[gview file="https://vdoe-nh.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/CM090818-1.pdf"]

VILLAGE DISTRICT OF EIDELWEISS
Commissioners Meeting
September 8, 2018

The Board of Commissioners met at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 8, 2018. In attendance were Commissioners Mike Smith and Ralph Lutjen. Also in attendance were Rick Skarinka of NH DES, Engineer Chuck Goodling of Dubois & King, and Water Operator Ian Hayes. 24 people were present. The meeting was filmed for Madison TV by Tim Hughes.
Filming ended at 12:00 pm.

At 10:00 am the meeting was called to order by Chairman Mike Smith.

Ralph Lutjen makes a motion to approve the agenda. Mike Smith seconds. Motion passed 2-0.

Mike Smith outlines the rules for the meeting. Questions and comments are to remain focused on the item being discussed.

Pressure reducing valve pits are discussed. VDOE needs to update the pits to supply proper pressure at residences. Without upgrading the PRV pits, the District is unable to regulate high pressure areas and still supply water to the lower pressure areas. Rick Skarinka outlines that protection for the homeowner is the reducing valve required in the Ordinance. Addressing the pressure issues on a system wide basis is needed. Mike Smith outlines that the upgrades for the pits will be on the 2019 Warrant. This was on the 2018 warrant but was not passed by the voters. Upgrading of existing infrastructure and adding needed infrastructure is discussed. Resident John Lynch outlines issues at his property with high pressure. Discussion on the valve is held. Importance of functioning valves is outlined. Rick Skarinka outlines doing the repair once and doing it completely; recommendation is to fund the upgrade. Jay Buckley discusses concern for the high pressure in this area. Patricia Lapham also discusses concern for high pressure. Ian Hayes outlines failure rate of off the shelf PRV’s that are generally used in homes. Purchase of a higher end valve; or to replace the valve again is recommended to residents with high pressure. Discussion on cost of PRV upgrade proposal; $32,700 is cost for DPW and Upper Lakeview PRV pit upgrades. Discussion continues on possible interim repair of changing the valve in the pit. Minimum and maximum water pressures are outlined; there is no high-pressure limit under State regulations. Pressure around 100 is recommended. Low pressure is regulated and must be 32 at the hose bid. Addressing the pressure issue is important and the VDOE is trying to address pressure issues by the proposed pit upgrade.

Replacing the Reinach tanks is discussed. Ralph Lutjen outlines the analysis for the water tank inspection and lining project. Inspection showed that neither tank at Reinach is eligible for lining. Recommendation is to pursue the concrete tank at an estimate cost of $512,125. Storage requirements are discussed. Recommendation is for 90,000-gallon replacement. Rick Skarinka outlines the need to address this issue at this time as tank failure would be considered a significant deficiency under NH DES regulations. Historical attempts to line the tanks are outlined. Incorporation of pressure regulating on the Reinach side of the District is discussed. Set up of the concrete tank with two cells to allow for inspection and lining going forward is outlined. The need to take action at this time is reinforced by Rick Skarinka. Financing the project and obtaining a bid for the work are the action items the Commissioners are working on. Discussion occurs on gaining approval for projects in the District. Rick Skarinka outlines some historic challenges in gaining approval. Rick Skarinka adds that if funding is not approved to take action on the water system, the State will mandate repairs with potential fines to the District for non-compliance. Bidding and qualifications of bidders are discussed. Passage of funding for the articles for improvements to the water system are discussed. An overview presentation of the water system is recommended.

The 5,000-gallon tanks are discussed. Recommendation of the Board is to replace these tanks at this time in lieu of inspection and lining. Replacement will give the best value for the dollars spent over the expected life of the tanks. Discussion is held on the 5,000-gallon tanks and if those tanks are of adequate size. Discussion on option of concrete tanks; generally, not done for tanks of this size.

Rick Skarinka discusses the regulatory role of NH DES. Outlines the needs of the system, the storage tanks, the distribution system pipes, and the overall VDOE environment and the level of service expected for the water system. If persons expect the water system to perform, funds must be expended to repair and upgrade the system. Mr. Skarinka warns that if nothing is approved; the State will take enforcement action.

Rick Skarinka recommends additional meetings with key players going forward. The District must begin to work together for the betterment of the District; should this not occur, the VDOE systems will all be put at risk.

At 12:27 pm Mike Smith makes a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ralph Lutjen seconds. Motion passed 2-0.

Respectfully submitted,

Nancy E. Cole
Administrator