UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
JUNE 7, 2021
Mayor Foster called the meeting to order at 7:37 p.m. In attendance were Council members Sam Shoge, Tom Herz, Ellsworth Tolliver and Meghan Efland, Bob Sipes (Utilities Manager), Bill Ingersoll (Town Manager), Kees de Mooy (Zoning Administrator), Jennifer Mulligan (Town Clerk) and guests.
Mayor Foster asked if there were any additions or corrections to the Utilities Commission meeting minutes of May 3, 2021. Mr. Herz moved to approve the minutes of the Utilities Commission minutes of May 3, 2021, as submitted, was seconded by Rev. Tolliver and carried unanimously.
Mayor Foster stated that cash on hands for the Utilities Commission was $2,277,914.88 with $1,113,123.68 set aside for capital projects.
Mayor Foster asked for a motion to pay the bills. Rev. Tolliver moved to pay bills as submitted, was seconded by Mr. Shoge and carried unanimously.
Mr. Sipes stated that there was a $6,000.00 charge in the bills for water tower inspections. The inspections indicated that the water towers were in good shape, requiring little maintenance to be done this year.
Mr. Sipes stated that the Exeter Supply charges in the bills were for new meters. He said that repair clamps were restocked, and they were in the process of replacing the first PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers) at the Wastewater Plant. He added that work would begin on the project in two days. He said that some parts have become obsolete and the PLC’s need new parts and software.
Mr. Sipes stated that the letter is being prepared to send to the Hospital requesting access to the property and he recommended that before the access letter goes out he would like to create the site plan and details to submit along with the letter.
Rev. Tolliver asked Mr. Sipes if he expected a holdup in the study on the part of the Hospital. Mr. Sipes stated that there may be some push back, but he expected some level of cooperation. He said that the Mr. Forlini recommended a detailed scope of work of the site investigation would have a better outcome because the Hospital would know exactly what the Town was requesting to do on their land. Mr. Sipes stated that he was getting proposals together regarding areas and best methods to proceed.
Mr. Ingersoll stated that Mr. Forlini had already prepared a cover letter to the Hospital along with an access easement agreement, but the Town had been waiting for the pro bono lawyers to draft a letter as well.
Mayor Foster stated that Kent County has offered to help with the cost of the study.
There being no further questions or comments, Rev. Tolliver moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:54 p.m., was seconded by Mr. Herz and carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by: Jennifer Mulligan Chris Cerino
Town Clerk Mayor