MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC POWER ADVISORY BOARD
Minutes
June 14, 2006
HMLD 6:00 p.m.
Members present: Chairman Robert Hamer, and Members Donna Fitch, Peter Liddy, Thomas Runstrom, and John Shepherd.
Also present: Brian Bullock, Town/ Light Manager, Jacquelyn Kelly, Assistant Town Manager, Michael Flagg, General Foreman, Diane Mero, Utility Specialist, and Margaret Donaldson, Office Manager.
Minutes
On a motion by Mr. Liddy, seconded by Mr. Shepherd, the minutes from the meeting held on December 6, 2005 were unanimously approved as written. On a motion by Mr. Shepherd, seconded by Mr. Liddy, the minutes of December 28, 2005 were unanimously approved as written.
Personnel Changes
Mr. Bullock introduced Michael Flagg, the newly appointed General Foreman. Mr. Flagg has taken on many of the duties of the Light Superintendent upon his departure to take another position. The Board welcomed Mr. Flagg.
Other changes are Brian Hickey’s appointment as Line Foreman and Barry Tupper as Construction Foreman. Recruitment for an entry-level Forestry position is underway.
Mr. Liddy asked what training is provided to new employees in entry-type positions. Mr. Flagg said that there is comprehensive training available through the New England Public Power Association (NEPPA) in addition to on-the-job training.
Financial Systems
The Department has hired Goulet and Salvidio Associates (the Department’s Auditor) to review financial systems and make recommendations on improvements as well as staff changes. The consultant has recommended a new financial management software system called Peachtree. This software has successfully been used in other Departments to streamline internal accounting and reporting systems. Ms. Mero reviewed the benefits expected of Peachtree including more timely monthly reconciliations, consolidation of various financial reports, and budgeting.
Mr. Bullock reported that the Department has purchased a truck-based mobile meter reader with on-board laptop computer system. This new technology will enable faster meter reading because it can read meters within a wider radius than the hand-held devices. The advanced automated meter reading system requires less man hours for reading that can be applied to other meter-related areas. The Department is re-defining the meter reader position to include meter reading as well as digital inventory control, work orders, testing, and trouble-shooting of the equipment. The meter technician could also download readings from the AMR’s directly into the billing system.
Rates
The Department’s Rate Mitigation Credit ended in April. However, because power bills are normally lower at this time of the year, residential consumers did not experience a significant change in their power bills as evidenced by few calls received about the change.
The Department has made a power purchase to cover a planned outage at Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant in October and has purchased a power contract for the summer months, a time of year when the Department (and many other companies) experiences an annual peak usage.
Other Business
Ms. Kelly explained that the Town has initiated a Geographic Information System (GIS) using detailed orthographic maps generated via a fly-over. The next town-wide step will be to digitize Assessors map and parcel information. The HMLD has started a project to inventory its facilities throughout the town and produce a GIS compatible data base. The process is expected to take approximately one year to complete.
Representatives from Walgreen’s Drug Store chain plan to develop the Caswell-King, Love Realty, and Telephone Company properties on Main Street. Plans will be announced in the next few months to develop the former Holden Hospital site into an assisted living facility. RFP’s for the conversion of the former Rice School property into housing are due on June 30th.
A special election has been scheduled for June 20th to vote on excluding the debt on a proposed new Public Safety Facility from the limitations of Proposition 2 ½. Mr. Flagg gave an update on the Bullard Street Substation Project. The switchgear and other equipment have been ordered. Construction will begin this fall with completion by early next year.
Town forces will repair manholes on Main Street. Mr. Liddy asked about the flooding problem at the intersection of Main and Highland Streets. Mr. Bullock said that Mass Highway will be fixing the problem after July 1. Apparently, there is a blockage of some kind below Main Street along Route 31 that is causing the drainage problem.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned by consensus at approximately 7:05 p.m.
Prepared by:
Jacquelyn Kelly
Assistant Town Manager
Approved: December 14, 2006
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