Water & Sewer Commission Meeting Minutes
November 20, 2018
Members Present –Ernie Clerihew, Clarence Greeno, Baird Morgan (6:45 PM), Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, and Helen McKinlay. Others present: John Haverstock – Town Manager and Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
Chairman Greeno called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
Adoption of Agenda:
J. Haverstock reported that there was a need for Executive Session for Personnel.
J. Haverstock reported that there was no need to amend the agenda. Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by H. McKinlay to adopt the agenda as amended. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
Minutes:
The minutes of the October 16, 2018 meeting were signed, with no changes.
Town Manger’s Report:
J. Haverstock presented the Town Manager’s Report:
- The sludge hauling has been more frequent recently because it is expected that the Rutland facility will be offline for a few days for maintenance. The Rutland facility is anticipated to be open in 2 – 3 weeks, however, an alternate location is being sought in the event that the Rutland facility is not operational in time for the next needed hauling.
- Budget season is currently underway. The Select Board will be reviewing the draft budgets and will be asked to redirect the transfer of funds that traditionally went to the Water Fund for the hydrants and directing some of these funds to the Sewer Fund to help with the annual deficit.
Public Comment:
None presented at this time.
WATER:
Discuss Status Water System Permit to Operate:
J. Haverstock reported that the Water System Permit to Operate has been issued by the State following the upgrade project completion. These projects included the springbox door replacement and the submission and approval of the Operations and Maintenance Manual.
Review Status of Route 7, Segment 1 De-Conflicting Engineering Design Work:
J. Haverstock reported that Jason Larocque from Otter Creek Engineering will be submitting the plans to the State at any time. The conflicts were explained to the Commissioners and included, but were not limited to, adequate environmental swale coverage and moving hydrants. The projected construction cost estimate is approximately $100,000 and there is a possibility of State and or Federal funding assistance.
SEWER
Update on Pump Station and Wastewater Treatment Facility Instrumentation Project:
J. Haverstock reported that Mr. Kiernan sent an email, which was read. It discussed the possibility of qualifying for the State Revolving Loan Fund with a 2% interest rate, or the possibility of USDA loans with a deadline of December 21, 2018. The bond vote is expected to occur at Town Meeting and bond counsel Paul Guiliani has been contacted for the required documents.
WATER AND SEWER:
Consider Disbanding Water & Sewer Commission:
J. Haverstock stated that Commissioner Morgan approached him to discuss the Select Board potentially assuming the responsibilities of the Water & Sewer Commission. Commissioner Morgan sited repeated small agendas as the reason for his suggestion. C. Greeno expressed disagreement with the proposal and stated that there is an upcoming bond vote and several projects which require the institutional knowledge of the Commission. There was discussion that the Select Board is not as familiar with the topics and dealings that the Water & Sewer Commission handles, and may not have an interest in taking on the duties of the Commission. B. Morgan inquired if there was a possibility of adjusting the frequency of the meetings and possibly meeting on an “as needed” basis. C. Greeno stated that the residents are used to reaching out to Commission members with any concerns and having them addressed in a timely manner. J. Haverstock stated that the Recording Secretary and the residents need to know the schedule. The Commissioners agree to continue meeting monthly and determine the summer schedule, if necessary, when the time comes.
Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by H. McKinlay to enter into Executive Session at 6:58 PM.
The Water & Sewer Commission exited Executive Session at 7:02 PM, with no action taken.
The Water & Sewer Commission adjourned at 7:02 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Water and Sewer Commission will be held on December 18, 2018.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard
Recording Secretary
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Clarence Greeno, Chairman
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Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Vice Chairman
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Helen McKinlay
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Ernie Clerihew
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Baird Morgan