Members Present: Chairman Stephen C. Lobik, Vice Chairman Douglas R. North, Clerk Joseph M. Prior
Superintendent: Craig W. Jalbert
Secretary: Dale Barnes-Johnson
Open the Meeting: The meeting was called to order at 7:30a.m.
Reorganize the Board: With the re-election of Stephen C. Lobik, Doug made a motion to keep the board as is and nominated Stephen C. Lobik as Chairman, Joe seconded motion, motion passed unanimously. Steve made a motion to nominate Douglas R. North as Vice Chairman, Joe seconded motion, motion passed unanimously. Doug made a motion to nominate Joseph M. Prior as Clerk, Steve seconded motion, motion passed unanimously.
Accept the Minutes: A motion was made by Doug and seconded by Joe to accept the March 23, 2010 meeting minutes. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
Approve Water and Sewer Rates ~ As previously discussed rates require adjustment to cover budgets with Contractual increases, Pensions based on 19.6% of Wages, Health Insurance based on a 14% increase, Property Insurance on a 5% increase + value increases. Sewer includes the estimated share of Operation & Maintenance costs of the Town of Palmer Water Pollution Control Facilities which continues to increase, while M.D.C.’s flows have been cut in half. Water includes the tank rehab loan in addition to the SRF loan we are paying. This past year was the lowest billable usage we have experienced.
Sewer ~ A motion was made by Doug to raise the current sewer residential flat rate per dwelling unit from $320/Yr, $80/Qtr to $332/Yr, $83/Qtr effective April 1, 2010, motion seconded by Joe, motion passed unanimously.
Water ~ A motion was made my Joe to raise the current water rate from $4.75/1000 gal., 6,250 gallons or $29.69/Qtr to $4.90/1000 gal., 6,250 gallons or $30.63/Qtr effective April 1, 2010, motion seconded by Doug, motion passed unanimously.
Rate information will be included in the FY2010 4th Quarter Bills due to be mailed in April.
Town Meeting Article Requests/Special ~
1. Transfer MTBE class action funds received after last Town Meeting ($26,516.53) from General Fund into the Stabilization Fund established for the purpose of water system emergencies and capital improvements.
2. Re-roofing the Hospital Road Pump Station, the sum of money is still waiting to be finalized. DP Carney who has done work for us in the past specializes in membrane and shingle roofs, recommends re-shingling with 50 year shingles and cutting in a ridge vent, and reports although shingles are missing the existing plywood is still in good shape.
Town Meeting Article Requests/Annual ~
1. Standard Annual Article for Water Enterprise Fund.
2. Standard Annual Article for Sewer Enterprise Fund.
3. To see if the Town will vote to transfer and appropriate a sum of money from the Water Enterprise Free Cash to a Water Capital Account for the Mechanic Street Water Main Relocation Project. The sum of $115,000 is being requested, the Monson Water & Sewer Department will be submitting an application for a FEMA-funded Hazard Mitigation Grant Program which would be for 75% of project cost.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at 6:30p.m.
ADJOURN: A motion was made by Steve and seconded by Doug to adjourn from open session to go into executive session at 7:45 a.m.
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Joseph M. Prior, Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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