UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
NOVEMBER 6, 2017
Mayor Cerino called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Council members Liz Gross, Linda C. Kuiper, Samuel T. Shoge and Mauritz Stetson, 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 October 2, 2017. Mr. Stetson moved to approve the minutes as presented, was seconded by Ms. Gross and carried unanimously.
Mayor Cerino stated that operating funds on hand is $1,146,378.73 and an additional $738,000.00 was set aside in capital funds for a total of $1,884,378.73.
Mayor Cerino asked for a motion to pay the bills. Ms. Gross moved to pay the bills as submitted, was seconded by Mr. Stetson and carried unanimously.
Mr. Sipes stated that patches and paving have been completed, including some areas that had settled and were paved a second time. He said that there may still be some settling that takes place.
Mr. Sipes stated that at the last meeting he discussed a soil sample collected at East Campus Avenue and Byford Avenue which he sent to the lab to be analyzed. The result of the test was non-detectable for diesel range organics and for creosote. He said that there is definitely something in that area and said that he will perform further testing; noting that the odor was strong and the Town had to find out what it was. Mr. Sipes stated that he could also find a company to take 2 or 3 boring samples and have them analyzed. He said that the last sample did not make it to the lab within the standard method holding time.
Mr. Stetson asked if the odor was still detectable. Mr. Sipes stated that the Delmarva representatives and homeowners present at the time were all in agreement that it smelled of fuel oil, but that wasn’t a lab test. Ms. Gross stated that she understood the homeowner was told by Delmarva that the odor was from creosote around the pole. The hole has been filled.
Mr. Sipes stated that he did not think that he would have to bid out the project but would see where the price of the work fell. He said that he did not want the timeframe to be long so if he found a good price he could have the boring done within a week.
Mr. Sipes stated that Delmarva Power was replacing a number of poles throughout Town but this was the only hole where an odor was ever detected. Mr. Sipes stated that the odor was first detected at about 2’ to 3’ deep and continued for the depth of the hole, which was 10’.
Mr. Sipes stated that he called Ms. Susan Bull at MDE to discuss what tests he should run on the borings.
Mr. Sipes stated that he has been working with KRM on the Dixon expansion off of Scheeler Road and said that he asked them to increase the frequency of compaction testing on construction and backfilling materials for the road and trenches.
There being no further business, Ms. Gross moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:41 p.m. was seconded by Mr. Shoge and carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Jennifer Mulligan Chris Cerino
Town Clerk Mayor