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 6:30 p.m.
Accept the Minutes: A motion was made by Joe and seconded by Doug to accept the October 27, 2010 meeting minutes. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD/NEW BUSINESS:
Chlorination Equipment ~ Craig has requested a quote from LCS (the company who did PLC programming at Bethany Road) on furnishing and integrating the three combination chlorine/pH monitors at our three well pump stations. The physical installation will be done by us. MassDEP does not foresee problems with equipment and approving installations.
Sewer Inflow & Infiltration (I&I) Remediation ~ Contractors had to go to another job but will be back in two weeks it is hoped to continue on with the easement and Route 32. In place of J.R. Sweeping who in the past has jetted Main Street, Craig tried Mark Kline who has a Vac/Jetter truck. Main Street was completed with no surprises. We had some time left which allowed us to jet and vac on Park Avenue where a lot of gravel and debris seeped in during construction.
PVPC/Park Avenue ~ National Grid removed last pole today, granite curbs can now be set, paving is set for next week.
FY2012 Budget ~Preliminary discussions took place regarding budget challenges and possible options. The Polymer Injection Moldings chiller system installation cuts back approximately 14 million gallons a year, or approximately a $75,000 year revenue shortfall, in combination with insurance healthcare and property, pensions, and minimal contractual increases the Water Budget faces a $93,000 shortfall. Water rates are calculated based on minimum quarterly usage from previous years and do not include other billable items (water materials, permits, water loads, and fees). The FY2012 budget also includes a final $53,375 bond payment for Bunyan Well Improvements. Options include a one time $50,000 transfer from the Water Enterprise Fund, leaving the remaining $40,000 cuts to be made from budget
line items and a rate adjustment. Theoretically with pumping being down, cuts could be made to Corrosion Control and Electricity or a $15,000 reduction in both the Emergency Reserve and Budgeted Surplus amounts would result in a $30,000 cut. Also discussed were the ramifications of a 2% increase from $4.90/1000 gallon to $5.00/1000 gallon and the impact of a year only increase. Craig plans to discuss the options with the Finance Director as soon as her schedule allows. The Commission discussed how to proceed; minimally operating costs need to be covered. Going forward there are no big projects to bond for, however there will be one time Capital costs, i.e. well cleanings etc. Another concern is looking at a 12 million gallon a year reduction from the M.D.C. which is approximately a $60,000-$70,000 loss in revenue.
Craig has been asked by the Executive Director of Mass Water Works Association to speak at a Water Infrastructure Finance Commission Public Hearing about what is available and the impact departments face with needed infrastructure improvements and limited financing options.
The Sewer Budget will also have a small shortfall but Craig believes we can solve it with a line item cut.
Department Activity ~
Service Line Replacements~ Prior to the lower end of Wales Road being paved next week, the department replaced 3 service lines. Another job had been planned for this week; however the weather did not cooperate so it will be put off until the Spring.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 6:30p.m.
ADJOURN: A motion was made by Doug and seconded by Joe to adjourn from open session to go into executive session at 7:10 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
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Joseph M. Prior, Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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