Documents: Minutes

 

BOSTON GROUNDWATER TRUST (BGwT)

BOARD MEETING

November 17, 2011

 

The Board of Trustees of the Boston Groundwater Trust held its meeting in the Copley meeting room, which is located in the Lenox Hotel. The Executive Director posted a meeting notice at City Hall in accordance with provision of the Commonwealth’s Open Meeting Law. Mr. Mitchell, co-chair, called the meeting to order at 4:05 pm. The following trustees were present:

Mr. Tim Mitchell, Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay

Mr. Galen Gilbert, Fenway Community Development Corporation (CDC)

Mr. Peter Sherin, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Ms. Molly Sherden, Beacon Hill Civic Association

Mr. Peter Shilland, Ellis Neighborhood Association

Ms. Nancy Grilk, City of Boston

Also present:

Elliott Laffer, BGwT Executive Director; Christian Simonelli, BGwT Technical & Recharge Coordinator

 

  1. Adoption of the minutes of the September 22, 2011 Meeting

    2. Minutes were previously electronically distributed to board members for review. Discussion followed.

    Ms. Sherden, Trustee, moved to adopt the minutes. Mr. Sherin, Trustee, seconded the motion.

    Voted: To accept the minutes of the September 22, 2011 meeting.

     

  2. Financial Report

    3. Ms. Sherden reviewed the new Balance Sheet Detail format. Ms. Sherden noted that this new format will replace the previous Reconciliation detail. Ms. Sherden noted the Executive Director’s line item for expenses and that a detail of those expenses was attached at the end of the new detail. Discussion followed.

     

  3. Transfer of Certificate of Deposit

    4. Ms. Sherden noted that she is currently looking into the next banking institution for the best rate on a CD. She has found a 9-month CD earning 1.3% interest at a new branch of Hingham Savings Bank located at 80 Charles St. in Beacon Hill. Ms. Sherden also noted that this rate is only available at this branch because it’s a new branch opening. She noted that most average rates at other institutions run around 0.25%. Discussion followed.

    Ms. Grilk, Trustee, moved to authorized Ms. Sherden to undertake the opening of a CD at Hingham Savings Bank. Mr. Sherin seconded the motion.

    Voted: To authorize Ms. Sherden to undertake the opening of a CD at Hingham Savings Bank.

    Mr. Sherin and Mr. Gilbert, Trustee, suggested the Trust look into alternate avenues of investment for the Trust’s funds. Discussion followed.

     

  4. Conflict of Interest Policy/Special Municipal Employee Status

    5. Mr. Laffer reviewed the distributed memo from Catherine Lizotte (the city’s assistant corporation counsel) regarding the state conflict of interest law, M.G.L. c. 268A. Mr. Laffer noted that Ms. Lizotte was scheduled to attend the meeting to brief the board. However, due to a death in the family she will be invited to attend the January 19, 2012 meeting instead. Discussion followed.

    Mr. Gilbert would like a copy of the city’s ordinance designating the trustees as "special municipal employees". Mr. Laffer noted that Ms. Lizotte should be able to provide that and he will check with her. Discussion followed.

    Mr. Gilbert suggested that he update the Trust’s conflict of interest policy to include members of the Technical Advisory Committee and Trust employees. Discussion followed. Mr. Gilbert will draft a revised policy and present it to the board.

     

  5. Dartmouth Street Update

    6. Mr. Laffer reviewed the ongoing efforts of BWSC to address the low levels on Dartmouth Street. Mr. Laffer highlighted the following;

    • BWSC grouted and lined a leaking manhole in Dartmouth Street between Beacon & Marlborough St. at the end of Alley No. 418
    • There are still leaks in the 36" line located on the West Side of Dartmouth St. which needs to and will be lined in the Spring of 2012
    • BWSC restarted recharging on Tuesday November 15th and dye testing will also be performed to try and discover additional sources of potential infiltration into their system.
    • Recharging will continue until the temperature dips below freezing
    • The Trust has 8 data loggers in the area that are uploaded every week to monitor the levels

    Discussion followed.

    Mr. Shilland, Trustee, suggested that Mr. Laffer inquire with BWSC about heat lining the hose that is used for Recharge. Mr. Laffer noted that he will speak with BWSC. Discussion followed.

     

  6. Well Readings, Latest, and 2011 Review

    7. Mr. Simonelli reviewed the latest readings and the progress that has been made in specific areas of the well network. Discussion followed. Refer to the attached BGwT 2011 Well Network Review for a complete list of areas covered.

     

  7. Executive Director’s Report

    8. BGwT Executive Director Mr. Elliott Laffer distributed his report. Discussion followed. Refer to the attached Executive Director’s Report: November 17, 2011 [linked here] for a complete list of all activities. Discussion followed.

     

  8. Technical & Recharge Coordinator’s Report

    9. BGwT Technical & Recharge Coordinator Mr. Christian Simonelli reviewed his activities since last meeting. Discussion followed. Refer to the attached Technical & Recharge Coordinator’s Update BGwT Meeting: November 17, 2011 [linked here] for a complete list of all activities. Discussion followed.

     

    The meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m.

    NEXT MEETING: January 19, 2012 @ 4:00 pm at the Lenox Hotel.

    Notes submitted by Christian Simonelli, BGwT Technical & Recharge Coordinator, on 11/18/11.

     

    Respectfully submitted,
     

    Galen Gilbert, Secretary