Board of Commissioners Meeting
December 16, 2010
Sunapee Slow Sand Filter Plant
PRESENT: Theodore Gallup-Chairman, David Cain, David Montambeault, Paul Manson.
Also present: Holly Leonard, David Bailey, Neil Cheseldine, Charles Smith, Jessie Levine, Richard Lee, Edward Rushbrook, Tina Helm, Mark Kaplan, Peter Bianchi, David Little, Kevin Quill.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 5:50 p.m.
Forms for Signing:
November 18, 2010 Meeting Minutes: David C. made a motion to accept the meeting minutes, seconded by Paul M., voted unanimously in favor, so declared by the Chairman.
There was some discussion regarding the last meeting and New London not attending because they were under the impression that Neil C. would not be in attendance.
Wastewater Treatment Highlights:
Dave B. stated that he did not have much to report as the plant is running well.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade: Neil C. passed out the draft preliminary design and stated that the next step is for everyone to read it over and give any input that they see as necessary. Neil C. stated that the funding is the most significant change to the project since last year. Neil C. highlighted that low construction bidding and interest rates are good reasons to do the project in the bad economic climate. There was some discussion regarding how the vote in each of the Towns may go.
Neil C. explained the SRF funding criteria and that New London has been selected to receive 25% funding due to their high rates. There was some discussion regarding the State needing to match the federal funds in order for this funding to be available, and the wording of the articles. Jessie L. stated that the wording regarding Sewer User Fees in Sunapee’s article may affect financing options. Neil C. stated that there will be a need for bridge financing for Sunapee and that SRF would supply a construction loan prior to rolling the loan over to USRDA. Neil C. explained that there had been no changes to the plan discussed at the November meeting where New London had not been in attendance or at the Sunapee Selectman’s meeting.
There was some discussion about going ahead with the full design or waiting for the vote before proceeding. Neil C. presented that the time to go to bid would be just prior to the2011 winter season. Mark K. questioned how grant money is distributed. Neil C. explained the way the grants work and that grant would not be provided on amounts not actually expended. There was some discussion regarding how payment requests would work being split between the two Towns, and if the USDA funding climate may change prior to completion of the project.
New London Departed at 6:50 p.m.
Granliden: Kevin Q. and David L. joined the table. Kevin Q. presented that Granliden after getting a better idea of the costs of the project to the association were coming back before the Commission to seek a reduction in the rates charged for water to Granliden. Kevin Q. stated that the total cost to Granliden so far for improvements has been $514,000 and that they are looking to start another project for a new tank and a pump house. Kevin Q. stated that the total cost for Granliden users including the payment to Sunapee water is $964.00 per unit. Theodore G. stated that he did not recall Granliden disagreeing with the cost stated by the Commission when they hooked onto the system. Kevin Q. presented that he was told to come back after some years had gone by to discuss the
rates. There was some discussion regarding the need to upgrade Granliden’s distribution system. David L. feels that the rates are inequitable because Granliden has to repair its own problems and should not have to pay the same rates as other users in Sunapee. There was some discussion regarding Granliden not wanting to pay for lines that are repaired in other parts of town. Kevin Q. stated that the Commission has the responsibility to do what is best for all of the users. David C. stated that he did not see Granliden as being any different than any of the other users. Kevin Q. is requesting that Granliden not be charged for the bond fee that is for Lake Avenue and to be billed once yearly instead of twice. There was some discussion regarding rate setting and how to establish the fees for 2011. Theodore G. stated that the Commission will discuss the issue when they address the rates probably at the January meeting. David L. will present a printed copy of the numbers in
question via e-mail.
Forms for Signing:
November 2010 Sewer Purchase Journal: David C. made a motion to accept the sewer purchase journal, seconded by Paul M., voted unanimously in favor, so declared by the Chairman.
November 2010 Water Purchase Journal: Paul M. made a motion to accept the water purchase journal, seconded by David C., voted unanimously in favor, so declared by the Chairman.
POR 6 Abatement Requests: Paul M. made a motion to grant the abatement for POR 6, seconded by David M., after some discussion regarding the property, voted unanimously in favor, so declared by the Chairman.
Water Treatment Highlights: Dave B. reported that there had been several water leaks last week. There was some discussion regarding the leaks.
Old & New Business:
There was some discussion regarding the Granliden line and their distribution system.
2011 Proposed Warrant Articles: There was some discussion regarding lining the concrete tank and striking the words gross budget and design on the Wastewater Plant Upgrade.
8:00 p.m. David C. made a motion to enter non-public session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 section II, paragraph (a), seconded by David M., the Chairman polled the Commissioners all were in favor of entering non-public session, so declared by the Chairman.
8:45 p.m. The Commission returned to public session.
David C. made a motion to seal the minutes of the non-public session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 section II paragraph (a), seconded by Paul M., voted unanimously in favor, so declared by the Chairman.
8:50 p.m. Paul M. made a motion to adjourn, seconded by David C., voted unanimously in the affirmative, so declared by the Chairman.
Submitted by Holly Leonard.
Approved by the Water & Sewer Commission this ______ day of __________________, 2010.
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Theodore Gallup-Chairman David Montambeault
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David Cain Peter Hill
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Kurt Markarian Christopher Leonard
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Paul Manson
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