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Home My Public Portal AboutFY2019 Water DepartmentBREWSTER WATER DEPARTMENT The Brewster Water System consists of approximately 130 miles of water main, two storage tanks, 5 wells, 3 treatment facilities, 1178 fire hydrants and 7513 service connections. The system is maintained by 9 Water Operators, 3 Office staff and the Superintendent. The Superintendent answers directly to the town Administrator but also meets monthly with a Board of Water Commissioners (3 members) who act in an advisory manner but are responsible for determining the water rates (rate used to calculate water bills). The Department is funded by revenues collected from the biannual bills. The Department can most easily be described in three divisions; Distribution, Treatment and Administration. The distribution system is all of the infrastructure that provides domestic water and fire protection to the town. Storage tanks, water main, fire hydrants, service connections and water meters are all components that must be maintained annually. All Distribution Operators must be licensed by the State to perform the necessary duties and they must maintain the appropriate continuing education based on the grade of the license. The daily work performed varies in complexity and often has to be adjusted to allow for emergencies like service leaks and main breaks. Water meters are read two times a year so bills can be calculated. Hydrants are flushed two times a year to remove any sediment (iron) that collects at the bottom of the main over time. This flushing program is crucial to ensuring the quality of the water. Seasonal homes are turned on and off annually so the plumbing doesn’t freeze and burst when homes are winterized. Staff mark out the location of water mains and services so they are not disturbed by construction. Cross connection surveys are performed to prevent the connection of non- potable water with the public water supply and if such a connection is necessary a device is installed and tested annually to ensure the safety of the water. Fire hydrant testing and maintenance is continuously on going due to the number of hydrants in the system. Infrastructure that is anticipated to fail is often scheduled for replacement. The replacement process involves excavating and safety of the public and employees is the primary concern. The treatment system is all the infrastructure that extracts the water from the ground and treats it before being introduced into the distribution system. We have 3 treatment facilities; two Lime Stations and one Greensand Treatment Facility. The two lime stations inject lime into the water to reduce the natural occurring acidity and just a minimal amount of sodium hypochlorite for disinfection purposes. The Greensand Treatment Facility filters iron from the water and also reduces the acidity by injecting Potassium Hydroxide. Due to the filtration process we are required to inject more sodium hypochlorite (for disinfection) than we do at the Lime Stations. The treatment system consists of eight buildings and each houses numerous pumps, motors and control components. The maintenance of the treatment infrastructure is ongoing and never stops. Each facility must be monitored 24/7 through the use of a remote monitoring system and they must be physically inspected every day by a licensed treatment operator. Similar to distribution all treatment operators must be licensed by the State to perform the necessary duties and they must maintain the appropriate continuing education based on the grade of the license. The administration is responsible for the overall operations of the department. The Office Manager has two office staff that share the responsibilities typical of any utility. Bills are produced, bills are processed, calls from residents are received and directed accordingly, property files are organized, seasonal accounts are scheduled, markouts are received and processed; these are just some