HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - AC - 03/09/2017 Town of Cohasset
Advisory Committee
Minutes, March 9, 2016
PLACE: Break Room, Town Hall
ATTENDEES:
Advisory Committee Also attending
Nan Roth, Chair - Mary Gallagher, Finance
Tanya Bodell Director
Paul Carlson - Rolf Gjesteby, Chair of Water
George Chamillard Commission
John Chapman - Leonora Jenkins, Member,
Leland Jenkins Water Commission
Lynda Mooney
7:08 PM The meeting was called to order by Chairman Nan Roth
The minutes for 2/16/2017 were reviewed. Chapman noted that the snow and ice account is now in
deficit contrary to the draft minutes. Gallagher confirmed that the deficit is now in the $12,000 to
$15,000 range.
Chamillard moved to approve the minutes as revised, Chapman seconded. The revised minutes were
approved 5—0.
Water Budget
Gjesteby reviewed the Water Department's budget.
They are planning on increased spending on dam maintenance. The Aaron River dam is earthen and had
been designated a `High Impact Dam." The cost to bring the dam into compliance is $200,000 to
$250,000. Not all has to be done at once. The commission is applying for state and federal grants to
offset part of the cost. Roth noted that we will need to see engineering and plans at some point.
Chamillard asked about the amount of pressure from the state to upgrade the dam. Gjesteby replied that
this dam was identified as a problem a number of years ago. New regulations have called for additional
inspections.
This past year the department lost ten months of output from the Ellms wellfield waiting for state
inspection. It is now operating. Water from the well field is cheaper since chemicals are not necessary,
no sludge is produced and there is little maintenance. As a result cost of water to the department should
be lower in FY 2018.
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Chapman noted that Extra Maintenance and Dam Maintenance appear to be related. Gjesteby replied that
they set up a separate account for Dam Maintenance to track it better.
Gjesteby noted that demand should increase when Linden Ponds adds 143 units,which are under
construction. Also,last year's drought had little impact on our water sales.
Roth asked about the Rental/Lease account. Leonora Jenkins replied that this refers to the cell antennae
on the Bear Hill Water Tower. They now have both ATT and Verizon antennae up.
Chamillard asked about the capital budget. The only funded project is the upgrade to the Bear Hill Water
Tank.
Roth asked about water losses and was informed that we are now down to 1%loss. The target is 10%.
Roth also asked about Warrant Article 12 for the Lincoln Lane/Ledgewood Farm Drive project. Leonora
Jenkins replied that this project will complete a loop which is beneficial for water safety and quality. The
town has a right of way for this project which will be 1600 feet and the warrant article covers the
estimated total cost.
Chapman asked whether the capital budget covers any old pipes that need to be replaced. Gjesteby replied
that they will not know. Some problems may arise.
Roth asked about the life expectancy of pipes. Leonora Jenkins replied that the major problem is
changing regulations. Until 1980 the government said that the use of lead solder in pipes was good.
Chapman wants to see the overall picture on in ground pipe inventory.
Carlson asked about past due accounts. Gallagher stated that accounts are now pretty current.
Town Budget
Building Commission compensation is down since we are separating mileage usage into an expense
account. Calendar 2017 building permits increased$490,000.
Harbormaster budget is the same. There is one capital item to replace the Parker Avenue ramp. The
funding may come from CPC,but Capital Budget want to see an engineering study first.
Vocational Education budget is based on the number of students. The amount will be adjusted before
Town Meeting. Currently six Cohasset students attend.
Warrant Articles
Article 8 is based on state law for revolving funds. We now need to establish through a by-law that the
funds can be kept in the revolving account. The article adds a revolver for the Recreation Department.
Roth asked if all revolvers were covered by this article. Gallagher stated that she would have to confirm
with Chris Senior.
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Article 12 covering the Water Department Loop project discussed above. Mooney moved that the
committee recommend approval of this article. Bodell seconded. The motion passed 7-0.
Article 13 is a standard item required to receive state funds for construction. Mooney moved that the
committee recommend approval of this article. Leland Jenkins seconded. The motion passed 7-0.
Article 14 is also a standard item providing property tax exemptions. Carlson moved that the committee
recommend approval of this article. Chapman seconded. The motion passed 7-0.
8:50 Chamillard moved adjournment,Leland Jenkins seconded. The motion passed 7-0.
Respectfully submitted:
Paul Carlson
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