2018-06-27-CEC-ATM-rpt (Combined Report with Updates & Errata)

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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2018 ATM(incorporating Updates&Errata) 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 (HVAC) 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 awarded a contract for the work at Worthen Road, and has design/permitting work in process for Constitution and Marshall. DPW plans to address the remaining three (Bowman, Hayden, and North Street) under future funding requests, with Hayden Avenue likely to be the next project. 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 the Water Division,the costs are shared. Dam Restoration The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation mandates that every dam that is rated as a "significant-hazard dam" or "high-hazard dam" be inspected every five years. There are two dams at the significant-hazard level in Lexington. That rating is assigned to dams based on the risk of 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 the 2011 ATM, Article 10(a), and the 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. The 2014 ATM, Article 10(i), funded design and cost estimates for the work on this darn to insure the long-term stability of it. The design work is near completion, and construction is likely this summer. Stormwater Drainage and National Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) Storm drains collect stogy nwater along Town streets and parking areas, and convey this water to streams and other bodies of water. The storm-drain pipes and 4,700 catch basins on the TAR that direct stormwater to them occasionally fail due to heavy loads passing over and/or loss of supporting soil 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 is also 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, but were delayed for a year, and are now expected to become effective July 1, 2018. (The Town's "Notice of Intent"will be due September 29, 2018.) Those new regulations represent an unfunded obligation that is expected to increase both operating and capital costs and complexity of this work in future years; however, because of the Town's aggressive efforts, it expects to remain compliant in FY2019 with the same level of funding provided in FY2018. Looking past FY2019, as reported in the White Book on Page 8: "In anticipation of this mandated program, a number of municipalities nationwide including some in Massachusetts have instituted a Stormwater Management Fee to offset the capital costs of managing stornwater emanating from private properties. Later this year, staff will be presenting financing/fee options for consideration by the Board of Selectmen regarding this federal program." Recent drainage improvements are complete. Continuing trouble spots include the watersheds of the Beaver Brook and Kiln Brook areas, as well as the Wildwood Road/Wood Street and Augustus Road areas. Illicit discharges have been discovered in the Vine Brook and Mill Brook areas. This Committee welcomes Engineering's leadership and efforts, in compliance with Federal Environmental Protection 24