CHESTERTOWN UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
AUGUST 7, 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, Bob Sipes, (Utilities Manager), Larry DiRe (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 July 3, 2023. Councilman Herz made a motion to approve the minutes of the Utilities Commission meeting of July 3, 2023, as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Efland and passed unanimously.
Mayor Foster stated that the operating funds on hand were $2,824,104.80. He asked for a motion to pay the bills. Councilwoman Efland made a motion to pay the bills. The motion was seconded by Councilman O’Brien and passed unanimously.
Mayor Foster called on Mr. Sipes for his Utilities Commission report.
Mr. Sipes reported the sewer jetter has arrived and the crew took it for a test run on a replacement line. He reported that the jetter ran as advertised and made the job go quicker.
Mr. Sipes reviewed high ticket items listed in the budget report.
- $1761 was paid to Kent News for a full-page advertisement for the Water Quality/Consumer Confidence Report (CCR).
- $4868 to be paid for a replacement chemical feed pump for the water treatment plant.
Mr. Sipes reported that next year he would like to get the CCR on electronic delivery only. Once he obtains approval, a short advertisement can be placed in the Kent News instead of a full-page ad. The report can be found on the Chestertown website and is noted on the utility bills of that location.
Mr. Sipes reported that one of the pump pedestals, at the Radcliffe pump station, has a hole and needs to be replaced. Estimated replacement is $28,524. Councilman Herz made a motion to approve to replace the pump base at an estimated cost of $28,524. The motion was seconded by Councilman O’Brien and passed unanimously.
Mr. Sipes reported that the Leed building consultant will need a change order of $12,700. The engineer the Town hired will need to work with a subconsultant on the design to get the Building Leed certified. The engineer will then need to be paid to do the redesign. Once the $12,700 is paid, the redesign process will begin.
Councilwoman Efland made a motion to approve the change order for engineering redesign in the amount of $12,700 from operating funds. The motion was seconded by Councilman O’Brien and passed unanimously.
Mr. Sipes reported that he spoke the point of contact for the MDE grant. Final approval will come out in October and the project should begin once the grant has been approved. He noted that money spent on construction prior to approval will not be reimbursed.
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, Councilwoman Efland motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:19 p.m. The motion was seconded by Councilman O’Brien and passed unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Lynda Thomas, Town Clerk David Foster, Mayor