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Petitioners want separate water and sewer commissioners

By Natasha Clark

Assistant Managing Editor



LONGMEADOW After an unsuccessful tiered water and sewer rate that caused homeowners' bills to double and quadruple in some cases, the Select Board adjusted those skyrocketing bills via refunds after they were approved at a Special Town Meeting in March.

In addition to the pressing issue of setting a new rate in time for the new fiscal year on July 1, the board is also facing the potential separation of the Select Board's dual duties as the Sewer and Water Commission, as set by the Longmeadow Home Rule Charter. A petition put in motion by Longmeadow resident Mark Swirsky seeks an amendment to the charter to delete the words "the Select Board shall be the water and sewer commissioners of the town." Instead the petitioners would like to see a separate three-member water and sewer commission.

Last Monday, the board hosted a charter change hearing during their regularly scheduled Select Board meeting. Leading off the testimony of proponents of the petition was its originator Swirsky.

He said he was there to reestablish an independent water and sewer commission. While reading from a prepared statement, he noted the previous rate setting "fiasco" as one of the many reasons the separation was needed. Swirsky also said the board had too many other responsibilities.

Swirsky's petition was put on April's Annual Town Meeting warrant as Article 29. Though it was voted down, Swirsky later told Reminder Publications the article should not have been on the warrant in the first place.

"It was sent in as a petition for a charter revision. There isn't supposed to be a vote in town meeting until after the hearing is held. By law a binding vote can't be held until after a hearing," he said.

Swirksy said according to Chapter 43 b of the Massachusetts General Laws, the article has to go to town meeting vote no later than the next annual town meeting.

"So that would be at the latest next April," Swirsky explained.

Lois Ritchie also spoke in favor of separate commissioners.

"Since the charter in May 2004 the infrastructure is worse than it was before," Ritchie said. She noted several mishaps water main breaks, pavement and hydrant issues. "You guys are wonderful managers, but you don't know much about pipe wrenches," Ritchie said.

Curt Freedman, an engineer and very vocal proponent of the article, touched on a past water and sewer report he'd put together in 2004, recommending the board establish an advisory water and sewer commission.

Crosbie did later appoint a team to evaluate water and sewer issues that included Dean Rogeness and Larry Starr, but Freedman feels that it should be a standing commission so that their meetings are subject to open meeting law.

Freedman said if a standing advisory commission is not established, than "I would recommend that this method be established [a separate water commission]."

Charter Commission member Joseph Occhiuti said he was tired of hearing the charter get blasted. He said in his eyes, the issue is not the charter. His concern is that every time there is a decision in town, "we try to treat the result [instead of the cause]."

Select Board Vice Chair Kathleen Grady said Rebecca Townsend, also of the Charter Commission, sent a letter in favor of keeping the charter the way it is.

Gerry Nolet took a turn at the microphone and said that experience should not determine whether the Select Board serves in the capacity of water commissioners or not. He believes that an advisory team to the Select Board is appropriate.

Select Board member Brian Ashe said he believed the town would be better served to have experts as water and sewer commissioners.

Paul Santaniello, however, said there is an accountable board. "It's right here," he said, adding that he feels the board is capable of acting as the water and sewer commission.