UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
NOVEMBER 2, 2020
Mayor Cerino called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. In attendance were Council members David Foster, Thomas 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 Cerino asked if there were any additions or corrections to the Utilities Commission meeting minutes of October 5, 2020. Rev. Tolliver moved to approve the minutes of October 5, 2020 as submitted, was seconded by Mr. Foster and carried unanimously.
Mayor Cerino stated that cash on hands for the Utilities Commission were $2,415,708.09 with $1,086,000.00 set aside for capital projects.
Mayor Cerino asked for a motion to pay the bills. Ms. Efland moved to pay bills as submitted, was seconded by Mr. Herz and carried unanimously.
Mr. Sipes stated that there were big ticket items in the bills from Hill’s Electric for work at the pumping station. There were also traffic cones that they had their initials put on because the older ones were being stolen. He said that there was a bill for B&K Utilities that was to get the rehabilitation center back online which will be reimbursed.
Mr. Foster stated that the Environmental Committee suggested meeting an Bergeson & Campbell in Washington regarding the oil spill. He said that he thought the firm would be useful to the Mayor and Council and is offering pro-bono services. He said that it would be helpful to begin a formal relationship with the firm and said that would require approval by the Mayor and Council.
Mr. Foster stated that engaging with this firm was like getting a second opinion, adding that they would find out how other Towns have been treated during situations such as Chestertown. Also, to find out if there was a spill this size as close to the drinking water in the Town. They would also find out about silica gel testing, halting pump and treat systems and what legal options they should seek.
Mayor Cerino stated that Ms. Bergeson wanted to speak with Michael Forlini, who was the official counsel on this matter, but there would be fees associated with this.
Mr. Foster moved to enter into an agreement with Bergeson & Campbell to assist in the matter of the Hospital oil spill, was seconded by Ms. Efland and carried unanimously.
Ms. Efland asked if Ms. Bergeson would attend the upcoming meeting with the Hospital. Mr. Foster stated that he thought Ms. Bergeson would make arrangements to attend the meeting.
There being no further questions or comments, Mr. Herz moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:46 p.m., was seconded by Mr. Foster and carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by: Jennifer Mulligan Chris Cerino
Town Clerk Mayor