Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Works topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Public works director reports High Street progress, Paley Farms pressure fix and lead‑line inventory work
Summary
Director of public works Jason Morocco told selectmen that phase 1 of High Street is complete, phase 2 bid results were favorable, repairs will be made to a kayak launch erosion site, and that pressure problems in Paley Farms were traced to a butterfly valve that MDC slowed from 3 to 30 seconds, reducing negative pressure events; he also outlined lead service‑line inventory and replacement obligations tied to a November 2027 regulatory deadline.
Jason Morocco, director of public works, updated the Board of Selectmen on multiple infrastructure projects and water‑system work during the July 15 meeting.
On roads, Morocco said "phase 1 of High Street... is considered complete" and that bids returned favorably for phase 2, which will include water‑line work, reclaimed pavement sections and ADA ramp improvements. He said the town engineer is finalizing paperwork for state approvals.
Morocco described erosion at the kayak launch caused by heavy rains, saying crews will make repairs and tweak drainage to direct runoff to basins. He also reported progress on the Middlesex parking lot paving and handicap parking markings.
On water system problems in Paley Farms, Morocco explained the town installed a pressure monitor and worked with MDC. "When that butterfly valve shut, we were having low pressure issues," he said, adding that MDC adjusted the valve to close more slowly (from 3 seconds to 30 seconds) and "we've seem to not have as many calls as we have had." The monitor sends e‑mail alerts for drops below a set PSI.
On lead service lines, Morocco said previous town reporting covered only the town‑owned portion of lines; the town now must inventory the homeowner portion as well and verify in two places (through the wall and at the curb box). He explained notification rules tied to replacements and the town's obligation to provide six months of filtration if the homeowner portion remains lead.
Morocco also discussed proposed equipment purchases: the board authorized pursuing a demo of a jet truck for catch‑basin cleaning and he described discussions about leasing vehicles and potential savings for capital planning.
Selectmen asked follow‑up questions about timelines and funding and generally supported moving ahead with field repairs and the proposed equipment demonstrations; several items will return to the board for formal approval.
