===PAGE 1=== Minutes of 12-10-24 Sewer Commission meeting – via Zoom (Video Conference) Attendees: Chair- Mike Mackin , Vice-Chair- Brett Ramsden , Clerk- Scott Dall , Member -Joe Hurley , DPW Directo r- Bill Bernard , Minutes Clerk- Jane Ranley Absent: Eli Torres Mike opened the meeting at 7 :02 pm. and did a roll call of attendees. The Commission began the meeting by saying the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT - ANNOUNCEMENTS – Mike noted that this will be the only meeting for December . CURRENT BUSINESS – -- Business Manager Position New Hire – Bill reported that they interviewed Andrew V alliere twice . Carter (Interim Town Manager) suggested having Andrew come in and observe Paula w orking on the billing. Andrew stayed to observe for 5 hours and also sent follow-up emails. They o ffered him the job and if ratified by the Commission will start January 6th . Brett noted that Andrew knows sewer and customer service. He added that it was pretty positive that he showed up and stayed 5 hours to observe the billing process. Bill s aid he drew up a l ist of competencies /tasks that Andrew should know within a few months. The n ext bill run ; he will need to work with Paula . Mike asked if they should go into Executive Session to discuss personnel issues and Bill replied he would check into that. Brett asked if they contacted previous employers and Bill replied they contacted 2 who gave positive reports. Motion: Brett R. Second: Sc ott D. To hire Andrew Valliere as our new Business Manager for Lunenburg Sewer Commission . Roll Call Vote: Joe-aye, Scott-aye, Brett-aye and Mike-aye. -- Absent Member – Bill reported that there is nothing in the by-laws regarding attendance and Eli has not responde d to email s . Mike suggested amending the by-laws regarding attendance. Brett added that if Eli does not show for the caucus, he will not be on the ballot. -- DPW Director Updates – i. 2 nd Quarter Billing – Bill stated that Paula came in a few nights and they got the bills out. During the process , they found a couple problems and also had to bring in a consultant to help. He added that the Commission need ed to vote to accept the commitment. They also had a lot of calls with questions about the bills. Motion: Scott D. Second: Joe H. To a pprove the 2 nd Quarter commitment for $325,576.84 . Roll Call Vote: Scott-aye, Joe-aye, Brett-aye and Mike-aye. ii. Assistant to Business Manager- Bill said they will need to reach out to prior candidates . iii. Manhole Work - Bill reported that it went out to bid and they had a low bidder. The contract is in place and he assumes they will come in the spring to do the work. Mike asked where the work will be done and Bill replied that Paula put together a spreadsheet of manholes that I/I was getting into. They will be targeting the worst ones with linings, wall repairs and patching around pipes. iv. Line Repairs – Mass 1 – Bill stated that the work went smooth ly and he will get a price for the same work at Dana St . Station . Scott asked if the town had explored their own treatment system and Bill replied they have but it would be huge money. He added that one of the b iggest challenge would be where the outflow would go. Also the stations are coming close to their ===PAGE 2=== designed life . Joe asked if th ere is any transparency to the rate increases from Fitchburg and Leominste r. Mike replied that they negotiate with both towns and Bill added it is a 25 year agreement but they are still able to raise their rates. P UBLIC C OMMENT – none UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES : December 24 , 202 4 – No Meeting January 1 4 , 202 5 @ 7 pm – Hybrid Meeting January 28 , 2025 @ 6pm – Zoom Meeting Febru ary 1 1 , 2025 @ 7 pm – Hybrid Meeting Motion: Joe H. Second: S cott D. To adjourn at 7:28pm Roll Call Vote : J oe -aye , Scott -aye , Brett -aye & Mike -aye. Respect fully submitted, Jane L. Ranley Minutes Clerk