HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-03-06 Water and Sewer Advisory Committee MinutesWATER AND SEWER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF MEETING MARCH 6 ,1996
Meeting called to order at 7:42 PM by Gail Wood, Chair. Member Stewart Chipman was present.
Other attendees were Selectman Camille Anthony and David Lee (DPW). Ted McIntire
(Dir.-DPW) arrived at about 9:00 PM from another Town meeting.
The public hearing for prospective water and sewer rates to be implemented with August 1, 1996,
billing was opened at 7:43 PM. David Lee presented recommended rates to the Committee. A
discussion of rates variations including emergency reserve fund balances, water usage forecasts
and the percentage of water usage forming the basis of sewer billing followed. The recommended
rates were based on maintaining approximately $200,000 balances in the reserve funds, NO
GROWTH in water usage from FY96 to FY97 and 88% sharing of billing base of water usage by
sewer.
The Committee approved the following rates and minimum billing to be effective with August 1,
1996, billing:
Rate per
Minimum bill
100 cu feet
500 cu ft Vote
Water $2.85
$14.25 2-0
Sewer 4.42
22.10 2-0
Total $7.27
$36.35
The public hearing was closed at 8:05 PM.
The Committee heard a presentation from MWR.A's Carl Leone on sewer rate methodology and
its impact on Reading's assessment for FY97, and a continuation by MWRAs John McLaughlin
on the configuration of sewer meters measuring Reading's flow. In summary, Reading's rate
increased because it's flow decreased last year proportionally less than other communities with
less tight and well maintained systems.
CDM's Matt Eastwood presented the firm's views and recommendations on a "most cost efficient"
approach for fin Cher reducing flows. Their recommendation is to minimize additional studies and
to concentrate on obtaining MWRA funding for use in disconnecting sump pump inflow during
high water periods. This program could be established on a voluntary basis using financial
assistance as the attraction, and could be managed to concentrate, at least initially, in specific high
impact areas in order to judge the impact of the work. This approach was discussed, and seemed
attractive to the Committee. Further analysis and information was called for.
Ted McIntire informed the Committee that he attended a task force meeting of the Ipswich River
Watershed Association with Peter Tassi, Don Nadeau and Camille Anthony on February 28th
regarding withdrawals from the Ipswich River and potential conservation measures to be
instituted when river conditions warrant it.. Reading will suggest that each community provide its
present water conservation regulations and identify the political process necessary to institute
water restrictions. Camille and Don will attend the next task force meeting on April 3, 1996.
The meeting adjourned at 10:25 P.M.