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, May 3, 2010 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, Operations Manager Richard Herrington and Superintendent Thomas Considine.
MINUTES REVIEW:
The minutes of April 19, 2010 regularly scheduled Commissioners meeting were reviewed. Commissioner Goodell made a motion to accept the minutes as presented, seconded by Commissioner Moore.
The vote was in favor 2-0-1
APPOINTMENTS:
Mr. Warren West and Mr. Peter Wright representatives of the Littleton Regional Hospital (LRH) thanked the LWL for the quick response and for the restoration of power following the February wind storm that disrupted power to the entire westerly portion of Littleton.
Mr. West also stated that LRH had been experiencing problems with some of their variable frequency drive motor (VFD) controls since the incident in February. They were told that a permanent repair was not going to be made for 32 weeks and expressed some concerns going forward being fed from the temporary supply.
Mr. Herrington asked when the last time they had experienced these types of problems.
Mr. West stated that they had three (3) issues that involved the VFDs this past weekend that they attribute to the temporary circuit power quality.
Mr. Considine stated that an interim transformer was energized the previous week and has been in service since. LWL water booster station utilizes the same type VFD that was installed by the same contractor and at the same time. To our knowledge no other customer has reported problems with their incoming supply. The replacement transformer which has a slightly large capacity is schedule to arrive in October.
Mr. West stated that they would investigate the situation further with their in house staff and again thanked the BOC for their time and LWL for the quick response to solving the matter.
Mr. Considine requested a copy of the water hydrostatic pressure test results for the new wing as LWL was under the impression that the line did not pass the test.
Mr. West stated that he had thought that the line passed the test but would get clarification for LWL and have a copy of the test result forwarded.
FINANCIAL DIRECTORS REPORT:
1. Mrs. Wilkins reviewed the financial statements for the month ending March 2010 with the Commissioners. Several discrepancies as compared to budget were discussed and explained by Mrs. Wilkins.
2. The new IWEB payment portal is in the test phase and should be implemented soon. With the exception of changing the naming format of the credit card transaction the portal is ready. A $ 1.00 transaction fee will be applicable to all IWEB payments transacted through this portal.
SUPERINTENDENT/ MANAGERS REPORT:
1. The LWL expects to submit the USDA Rural Water grant application within two (2) weeks for review. Once the USDA makes their decision as to the Department’s eligibility for project funding a percentage will be allocated to the Department. The remaining portion can be locking in with the NHDES SRF and a reasonable water rate increase.
2. As previously stated when the LRH representatives were present the interim transformer was placed in service at the Westside Substation (WSS) on Tuesday, April 27, 2010 and appears to be performing as expected. The bids closed on the replacement transformer on Thursday, April 22, 2010 and LWL expects the engineers (ESC) recommendation today with an expected delivery date in late October 2010.
3. The NH Waterworks Agency Response Network (NHWARN) is a mutual aid emergency system for public water supplies. Due to health and safety concerns in regard to public water supplies federal law requires that water utilities use licenses operators to supervise repair activities on a public water system.
Member utilities are able to utilize donor water system member’s materials, equipment and labor for a set amount of time.
After the minimum time has elapsed the donor utilities are not obligated to remain in service and are there to assist at the discretion of their own Department. The UNH Technology Transfer Center manages the system as part of the NH Public Works Mutual Aid Program. The WARN systems are separate from the Pubic Work agencies due to the licensing concerns and specialized materials and equipments requirements.
Commissioner Goodell stated that in his opinion he does not feel that this is a viable program for LWL. For a small system with only one (1) licensed operator there could possibilities, but as LWL employs several licensed operators they could supervise at least a couple of separate repairs crews.
OLD BUSINESS:
Superintendent Considine presented the BOC with a Best Management Practices (BMP) from NHDES due to concerns centered on a proposed rock blasting operation within the Brickyard Wells Watershed Protection Area (WPA). LWL filed a letter of concern with the NHDES in regard to a proposed ledge removal project (Terrain Alteration Permit Application) at the old Highland Croft property due to the potential of contamination.
Commissioner Moore stated that he would not participate and removed himself from any further discussion. Commissioner Moore took on action in regard to this discussion due to a possible conflict of interest with his Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) duties.
Following a lengthy discussion Commissioner Goodell made the following motion: That the LWL BOC address a letter to the Littleton ZBA and Planning board that states that LWL has grave concerns with regard to the proposed rock blasting operations at the Highland Croft Farm. Due the proximity of the site within the Watershed Protection Area of the Brickyard well, blasting residual contamination of the well head/ aquifer is a potential possibility.
Vote was in favor 2-0-1
NEW BUSINESS:
Superintendent Considine stated that there has been an increase in vandalism and littering at the Brickyard Well pump house and recommended that a beam guard rail system be installed to block access into the site. A bid was solicited from Vermont Recreational that proposed at cost of $10 - $13 per lineal foot for installation.
Commissioner Ross made a motion to authorize the Superintendent to install guard rail adjacent to the Brickyard Well Pump House as a direct result of an increase in vandalism at a proposed cost per lineal foot. Seconded by Commissioner Goodell.
Vote was in favor 3-0-0.
OTHER BUSINESS:
1. Following several informational gathering meetings, Commissioner Goodell made a motion to implement a monthly Fire Protection Fee in accordance with the schedule provided by the Department effective June 1, 2010. Seconded by Commissioner Ross.
The vote was in favor 3-0-0.
2. In accordance with the LWL enabling legislation of March 1903 the LWL BOC reorganized their officers for 2010 – 2011 as follows:
Commissioner Goodell nominates Commissioner Moore for President.
Seconded by Commissioner Ross. Commissioner Moore accepted the nomination.
Vote was in favor 3-0-0.
Commissioner Ross nominates Commissioner Goodell for Secretary.
Seconded by Commissioner Moore. Commissioner Goodell accepted the nomination.
Vote was in favor 3-0-0.
Superintendent/ Manager Considine will remain Treasurer (non-voting).
An official notice and BOC minutes of the LWL BOC reorganization will be sent to the Town Clerk following the acceptance of these minutes.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Goodell made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by
Commissioner Ross.
The vote was in favor 3-0-0.
Meeting adjourned at 2:25 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.