Commissioners Present: Chairman Joseph M. Prior, Vice Chairman Douglas R. North, Clerk Steve Lobik
Employees Present: Superintendent: Craig W. Jalbert; Secretary: Dale Barnes-Johnson
Guests: None
Open the Meeting: The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
Accept the Meeting Minutes: A motion was made by Doug to accept the December 5, 2012 meeting minutes, motion seconded by Steve. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD/NEW BUSINESS
Utility Truck ~ the 2012 Chevy truck is equipped and in service. The purchasing/installation of a radio will be held off until the Police Chief provides new radio frequency information; for now cells phones are being used.
2005 Ford Pick Up Truck ~ repairs are complete, Pathfinder painted and installed the new bed from MHQ, from there it was sent out to have the bed polyurethane coated for wear resistance and then the old tool box was re-installed.
Mechanic Street Water Main Relocation ~ FEMA/MEMA have given the go ahead to bid the project which Tata & Howard (T&H) will now advertise in the Central Register, $120,000-$130,000 is estimated for total project cost including engineering. Contractors are aware work will not commence until after July 4th.
FY2014 Budget ~ Water & Sewer Budgets have been prepared and are ready for submittal to FinCom after the Commission’s approval. Revenue projections/rate setting usually follows but this year we must first allocate significant time for analysis regarding the loss of MDC and its impact on the Water & Sewer revenues. The recent Lien Process and Quarterly Billing procedure has delayed Craig and Dale but the plan is to complete it next week. However, right now we can estimate that Water revenue is expected to drop $40,000 due to a decrease in billed usage of 8 million gallons per year normally attributed to the MDC. Water lines to each building on the MDC facility have been capped off. However, the MDC tank and fire hydrants will remain in service to provide fire protection to
the vacant buildings. Some water will still be used to fluctuate the tank level during the winter months to prevent it from freezing.
Overall, Water Expenses are $930 less than our previous year, decreases have been made in Electricity, Corrosion Control, and Consulting Services but increases were necessary for Operating Supplies (due to the no lead brass law), Police Detail and Training line items. Salaries increased slightly to cover contractual increases and a 2% raise for the Superintendent equivalent to other Department Heads. At first glance Craig believes a rate increase is inevitable; the Commission discussed offsetting the MDC loss by drawing from the Enterprise Fund to lessen the increase to the ratepayers, however they are reluctant to do so as it would only delay the inevitable; further rate analysis and discussion is necessary before a decision can be made.
The proposed Sewer budget includes a $45,000 decrease in the Maintenance of the Joint Treatment (Palmer) line item, and minimal Salary increases. The Commission agreed it is important to keep a surplus available to address issues on the 45 year old system, the cost of one sewer collapse on Route 32, which is 30’ deep by Fenton Road would be extremely expensive. At first glance Craig estimates Sewer rates may decrease as a result of the completion of the Palmer negotiations even with the loss of MDC; further rate analysis and discussion is necessary before a decision can be made.
A motion was made by Steve to submit the Water and Sewer Budgets as prepared. Motion seconded by Doug. Motion passed unanimously.
Department Activity ~
Water / Sewer Repairs ~ Christmas morning a service leak was repaired at 194 Main St.
Leak Detection ~ statistics show the majority of leaks occur on service lines not on the mains themselves, listening on individual services is underway.
Drawings ~ Jan continues to update drawings.
Town Administrative Building ~ Kaestle Boose Associates Inc. has been chosen as architect for the new town offices. Don Frydryk’s survey crew is developing an existing site plan that will be used to bid the demolition and provide a base for the design of the new building. Craig and the Commission discussed the particulars of the existing water & sewer services and what we will require for the new building at 110 Main.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Tuesday, January 29th at 6:30 p.m.
ADJOURN: A motion was made by Doug and seconded by Steve to adjourn at 8:00 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
___________________________________
Stephen Lobik, Clerk
cc: Selectmen
| 
