UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
JULY 1, 2019
Mayor Cerino called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Council members David Foster, Linda C. Kuiper and Ellsworth Tolliver, 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 June 3, 2019. Rev. Tolliver moved to approve the minutes of June 3, 2019 as submitted, was seconded by Mr. Foster and carried unanimously.
Mayor Cerino stated that operating funds on hand is $1,737,245.64 with designated capital funds set aside for capital projects at $961,200.00.
Mayor Cerino asked for a motion to pay the bills. Rev. Tolliver moved to pay bills as submitted, was seconded by Mr. Foster and carried unanimously.
Mr. Sipes stated that the parts for the pump at the Radcliffe pump station were ordered and would take 8 to 12 weeks to arrive. He said that there were 2 pumps completely operational at this time.
Mr. Sipes stated that there was a power issue at the Wastewater Treatment Plant on Saturday morning although he was unaware of the cause. He said that fuses blew on John Hansen Road and the damage to date is approximately $15,000.00. He said that that one of the blower’s variable frequency drives went out as well as one of the variable frequency drives on one of the return-activated sludge pumps. There were also problems with the UV unit as a result and he had to call the Trojan Company to fix it but they
would not be on site next Wednesday or Thursday.
Mr. Sipes stated that the potassium protegent drum rusted at the Wastewater Treatment Plant was replaced with a plastic drum.
Mr. Sipes stated that he installed a new gear box on top of the grit removal system at the Wastewater Treatment Plant because the bearings had gone bad.
Mr. Sipes stated that a new roof was installed at the Radcliffe Pump station. He said that it had been leaking for 4 months onto an electrical unit.
Mr. Sipes stated that he installed a new variable frequency drive on the soda ash pump at Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Mr. Sipes stated that there was a new air compressor for the filters at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. He said that the original system installed had been running hot since it was installed. He said that this new air compressor along with a rotary screw air compressor should last 10 years with maintenance. He said it was also much quieter.
Mr. Sipes stated that all the replacements he had outlined would explain the larger ticket items in the bills.
Mayor Cerino asked if these payments came out of the capital portion of the budget. Mr. Sipes stated that everything he discussed this evening was budgeted under depreciation. He said that the equipment has a lifetime of approximately 10 years and the Wastewater Treatment Plant was now 13 years old. He said that if he needed money from capital, he always requested that before spending.
Mr. Sipes stated that if anyone ever wanted to tour the Wastewater Treatment Plant, they could call him at 410-708-4603 to schedule.
Mr. Foster asked if Mr. Sipes had foresight into any anticipated problems. Mr. Sipes stated that the oldest part of the water and sewer system were the mains. He said that some of the existing mains were 100 years old and made of rolled steel, which cannot be repaired, only replaced. Mr. Sipes stated that there could be small patches made but replacing mains on streets would be one of the largest projects moving forward, specifically on streets that are difficult to close.
Mr. Sipes stated that the buildings at the water plant are 80 to 90 years old and one is leaning. He said the buildings should be rebuilt in the next 20 years or so, perhaps during the next upgrade, to remove the risk of a failure. He said that additional showering facilities for the workers would also be helpful as sometimes the job can be dirty and there was only a half-bath for the employees to wash up.
Mr. Sipes stated that there was a leak on Queen Street after the milling was done which was repaired immediately and is to be expected when milling occurs.
There being no further business, questions or comments Mr. Foster moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 p.m. was seconded by Rev. Tolliver and carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Jennifer Mulligan Chris Cerino
Town Clerk Mayor