UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
AUGUST 6, 2018
Mayor Cerino called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Council members David Foster, Linda C. Kuiper and Rev. Ellsworth Tolliver, Bob Sipes (Utilities Director), Jennifer Mulligan (Town Clerk) and guests.
Mayor Cerino asked if there were any additions or corrections to the Utilities Commission meeting minutes of July 2, 2018. Mr. Stetson moved to approve the minutes of July 2, 2018 as submitted, was seconded by Rev. Tolliver and carried unanimously.
Mayor Cerino stated that operating funds on hand is $1,878,107.84 with designated capital funds set aside for capital projects at $802,000.00.
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 there was a new water line installed at the Marina and the fire hydrant was in place, although the water was not yet potable. Testing would be run to see that the water was potable.
Mr. Sipes stated that the wastewater treatment plant was performing better than ever with phosphorus levels at a .1 (barely detectable). Nutrients were also performing better than ever. He said that the plant has undergone a few “tweaks” directly impacting the plant’s performance. Mr. Sipes stated that he was using a new lab, Chesapeake Environmental out of Kent Island. He said that their numbers were spot on, noting that the last lab used had some questionable numbers from one day to the next. Mr. Sipes stated that Mr. Jason Barry and Mr. Ike Manley of the Utilities Department are familiar with the plant, making seasonal adjustments without waiting for lab results in some instances, and should be commended for their work.
Mr. Sipes stated that Well #4 had the motor replaced by Earth Data. Well #2 has to be replaced as a drop pipe has gone bad. The drop pipe was not easily accessible and once reached would require that the top section of the well be rebuilt. He said that the Council will see a large bill when the repair is finished. Mr. Sipes stated that the things of this nature are accounted for in the budget.
Mr. Stetson asked if the rain has affected the water plant in any way. Mr. Sipes stated that there were many flows coming in but the old treatment ponds are now used for emergency storage, which made sure there were no spills or overflows during rainy times.
Mr. Foster asked if water from rain spouts or from flooding came to the wastewater treatment plant. Mr. Sipes stated that any water that gets into a manhole will get into the sewer system, but the majority of increased flow from a storm event is from downspouts and sump pumps, especially in the Historic District. He said that there were no great alternatives to this problem because water would be pumped to the street in the winter months creating ice. Mr. Sipes stated that he tried to work on a balance of how much infiltration can be handled while still taking into account the financial burden that homeowners would be under if it was removed from the system.
Ms. Kuiper asked if Mr. Sipes was aware of the clean up taking place at the old Admiral Cleaners building. Mr. Sipes stated that he thought that the Town would have received a report but he would contact MDE to see if he could get the report. The Council agreed to Mr. Sipes looking into the cleanup efforts.
There being no further business, questions or comments Ms. Kuiper moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:43 p.m. was seconded by Mr. Foster and carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Jennifer Mulligan Chris Cerino
Town Clerk Mayor