Board of Commissioners Meeting
September 24, 2009
Sunapee Town Offices
PRESENT: Theodore Gallup – Chairman, Charles Smith, Christopher Leonard, David Montambeault, David Cain, Kurt Markarian.
ABSENT: Paul Manson.
Also present: Holly Leonard, David Bailey, Jessie Levine, Spec Bowers.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 5:34 p.m.
Forms for Signing:
August 27, 2009 Meeting Minutes: Charles S. made a motion to accept the meeting minutes as written, seconded by David C., voted unanimously in favor, so declared by the Chairman.
August 2009 Sewer Purchase Journal: David M. made a motion to accept the August 2009 sewer purchase journal as presented, seconded by Charles S., voted unanimously in favor, so declared by the Chairman.
August 2009 Water Purchase Journal: David C. made a motion to accept the water purchase journal as presented, seconded by David M., voted unanimously in favor, so declared by the Chairman.
Certificate of Authorization: Charles S. made a motion to accept the certificate of authorization and allow the Chair to sign the Grant acceptance form, seconded by Christopher L., after some discussion regarding the grant, voted unanimously in favor, so declared by the Chairman.
- Wastewater Treatment Highlights: Dave B. reported that they had been de-watering sludge with demonstration machines and that about 20 yards had been de-watered most of it from the centrifuge. There was some discussion regarding the three different machines and the qualities and costs of each. Charles S. gave some information on each of the machines that had been demonstrated, and stated that he would like to see a demonstration of the Fornier press. There was some discussion about the Fornier company not being willing to do a demonstration at the Wastewater Plant. Christopher L. questioned where there would be one functioning that could be seen. Charles S. stated that he had seen one in Billerica MA. Dave B. stated that Neil C. is trying to get the company to bring one for a demo but that they have an issue with the type
of sludge that our plant produces.
There was some discussion regarding the types of units, their prices and the savings that could be realized from de-watering the sludge as opposed to trucking it in liquid form. David C. stated that after doing some research on each option, he feels that the Volute screw press is the option that has been demonstrated.
There was some discussion regarding Wright-Pierce giving a presentation on the de-watering units, and waiting to hear what the engineers’ thoughts on each are.
Jessie L. stated that she had attended to hear about what had gone on with the flow issues that had materialized around August 28th with the flow numbers going into the negative. Dave B. told the Commission what had gone on and what had been done to try and remedy the issue. There was some discussion regarding what could have caused the problems with the meters, flows and rates. Jessie L. departed at 6:10.
- Water Treatment Highlights: Dave B. reported that he is working on getting the boring of the water line done sometime after Columbus Day.
Dave B. reported that the soda ash is working well.
Meter reading will be done next week and summer water lines will be shut off after October 15th.
Dave B. reported that he has received a quote for a new furnace at River Rd. that will run on propane instead of heating oil. The quote came in at $2,800.
David C. questioned what is going on with the mixing in the storage tanks. Dave B. reported that the new valve configuration is working well and that at some time the leak in the concrete tank will need to be addressed. There was some discussion regarding fire flows and emergency situations. Dave B. gave an explanation of the new flow configuration between the steel and concrete tanks.
David M. would like to see a committee set up to come up with different ways to promote water conservation which will help out at all levels of the water and sewer systems. There was some discussion regarding water conservation efforts and having a committee to investigate more options for promoting conservation. David M. made a motion to form a water conservation committee, seconded by David C., after some discussion regarding who would want to be part of the committee the second and the motion were withdrawn. There was some discussion regarding flyers in with the bills going out next month.
Charles S. introduced Spec Bowers of the BAC and Charles S. suggested that Spec B. be allowed to discuss the proposed 2010 budget with the Commission. The Chairman invited Spec B. to join the table.
Charles S. stated that he thinks that the Superintendent and administrative portions of the payroll budget should be split more along the lines as percentages of the entire budgets not in the 1/3 toward each manor that it has been allocated. There was some discussion regarding what comprises the budgets and how they are split. There was some discussion regarding putting more of the payroll expenses toward the plant budget as opposed to the other two budgets. David M. stated that he thinks that keeping the split as it has been is an easier way of dealing with the issue. There was some discussion regarding the employees time and that all regular employees split their time as it actually happens in the course of a day.
Spec B. questioned why such a small percentage of the budgets had been spent to date. Holly L. explained that there is a lag in time when items are actually get billed to the departments resulting in approximately a months difference. There was much discussion regarding the line items on the three budgets. Charles S. stated that he thinks that the amount budgeted for maintenance services is excessive. There was some discussion regarding what things can be repaired in house as opposed to hiring specialists for repairs. Spec B. pointed out that the Lake Avenue loan payment needs fixing on the budget spread sheet. There was some discussion regarding the plants and how a de-watering unit could help save money at the Wastewater Plant.
7:25 p.m. Christopher L. made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Charles S., voted unanimously in the affirmative, so declared by the Chairman.
Submitted by Holly Leonard.
Approved by the Water & Sewer Commission this ______ day of __________________, 2009.
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Theodore Gallup – Chairman David Montambeault – Vice Chair
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Christopher Leonard Charles Smith
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Kurt Markarian David Cain
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Paul Manson
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