UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
FEBRUARY 5, 2018
Mayor Cerino called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Council members David Foster, Linda C. Kuiper, Rev. Ellsworth Tolliver and Mauritz Stetson, Bob Sipes (Utilities Director), and guests.
Mayor Cerino asked if there were any additions or corrections to the Utilities Commission meeting minutes of January 2, 2018. Rev. Tolliver moved to approve the minutes as presented, was seconded by Mr. Foster and carried unanimously.
Mayor Cerino stated that operating funds on hand is $978,824.47 and an additional $786,000.00 was set aside in capital funds for a total of $1,764,824.47.
Mayor Cerino asked for a motion to pay the bills.
Ms. Kuiper stated that it appeared the funds available were not sufficient to cover the bills. Mr. Sipes stated that there must be an error on the report. Mr. Sipes suggested a motion to pay the bills with the understanding that he would insure that there was enough money in the account to pay bills and uncover the mistake.
Mr. Foster asked if the bills could be postponed. Mr. Sipes stated that he would not like another 30 days to pass before bills are paid and asked if the Council would approve payment at their meeting on February 20, 2018. The Council agreed.
Mr. Sipes stated he was ill for the January meeting and apologized for his absence.
Mr. Sipes stated that there were many water leaks throughout Town in January due to the extreme cold weather.
Mr. Sipes stated that at the December 2017 meeting there was discussion of an investigation of an odor of petroleum emanating from a pole being relocated on Campus Avenue. Mr. Sipes stated that borings to a depth of 10’ were performed within at 15’ radius of the odor and all testing came back clear. He said that this does not seem to be a contamination issue, rather something localized at the pole. Mr. Sipes stated that he was happy with the results and closed the investigation.
Mr. Sipes stated that there was a leak on Byford Court that had been fixed. He explained that some people were concerned that it had not been fixed for months but explained that sometimes a small leak has to worsen before its origin is precisely located.
Mr. Foster stated that Mr. Ingersoll put in a PIA request for results of the drilling performed by MDE behind the firehouse and asked if an update was available. Mr. Sipes stated that he was unaware as to how the results were obtained but he did have copies of the report.
There being no further business, Mr. Stetson moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:44 p.m. was seconded by Rev. Tolliver and carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Jennifer Mulligan Chris Cerino
Town Clerk Mayor