Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency

Date: September 1, 2010
Time: 4:00 p.m.

HURRICANE EARL –
NWS reports that Hurricane Earl is now a Category 3 hurricane. Earl currently has maximum sustained winds of 125mph. Its current location is near 25.7N, 72.7W, moving NW at 17mph. Earl’s projected path now brings it between Nantucket and 100 miles SE late Friday into early Saturday morning potentially as a Category 2-3 storm. On this track (note: the margin for error can be 200 miles), the impacts remain high surf and rip currents, with potential issues for swimmers and boaters, starting today and going through Saturday. 10-20’ seas are expected left of the eye, with 30-40’+ seas right of the eye as it passes our area. Rainfall throughout the day on Friday (heaviest between noon & midnight) of 2-4” are expected throughout the eastern 1/3 of MA. There will also be a yet-to-be-determined axis of 4-8” that could fall in that region. Urban street, poor drainage area and small stream flooding is possible. This is an issue for campgrounds and low-lying areas. There may also be the potential of minor/moderate flooding in a number of rivers on Saturday/Sunday. Presently, Earl expects to pack tropical storm force winds on the Cape and Islands, possible hurricane force winds on the Outer Cape Cod & Islands. Tropical storm force wind may reach interior SE MA. Tree damage and power losses may be an issue. Storm surge could be an issue with the Friday 7-8:00 p.m. high tide on Nantucket & Martha Vineyard, but should not be a major issue with this event, as the tides are not astronomically high. A more westerly track will obviously have greater impacts statewide.

Some models continue to show the hurricane passing over Massachusetts – see below …

http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/tracking/at201007_model.html#a_topad

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 20, 2010
Contact: Tim Henry
978-356-6635, Fax: 978-356-6634


Ipswich Water Department Announces Water Ban

Ipswich, MA— The Ipswich Water Department is imposing a water ban on outside watering effective August 20, 2010 due to low water storage in the Town's Drinking Water Reservoirs, low river flows and below normal precipitation. The Town's drought management plan calls for a water ban when the reservoir levels reach below 73% of normal seasonally adjusted capacity and precipitation is below normal. This shortage is primarily due to the lack of rainfall over the past couple of months.
During declared water ban,
No outside use of water is permitted.
Verified violators of restrictions and or bans will be given one warning. Successive violations will have the water service shut-off and will remain off until all turn-off and turn-on charges are paid.
This ban shall remain in effect until further notice from the Ipswich Water Department.
If customers have any questions they should contact the Ipswich Utilities Office at 978-356-6635.

 

Town Clerk Pam Carakatsane reminds residents that Wednesday, August 25^th is the last day to register to vote or change party for the State Primary Election which will be held on Tuesday, September 14, 2010.  The Town Clerk's Office will be open from 8:00 am - 8:00 pm for walk in registration. 

Residents may also register to vote or change party prior to the registration session during regular business hours (Mon. 8:00 a.m. - 7:00p.m., Tues. - Thurs. 8:00 a.m. - 4:00p.m. and Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 12:00p.m).

Best comment about the street paving project in the center of town: "There'll be a big learning curve, but residents of Ipswich will simply have to learn how to drive on smooth streets."

Bob Markel
Town Manager

From Utilities Director, Tim Henry:

Due to the lack of rain and high water demand, the water storage in Bull Brook and Dow Reservoirs is at a level which requires that we impose mandatory water restrictions at this time. These restrictions are being imposed in accordance with the Town of Ipswich Drought Management Plan.

The following practices shall be prohibited:
(a) Pool filling/refilling (pool owners shall contract for the delivery of pool water from suppliers other than those of the Town).
(b) Washing of house siding.
(c) Automatic sprinkler use.

During a declared public water supply shortage, the following practices shall be permitted:
(a) Car washing, by the pail method only.
(b) Lawn/garden watering by hand-held hose between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.

If these restrictions are not effective and we do not receive a significant amount of rain in the coming days, a water ban prohibiting all outside water use will be imposed.

TOWN OF IPSWICH
25 Green Street
Ipswich, Massachusetts 01938
Public Works Department

Office: (978) 356-661
Fax: (978) 356-6616

July 27, 2010

TO: Businesses and Residents of Central, South Main and Market Street

RE: MILLING OF ROAD AND PAVING

This notice is to inform you of upcoming paving work on Central Street from the Choate Bridge to Mineral Street and all of South Main Street and Market Street.

