UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
APRIL 4, 2022
Mayor Foster called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. In attendance were Council members Tim O’Brien, Tom Herz, Jose Medrano and Meghan Efland, Bob Sipes (Utilities Manager), Jennifer McCann (Town Clerk) and guests.
Mayor Foster asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the meeting of March 7, 2022. Ms. Efland moved to approve the minutes of the March 7, 2022 meeting as presented, was seconded by Mr. Herz and carried unanimously.
Mayor Foster stated that funds on hand for the Utilities Commission was $2,400,977.56 with designated capital funds set aside for capital projects in the amount of $1,249,923.68.
Mayor Foster asked for a motion to pay the bills. Mr. Herz moved to approve payment of the bills as submitted, was seconded by Ms. Efland and carried unanimously.
Mr. Sipes stated that the lines have been located at the water plant and the survey and site location of the building were being finalized. He said that he was looking forward to receiving the information and beginning the RFP for the building.
Mr. Sipes stated that he was waiting on a new air compressor to be installed at the wastewater treatment plant.
Mr. Sipes stated that parts for new water and sewer hookups were becoming difficult to get. He said that he placed an order three (3) months ago that has not been received. He said that he was trying to get a small surplus of parts in case this problem continued.
Mr. Sipes stated that maintenance would be performed to the air lines at the wastewater treatment plant. He also said that he was looking for someone to perform generator maintenance but was having a challenging time finding someone.
Mr. O’Brien asked about capital funds. Mr. Sipes stated that a capital item was typically defined as something that would last over 20 years but how the funds could be allocated was up to the Mayor and Council.
Mayor Foster stated that each department head was asked for their input on the use of ARPA funds and the Utilities needed approximately $1,000,000.00 for upgrades. Mr. Sipes stated that prices have increased to a level that has him concerned right now and parts and computer chips were difficult to purchase.
Mr. Sipes stated that site survey and building design is what has been spent to date using ARPA funds. He said that the cost of the generator and the buildout have not been considered but he thought between ARPA and capital funds it would be enough to cover the costs. He said that if prices were unreasonable, he would have to do something in-house.
Ms. Efland stated that there have been reports of lids missing from the lead boxes in the street. Mr. Sipes stated that they were being replaced as they found them but if anyone has a location it should be reported to Town Hall, and they would fix them.
There being no further business, Ms. Efland moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:24 p.m., was seconded by Mr. O’Brien and carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Jennifer Mulligan David Foster
Town Clerk Mayor