WMAC Meeting Minutes, Dec 17, 2009
Attendees: Ann Carney, David Crosby – Chair, David Hearne, Paul Lauenstein, Rory McGregor – Secretary, Len Sekuler – Vice Chair, Bob Weeks
Guests: Eric Hooper – Superintendent, DPW
1. Minutes from the Nov 19 WMAC meeting were approved.
2. Selectmen have approved the modified pricing proposal for water rates submitted by Eric Hooper. These will take effect on Jan 1, 2010. These rates will be posted on the Water Dept website. Although the selectmen did not approve the full increase recommended by Eric and the WMAC, they recognize the need for higher rates in order to support the infrastructure improvements that are needed. Their intent is to increase rates gradually over time so that the impact to the consumer is more affordable.
3. Suggestions for topics to consider in WMAC meetings during 2010 follow:
a) Investigate the tasks required to transition to an Enterprise business. Pursue a ground up budgeting approach to decide which activities belong to the Water Dept and how much they cost. Determine charge back services provided by the Town. Work with Bill Fowler and the Finance Committee to review and refine. The objectives of this initiative are to ensure transparency, base future water rates on legitimate costs, and position the Town to borrow when necessary for future infrastructure projects.
b) Publish a yearly business report in the Town Annual Report which shows Water Department revenues, expenses and surplus or deficit. Decide whether to report on a calendar basis (to coincide with Annual Statistical Report), town fiscal year basis, or both.
c) Determine how the new monthly water meter reading and leak detection feature of the new water meters can help to initiate timely corrective action for leak detection.
d) Review the new Master Plan which is due in January and prioritize the capital improvement projects.
e) Break out fixed cost and variable cost on water bills. Use the bill to convey additional info to the consumer, such as a graph of monthly water usage for the trailing year.
f) Conduct at least one meeting per year with the Selectmen. Meet with the Zoning Board of Appeals on new development projects to discuss water related issues, such as submetering of water meters in apartments and condominiums.
4. Ann Carney and Dave Hearne will constitute a task group that will meet with Bill Fowler and the town accountant to begin the discussion on accounting changes associated with the transition to an Enterprise business.
5. A formal request has been made to the Town of Norwood to consider Sharon’s request for an emergency water connection to their town.
6. WMAC will plan to meet on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Next meeting is Jan 21. Topics will include distribution of Master Plan and report of task group on the Enterprise business. We will also put together an annual calendar of recurring events, such as review of water rates.
7. Eric Hooper reported as follows:
a) Revenues have rebounded slightly. Shortfall for the fiscal year is projected to be on the order of $100K below operating expenses. This deficit, plus budgeted capital costs, will be paid for from the reserve fund.
b) The proposed pump test plus permitting for the N-Star site at Canton Street could run up to $1 million. This is the site with the most promising potential of those that have been investigated. The town is already near its permitted withdrawal for the Neponset Basin, so we would need to implement a well operation strategy that did not compromise the Neponset Basin any further. There may be potential nitrate issues with septic tanks that are in the vicinity of the well; nitrate levels recorded in earlier tests had values above 4mg/L.
c) The Sharon Water Department received a $35K grant from DEP to continue the water conservation education intiative. The Neponset River Watershed Association assisted with the grant application and has employed Nancy Fyler to conduct the program in Sharon.
Respectfully submitted,
Rory McGregor