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 Monday, September 16, 2013 in the Littleton Water and Light Department (LWL) conference room. Present were Commissioner Eddy Moore, Commissioner Ralph Ross, Financial Services Director Cheryl Wilkins and Superintendent Thomas Considine.
MINUTES REVIEW:
The minutes of the September 3, 2013 regularly scheduled Commissioners meeting were reviewed. Commissioner Ross made a motion to accept the minutes as presented, seconded by Commissioner Moore.
The vote was in favor of the motion 2-0-0.
APPOINTMENTS:
Mr. John Hennessey Chairperson of the River District Redevelopment Commission (RDRC) presented the BOC with background information with regard to how and why the Commission was formed, its goal(s) and how improving this area benefits the Town of Littleton. Mr. Hennessey stated the Commission was formed as a direct result of a design charette (focused plan that supplements a master plan focused on a particular area) that studied and made recommendations on how best to revitalize the Saranac/ Mill Street business area. The charette focused primarily on properties that abut the Ammonoosuc River between Bridge Street and Cottage Street. Several sub-committees were formed within the Commission (i.e. transportation, land use and marketing) that will focus efforts in those general areas identified and recommended by the charette. A traffic flow plan is being prepared that will recommend a new road alignment through this area.
Superintendent Considine stated that the department is in ongoing discussions with the Commission in regard to relocating the utility pole and fire hydrant that is directly behind the Town office building/ bank. Due to constraints surrounding ownership of road easement (public/ private) rights in the immediate area and that there is no defined traffic flow pattern through this area the department is hesitant to finalize any plans that involve relocating any infrastructure.
The BOC agreed that if the people of Littleton are on board with the Commissions goals the department would be more encouraged to participate in a more deliberate discussion with the RDRC.
Commissioner Moore stated that the Curran footbridge is within the focus area of the charette/ Commission and that a trust fund was established for the maintenance and repair of footbridge.
Mr. Hennessey stated that he would keep the department in the loop, thanked the BOC for the opportunity to discuss the River District Commissions plan with them and excused himself from the meeting.
SUPERINTENDENT/ MANAGERS REPORT:
1. The BOC reviewed plans for a proposed storage building that the department plans to use for the storage of conductor/reels. The new building if approved would be located adjacent to the steel Quonset hut that currently houses our pole top transformer and would provide security as well as protect the reels from the weather. A preliminary cost estimates have been requested.
Commissioner Moore stated that a zoning variance may be required as the building would be located in close proximity to the Quonset hut.
Superintendent Considine stated that there has been some internal discussion relative to whether or not the Quonset-hut is even a practical storage solution and should be demolished. A larger stick built storage building could then be constructed that the department could store both the transformers and conductor reels and would esthetically fit better into the area. As the setback distances may be an issue a permit to replace the Quonset-hut may be difficult to attain should it be demolished.
2. The BOC was shown a graph depicting the flow in the water distribution main over a recent 72 hours period. The average flow throughout this period was about 340 GPM as compared to a similar period in 1998 with an average flow recorded of about 948 GPM. The drop in flow is largely attributed to water conservation efforts in stopping/ restricting system overflows and repairing several large water main leaks. Three significant leaks have been repaired along West Elm Street where it is believed that the water was entering the sanitary system and not surfacing.
3. Mr. Robert Green, interim project coordinator for the Town of Littleton, advised the department that the property owner adjacent to the proposed sidewalk repair project on West Main Street does not want the utility pole moved onto their property. The department was asked by the Town to relocate the utility pole as it is in the curb line of the sidewalk. A proposed pole was staked behind the sidewalk on private property. Alternate plans will need to be developed by the town to accomplish the intended work.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
Superintendent Considine stated that the department recently received notice from the Town of Bethlehem Assessor’s Office that a property revaluation was just completed. The department pays taxes on three (3) parcels: 1) the intake, 2) Trudeau Road Chlorinator and 3) Apthorpe water storage tank.
Mrs. Wilkins stated that based on the 2012 -2013 tax rate the department would save about $1,800 in taxes, though most likely the 2014 tax rate will increase to maintain present town revenue levels.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Ross made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by
Commissioner Moore.
The vote was in favor of the motion 2-0-0.
Meeting adjourned at 2:12 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.