The first phase of work will involve grinding out 1 ½” of the existing pavement. This work is scheduled to start at 6:30 a.m, Friday July 30, 2010. The Towns contractor Aggregate Industries will start on South Main St. and work towards Market St. On Monday August 2, 2010 starting at 5:00 a.m. work will begin on Market St. and working towards Central St.

The second phase of work will involve installing the top course of pavement. This work is scheduled to start Wednesday August 4, 2010 and end on August 10, 2010.

Detours will be set up during the paving process; the affected streets may be closed to vehicular traffic. Also, parking will be prohibited on Central, Market and South Main Streets from July 30th-August 10th.

This time frame is weather dependant; any inclement weather may cause the work to be delayed until later in the day and possible the next day.

We apologize in advance for any inconvenience you may incur during this process. We understand that this will be a hardship on local businesses and homeowners. Parking will be available at the Hammatt Street Parking lot, along Hammatt Street and Depot Square. The town appreciates your patience and forbearance during this project.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Rick Clarke, DPW Director, at the Town of Ipswich’s Public Works Department at 978-356-6612.


Sincerely,


Rick Clarke
DPW Director

Attention Customers

Water Main Flushing
May 3 - May 21, 2010

What is happening?
The Ipswich Water Department will be conducting a Water Main Flushing Program throughout town beginning May 3, 2010 and continuing through May 21, 2010. Flushing of water mains will be conducted between the hours of 8 PM –12 AM except on the first night which will be midnight – 4:00 AM. The program will be completed in phases to minimize any potential impacts to water quality and service. Water mains will be flushed by releasing water from selected hydrants in town.

What are the benefits of flushing mains?
Water main flushing is an effective method of improving drinking water quality and is an integral component of a water utility’s distribution maintenance program.

Are there any short term adverse impacts from water main flushing?
Water main flushing can cause temporary reductions in water pressure and discolored water from increased levels of dissolved iron. Discolored water due to increased levels of dissolved iron may not be aesthetically pleasing, but according to the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it is not a public health threat. The Ipswich Water Department is making every effort to minimize potential impacts from the program and will closely monitor water quality and water pressure while flushing mains.

Should Ipswich Water Customers take special precautions?
In general, Ipswich Water Customers do not have to take any special precautions. However, some customers, such as hospital and medical facilities, and businesses that use water in their manufacturing or cleaning process, may want to more closely monitor their water quality and water pressure while the Ipswich Water Department flushing program is underway.

Who can I contact for more information?
If you have questions or concerns regarding the Water Main Flushing Program please contact the Ipswich Utilities Office at 356-6637 Monday 8AM- 7PM, Tuesday through Thursday 8AM – 4PM and Friday 8AM – noon.
If you experience a problem in the evening while the Ipswich Water Department is conducting its Water Main Flushing Program please contact 356-6640.

DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS OPEN

Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA) Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will be open beginning Wednesday, April 7, 2010 in five locations in Massachusetts to assist individuals, households and businesses affected by the severe storms and record-rainfall that flooded large areas of the state beginning March 12, 2010.
Each DRC is staffed with FEMA and Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) disaster recovery specialists, who are ready to help survivors through the process of applying for disaster assistance.
Homeowners, renters and business owners are urged to register before visiting a DRC by calling FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). Multilingual operators are available. Those with speech or hearing impairment may call TTY 800-462-7585 to apply. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate 7:00AM to 10:00PM daily until further notice. Registration can also be done online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
Once registered, FEMA disaster recovery specialists at a center can check an individual’s case, answer questions about their claim, or request information FEMA needs to process their claim.
Recovery specialists can also supply contacts for other programs that may provide help as well as suggest low-cost risk-reduction measures to make homes or businesses safer. Other federal agency representatives at the centers include IRS tax specialists to discuss disaster-related issues. Representatives from volunteer agencies are also available to suggest existing community resources to help in the recovery process.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) representatives will be on hand at DRCs to meet with individuals and business owners to answer any questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, help them complete their SBA disaster loan application and accept the completed disaster loan applications. Anyone not able to go to a DRC should call the SBA Customer Service Center from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday, at 800-659-2955 for information and assistance or visit the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private non-profit organizations. These loans are to repair or replace homes, businesses and personal property not covered by insurance and damaged by the recent flooding.
Hours of operation will vary at each center. Locations and daily hours are:

Essex County
Flint Public Library
1 South Main Street
Middleton, MA 01949

Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m.- 5 p.m.

