HomeMy Public PortalAboutBoard of Water Sewer Commissioners 2015-02-18 MEETING OF THE ORLEANS ICcae , s
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FEBRUARY 18, 2015
A meeting of the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners was held Wednesday,
February 18, 2015 in the Nauset Room, Town Hall:
Those present were Robert Rich, Leonard Short, Judith Bruce, and Kenneth Rowell of
the Board, and Susan Brown and Todd Bunzick of the Water Department. Absent were Kenneth
McKusick of the Board, Associate member of the Board, John Meyer, Tom Daley, Director of
Public Works and Natural Resources, Gwen Holden-Kelly, Finance Committee liaison.
Robert Rich called the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners meeting to order at 1:30
p.m.
MINUTES
On a motion by Judith Bruce seconded by Kenneth Rowell the Board voted to
approve the minutes of the meeting of January 21, 2015 as amended. The vote by the Board
was 3-0-1 with Leonard Short abstaining as he was not present for the meeting.
WATER DEPARTMENT REPORT
VFD's
VFD installation at the water treatment plant has been completed. Fall River
Electrical will return at some point to complete punch list items.
WELL #5
Well #5 has been cleaned and redeveloped by Maher Services. A proposal is
pending for work to be completed in order to install the old pump from well #4.
WATER MAIN BREAKS
There has been a significant amount of water main breaks this season
approximately 15-16 to date and the season not yet complete. More to follow on this
including a potential need for a reserve fund transfer at the Special Town Meeting in May
to cover the costs.
UTILITY POLE 292 ROUTE 28
During the January 27th storm a tree came down on wires in the watershed taking
down a pole and primary electrical for wells 2, 3 & 8, facility#1 and garage/well #1. Farrell
Electric replaced the pole and restored power for $4,620.00.
CCR
Susan Brown queried the Board to see what they would like to see for an article in
Minutes 2/18/2015 1
the 2014 Consumer Confidence Report. The Board asked that an article regarding their
new hose bib vacuum breaker program be included.
FINANCIALS/RATES
The Board was provided an updated copy of the Water Department's financial
projection worksheet as of February 2015 for their review and discussion of a
recommendation for a rate increase to the Board of Selectmen.'
On a motion by Leonard Short and seconded by Kenneth Rowell the Board
of Water and Sewer Commissioners voted to recommend to the Board of
Selectmen two 10% water rate increases the first in FY16 and the second in FY17.
These rate increases are necessary in order to fully implement the 20-year Asset
Management Plan as proposed by Wright Pierce Engineering May 2014 including a
stabilization fund for membrane replacement beginning 2019 and tank paintings
beginning 2025. The vote by the Board was 4-0-0.
In view of political realities, the Board of Water and Sewer Commission
acknowledges that the Water Department can complete proposed Capital Projects from
the 20-year Asset Management Plan with a series of annual 5% rate increases.
However, with 5% increases, it would be necessary to Bond the two capital projects at a
time when interest rates will likely be considerably higher than current rates.
The Commission would like to discuss its Water Rates recommendation with the Board of
Selectmen before the deadline for ATM warrant articles.
OLD BUSINESS
ACTION ITEM LIST
The Board reviewed and updated their action item list.
NEW BUSINESS
COMMITMENTS/ABATEMENTS/REFUNDS
A motion was made by Kenneth Rowell seconded by Leonard Short to commit
for the month of January 2015 to rate $0.00, to services $400.00, to usage $0.00, to
installations $0.00 and to added billing $771.24. The vote by the Board was 4-0-0.
WASTEWATER FINANCING
There was a brief discussion regarding wastewater financing options for the Board
members to begin considering. The Town of Chatham chose to fund 100% from taxes.
Other options to consider are betterments, percentage of business vs residents etc.
ADJOURNMENT
At 2:56 p.m., a motion was made by Leonard Short and seconded by Kenneth Rowell
to adjourn the meeting. The vote by the Board was 4-0-0.
Minutes 2/18/2015 2
LIST OF DOCUMENTS USED
1. Draft minutes January 21, 2015
2. Financial Projections Worksheet as of February 2015
3. February 18, 2015 Action Item List for BOWSC
4. Commitments January 2015
5. NSTAR letter dated January 30, 2015 regarding intent to selectively apply herbicides along
the power lines and natural gas rights of way through the Town of Orleans.
6. Top 100 Water Consumers for 2014
The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 18, 2015 at 1:30 p.m.
Secretary, Board of Water/Sewer Commissioners
Minutes 2/18/2015 3