2016-03-21-CEC-ATM-rpt - Laserfiche WebLink

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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2016 ATM supports the level of funding proposed which remains at the increased FY2016 level. For further system information and the FY2017 funding request, see Article 10(e). Sanitary Sewer The sanitary -sewer system, like the water - distribution system, has sections that date back to the early 1900s. Due to age - related deterioration, some sections are susceptible to storm -water inflow and groundwater infiltration which increases the total flow to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) treatment system, resulting in increased charges to the Town, and causing overloading of parts of the system, and the potential to spread waterborne disease. Engineering has an ongoing program of investigating, evaluating, replacing and repairing sections of the system. This work has been partially funded by the MWRA Infiltration /Inflow (I/I) Local Financial Assistance Program, which provides grant and interest -free loan funding for member communities. In 2014, Lexington was allocated a total of $7,445,300 of these funds. As of August 2015, it has $326,000 remaining in the allocation to draw from. For further system information and the FY2017 funding request, see Article 12(a)) The system has 10 sewage - pumping stations that need continual maintenance and periodic upgrading and which the Sewer Division has been doing. In July 2013, the engineering firm Wright- Pierce performed a detailed survey of the pump stations, generating a 20 -year repair /replacement plan for them. This year's request is consistent with those findings. (See Article 12(b)) Four pumping stations (Main, Concord Avenue, Potter Pond, and Brigham Road) now have backup electric -power generators. Significant improvements to the main pump station are underway, which include Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning upgrades to bring up to current code requirements, installation of Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) motors (which provide energy savings and noise reduction in the sewer force main) on all the pumps, and a surge tank. This Committee considers that backup generators should be provided at other pump stations as soon as practicable, and we are pleased to report that DPW has made plans to accomplish that with a fifth station's slated to come on with the proposed FY2017 funding authorization. (See Article 12(b)) With a combination of available Capital funds and the Operating Budget, this important enhancement began in FY2013 with the Concord Avenue station, and a comprehensive plan now exists for the remaining stations. Heavy equipment and trucks used by the Sewer Division are procured with Sewer Enterprise Funds that are funded by Sewer Rate -Payer fees, additional fees and charges, investment income, and connection fees. Where equipment is shared with Water Division, the costs are shared. (See Article 10(b)) Dam Restoration The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation mandates inspecting every five years every dam that is rated as a "significant- hazard dam" or "high- hazard dam ". There are two dams at the significant- hazard level in Lexington. That rating is assigned to dams based on the risk from the water it impounds being released; it does not reflect its state of repair. Butterfield Dam on Lowell Street: Engineering studies and construction work were funded under 2011 ATM Article 10(a) & 2012 ATM Article 12(g). Construction is now complete, with continuing State - required monitoring of landscaping in sensitive resource areas. The dam now complies with State requirements. Old Reservoir Dam on Marrett Road: Dam inspection reports performed for the Massachusetts Office of Dam Safety determined that there was a need for repairs and improvements. 2014 ATM Article 10(i) funded design and cost estimates for the work on this dam to insure the long -term stability of it. It is currently estimated that $530,000 in funding will be required to complete the engineering and construction work. This project is in the early stages of design and a cost estimate will need to be produced upon design completion. Engineering has indicated that final design will not be completed in time for the 2016 construction season. There are no funding requests for FY2017; it is projected that there will be a funding request for engineering and construction work in FY2018. 20