Utility Commission

MINUTES OF THE WATER COMMISSION MEETING – JANUARY 19, 2010 Call to Order Water Commission meeting was called to order at 6:00 P.M. by Kevin Coffey, Chair Roll Call PRESENT: Kevin Coffey, Chair Mike Bevers Larry Van Lankvelt Roy Van Gheem Leon Vanden Heuvel Tim Wegand Charles Fischer, Village President ALSO PRESENT: Village Administrator – Charles Kell, Director of Finance Dale Haug MCO Representatives – Jerry Verstegen, Village Clerk – Vicki Schneider Public Appearance for Items Not on the Agenda None Approval of Minutes Water Commission Minutes of December 15, 2009 Moved by Commissioner Vanden Heuvel, seconded by Commissioner Bevers to approve the minutes of December 15, 2009 as presented. All Ayes – Motion Carried Action on Well Permit Applications (2) – 1401 W. Evergreen Dr., Shade Today Nursery, Inc. R. Van Gheem reported that one well is for irrigation of the nursery and the other is for the building. Moved by Commissioner Wegand, seconded by Commissioner Van Lankvelt to approve the well permit applications for both wells at 1401 W. Evergreen Drive contingent upon the wells meeting all the requirements for obtaining such permit. All Ayes – Motion Carried Cross Connection Presentation J. Verstegen gave a brief presentation on the Village’s Cross Connection Program, noting the changes to NR810.15 and the impacts on the Water Utility and the customers. All water customers are required to be compliant with Wisconsin Administrative Code and Village Ordinances. The presentation reviewed how residential, commercial, and industrial customer inspections will be handled and how MCO will be handling customer relations. Commissioners viewed the two samples of vacuum breakers that are available and what the estimated cost will be to supply the breakers to homeowners. Liability issues were discussed. J. Verstegen summarized the yearly estimated amount of hours needed to conduct the residential and commercial surveys and the estimated cost of survey forms and vacuum breakers. Commissioner decided they would address the decision of whether to sell and bill the homeowners for the vacuum breakers at next month’s meeting. J. Verstegen stated he will report back on the prices of a bulk purchase of the vacuum breakers. J. Verstegen stated the Cross Connection Control Program report will be submitted to the DNR. Progress Reports MCO Operations Update J. Verstegen reviewed the operations for the month of December and noted that there were two water main breaks on Main Street and two on Lilac Lane and the breaks were vertical type cracks which  Water Commission Meeting Minutes – January 19, 2010 – Page 2 are likely related to the moisture and movement of the ground. J. Verstegen reported that now that the generator is fixed he will be contacting Faith Technologies to do the harmonic testing at Well #4. J. Verstegen reported that they are waiting for the delivery of the pump for Well #3 and then the Well will be put back on-line. It was also reported that Kaukauna Utilities notified the Department of three properties that had extremely high water consumption and the Department discovered the three vacant properties had water pipe breaks and the Department shut the water off at the curb and contacted the owners. J. Verstegen that the DNR sanitary survey of the Wells went well with only a couple minor areas noted for correction. Director of Public Works R. Van Gheem reported that approximately one-third of the private well owners have not responded at all to the notices sent to them regarding the permitting process for their wells and he will be moving forward with issuing citations to these well owners. Commissioners agreed that the citations should be sent to those that have not responded. R. Van Gheem stated that the DNR confirmed that the private wells need to meet the DNR codes of the year they were constructed. Finance Director D. Haug reviewed the December budget status report. D. Haug provided a handout on water rate comparisons and commented that the average water rate increase for the communities listed in the report was 18%. D. Haug reminded the Commission that the intent is to apply for a PSC water rate case study in the second half of 2010. Approval of Vouchers Moved by Commissioner Vanden Heuvel, seconded by Commissioner Van Lankvelt to approve and authorize payment of the vouchers from their respective funds as presented. All Ayes – Motion Carried Unfinished Business C. Kell provided an article written about reduced water rates as a tool being used in some communities to encourage development. Items for Future Agenda Information on costs of household vacuum breakers. Resale of water issue. Moved by Commissioner Bevers, seconded by Commissioner Wegand to Enter into Closed Session. (7:27 p.m.) All Ayes – Motion Carried J. Verstegen and the Village Clerk were excused from the meeting at this time. Closed Session: Legal (g) Conferring with legal counsel for the Village, legal counsel rendering oral or written advice concerning strategy to be adopted by the Village Board with respect to litigation in which the Village is now or is likely to become involved. 19.85(1)(g), Wis. Stats. – Crane Engineering – Well #4 Contract Moved by Commissioner Van Lankvelt, seconded by Commissioner Vanden Heuvel to Exit Closed Session. All Ayes – Motion Carried  Water Commission Meeting Minutes – January 19, 2010 – Page 2 Adjournment Moved by Commissioner Van Lankvelt, seconded by Commissioner Wegand to adjourn the meeting at 7:48 p.m. All Ayes - Motion Carried VILLAGE OF LITTLE CHUTE By: Kevin Coffey, Chair Attest: Vicki Schneider, Village Clerk