HARTWICK WATER COMMISSIONERS MEETING
January 28, 2008
Supervisor Pat Ryan called the meeting to order at 7:00. Those present were Councilmen Eileen Barown, Dave Butler, Delos Field, and Ken Hotaling. Also present were K. Wayne Bunn, Dan Crandell, and Nancy Smalley. David Decker arrived later. The Pledge to the Flag was led by Delos Field.
The Supervisor showed maps of aquifers on State Highways 205 and 28. Also a form 1099 was received from Rural Development concerning income tax on grant money. It was decided that it wasn't necessary to file.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Nancy Smalley was on the original citizens' water committee and would like to be informed of dates for Water Commissioners' Meetings.
TELEMETER
The bill for the Telemeter has increased from $14.95 in November to $146.11 in January. There are two ½-horsepower motors installed to run mixers, or de-icers, but they shouldn't use much electricity. REA has installed a second meter to check the accuracy of the first one. They have run the same, using about 900 KWH per month. Wayne will first inspect the mixer motors, and then follow up with REA.
MOTION: Pat Ryan moved to authorize Wayne Bunn to contact Kaps Krew to determine the reason for increased electric usage of the Telemeter if necessary. Ken Hotaling seconded, and the motion passed with all votes "Aye."
WATER METER READER
The meter reading process was discussed. Meters will be read, information will be given to the Water Clerk who will enter readings into each account. Additional software was discussed to make uploading readings easier. Dan Crandell will get further information.
A possible procedure will be to take readings three months apart, then notify customers what their billing would be. The reading for the following three months will be considered actual usage, and customers will be billed accordingly.
Water rates and usage were discussed.
If Grant Ward is willing to take the Meter Reader job, it will not have to be advertised, since he is already the water employee. If Grant does not want the job, it will be advertised. Eileen Barown will speak to Grant.
MOTION: Dave Butler moved to table hiring a meter reader. Ken Hotaling seconded, and the motion passed with all votes "Aye."
David Decker stated that the meter at his house does not work. He explained that his house is a one-family, so should be billed accordingly. He has a land contract with owner Diane Howard, so the tax bill goes to her, but he pays it. Pat will speak to Diane Howard. The house will be changed to a one-family and billed at the appropriate rate, and David Decker will be refunded half the relevied amount ($504.72).
Dan Crandell needs to know about defective meters so they can be replaced.
The Departments of Health's report on Water Quality was reviewed. Health Department regulations require a cross control connection at certain facilities to prevent contamination of water by back washing of waste water. Larry's Custom Meats is the only place this concerns. Ken Hotaling will check that Larry Altheiser has installed the correct device.
Status of the Water Project-Wayne Bunn
Wayne and Dan Crandell discussed cost increases for materials, added cost of the asphalt wedge required by DOT, and the cost of the West Main Street Bridge area. The increases total $107,933±. Dan would settle for $65,000. There is $100,500 in contingency funds in the project budget. Wayne needs more information for a paper trail to show Rural Development for reimbursement.
Dan explained the contract process and price increases such as materials for sidewalk grading, and replacement of copper pipes.
Delos Field asked that Dan reduce the price for additional costs and materials to $55,000. Dan agreed.
MOTION: Delos Field moved to agree to pay Dan Crandell $127,933 for the West Main Street Bridge sidewalk, additional materials and labor, and the asphalt wedge. Dave Butler seconded, and the motion passed with all votes "Aye."
MOTION: Delos Field moved to continue with the 72-hour pump test authorizing $3155.94 for AlphaGeoscience and $4067.50 for Layne Christensen to finish the test. Eileen Barown seconded, and the motion passed with all votes "Aye."
Wayne needs to bill the Town $16,000 to finish the project.
MOTION: Dave Butler moved to authorize additional engineering fees not to exceed $16,000. Eileen Barown seconded, and the motion passed with all votes "Aye."
Alternate sidewalks will have to be re-bid, and a great deal of prep work needs to be done. Working with DOT may save money but take more time.
MOTION: Dave Butler moved to adjourn, Delos Field seconded, and the meeting was adjourned at 9:35.
Respectfully Submitted,
Regina M. Palmer
Town Clerk
