City Council

FITCHBURG CITY CLERK May 05 2023 10:23 am City of Fitchburg Massachusetts 01420 CITY COUNCIL Councillors at Large President Ward Councillors Anthony M. Zarrella Ward 1 – Bernard J. Schultz III Sally H. Cragin Ward 2 – Paul R. Beauchemin Marcus L. DiNatale Ward 3 – Andrew J. Couture Amy Green Vice President Andrew J. Van Hazinga Ward 4 – Andrew J. Van Hazinga Samantha M. Squailia Ward 5 – Marisa R. Fleming Anthony M. Zarrella Ward 6 – Derrick J. Cruz COUNCIL AS A WHOLE COMMITTEE MEETING Legislative Building, 700 Main Street, Fitchburg, MA Wednesday, April 12, 2023 A Meeting of the COUNCIL AS A WHOLE COMMITTEE was held on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, and called to order by Council President Zarrella at 6:11 PM in the Legislative Building, 700 Main Street, Fitchburg, MA. The meeting opened with a salute to the Flag led by Councilor Beauchemin. The Clerk called the roll and 9 Councilors were present. Councilor Cragin and Councilor Green were absent. The following matters were addressed: I. PETITIONS 098-23. To approve the following increases in water rates, minimum monthly charges, and miscellaneous charges in Article VI, Section 177-15 of the City Code. The fee increase which are proposed by the City of Fitchburg, Division of Water Supply as enclosed. 099-23. To approve the following increases in wastewater rates and minimum monthly charges in Article III, Section 147-10.1 of the City Code. The fee increases which are proposed by the City of Fitchburg, Division of Wastewater as enclosed in the Petition. Mr. Nicholas Erickson, DPW Director, John Deline Jr. DPW Deputy Commissioner for Wastewater and Mr. Mark McNamara, Water Department Commissioner, Weston & Sampson provided the following presentation: FY2023 Water and Sewer Rate Study Question and answer period ensued with various topics and points of information as follows: • Inflationary impacts, aging infrastructure, and declining consumptions are some of the biggest challenges. • From FY2023 to FY2029, the water fund is expected to spend approximately $9.7 million annually on capital improvements.  • The water fund has not had a rate increase since FY2019, causing the retained earnings to approach $0.00 by the end of FY203. Additional revenue is needed immediately in FY2024 to ensure financial sufficiency and viability. • Fitchburg owns and is liable for maintenance and safety of 16 dams, the top three of all Massachusetts municipalities for number of dams owned. • Last water main improvements projects was2018, goal is to replace 10,000 feet annually. • In the next 10 years, the sewer fund is expected to spend approximately $15 million annually on capital improvements. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Council as a Whole Committee recommended the petition 098-23 & 099-23 be adopted by unanimous vote. 9 members present. Board consists of 11 members. The meeting adjourned at 8:13 PM. Respectfully Submitted, ___________________________________ Joanna Bilotta-Simeone, City Clerk