HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-03-15 Water and Sewer Advisory Committee MinutesWATER & SEWER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
March 15, 2000
A meeting of the Water & Sewer Advisory Committee was held at 7:45 P.M, on Wedr es :
March 15, 2000, in the Berger Room, Reading Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading; MIX
In attendance were Chairman Gail Wood, Secretary Richard Moore, `Committee riierrl e
Robert Salter, DPW Administration Supervisor David Lee, and DPW Director Ted McIntire.
Meeting Minutes
It was moved by Richard Moore, seconded by Gail Wood and approve by a vote of 2-0-1 to
approve the minutes of March 2, 2000 as corrected.
FY01 Water/Sewer Rates
David Lee reviewed the preliminary rates as outlined in his 3/13/00 memo to Ted McIntire.
New rates based on billing option "C" (billing every two months, one additional meter reader,
an additional vehicle for the meter division, and collection expenses). The water rate would be
$3.54 per one hundred cubic feet, and the sewer rate would be $5.48 per one hundred cubic
feet, a total of $9.02 per one hundred cubic feet; resulting in a 3.5% increase over FY00 rates.
Richard Moore moved, seconded by Robert Salter and approve by a vote of 3-0 to recommend
rates as presented by David Lee as follows: Water Rates at $3.54 per one hundred cubic feet
with a minimum bill of $7.08 per billing; Sewer Rates at $5.48 per one hundred cubic feet with
a minimum bill of $10.96 per billing; rates effective on the August 1, 2000 billing.
Water/Sewer Rate Study
Robert Salter felt that this study is a waste of money. Ted indicated that this was a request of
the Board of Selectmen for the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee to have a rate study
completed. David Lee stated that for a long time there has been a question as to why Reading
has one of the highest water and sewer rates in the state. A discussion concerning the goals of
the rate study ensued.
It was agreed that the consultant hired to do the rate study would be instructed to investigate
rate structures/rates in a number of other communities and identify the source of funding for
the water and sewer system. It is assumed that in some other communities a portion of the
operation of the water and sewer systems is funded through the real estate taxes. In addition, a
consultant would be asked to evaluate the rate stabilization programs developed by the Water
and Sewer Advisory Committee. Richard Moore would like a one page summary on why
Reading rates are so high. The one page summary would be used as a reference sheet for
consumers and the Board of Selectmen.
DPW staff will be holding interviews for three consultants on Friday, March 17'n and
recommending one consultant to perform the distribution study.
Minutes - TMC March 15, 2000.doc
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Water Conservation
Ted indicated that a water conservation notice will be enclosed in the May 1, 2000 water and
sewer bill and requested any recommended changes the Committee felt was appropriate. Gail
moved that the water restriction be lifted this year, and observe what effect it has on water use.
The motion was seconded by Richard Moore. The Committee would like to see more
supporting data, and requested that staff investigate alternative conservation programs.
Richard Moore will investigate web sites for conservation programs. The Committee
requested that Ted McIntire send a letter to Kerry Mackin, Executive Director, Ipswich River
Watershed Association requesting that she provide information to the Town of Reading on
water conservation programs and the benefits/drawbacks of each.
General
The next meeting of the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee will be April 12, 2000 which
will include the FY2001 Water and Sewer Rate Hearing.
It was moved by Robert Salter, seconded by Richard Moore and approve by a vote of 3-0 to
adjourn the meeting at 9:45PM.
Allinutes - TINACAlarch 15, 2000.doc
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