and #5 and prepare the plans specifications and bidding documents.
Water Quality and Quantity:
Mr. Knowlton reported on water quality and quantity. Quality was good. Water levels are
respectable for this time of year.
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New Businees:
Mr. Killilea proposed that the Board conduct a further engineering study to supplement the
1989 report from Weston & Sampson, Engineers on drainage to Wenham Lake of surface
water from the area around Beverly Airport. The City of Beverly is contemplating possible
diversion of this flow to the Bass River instead of to Wenham Lake. Since development is
expected to proceed in this area, it would be desirable to have the surface water drain
away from the lake. However, it is not known whether this is feasible or whether diversion
of all or part of the existing flow into the lake would have a significant effect on the water
supply.
Discussion with the Board followed. The matter was tabled for the time being.
Report of General Counsel:
Attorney Darling referred to newspaper reports that the Beverly Conservation Commission
had referred to the Beverly City Solicitor for appropriate legal action against the Board as
the question of jurisdiction over the Board's work on the berm around the residuals drying
area. He advised that the Board go into executive session to discuss strategy with respect
to potential litigation over this matter.
On a motion by Mr. Bornstein, seconded by Mr. Killilea, with Messers. Bornstein, Killilea
and Fletcher all voting in the affirmative on a roll call, the Board voted to go into executive
session for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to potential litigation with the
Beverly Conservation Commission and then to return to open session at the conclusion.
The Board, thereupon went into Executive Session at 10:46 am and returned to open
session at 10:55 am.
Having no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 10:57 on a motion by
Mr. Killilea, second Mr. Bornstein, all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda J. Vaughan
Secretary
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