Board of Public Works

Board of Public Works Minutes June 17, 2020- 5:00 PM Remote meeting Board Members Present: Thomas Malsbury, Austin Sanders, David Fagnand Director of Public Works Present: Greg Nuttleman Board Clerk Present: Michelle Oliveira Public Present: Mayor Nicole Lachapelle, Mike Schrader (Tighe& Bond), Val Bernier, Jen Gallant, Tiffany Labrie, Jay Andrzejczyk ___________________________________________________________________ The Meeting was called to order at __5:05__ p.m. by: Thomas Malsbury Seconded by: Austin Sanders Thomas Malsbury vote: yes Austin Sanders vote: yes David Fagnand vote: yes in flavor __ all _Motion carries 1. Public Speak: None 2. Mayor Speak: Suggested a work session for the Board. The guild lines are on the Attorney General website for open meetings. The Mayor will forward the information to the Board. 3. Minutes Motion to Approval of the meeting minutes Approval of June 3, 2020 Meeting Minutes, Motion Made by: Thomas Malsbury Seconded by: Austin Sanders Thomas Malsbury vote: yes Austin Sanders vote: yes David Fagnand vote: yes in flavor __ all _Motion carries 4. Presentation of Rate & Fee Options to address Department of Public Works FY21 Projected Shortfall In May 2018, the BPW voted and approved a series of Water / Sewer Rate increases in both the water and sewer usage fees that would roll out as a $0.25 increase in FY19, a $0.10 increase in FY20, and a $0.10 increase in FY21. After discussion with the City Auditor and Greg it was determined that the scheduled rate increases of $0.10 in FY21 would not cover the increased DPW budget for FY21 from FY20's numbers. Greg indicated that the water side of the DPW could get by for one year on the scheduled $0.10 usage fee increase, and that making up the shortfall would be more beneficial to direct towards that sewer side to fund planned infrastructure projects. I worked up 5 sewer rate models that resulted in average users total water/sewer bills increasing from 5% to 10% annually. After reviewing them with Greg, I forwarded three of those sets of rates to Tighe & Bond for a more detailed analysis. Sewer Current FY21 6% Net 7% Net 8% Net Base Fee (Qrtly) $8.50 $8.75 $9.25 $9.75 Usage (HCF) $4.70 $5.00 $5.05 $5.10 T&B used the rate modeling dashboard developed for the Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate Evaluation presented to the BPW in October 2019 to model these rate options with updated FY19 data, and FY20 & FY21 budget numbers. All assumptions and methodology are explained in the October 2019 document. Q&A from the board to Chair and Michael of T&B on proposed rates and impacts. Mayor- Like the approach of the Board going forward with FY21 to cover Water & Sewer Mike (T & B)- Storm water is not an option but needs to be paid for. The City needs to figure out how to pay for it and this is a start. Thomas- This is just to get help get through FY21 and then move forward with the rates. Hoping they can get some help from Local & federal government in the future in the form of grants. ● Public comment from any attendees addressed to the Board. Board can comment, or request input from T&B or any city officials in attendance. Jay Andrzejczyk- Likes how it looks and apricates the hard work it took to do this. Thomas- Tired to make it an easier step to get where they need to be with the rates. 5. Selection of Rate & Fee Set for Consideration at Public Hearing Scheduled for Thursday, June 25th, 2020, at 6pm *The 3 selections are posted on the city’s website under Form and Documents, Public Works, Fy21 short fall Board will deliberate on which set, or sets, of rates to move forward to the June 25th Public Hearing. Austin Sanders- asked what Thomas recommends Mayor- suggested wait to answer that until the Public Hearing on June 25th Greg- likes the proposed rates this will stop the gap between now and what needs to happen. Thomas- Wanted to Thank Mike for all his help and time with coming up with the new plan. Motion to move all 3 rate options to present at the Public Hearing on June 25, 2020 @6pm Motion Made by: Thomas Malsbury Seconded by: Austin Sanders Thomas Malsbury vote: yes Austin Sanders vote: yes David Fagnand vote: yes in flavor __ all _Motion carries 6. Director’s Report Everyone in the field is back and getting caught up. North Hampshire Street had a major water brake that has been fixed Root removal to start on the outfall pipe Greg asked for more street sweeping around the work on Park Street Water restriction in affect per D.E.P. Next meeting Date: _July 1, 2020_________ Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by_ _ Thomas Malsbury Seconded by; _ Austin Sanders To adjourn the meeting @_5:57pm__ Thomas Malsbury vote yes Austin Sanders vote yes David Fagnand vote yes in flavor __ all _Motion carries