Wellfleet Board of Water Commissioners
Senior Center Conference Room
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Present: Co-Chair Emily Beebe, Steven Gazzano, Jean Schaefer
Absent: Moe Barocas
Also Attending: Financial Consultant Mark Abrahams, FinCom Liaison Dan Wexman, Wastewater Member Alex Hay, Fire Chief Daniel Silverman
Co-Chair Emily Beebe called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
Options from Consultant
Mark Abrahams had compiled spreadsheets of WhiteWater statistics on water usage, which he reviewed with the Board. He also distributed the Abutter File from the Health Agent showing the largest commercial properties and a worksheet on revenue/expenses for the Municipal Water System from the Town Accountant. The fiscal worksheets included debt service figures up to 2024. Two other worksheets contained budget information and system assets. Abrahams outlined the next steps the Board should make for calculating costs.
Connection Fees
Abrahams said he had the base information to develop a fee schedule. He reviewed the criteria for connecting established in a 2004 letter. He discussed hydrant fees, establishing an Enterprise Fund, and abatement possibilities.
Town Meeting Preparation
Fire Chief Dan Silverman reported on his process for preparing to present Articles at Town Meeting by reaching out to a large number of organizations and breaking down actual costs to the taxpayer. He also analyzed unsuccessful efforts that came before Town Meeting; Articles that are not explained sufficiently; anticipating opposition to Articles; and approaches to gaining support. He had suggestions for getting coverage through press, radio and TV. Alex Hay discussed how important the water expansion is to economic development.
Other Business
Beebe said there is a section of Mass General Law that has to be considered as a Warrant Article. The Board discussed bringing the proposal to a Special Town Meeting.
Dan Wexman suggested establishing time frames with the consultants. Steve Gazzano said he will work out a schedule for meetings.
Beebe reviewed the information that needs to be shared with the consultants.
Adjournment
Beebe moved to adjourn. Schaefer seconded. The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________ __________________________
Mary Rogers, Committee Secretary Emily Beebe, Co-Chair
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Date
The Board of Water Commissioners approved these minutes at the meeting held 3/5/2009.
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