The Board meets on the first and third Monday of each month. Meetings begin at 1:00 p.m. and are held in the department conference room at 65 Lafayette Ave, Littleton. Board meetings are open to the public and time is allotted for public comments at each meeting.
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The regularly scheduled Board of Commissioners (BOC) meeting began at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 03, 2013 in the Littleton Water and Light Department (LWL) conference room. Present were Commissioner Eddy Moore, Commissioner Perry Goodell, Commissioner Ralph Ross, Financial Services Director Cheryl Wilkins and Superintendent Thomas Considine.
MINUTES REVIEW:
The minutes of the August 19, 2013 regularly scheduled Commissioners meeting were reviewed. Commissioner Goodell made a motion to accept the minutes as presented, seconded by Commissioner Ross.
The vote was in favor of the motion 3-0-0.
FINANCIAL DIRECTORS REPORT:
1. Mrs. Wilkins reviewed the financial statements for the month ended July 2013 with the Commissioners. Several discrepancies as compared to budget were discussed and explained by Mrs. Wilkins.
2. Mrs. Wilkins stated that on July 1, 2013 the NH Retirement System (NHRS) raised their membership rates for Group 1 employees by twenty-two (22) percent. The department contribution to the employee’s retirement is now 10.77% of an employee’s gross wages earned. This is divided between the employee’s retirement funds and subsidizing the medical stipend that some employees were eligible for if retired prior to a certain date established by NHRS.
Commissioner Ross asked what the employees contributed to their retirement fund.
Mrs. Wilkins stated that on July 1, 2011 the employees share increased from five (5) percent to seven (7) percent of their gross wages earned.
3. Mrs. Wilkins stated that the NH-Property Liability Trust presented the department with a check in the amount of $6,093 which represents the department share of the excess pool funds being distributed. This is in addition to an amount previouly credited against the department’s 2013-2014 coverage premiums.
SUPERINTENDENT/ MANAGERS REPORT:
1. M2 Water Service presented their final report to the department and NHDES for review and comment. Twelve (12) potential leaks were identified by M2 that represented an estimated leak rate of about 98 GPM. About half the leaks identified were hydrant seats leaking at a rate of 1-2 GPM and are suspected to have been the results of the late July water hammer incident that affected the lower Meadow Street area of the water distribution system. The department will determine the actual size and quantity of the leak at the time that the repair is made and submit a final report to the NHDES in accordance with the terms of the water conservation grant.
The largest leak (potential) identified by M2 was estimated at about 24 GPM and located at the corner of Chiswick Avenue and Union Street. Following an exploratory excavation LWL personnel determined that there was no water leaking at the site identified by M2. Though some noise was apparent in the area no conclusive evidence was found in the immediate area (as identified by M2) to substantiate a 24 GPM leak.
Superintendent Considine stated that due to the minimal amount of leakage actually found (most at < 2 GPM average) the rate of return on each repair is low because the repair cost are high compared to the low quantity and cost of the recovered water.
Commissioner Goodell stated that if these leaks were to surface during the winter repair costs would be far more costly, at least now they are controlled and on our schedule.
2. The department is researching and considering becoming a general member in Dig Safe as a mean to free up additional man-hours. During 2012 the department responded to more than 150 requests to locate underground utilities, the heaviest time period being between April and November. Based on labor charges annotated on the work orders it took on average 1.3 hour to process each request. The department in discussion with field personnel feels that due to the time constraints involved (72 hours) that this activity minimizes the effectiveness and productivity of water division personnel. The department believes the man-hours saved would be better spent elsewhere and that it might make sense economically to become a member of Dig Safe at this time. Discussions are ongoing with Dig Safe Inc.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
Commissioner Ross commented that the results of the recently completed lead and copper testing round completed in August 2013 were encouraging.
Superintendent Considine stated the department as a result of having passed this round of testing will not have to test for Lead and Copper for three (3) years.
CUSTOMER & PUBLIC CONCERNS:
Superintendent Considine requested that the BOC move the meeting into nonpublic session to discuss employee compensation matters.
Commissioner Moore made a motion to enter into Nonpublic Session in accordance with RSA 91-A: 3, Para. II (a), to discuss matters of employee compensation.
Seconded by Commissioner Goodell.
Commissioner Moore called for a roll call vote to enter in nonpublic session. Commissioner Goodell - yes, Commissioner Ross - yes, Commissioner Moore - yes.
The vote was in favor of the motion 3-0-0.
Entered nonpublic session at 1:30 p.m.
Public session reconvened at 2:02 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Goodell made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by
Commissioner Ross.
The vote was in favor of the motion 3-0-0.
Meeting adjourned at 2:05 p.m.
The regularly scheduled Commissioner’s meeting is held twice monthly on the first and third Monday, at 1:00 p.m., in the Department’s conference room.