UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
JUNE 6, 2022
Mayor Foster called the meeting to order at 7:50 p.m. In attendance were Council members Tim O’Brien, Tom Herz, Jose Medrano and Meghan Efland, Bob Sipes (Utilities Manager), Jennifer McCann (Town Clerk) and guests.
Mayor Foster asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the Utilities Commission meeting of May 2, 2022. Mr. Herz moved to approve the minutes of the Utilities Commission meeting of the May 2, 2022 meeting as presented, was seconded by Ms. Efland and carried unanimously.
Mayor Foster stated that funds on hand for the Utilities Commission was $2,460,847.77 with designated capital funds set aside for capital projects in the amount of $1,249,923.68.
Mayor Foster asked for a motion to pay the bills. Ms. Efland moved to approve payment of the bills as submitted, was seconded by Mr. Herz and carried unanimously.
Mr. Sipes stated that a new truck was purchased and received, but he was still waiting on the Ford to arrive, noting that it is “in shipment.”
Mr. Sipes stated that he had a motorcycle accident on May 17th at the same time an impeller went bad at the water pump. He said that holes were found in the brass and a replacement is not available for 4 to 6 months. Mr. Sipes stated that there were back up pumps in place and said that there were some complaints of cloudy water when they were first activated which was due to air in the line. He said that the water was safe to drink at all times. A company from Delaware helped the Department clear the air from the water lines.
Mr. Sipes stated that the pump with the issue was 60 years old and the cast body can no longer be repaired, and he was getting quotes on a replacement pump because the pump model had been discontinued. He said he has one vendor coming to the site on Friday, while one has already visited the site, and a third was expected at a later date.
Mr. Sipes stated that a bearing at the Radcliffe Pump Station had been replaced for a second time as the same bearing went bad again. He said that this was not causing a big issue and he was getting it fixed.
Mr. O’Brien asked if Chestertown was covered should there be a significant rain event. Mr. Sipes stated that they should be okay with a large event at the wastewater treatment plant. The pumps at the water plant are always being monitored.
Mr. Herz stated that there was a line item in the bills for $8,448.00 and asked what it was for. Mr. Sipes stated that he purchased water mains and meters and there will be another similar bill coming soon. He said that the company got behind during Covid and was now supplying the meters and mains and he ordered one hundred twenty of them. Mr. Sipes stated that new houses require sprinklering and therefore a larger meter.
Mr. Herz stated that the pump and treat system had been off for about 4 weeks and asked if there was any news. Mr. Sipes stated that they are supposed to receive monthly reports, but he has not seen one yet. Mayor Foster stated that there were areas where he was still questioning readings on the sentinel wells and was being told that they were “not significant.”
Mr. Sipes stated that APEX was going to let him know when they were ready to mobilize and at the point they did, he would schedule a meeting with the Hospital.
Mayor Foster asked for status of the new building on Kent Street. Mr. Sipes stated that he met with engineers on site, and it looks like the new building will be where the existing barn is located. He said that once it is built, the building will appear as residential and will not as tall as the existing barn. He was planning to add square footage for the storage that they would lose when the barn was removed. They were in the process of clearing and reorganizing the 6-bay concrete block garage to allow for overflow storage. He said that he thought the extra storage area on the new building would be approximately 10’ x 20’.
There being no further business, Mr. Herz moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m., was seconded by Ms. Efland and carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Jennifer Mulligan David Foster
Town Clerk Mayor