Water & Wastewater Commission

CITY OF FITCHBURG WATER / WASTEWATER COMMISSION COMMISSION MINUTES February 13, 2013 The City of Fitchburg Water / Wastewater Commission held their regularly scheduled meeting on February 13, 2013 at the JA Provincial Building located at 1200 Rindge Rd, Fitchburg, MA. The meeting commenced at 4:30 p.m. Members present: George Siener Lenny Laakso, Commissioner DPW Rick Healey Carol Brown Ronald Lubianez Ralph Romano Michael McLaughlin Members Absent: none Others present: Denis Meunier, Deputy Commissioner Water Joseph Jordan, Deputy Commissioner W.W. Mary Jane Franklin, Clerk ITEM # 1: Approval of last meetings minutes: The minutes for the January 9, 2013 meeting were approved by unanimous vote. ITEM # 2: Public Forum: No one from the public attended. ITEM # 3: Status of proposed water main replacement project: Mr. Meunier reported that, after consulting with Wright Pierce, the cost associated with the water main replacement project will be $2M versus the $1.5M that was the original estimate. He presented the project to the Capitol Improvement Commission and petitioned City Council for a loan appropriation of $1.75M. Mr. Meunier proposed that the balance of the project cost can be covered by the remaining balance ($258,000) in a previous loan order used to upgrade the Regional Treatment Clarifiers. After a discussion with Dick Sarasin, City Auditor, it was felt, with City Councils approval, that a transfer of those funds to the water main replacement project would be appropriate. Mr. Siener made a motion to recommend the change, Mr. Laakso seconded it. It was approved by unanimous vote. ITEM # 4: Review of FY 13 overtime needs: Mr. Meunier reported $85,000 was budgeted for overtime this fiscal year. The overtime budget is 10% ahead of last year. Overtime covers, distribution system emergency repairs and call in, meter reading, treatment and snow removal. Mr. Meunier requested permission to petition City Council to transfer $20,000 from capitol expenses to overtime to cover anticipated cost for the balance of the Fiscal Year. A motion to recommend this transfer was made by Dr. Lubianez and seconded by Mr. Siener. It was approved by unanimous vote. ITEM # 5: Review and discussion of FY 2014 budget: Mr. Jordan reported there would be no major changes in the FY14 budget. The revenues will decrease slightly as a result of no longer incinerating. The sewer use charges are on target with $8.4M - $8.6M in revenues. The sewer connections are down. Personal Services have increased $150,000 due to contractual issues and staffing the plant fully. The electrical consumption has decreased by at least 50% and Mr. Jordan is working with UNITIL as the metered usage has not decreased substantially. He is also investigating ways to decrease the natural gas consumption, such as a separate hot water heater. Mr. Jordan reported he is currently getting bids for the chemicals that will be needed. There is not a lot of historical information on the new chemicals and he is currently using the engineer’s estimates. Natural gas decreased by $800,000. There was a dramatic decrease in sodium hydroxide which was used for air pollution control equipment and also as a ph adjustment and now only small amount will be needed for a chemical scrubber. Ferrous chloride is increasing as a result of the CEPT of increased amounts being fed at multiple points thru out the plant. Polymer is increasing as it will also be fed at multiple points thru out the plant. Magnesium hydroxide is a new chemical that is used for Ph adjustment. The increase in ash disposal is reflective of the tipping and trucking fees for Leominster’s sludge disposal. Leominster’s fees will cover the increase. Ash disposal is expected to decrease to approximately $40,000 when Fitchburg is no longer contractually required to dispose of Leominster’s sludge in October 2014. OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. Healey thanked Mr. Romano for his service. The next meeting is scheduled for March 13, 2013 at 4:30 pm at the Water Office. The meeting adjourned at 5:55 pm. Minutes Prepared by: ________________________________ Mary Jane Franklin Senior Clerk