CHESTERTOWN UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
JUNE 5, 2023
Mayor Foster called the meeting to order at 6:15 pm. In attendance were Councilmembers Tim O’Brien, Tom Herz, Jose Medrano and Meghan Efland, W. S. Ingersoll (Town Manager), Lynda Thomas (Town Clerk) and guests.
Mayor Foster asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the Utilities Commission meeting of May 1, 2023. Councilman O’Brien made a motion to approve the minutes of the Utilities Commission meeting of May 1, 2023, as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Efland and passed unanimously.
Mayor Foster stated that the operating funds on hand were $2,450,637.15. He asked for a motion to pay the bills. Councilwoman Efland made a motion to pay the bills. The motion was seconded by Councilman Herz and passed unanimously.
Mayor Foster called on Mr. Bob Sipes for his Utilities Commission report.
Mr. Sipes reported on several new areas of concern and gave updates on the projects discussed at previous meetings.
Mr. Sipes reported that the hydraulic cylinders for the UV unit at the wastewater plant, that automatically clean the ball sleeves, have been replaced. He noted that there is good UV light coming in contact with the water. The price for three (3) cylinders was $7,200.
Mr. Sipes reported that parts for the clarifier had finally arrived.
Mr. Sipes reported that the check valve in the smaller backup pump had been repaired and would no longer require air to open the valves.
Mr. Sipes reported that a sewer line at the Visitor Center parking lot was repaired. The pavement area that was dug up to repair the line will be cold patched.
Mr. Sipes noted that he ordered the jetter/lateral cleaning machine and anticipated that it would arrive in the third week of June.
Mr. Sipes reported that well number one pump had burned up at the water treatment plant. He noted that they are typically good for about 15 years, and it’s been 16 years. He said that it always most cost effective to replace both pumps. He said he had considered it an emergency expenditure and replaced both for $25,000.
Mr. Sipes gave an update on the replacement of two (2) wastewater plant PLCs. Once all the parts are received the contractor will install them.
Mr. Sipes said that was all he had to report. Mayor Foster asked if there were any other questions for Mr. Sipes. There being no further business, Councilman O’Brien motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:34 p.m. The motion was seconded by Councilman Herz and passed unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Lynda Thomas, Town Clerk David Foster, Mayor