UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
AUGUST 5, 2019
Mayor Cerino called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. In attendance were Council members David Foster, Linda C. Kuiper, Ellsworth Tolliver and Mauritz Stetson, Bob Sipes (Utilities Manager), Jennifer Mulligan (Town Clerk) and guests.
Mayor Cerino asked if there were any additions or corrections to the Utilities Commission meeting minutes of July 1, 2019. Rev. Tolliver moved to approve the minutes of July 1, 2019 as submitted, was seconded by Mr. Foster and carried unanimously.
Mayor Cerino stated that operating funds on hand is $2,105,282.30 with designated capital funds set aside for capital projects at $961,200.00.
Mayor Cerino asked for a motion to pay the bills. Mr. Stetson moved to pay bills as submitted, was seconded by Rev. Tolliver and carried unanimously.
Mr. Sipes stated that the UV disinfection system at the Wastewater Treatment Plant has been acting “glitchy” even after it was fitted with new circuit boards. He said that a representative from Hayward (the manufacturer) came to look at the system and in order to get the system back to 100% it will cost $37,000.00. He said that $20,000.00 of the $37,000.00 is routine maintenance for UV bulbs and sleeves. He said that the lifespan of the system was prorated in the budget for 10 years and the system is now 12 years old. Mr. Sipes stated that this is a state-of-the-art piece of equipment with a flowmeter that modulates the lighting intensity based upon the water flow. He thought the price was reasonable and within the budget but needed specific approval because the cost exceeded the $10,000.00 bidding threshold for capital purchases. Mr. Sipes stated that the UV bulb only lasted 12 to 18 months and were a budgeted expense for replacement.
Mr. Sipes stated that the UV disinfection system-controlled contamination and bacteria from entering the River by cleaning the water before it was discharged. The UV lights sterilize the wastewater so the organisms in the water cannot reproduce when they are discharged into the River. Mr. Sipes stated that before UV disinfection they used chlorination and de-chlorination to kill bacteria, but the residual chlorine, sulfur dioxide or a mutagen could discharge to the river. He said that UV disinfection sterilized the water leaving behind no residual whatsoever upon discharge.
Mr. Foster Moved to approve $17,000.00 for replacement of the UV disinfection system, was seconded by Rev. Tolliver and carried unanimously.
Mr. Sipes stated that there were two UV disinfection systems in place and online at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. He said that it is ideal to have both systems working at full capacity.
Mr. Sipes stated that there was a problem with the chemscan unit used to monitor ammonia and total phosphorus at the Wastewater Treatment Plan. He said that he was having the company that built the unit in to repair it.
There being no further business, questions or comments Mr. Foster moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 p.m. was seconded by Mr. Stetson and carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Jennifer Mulligan Chris Cerino
Town Clerk Mayor