Board of Public Works

Board of Public Works Public Hearing Minutes March 20, 2024 @ 5:30 PM Conference Room 1, Municipal Office Building Board Members Present: Thomas Malsbury (chairman), Steve Lytwyn, Leya Strode Director of Public Works Present: Greg Nuttelman Board Clerk Present: Ariel Cormier Public Present: Mayor LaChapelle, Jay Andrzejczyk, Cathay Wauczinski, Deirdre Qurk, Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Hall Roll Call Attendance: Chair Thomas Malsbury: present Member Steve Lytwyn: present Member Leya Strode: present The Public Hearing was called to order at 5:37 pm by: Thomas Malsbury Seconded by: Leya Strode Chair Thomas Malsbury: yes Member Steve Lytwyn: yes Member Leya Strode: yes in favor 2, Motion carries 1.Open remakes 2.Recommendation from DPW Director: Most of our fees haven’t changed in over 20 years, we have to adjust them to catch up. 3.Public Speak ● Jay Andrzejczyk at 64 Division Street: Looked at usage rate analysis from last meeting and thinks the percentage of increase over the last 20 years is too much for residents. Concerned about additional fees being too much for the public to handle, especially seniors. ● Cathy Wauczinski at 22 Overlook Drive: Thinks adding to the current fees puts too much strain on fixed income households and that seniors are leaving the city they helped to build. 4. Deliberation by BPW: ● Steve states that fees haven’t been increased in some time and that we realized we have to do something to be up to par with other communities. The February 15th rate analysis/proposed fee changes equal out to be an increase of about 1-2% for residential customers. Steve points out it may look like a lot but it is not all at once if you look at the schedule of fees, and not all fees being raised will apply to all residents. ● Leya inquired about where the increases go and Greg states it goes only into enterprise funds for Sewer/Water operations, maintenance and rehabilitation. ● Greg says sometimes the DPW staff get called out for non-emergency situations. When you call in staff at $30-35/hour with a 4 hour minimum, residents should try to be mindful of what they are calling after hours for. 5. Motion to have FY25 base fee increases July 1, 2024 according to the chart. FY 26 base fee increase effective on July 1, 2025 according to the chart (attached). Motion made March 20, 2024 at 5:54 pm by: Thomas Malsbury Seconded by: Steve Lytwyn Chair Thomas Malsbury: yes Member Steve Lytwyn: yes Member Leya Strode: yes in favor 3, Motion carries 6. Motion to have Sewer, Wastewater & Water Regulations fees increased effective July 1, 2024 according to the chart (attached). Motion made March 20, 2024 at 5:54 pm by: Thomas Malsbury Seconded by: Steve Lytwyn Chair Thomas Malsbury: yes Member Steve Lytwyn: yes Member Leya Strode: yes in favor 3, Motion carries 7. Motion to increase Brush dump on Oliver Street and recycling drop-off center fees to 1st vehicle: $50.00, 2nd vehicle: $10.00, replacement sticker: $10.00, effective July 1, 2024. Motion made March 20, 2024 at 5:55 pm by: Thomas Malsbury Seconded by: Leya Strode Chair Thomas Malsbury: yes Member Steve Lytwyn: yes Member Leya Strode: yes in favor 3, Motion carries Motion to adjourn the Public Hearing at 5:55 pm made by: Thomas Malsbury Seconded by: Steve Lytwyn Chair Thomas Malsbury: yes Member Steve Lytwyn: yes Member Leya Strode: yes in favor 3, Motion carries