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Brandon Board of Sewer Commissioners MeetingFebruary 25, 2008
In Attendance: Richard Baker, Kellie Patten, Bill Hatch, Bruce Brown Also in Attendance: Keith Arlund, Anna Scheck, Tom Schmelzenbach, Chris Brickell, Bob Kilpeck, Ethan Swift, Charles Jakiela, Frank Farnsworth, Lee Kahrs, Matt Carmoli
The meeting was called to order at 8:11PM by Chair Bill Hatch.
1. Call to order
a) Agenda Adoption - Motion by Kellie Patten/Bruce Brown to adopt the agenda. The motion passed unanimously - 3 to 0.
2. Consider/Set Sewer Rate for Billing Keith Arlund stated by way of background information, the water readings were done and in doing an analysis of the last four billings and flow rates, there is a decline in the total volume. Since the last rate increase in 2006, there has been a constant decline, which lowers the revenues. He noted, notwithstanding the depreciation factor, operationally the town is close to break even, and there is a need to work towards reducing the $80,000.00 note. There are a number of possibilities for increasing the dollar per gallon rate; however, there is trepidation, as it is unknown what is going to happen when reading the new meters. The other alternative is to look at the per unit charge to consider increasing the base rate from $30.00. Mr. Arlund is concerned the total volume is declining and is a tax on the people that use the sewer. Richard Baker suggested postponing a decision for two weeks, as there are some unanswered questions and he felt the board should have the facts lined up before moving forward. He stated that he has a hard time believing that people have put 9 million gallons in their swimming pools. He stated this represents more than 1/3 of the total water that went through the meters. The water consumption that is metered has fallen and the already low number is also attributable to adjustments. He stated he would like to have a discussion with the water district manager. Mr. Baker stated unless there is an urgency to get the bills out, he would like to take this up on the 10th of March, after it has been reviewed further. Bill Hatch stated this item will be tabled until the next regularly scheduled meeting. 3. Old/Other Business Tom Schmelzenbach stated a proposal to do a collection system in connection with the Neshobe Farm Development has been received and he has selected DuBois and King for that study. The proposals are in the town office and the costs range between $3,500.00 and $19,000.00. Tom stated the option chosen was within the town manager's ability to act on, but he would be glad to bring them before the board. Richard stated back in December 2006, the Board of Sewer Commissioners made an allocation and was contingent upon a letter. The letter was used for purposes of getting approval by the DRB and Act 250 and the applicant has never perfected the application for the Sewer Commission. Keith Arlund stated he has notified the people of Spring Pond Development twice and has not received a response. He will follow up on this issue again. Richard Baker stated we do not have an application or down payment from the developer and the board may want to place this project on hold. He noted Mr. Schmelzenbach needs to be developing an RFP for this item and it needs to be resolved. 4. Adjournment Motion by Richard Baker/Kellie Patten to adjourn the Board of Sewer Commissioners' meeting at 8:19PM to reconvene as the Select Board. The motion passed unanimously - 3 to zero.
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