of the daily tasks they perform. The Office Manager also works closely with the Superintendent and the two Foreman so work is scheduled smoothly and recorded accurately. The Superintendent is responsible for the daily operations of the department, plans all capital projects and prepares the annual budget. All financial requests are reviewed by the Town Administrator, Board of Water Commissioners, Finance Committee and The Board of Selectpersons before being presented at Town Meeting. It is the goal of the Brewster Water Department to provide the highest quality of water at the most reasonable price. The Department is a two time winner of The Best Drinking Water in New England. Water Department Town Administrator Appointed by the Board of Selectmen Water Superintendent Pers. Bylaw Gr. VI Treatment Plant Operator OPEIU Gr. 7B Foreman OPEIU Gr. 7B Adm. Sup. Deputy Collector OPEIU Gr. 6B Water Comission Five member board appointed by the Board of Selectmen Department Asst OPEIU Gr. 4A Department Asst OPEIU Gr. 4A Equipment Operator / Water Technician SEIU Gr. 4 WTO Cross Connection Surv. & Tester SEIU Gr. 5 Sys Maint Tec SEIU Gr. 3 Laborer SEIU Gr. 2 Laborer SEIU Gr. 2 Laborer SEIU Gr. 2 Laborer SEIU Gr. 2 Asst. Town Administrator Pers. Bylaw Gr. V SPECIAL REVENUE FUND DEPT HEAD TOWN ADMINISTRATOR SELECTBOARD FINANCE COMMITTEE EXPENDED APPROPRIATED REQUESTED RECOMMENDED RECOMMENDED RECOMMENDED WAGES: Full-time 694,565$ $ 724,190 $ 779,218 $ 779,218 $ 779,218 $ 779,218 7.6% $ 55,028 Part Time -$ $ - $ 10,500 $ 10,500 $ 10,500 $ 10,500 100.0% $ 10,500 Overtime 49,801$ $ 46,350 $ 46,350 $ 46,350 $ 46,350 $ 46,350 0.0% $ - Standby Pay 13,000$ $ 13,250 $ 13,250 $ 13,250 $ 13,250 $ 13,250 0.0% $ - Longevity 4,350$ $ 5,250 $ 6,150 $ 6,150 $ 6,150 $ 6,150 17.1% $ 900 Clothing Reimbursement 5,359$ $ - $ 7,500 $ 7,500 $ 7,500 $ 7,500 100.0% $ 7,500 Contractual Obligations $ (9,979) $ - $ - $ - $ - -100.0% $ 9,979 SUB TOTAL 767,075$ 779,061$ 862,968$ 862,968$ 862,968$ 862,968$ 10.8% $ 83,907 OPERATING EXPENSE: Propane/Natural Gas 12,010$ $ 18,000 $ 18,000 $ 18,000 $ 18,000 $ 18,000 0.0% $ - Electricity 122,125$ $ 130,000 $ 130,000 $ 130,000 $ 130,000 $ 130,000 0.0% $ - R&M Building / Office -$ $ - $ 58,000 $ 58,000 $ 58,000 $ 58,000 100.0% $ 58,000 R & M Equipment 109,171$ $ 85,000 $ 30,000 $ 30,000 $ 30,000 $ 30,000 -64.7% $ (55,000) Annual Water Sampling -$ $ - $ 21,000 $ 21,000 $ 21,000 $ 21,000 100.0% $ 21,000 Professional Expense 34,348$ $ 35,000 $ 20,000 $ 20,000 $ 20,000 $ 20,000 -42.9% $ (15,000) Supplies 17,817$ $ 19,000 $ 14,000 $ 14,000 $ 14,000 $ 14,000 -26.3% $ (5,000) Postage 1,884$ $ 1,500 $ 1,500 $ 1,500 $ 1,500 $ 1,500 0.0% $ - Chemicals -$ $ - $ 45,000 $ 45,000 $ 45,000 $ 45,000 100.0% $ 45,000 Vehicle Maintenance -$ $ - $ 4,000 $ 4,000 $ 4,000 $ 4,000 100.0% $ 4,000 Small Tools & Equipment 58,474$ $ 80,000 $ 31,500 $ 31,500 $ 31,500 $ 31,500 -60.6% $ (48,500) Primary Assessment 3,931$ $ 4,000 $ 4,000 $ 4,000 $ 4,000 $ 4,000 0.0% $ - In-State Travel -$ $ 700 $ 700 $ 700 $ 700 $ 700 0.0% $ - Meetings / Seminars 709$ $ - $ 4,000 $ 4,000 $ 4,000 $ 4,000 100.0% $ 4,000 Lodging Expense 359$ $ - $ 1,000 $ 1,000 $ 1,000 $ 1,000 100.0% $ 1,000 Meals Expense 42$ $ - $ 500 $ 500 $ 500 $ 500 100.0% $ 500 Mileage 412$ $ - $ 500 $ 500 $ 500 $ 500 100.0% $ 500 Scheduled System Maint 51,405$ $ 35,000 $ 35,000 $ 35,000 $ 35,000 $ 35,000 0.0% $ - Safety Clothing / Boots 1,750$ $ - $ 3,500 $ 3,500 $ 3,500 $ 3,500 100.0% $ 3,500 Reserve for Unforseen Exp.