TOWN MANAGER REPORT
March 15 – March 29, 2010

•FY 2011 Town Budget: The TM is finalizing a new revenue spreadsheet for FY 2011 to be delivered at Bean Counting on April 10.

•Annual Town Meeting Warrant: The warrant and synopses for the May 11 Annual Town Meeting have been completed and will be reviewed by the Selectmen at their March 29 meeting.

•Permit Tracking Software: Installation of the FBGov permit tracking software is proceeding according to schedule. A meeting of all affected departments and the software technicians was held on March 25. TM is in discussions to add a document management component to the program.

•Grade Crossing Safety Improvements: The FRA has approved our proposal for grade crossing safety improvements, but we have not yet received the approval letter. TM has called the FRA and requested the letter of approval so that our construction plans can go forward.

•Essex Regional Retirement Board/PERAC: The audit of ERRB for the 2006-08 period revealed 23 findings, including activities that might be illegal. PERAC, the state agency overseeing local retirement boards, has submitted several findings to the Attorney General for investigation. Town managers/administrators from member communities are calling for the resignation of the Executive Director.

•Trash Contract/Organic Wastes: The contract for solid waste expires on June 30. Bids for trash disposal have been received, and the RFP for trash collection was issued on March 24. Low bid for a tipping fee is $66; the tipping fee under the current contract is $97.50. There is a meeting every Monday morning at 8:00 a.m. chaired by Selectman Kilcoyne. Recycling Committee members and Sharon Kishiba of DEP are proposing an option for organic waste collections in the new contract.

•Chief Assessor: TM has hired Robin E. Nolan, Director of Assessors in Hamilton to be the new Chief Assessor in Ipswich. Robin succeeds Frank Ragonese and will begin work on May 1.

•Health Insurance: Bids for health insurance were received on March 15. MIIA is the low bidder with a proposed increase of 10.2% above FY 2010. TM convened an informational meeting for all town employees on March 26 and will continue with meetings of the IAC and town bargaining units with MIIA and other bidders leading towards a new contract.

•Ambulance Contract: TM is in discussions with the President of Action Ambulance regarding ambulance services in FY 2011. The main issue is reduction or elimination of the fee.

•Long Range Financial Planning Committee: TM continues to meet with the LRFPC of the Finance Committee to prepare recommendations to the Finance Committee on Town finances and financial policy. Most recent meeting was on March 22.

•Emergency Management Team: There were a series of follow up meetings with the Emergency Management Team in the aftermath of the power outage and flooding. The EM Director has filed loss claims with MEMA seeking for reimbursement purposes.

•Moody’s Rating: TM, Treasurer/Collector and Finance Director participated in a conference call with Moody’s Investors on March 10 to review the Town’s financial condition in anticipation of a bond issue this spring. The Town received notification that it will retain its current bond rating of
A-1.

•Dog Park: TM met with ACO Matt Antczak to discuss the potential for a dog park at Bialek Park. The ACO plans meetings with the Recreation Director and Recreation Committee to explore the proposal.

•Ipswich Explorer: TM met with representatives of Cape Ann Transit to review plans for the Ipswich Explorer bus to the beach in the coming season.

•Mayors for Meals: TM and Board Chair, Pat McNally delivered meals to residents of the Whittier housing complex on Caroline Avenue on March 24.

Due to flooding, here is the list of properties which have had the power turned off as of 10 AM March 17, 2010:

4 South Main Street
53 & 55 South Main Street
35 & 37 South Main Street
27,29,31 South Main Street (Power restored at 9AM)
59,61,63 South Main Street (Power restored except for basement section)
69 South Main Street

10 and 18  Market Street

Staff will be visiting these buildings throughout the day to determine when the property can have power restored.

Tim Henry - Utilities Director         

Power will only be restored to buildings following an inspection by the Ipswich Inspector of Wires, Donald Stone. To schedule an inspection please call ; (978) 356-6605, ext. # 1 or (978) 471- 8163.