UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
FEBRUARY 16, 2016
Mayor Cerino called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Council members Liz Gross, Linda Kuiper, Samuel T. Shoge and Mauritz Stetson, 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 January 19, 2016. Mr. Stetson moved to approve the minutes as presented, was seconded by Ms. Gross and carried unanimously.
Mayor Cerino stated that operating funds on hand is $941,902.60 and an additional $495,400.00 set aside in capital funds for a total of $1,437,302.90.
Mayor Cerino asked for a motion to pay the bills. Mr. Stetson moved to pay the bills as submitted, was seconded by Mr. Shoge and carried unanimously.
Mr. Sipes stated that there have been several frozen water lines and water meters in Town. He advised residents to close the vents in their crawl spaces and if anyone noticed that the lid on the meter was damaged it should be fixed. He said that a small hole in the meter lid will cause the meter to freeze.
Mr. Sipes stated that a valve and Spring Street and High Street by the Peoples Bank was fixed temporarily with a restraining coupling. A permanent fix would be scheduled and the main would have to be shut down on High Street for a few hours.
Mr. Sipes stated that he met with Delmarva Power at the Waste Water Treatment Plant regarding the new meter that was sized too small (by Delmarva Power) for the solar panels and therefore not able to record the electric being generated. He said that the meter has been bypassed for now, but was scheduled to be replaced later this week.
Mr. Sipes stated that a VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) on a sewer pump at the Radcliffe Pumping Station had to be installed. He said that this was a large bill that the Council may have noticed.
Mr. Sipes also noted that he would be installing a water lateral on Monday, February 22nd at the new location of the Tidewater Trader on High Street extended (previous Newt’s parking lot). It would be necessary to close High Street extended at that location due to the location of the water main. He said he intended to minimize the closure times and that he had coordinated the closure with Dixon Vale and Gillespie.
Mr. Sipes stated that a sewer line on Queen Street and Water Street had been replaced with the help of an outside contractor at the cost of $19,000.00, which was unplanned. He said that he would have normally put this work out to bid, but in this case there was not time.
There being no further business, Mr. Stetson moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:38 p.m., was seconded by Mr. Shoge and carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Jennifer Mulligan Chris Cerino
Town Clerk