-$ $ 25,000 $ 25,000 $ 25,000 $ 25,000 $ 25,000 0.0% $ - SUB TOTAL 414,437$ 433,200$ 447,200$ 447,200$ 447,200$ 447,200$ 3.2% $ 14,000 DEBT SERVICE EXPENSE Principal -$ $ 520,000 $ 550,000 $ 550,000 $ 550,000 $ 550,000 5.8% $ 30,000 Interest -$ $ 190,624 $ 184,556 $ 184,556 $ 184,556 $ 184,556 -3.2% $ (6,068) Issuance Costs -$ $ 10,000 $ 10,000 $ 10,000 $ 10,000 $ 10,000 0.0% $ - SUB TOTAL -$ 720,624$ 744,556$ 744,556$ 744,556$ 744,556$ 3.3% $ 23,932 FY2019 % CHANGE YR / YR $ CHANGE YR / YR WATER DEPARTMENT - MGL Chapter 40 Section 5F FY2017 FY2018 Water 4/11/2018 SPECIAL REVENUE FUND DEPT HEAD TOWN ADMINISTRATOR SELECTBOARD FINANCE COMMITTEE EXPENDED APPROPRIATED REQUESTED RECOMMENDED RECOMMENDED RECOMMENDED FY2019 % CHANGE YR / YR $ CHANGE YR / YR WATER DEPARTMENT - MGL Chapter 40 Section 5F FY2017 FY2018 FRINGE BENEFITS Unemployment -$ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - 0.0% $ - Group Insurance -$ $ 178,521 $ 189,232 $ 189,232 $ 189,232 $ 189,232 6.0% $ 10,711 Life Insurance -$ $ 484 $ 484 $ 484 $ 484 $ 484 0.0% $ (0) Medicare -$ $ 11,000 $ 12,400 $ 12,400 $ 12,400 $ 12,400 12.7% $ 1,400 Retirement -$ $ 149,707 $ 159,499 $ 159,499 $ 159,499 $ 159,499 6.5% $ 9,792 SUB TOTAL -$ 339,712$ $ 361,615 $ 361,615 $ 361,615 $ 361,615 6.4% $ 21,903 GENERAL INSURANCE Workers Compensation -$ $ - $ 23,242 $ 23,242 $ 23,242 $ 23,242 100.0% $ 23,242 Auto Liability -$ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - 0.0% $ - General Liability -$ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - 0.0% $ - Claims -$ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - 0.0% $ - SUB TOTAL -$ -$ $ 23,242 $ 23,242 $ 23,242 $ 23,242 100.0% $ 23,242 CAPITAL EXPENSE Additional Equipment -$ $ 9,500 $ - $ - $ - $ - -100.0% $ (9,500) Vehicles -$ $ 230,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 -78.3% $ (180,000) Well Repair & Maint -$ $ 80,000 $ - $ - $ - $ - -100.0% $ (80,000) Tank Repair & Maint -$ $ 250,000 $ 13,000 $ 13,000 $ 13,000 $ 13,000 -94.8% $ (237,000) Construction -$ $ 180,000 $ 180,000 $ 180,000 $ 180,000 $ 180,000 0.0% $ - SUB TOTAL -$ 749,500$ 243,000$ 243,000$ 243,000$ 243,000$ -67.6% $ (506,500) GRAND TOTAL 1,181,512$ 3,022,097$ 2,682,581$ 2,682,581$ 2,682,581$ 2,682,581$ -11.2% $ (339,516) Vote 4-0-0 Vote 7-0-0 Note: The annual water sampling includes EPA required testing in the amount of $13,000. This is in addition to the Water Departments annual testing in the amount of $8,000. Part Time wages in FY2019 and going forward are for a hydrant painting project. The Vehicle replacement is a 4x4 truck with related equipment. Water 4/11/2018 Fund 028 WATER DEPT:450 Water Department MGL CHP 40 Sec 53D Number of Positions in Department Full-time 13 Part-time 0 Seasonal 0 Temporary 0 Vacancies 0 New Positions Requested 0 TOTAL OF ALL POSITIONS 13 Position Avg Hours Per Week Bi-Weekly Salary / Hrly Rate Class & Step as of 6/30/18 (e.g., B -Step 3) Yearly Salary as of 6/30/18 Date of Hire FY 2019 Projected Salary Longevity Pay Education Pay Certification Pay Holiday Pay Other Total by Employee WATER SUPERINTENDENT 40.00 4279.94 Bylaw Grade 6 111,278 12/28/09 114,339 600 0 0 0 0 114,939 FOREMAN 40.00 31.08 OPEIU Grade 7 64,646 09/02/11 67,683 300 0 0 0 0 67,983 WTO CROSS 40.00 30.04 SEIU Grade 5 62,483 10/30/00 67,080 1,500 0 0 0 0 68,580 SR. DEPARTMENT ASST.40.00 26.54 OPEIU Grade 6 55,203 06/20/16 57,970 0 0 0 0 0 57,970 DEPARTMENT ASST.40.00 23.67 OPEIU Grade 4 49,234 11/08/10 51,563 450 0 0 0 0 52,013 DEPARTMENT ASST.35.00 21.61 OPEIU Grade 4 39,330 10/06/14 41,296 0 0 0 0 0 41,296 FOREMAN 40.00 31.08 OPEIU Grade 7 64,646 09/13/13 67,683 0 0 0 0 0 67,683 WATER SYSTEMS MAINT.40.00 26.95 SEIU Grade 3 56,056 05/17/99 57,179 1,500 0 0 0 0 58,679 WATER SYSTEMS MAINT.40.00 25.57 SEIU Grade 3 53,186 09/05/06 57,179 1,050 0 0 0 0 58,229 WATER SYSTEMS MAINT.40.00 25.57 SEIU Grade 3 53,186 09/08/08 57,179 750 0 0 0 0 57,929 LABORER 40.00 21.59 SEIU Grade 2 44,907 04/01/14 48,422 0 0 0 0 0 48,422 LABORER 40.00 20.36 SEIU Grade 2 42,349 11/02/15 45,822 0 0 0 0 0 45,822 LABORER 40.00 20.36 SEIU Grade 2 42,349 12/28/15 45,822 0 0 0 0 0 45,822 779,218 10,500 6,150 0 0 0 13,250 0 46,350 855,468 12,400 867,868 Total Prorated Salary Total Seasonal Salary Total Longevity Total Education Salary Subtotal Medicare Total Personnel Services FY 2019 Personnel Spreadsheet Total Certification Pay Total Holiday Pay Total Other Pay (Stand-by Pay) Shift Differential Overtime As of 1/11/2018 Town of Brewster - FY18 Budget Projection