Water & Sewer Commission

Town of Mount Airy Water and Sewer Commission Meeting Minutes – June 1 2016 Commission members in attendance: Dick Swanson, Council Liaison Peter Helt, Fred Goundry, Mark Moxley and Ron Runkles. Fred Mason was an excused absence. The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm. Minutes: Ron Runkles moved to approve the minutes of the May 4, 2016 meeting. Seconded by Fred Goundry and the motion passed unanimously. Old Business: Water Bills: Peter Helt reported that as a result of the imposition of the 10% late fee for past due water bills, the number of late payers dropped about 10%. He stated that we are making progress in reducing the number of perpetual late payees. FOG Compliance: Dick Swanson reported that as of June 1st there are 49 fully covered businesses, 5 partial variances (only required to empty their grease trap on an as needed basis due to infrequent use of their kitchen), and 7 fully exempt from grease trap requirements since they were deemed not to have or be required to have a grease trap. One possible pending request will be looked into and resolved. Stormwater Management: Dick Swanson stated that borings are being scheduled at the Merridale Gardens stormwater management pond to determine the location of rock and will be used to develop the concept plan for pond refurbishment. Carroll County and Town representatives will meet with surrounding property owners on June 2nd to discuss the project. Water Restriction Procedure: In response to Ron Runkles' question about enforcement of any water restriction put in place by the Mayor, Dick Swanson distributed copies of Section 109-19 of the Town Code stating that a violation of the Mayor's water restriction is subject to a fine of $25 for the first offense and $50 for every offense thereafter. Dick Swanson proposed that the fines be raised to $50 for the first infraction and $100 for every infraction thereafter. He stated that the current fines were established in 1986 and indexing for inflation approximates the $50 and $100 levels. Peter Helt moved to increase the fine for violating a water restriction to $50 for the first offense and $100 for every subsequent offense. Mark Moxley seconded the motion and it pass unanimously. Peter Helt will recommend that the Council draft legislation reflecting the Commission's recommendation. Peter Helt suggested that, absent any water restrictions, the Town could sell water to haulers to help offset potential revenue shortfalls since the Town is currently experiencing a downturn in the demand for water. The Commission agreed that the idea has merit and to look into the feasibility of selling water. New Business: There was no new business. Adjournment: Peter Helt moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Fred Goundry and passed by unanimous vote. The meeting was adjourned at 8:02 pm. W&S Meeting: The next W&S meeting is June 6, 2016 in Town Hall at 7:00 pm. Prepared by Dick Swanson, Secretary