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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-05-19 Water and Sewer Advisory Committee MinutesRECEIVED f'O CLERK WATER, SEWER AND STORM WATER MANAGEMENT, DING, MASS. ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES May 19, 2004 2004 JUL i b A 11: 2 3 A meeting of the Water, Sewer and Storm Water Management Advisory Committee (WSSWMAC) was held at 7:40 PM on Wednesday, May 19, 2004, in the Berger Room, Reading Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA. In attendance were Chairman Richard Moore, Secretary Stephen Crook, Committee members John Wood, and Jennifer Lachmayr, Board of Selectmen Liaison Gail Wood, Water Treatment Plant Supervisor Peter Tassi, DPW Business Supervisor John Sousa, DPW Director Ted McIntire, and John Willis representing CDM. Water Treatment Plant Construction Options Peter Tassi walked through the cost estimates for the option of constructing an addition to the existing water treatment plant to house the membrane filtration system and the second option of building a completely new water treatment plant along the westerly side of Strout Avenue. John Willis provided additional information on both and answered questions from the Committee. They explained the information provided in the meeting package relating to the original feasibility cost (Fall 2002) compared to today's construction costs (April 2004). They also explained preliminary design cost estimates for the new membrane water treatment plant ($13.8 to $14.5 million) compared to the rehabilitation of the existing plant plus the new addition ($13.5 to $14.2 million). Peter Tassi noted that also included in the estimates is an amount of $114,000 for the sewer stations SCADA instrumentation. Contingency used for the estimates is at 25%. John Willis explained that during the feasibility study there were three options looked at: 1. a new conventional water treatment facility; 2. rehabilitation of the present conventional treatment facility; and 3. rehabilitation of the newer (1980) areas of the existing facility with an addition for the membrane filtration system. Following a recommendation of Peter Tassi and Dan Howland, the Town asked CDM to evaluate a fourth option of evaluating a completely new facility incorporating the membrane filtration system. Operation and maintenance costs are similar with the rehab/addition and the new facility options according to Mr. Willis. The Committee also reviewed the pros and cons of the two options being considered. It was noted that the Town Manager has asked staff to look into the potential uses of the existing facility site for athletic fields, under the option of a brand new treatment facility. This would potentially add much needed athletic facilities. However, if the area was developed into athletic fields, more visitors and vehicles would be within the water supply area, with a potential for vandalism and contamination of the supply. It was noted that the Town Managers preference is the option to construct a new water Minutes - WSAC May 19, 2004. doe Page 1 of 3 FY2005Water and Sewer Rates John Sousa reviewed the information package prepared for the Committee and explained that the projected rates were developed using the operating budgets, capital plans and debt service approved by Town Meeting. John explained the calculations used to developed the projected FY2005 water rate of $4.00 per one hundred cubic feet and sewer rate at $5.35 one hundred cubic feet. The calculated water rate for FY2005 would be 6% less than the FY2004 rate and the projected sewer rate would be 1.3% higher than the rate in FY2004. The total combined rate of $9.35 per one hundred cubic feet would be 2% less than the combined rate in FY2004. The Committee discussed rate options keeping in mind the ten year capital plan and ten year water and sewer rate projections. The Committee feels that the increase in the estimated costs of the water treatment plant will require revenues more in line with the ten year rate plan and felt that a combined increase of 5% over fiscal year 2004 combined rates would better meet projected funding requirements. In order for the total rates to increase 5%, the sewer rate would remain as recommended at $5.35 per one hundred cubic feet, but the water rate would need to increase to $4.66 per one hundred cubic feet. It was moved by John Wood, seconded by Jennifer Lachmayr to recommend the FY2005 sewer rate at $5.35 per one hundred cubic feet, with a minimum bill of $10.70 per billing effective with the September 10, 2004 billing. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0. It was moved by John Wood, seconded by Jennifer Lachmayr to recommend the FY2005 water rate at $4.66 per one hundred cubic feet, with a minimum bill of $9.32 per billing, effective on the September 10, 2004 billing. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0. Next Meeting The following items have been requested to be put on the June 16, 2004 WSSWMAC meeting agenda for discussion: Storm Water Management Annual Report; funding sources for Storm Water Management Program; and review WSSWMAC yearly calendar. The Committee indicated that it would not be necessary for Joe Delaney to attend that meeting. Performance Evaluation The Committee discussed preparation of the performance evaluation for DPW Director Ted McIntire. It was decided to submit the completed form to Stephen Crook. Richard Moore and Stephen Crook will combine comments complete one form and forward it to the Town Manager by the end of the week It was moved by Stephen Crook, seconded by John Wood and approved by a vote 4-0 to adjourn the meeting at 10:55 PM. Minutes - WSAC May 19, 2004.doc Page 3 of 3