HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-02-28 Water and Sewer Advisory Committee MinutesWATER, SEWER AND STORM WATER MANAGggypED
ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES TOWN CLERK
February 28, 2007
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A meeting of the Water, Sewer and Storm Water Manage1Mt .U0, flso#. t"'ittee
(WSSWMAC) was held at 7:42PM on Wednesday, February 28, in the Berger Room,
Reading Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA.
In attendance were Chairman Steve Oston, Secretary John Wood, Committee members Stephen
Crook, Richard Moore and Michael McIntyre, guest David Tuttle and DPW Director Ted
McIntire.
Meeting Minutes
It was moved by John Wood, seconded by Mike McIntyre and approved by a vote of 3-0 to
approve the minutes of January 10, 2007 as corrected.
FY2008 Budget Questions
John Wood handed out a draft response to questions submitted by Town Manager Peter
Hechenbleikner on behalf of the Board of Selectmen regarding issues related to the demolition of
the existing water treatment plant and items to be addressed by the WSSWMAC during its FY08
rate recommendations.
Richard Moore joined the meeting at 7:47PM.
Stephen Crook joined the meeting at 7:55PM.
1. Are grants available for the demolition of the existing water treatment plant?
Committee members and DPW Staff have searched websites and contacted DEP and it appears
that there are no grants presently available for demolition of the plant.
2. Shift water debt to tax rate to allow deductions for individuals
This issue is much more complicated for this Committee alone to address. It is recommended
that the Finance Committee work on this issue and the Committee would certainly be willing to
work with the Finance Committee.
3. Alternatives to a tiered rate structure.
In reviewing the MWRA Advisory Board rate study of all the member communities, there
appears to be two alternatives:
1. a base fee with one or more tiers;
2. two or more tiers.
It is recommended that the Town continues its existing rate structure and review periodically,
possibly five to ten years.
4. More frequent billing.
Minutes - WSAC February 28, 2007
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There are additional costs tied to more frequent billing. It is recommended that the Committee
look at this alternative after the meter and radio read hardware is replaced. It was noted that
there is definitely a cash flow benefit for more frequent billing.
5. Modify the water main replacement program as presently outlined in the Capital
Improvement Plan.
This has been completed through a cooperative effort of DPW Staff and Finance Director Bob
LeLacheur.
It was moved by Mike McIntyre, seconded by Richard Moore and approved by a vote of 5-0 to
send the responses to the Town Manager as discussed by the Committee.
FY2008 Water and Sewer Budgets
Ted McIntire handed out a list of responses the Committee had at its meeting of January 10, 2007
and reviewed it with the Committee. After further discussion the Committee requested that the
staff review the liability insurance in water which has increased by 486%, and report back to the
Committee.
Ted informed the Committee that the Finance Committee will discuss the water, sewer and storm
water budgets on March 7, 2007.
It was moved by John Wood, seconded by Mike McIntyre and approved by a vote of 5-0 to
adjourn the meeting at 9:1OPM.
Minutes - WSAC February 28, 2007
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