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, July 16, 2018 in the Littleton Water and Light (LWL) conference room. Present were Commissioner Ralph Ross, Commissioner Peter Cooper, Commissioner Schuyler Sweet, Financial Director Cheryl Wilkins, and Superintendent Thomas Considine.
MINUTES REVIEW:
The minutes of the July 2, 2018 regularly scheduled Commissioners meeting were reviewed. Commissioner Sweet 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:
Commissioner Ross opened the meeting up to public comment with regard to soliciting input relative to increasing electric rates by about eleven (11) percent on August 1, 2018. Two (2) concerned residents/ customers attended the public comment portion of the meeting.
Superintendent Considine provided a power point slide presentation that reviewed operating fundamentals and financial data in support of the proposed increase and explained several comments in regard to the supporting data.
Mr. Hemenway stated that he heats his home with electric heat. Though the average increase may only be about $ 7.00 a month for the residential class, people in his situation will see a greater impact especially during heating months. He is concerned and stated that he wants LWL funds to support the LWL customers and not outside interests.
Mr. Hadlock suggested that the LWL hold off on implementing the proposed increase until the fall to allow customers, especially those on a fixed income, time to adjust their finances appropriately.
Commissioner Ross stated that LWL is always aware and realizes that increasing rates places a burden on all and that there is never an ideal time to raise them. The BOC has always attempted to stay away from the spring and winter months when insurance, property taxes and other financial burdens are placed on our customers in an effort to phase the increases in with less of a financial impact to the household.
Mr. Hemenway asked what LWL was doing to reduce expenses to minimize the impact to customers such as suspending capital improvements project and or reducing the work force.
Mr. Considine stated that LWL does not have any new initiative with regard to capital improvement though LWL is already committed to several that are ongoing. In regard to reducing the work force the LWL is already operating at minimal staffing, any less in his opinion would be detrimental to the overall operations.
Mr. Hemenway commented that he knows that LWL does not charge for service rendered such as hanging Christmas lights, flags, and banners along Main Street and suggested that those fees and others could be established to recoup operating expenses. He also asked what LWL is doing to increase income earning potential.
Superintendent Considine stated that several fees are already in place to address certain operating situations though work on Main Street and some work on residential service is considered a favor. It would be up to the BOC to change current operating policies with regard to LWL charging on other items. Legally LWL cannot sell power or water beyond its franchise area so in some ways LWL growth potential is limited.
Mr. Hadlock commented that in his opinion LWL should not be giving money away and increasing rates to subsidize town of Littleton projects.
Following some additional back and forth discussions relative to the need to increase the electric rates Commissioner Ross thanked everyone for their comments and input and closed the public portion of the meeting at 1:55 p.m.
FINANCIAL DIRECTORS REPORT:
Mrs. Wilkins reviewed the highlights of the financial statements for the month ended May 2018 with the Commissioners. Several variances as compared to budget were discussed and explained by Mrs. Wilkins.
GENERAL/ OTHER BUSINESS:
Following some additional discussion by the BOC with regard to the proposed increase to the electric rates Commissioner Sweet made the motion to increase electric rates by the proposed eleven (11) percent effective August 1st.
Seconded by Commissioner Cooper.
Superintendent Considine stated that the Area Lighting tariff (fixed monthly fee) will also be affected due to the increase to costs associated with energy.
The vote was in favor of the motion 3-0-0.
No other business was conducted.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Cooper made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by
Commissioner Sweet.
The vote was in favor of the motion 3-0-0.
Meeting adjourned at 2:31 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.