Commissioners Present: Paul C. DeMaio Chairman, Joseph M. Prior Vice Chairman, Marshall L. Harris Clerk
Employees Present: Superintendent: Craig W. Jalbert; Secretary: Dale Barnes-Johnson
Open the Meeting: The meeting was called to order at 3:30 p.m.
Accept the Meeting Minutes: Marty made a motion to accept the February 11, 2015 meeting minutes. Joe seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD/NEW BUSINESS:
Hospital Road Pump Rehab Project ~ Tata & Howard (T&H) is conducting an internal design review. There will probably be revisions after its completion. Based on recommendations from T&H and Flygt, Craig instructed T&H to move forward with the twin 1000 gpm set up, pumping efficiency is very good, chopping efficiency is excellent and cost is less with two 15 hp motors (VFD’s less expensive as well). However, the choice is based on what will work best in our application, not on cost. The Fire Department has reviewed the proposed fuel tank and it will meet their requirements. Because we are replacing the external fuel tank we will also have to replace the internal day fuel oil tank so the installation meets present day code. Matt at T&H is also researching sewer
pipe coatings (internal).
Craig contracted with Keenan Insulation to install insulation in the attic space of the station. With the new gutters we have there now, ice dams were forming due to the absence of insulation.
FY2016 Budget ~ alternatives on how to address budget shortfalls were discussed, the easy solution would be to raise the rate, however there have been many articles published concerning how to better align customer water rates to share operating costs more fairly among all users. Alternatives include evaluating the effects of raising the billable quarterly minimum from 6,250 gal/qtr ($33.44) to 10,000 gal/qtr ($53.50) without raising the rate, the majority of customers won’t see an increase; approximately 40% of the total accounts use less than 10,000 ga/qtr and would see a quarterly increase of $20.06. The sewer billing structure is based on a flat rate, commercial accounts are billed sewer flat plus use, water is currently based totally on usage, budget line items are bare bones, the only variables
that would see a decrease when pumping is down is electricity and chemicals. There are approximately 66 accounts with zero usages; just as all other users who are connected to the system, they require attention. The department provides reliable service; maintains the stations, equipment, tanks and system. Commercial users who typically use more water are being penalized as they are shouldering the burden of the operating costs and infrastructure projects that are for the better of everyone. We are predominately residential based and although we have tried to hold senior citizens harmless, our customers are changing and revenues are decreasing due to water conservation and shrinking industrial/commercial users. Raising our rate to $6.00/1000 gal would place Monson on the high end of the scale when compared to surrounding communities. Craig would like to meet with Town Administrator Evan Brassard and Finance Director Debi Maher to discuss
infrastructure cost sharing alternatives. Further discussion will take place at the next meeting.
Department Activity
58 Stafford Road ~ to date, there has been no reported problems with the temp service.
Sewer Jetter ~ the Mongoose Jetter is back from repairs, a startup will soon be scheduled with the Sales Representative.
PLC Programming ~ programming has been completed and functioning properly. The chlorine pumps are now all flow paced to more accurately dose the chlorine.
Bunyan Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) ~ AMP Electric removed the faulty VFD at Bunyan, and it has been sent out for repairs which are expected to be about $4,500 when this comes back, the other pump may be sent out to be refurbished.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Wednesday, March 18, 2014 at 3:30p.m.
ADJOURN: A motion was made by Joe and seconded by Paul to adjourn at 4:10 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
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Marshall L. Harris, Clerk
cc: Selectmen
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