UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
APRIL 3, 2023
Mayor Foster called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. In attendance were Councilmembers Tim O’Brien, Tom Herz, Jose Medrano and Meghan Efland, and Lynda Thomas, (Town Clerk) guests.
Mayor Foster asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the Utilities Commission meeting of March 6, 2023. Councilwoman Efland made a motion to approve the minutes of the Utilities Commission meeting of March 6, 2023, as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilman Medrano and passed unanimously.
Mayor Foster stated that the operating funds on hand were $2,363,056.17. He asked for a motion to pay the bills. Councilman O’Brien made a motion to pay the bills. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Efland and passed unanimously.
Mayor Foster called on Mr. Bob Sipes for his Utilities Commission report.
Mr. Sipes reported that his Town truck needed a new engine that would cost about $8800.00. He stated that he would call around to get another quote but is scheduled to get a new truck and would look into the cost of buying one new. The last truck purchased was $50,000 or less.
Mr. Herz asked about an allocation for 222 Water Street. Mr. Sipes stated that the owner had been inadvertently charged anew allocation fee because the lot had been vacant so long. He said that the Town does not recharge for allocation fees unless the lot has been vacant for more than five (5) years. The house had been torn down 18 months prior and the owner had a new line installed. The allocation fee of $8000.00 (minus the private installation costs) was refunded.
Mr. Herz asked about $3359.00 to the Kent County Office in Rock Hall. Mr. Ingersoll stated that the Chestertown had been erroneously receiving online tax sale payments meant for Kent County Sanitary district/Rock Hall customers. Chestertown reimbursed Rock Hall the $3359.00.
Mr. Sipes reported that the half-buried hydrant on Lynchburg Street had been replaced.
Mr. Sipes reported that the long-awaited meter parts had finally arrived.
Mr. Sipes stated that he and Mayor Foster met to review the ordinance changes needed to change the sewer lateral responsibilities from property owners to the Utilities Commission. Mr. Sipes noted, if there was no cleanout at the curb, the homeowner would need to call a plumber to have one installed. He noted that all new buildings are required to have a cleanout installed and maintained if damaged. The town cannot provide maintenance on sewer lines that do not have an accessible cleanout beside the curb.
Mayor Foster asked if there were any other questions for Mr. Sipes. There being no further business, Councilman Herz motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:29 p.m. The motion was seconded by Councilman O’Brien and passed unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Lynda Thomas, Town Clerk David Foster, Mayor