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, January 2, 2018 in the Littleton Water and Light (LWL) conference room. Present were Commissioner Perry Goodell, Commissioner Peter Cooper, Commissioner Ralph Ross, Financial Director Cheryl Wilkins, Administrative Assistant Sharon Hampson and Superintendent Thomas Considine.
MINUTES REVIEW:
The minutes of the December 18, 2017 regularly scheduled Commissioners meeting were reviewed. Commissioner Ross made a motion to accept the minutes as presented, seconded by Commissioner Cooper.
The vote was in favor of the motion 3-0-0.
CUSTOMER & PUBLIC CONCERNS:
Superintendent Considine stated there have been a few water freeze ups reported to LWL. As the frost has not reached a level to affect LWL equipment customers were instructed to contact their plumber.
One customer, located on Myron Street, on the running water program started running their water today.
GENERAL MANAGERS REPORT:
1. There was a water main break on December 28, 2017 on the low pressure side of the Mann’s Hill pump station just prior to Whitcomb Wood Drive. A ring break was found though it is not known why the pipe failed as the break was located low zone that normally operates between 35 - 50 psi.
2. Commissioner Cooper requested explanation of the 2017 physical inventory summary sheet which Superintendent Considine explained.
3. Funds from the 38th Regional Greehouse Gas Auction will be distributed to the LWL customers during the January billings. A rebate of about 2.30 per 1,000 kwh used is expected.
4. A new agreement between the LWL and White Mountain Hydro (WMH) was executed on December 22, 2017 with regard to wholesale energy purchased by LWL from WMH from their Littleton hydroelectric station. The terms of the agreement (five (5) cents per kWh for a term of three (3) years) were approved by vote of the BOC on November 21, 2017.
GENERAL/ OTHER BUSINESS:
1. The BOC reviewed and discussed the proposed 2018 Operating and Maintenance budgets for both the water and electric divisions and the proposed Capital Equipment and Improvement Project list:
a). Superintendent Considine reviewed the proposed water operating budget with the BOC and stated that the water division is anticipating a margin of about $75,000 or 11% above breakeven. Water sales, water line repair expenses and heating cost (propane locked in at $1.97) will dictate the final margin.
Following some additional discussion relative to the water operations Commissioner Ross made a motion to accept the water operating budget dated January 4, 2018 as presented, seconded by Commissioner Cooper.
The vote was in favor of the motion 3-0-0.
b). Superintendent Considine reviewed the proposed electric operating budget with the BOC. The proposed budget reflects changes relative to LWLs wholesale power supply. The new agreement with White Mountain Hydroelectric Station new rate and several power supply line items were trued up to reflect expected ISONE pool expenses as provided by Daymark Energy are annotated in the proposed budget. Overall the electric division is anticipating to breakeven though weather/sales will have a direct impact as to the final overall margins as the majority of the power supply costs are locked in for the year.
Commissioner Ross asked about the capacity expenses expected for 2018.
Superintendent Considine stated that he is not exactly sure what day ISONE system reached its peak and what Littleton’s load was at that time but would find out that information.
The 2018 worker’s compensation and property liability premium were received by LWL and are accurately reflected in the budget.
Commissioner Cooper asked how the open position on the electric side is being reflected in the budget. Superintendent Considine stated that the values were carried forward as if the prevous employee was still working.
Following some additional discussion relative to the electric operations Commissioner Cooper made a motion to accept the electric operating budget dated January 4, 2018 as presented, seconded by Commissioner Ross.
The vote was in favor of the motion 3-0-0.
2. Superintendent Considine reviewed a list of the 2018 proposed Capital Equipment and Improvement Projects with the BOC. He requested the BOC approve the list as presented though the proposed solar array, water transmission main relocation along NH 142 in Bethlehem and some overhead line work on the Bethlehem Road do not show an estimated cost associated with the project request. He stated that when cost estimates are made available he would return to the BOC for approval for these specific betterments.
Commissioner Ross suggested that along with the purchase of the new chairs for the office staff that a stand up work station may want to be considered.
Commissioner Goodell asked about LWL status with the Saranac Street River District project. Superintendent Considine stated that LWL has invested about $30,000 in 2017 in the water system along the proposed project. The project that was supposed to break ground last fall but as a result of Right–Of-Way (ROW) complications failed to do so. LWL going forward will need to address a lesser amount in 2018 generally within the project area behind the bank once the ROW is delineated more accurately.
Discussion ensued with regard to the purchase of a service bucket truck. The proposed bucket truck mounted to the 1 ton chassis has been discussed for the past several years. It is anticipated that the smaller bucket truck will be utilized in the majority of the day to day service related work. It is expected that the work load/ wear and tear on the larger trucks will decrease which will result in lower operating costs and extended useful service life.
Mr. Daniel Furtek explained to the BOC the specifications that were developed and the (2) competitive quotes received that were reviewed. Typical work scenarios and use of the proposed service truck were discussed. Following some additional discussion Mr. Furtek excused himself from the meeting.
Commissioner Goodell asked what the status of the conversion was as there is a capital item being proposed. Superintendent Considine stated that the engineering review will summarize the remaining tasks so that LWL has a better understanding on the remaining stages.
Following some additional discussion Commissioner Cooper made a motion to approve the 2018 proposed Capital Equipment and Improvement Projects as presented pending additional BOC approval on the pending items/ projects. Seconded by Commissioner Ross.
The vote was in favor of the motion 3-0-0.
3. Commissioner Goodell asked if there was any news on the dam at Gale River South Branch Dam. He also asked if LWL would still have the water rights.
Superintendent Considine stated that no further discussion have taken place with the NHDES in regard to the project.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Ross made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by
Commissioner Cooper.
The vote was in favor of the motion 3-0-0.
Meeting adjourned at 2:32 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.