2017-03-13-CEC-ATM-STM1-rpt - Laserfiche WebLink

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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM&STM 2017-1 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 14(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 were completed in October 2016, 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 all of the other pump stations as soon as practicable; therefore we are pleased that DPW has design in process for three more (Worthen, Constitution, and Marshall) and it plans to address the remaining three (Bowman, Hayden, and North Street)under future funding requests. (See Article 12(b)). 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. 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), and 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. The design work continues and a cost estimate has been prepared for engineering and construction. (See Article 12(i)) Stormwater Drainage and National Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) Storm drains collect stormwater along Town streets and parking areas, and convey this water to streams and other bodies of water. The storm-drain pipes and the 4,700 catch basins on the TAR that direct storm water to them occasionally fail due to heavy loads passing over them and/or loss of supporting soil around them thereby creating holes in the street. In addition, as streets are repaired and repaved, it is frequently discovered that the storm-drainage system is seriously deteriorated. Concurrent drainage-system repairs are required to prevent further deterioration and to protect newly paved streets. It also is necessary to study and repair drains where overflow conditions develop and/or complaints are received. The goal of the Federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program, under which the Town has a State-administered permit, is to maintain water quality. New permitting regulations have been published and will become effective July 1, 2017. (The Town's "Notice of Intent" will be due September 29, 2017.) Those new regulations are expected to increase costs and complexities of this work in future years; however, because of the Town's aggressive efforts to date, it is expected FY2018 can remain compliant with the same level of funding provided in FY2017. Recent drainage improvements are complete. Continuing trouble spots include the watersheds of the Vine Brook, Mill Brook, Beaver Brook and Kiln Brook, as well as other areas. This Committee welcomes Engineering's leadership and efforts, in compliance with Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements, to improve the water quality in Lexington's streams and ponds while protecting the Town's investment and structural integrity of its streets. (See Article 12(e)) 23