VILLAGE OF MORRISVILLE WATER AND LIGHT DEPARTMENT
July 6, 2009
MONDAY 6:00 PM
Water and Light Office
The meeting duly noticed and warned was called to order at 6:00 PM.
PRESENT:
Trustees: Tim Sargent, Ed DeBor, and Dana Wildes (by telephone)
Staff: Craig Myotte, Jim Fontaine, Penny Jones
ABSENT: Trustee Bourne
1) PUBLIC MEETING:
No members of the public were present.
2) CURRENT PRIORITY PROJECTS:
Craig updated the Board on the status of the current
priority projects. The Trustees discussed and agreed an electronic packet was
acceptable to them. There was a discussion on the website design. Trustee DeBor
stated a website is one of the prime management tools of any business and the
design is a critical component to make it as useful as possible.
3) MANAGEMENT REPORT:
Jim provided an update of the numerous outages
experienced last week on the Morrisville system. The Morrisville outages were
on the 34.5 kV transmission system and the cause was tracked to a bad arrestor
in the Pratt Reed substation.
Maine Industrials completed an evaluation of the 1200 kW
unit at Plant 2 and provided an estimate to repair. The estimated cost for
removing, repairing and replacing the shaft along with testing all components
is $85K . The turbine bearing could be an additional $5-$10K. Time frame is 5-7
weeks depending on availability of material.
Weston & Sampson successfully completed the design and the State granted the ok to put the reservoir project out to bid last week. A pre-construction meeting is scheduled for July 14th and the bids are due on July 27th.
We are required to and will be sending out a notice to customers stating we are operating under a temporary water permit.
Penny reported the May 2009 financials are almost done. She plans to wrap them up tomorrow and will email them to the Trustees.
The insurance review was completed. Penny reviewed the summary we received showing many companies are declining to offer coverage to Water and Light. At this time, we are going to continue with the existing carrier for another year. The insurance premium is flat for 2009/2010.
The Trustees asked Penny for a summary of service billings to other utilities for 2008. Penny reported she is working on the summary and will email it out to the Trustees this week.
Craig summarized discussions he had with VPPSA and VEC regarding services, cost containment and functional consolidation.
Efficiency Vermont (EV) provided a copy of their 2007 Form 990 covering July to December of 2007. Craig asked EV to provide 2008 when it becomes available.
Several issues were discussed with the Town including streetlights, an emergency plan for Copley Hospital, access across Water and Light property and the agenda for the joint meeting to be held July 15.
4) APPROVE MINTUES OF MEETING HELD JUNE 22, 2009:
On a motion by Trustee DeBor, seconded by Trustee Sargent and approved by all present, the Board approved the minutes of the June 22, 2009, regular meeting. Trustee Wildes was absent at the June 22nd meeting and abstained from voting.
5) UPDATE OF WWTF/WATER METER PROJECT:
Work is continuing on the electrical control wiring at the plant. Gravel is working on installing piping, bringing the road up to grade and overall site preparation. Aquarobic personnel have been at the site testing the aeration, mixing and decanting. The SBR is filled with river water and can replicate some actual flows. Keymont has indicated they want to start the seven day full test the week of the 7th, but there is some concern everything is ready. The test includes the SCADA system, alarms sent to a pager etc. United Water staff is involved in the testing and operation plans. Once the system has been tested satisfactorily, we will cut the plant over to the new system and start the demolition of the existing. The State will have a person assisting with the cutover.
Approximately 750 meters installed
to date and another 24 scheduled. There are approximately another 55 meters to
install including pits, non-standard and other issues.
6) EAST MOUNTAIN WIND PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT:
VPPSA is requesting MW&L to approve a project development agreement (PDA) for the East Mountain Wind project. The purpose of the PDA is to review the cost estimates of the project. MW&L’s share of the costs will be about $30,000. The Trustees discuss whether or not to approve the PDA. The Trustees are concerned we still don’t have enough data to make a decision. The Trustees decided to table taking action on this item until the July 20 meeting.
7) DISCUSS RATE MITIGATION STRATEGIES:
The development of rate mitigation strategies was added as a goal for 2009. Craig had earlier in the meeting provided a summary on discussions regarding electric cost containment held with VPPSA and VEC. The upcoming joint meeting with the Selectboard offers and opportunity to discuss increasing the use of the wastewater treatment facility. In addition, Craig will continue discussions with Hyde Park for sewer services.
8) OTHER BUSINESS:
The Trustees discussed replacing Keith Thompson who resigned his Trustee position. The Trustees discussed possible candidates. It was discussed the commitment is only until the April 2010 Village meeting which may aid in finding a candidate. Past Trustees will be contacted.
The Trustees reviewed the agenda for the joint meeting scheduled for July 15 with the Selectboard.
Craig reviewed the 2009 goal status with the Trustees.
9) EXECUTIVE SESSION:
At 7:46 PM, on a motion by Trustee DeBor, seconded by Trustee Sargent and approved by all present, the Board went into Executive Session to discuss personnel issues and contracts.
At 8:04 PM, on a motion by Trustee DeBor, seconded by
Trustee Sargent and approved by all present, the Board came out of Executive
Session.
11) ADJOURNMENT:
At 8:05 PM, on a motion by Trustee DeBor, seconded by Trustee Sargent and approved by all present, the Board adjourned the meeting.
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Ed DeBor, Clerk