VILLAGE DISTRICT OF EIDELWEISS
Commissioners Meeting
January 15, 2019
The Board of Commissioners met at 8:00 am on Tuesday, January 15, 2019. In attendance were Commissioners Mike Smith and Ron Sandstrom. Also present were Kelly Robitaille (hwy), Ian Hayes (water operator). and residents Adam Leiser and Kathy Koziell. The meeting was filmed for Madison TV by Tim Hughes.
At 8:00 am the meeting was called to order by Chairman Mike Smith.
1. Agenda
Ron Sandstrom makes a motion to approve the agenda. Mike Smith seconds. Motion passed 2-0.
The action list is reviewed and discussed.
2. Highway Department Report
Kelly Robitaille reports that the Terra Star is going in for repairs. This is not a warranty repair.
Kelly Robitaille reports that chains are needed for the 7400; rear chains are $461 and front chains are $440. Mike Smith makes a motion to approve up to $925 for chains. Ron Sandstrom seconds. Motion passed 2-0.
Grader chains are also needed. Cost is $800 for a rear set. Mike Smith makes a motion to approve up to $825 for chains for the grader. Ron Sandstrom seconds. Discussion on the use of the grader during storms and need for chains. Kelly Robitaille reports that chains have been used on the grader since it was purchased. This is the first replacement. Discussion on winging back and pushing back snow for additional room for storms. Motion passed 2-0.
The F-550 is discussed. The drive shaft has broken. Initial review shows that the truck may have additional repairs needed. Truck may not be available this weekend. Terra Star will be available as that is the more critical truck for plowing. Last week the F-550 broke a rear spring. Kelly Robitaille reports that the F-550 is approaching end of useful life.
An additional load of salt has been ordered under the existing PO.
Part time employee Tony Eldridge will be used during this weekend’s predicted storms.
Ron Sandstrom thanks Kelly Robitaille for the improvements in snow plowing over the last few years.
3. Water
Ian Hayes joins the meeting. The well pump at DPW has been changed. DPW well is up and running. Emergency plan will be updated to reflect D.L. Maher as the company for DPW well repairs. Water outage did occur because Muddy Beach could not keep up with demand over the Holiday weekend. Outage occurred while the DPW well pump was being replaced, so outage was able to be minimized. Discussion continues on Muddy Beach capacity and ability. Improvements in available information due to SCADA improvements are discussed. Discussion continues on protection for the DPW well and the need to upgrade that protection for the functioning of the water system. Putting the well pump on a 10-year replacement plan is discussed. Adding an additional source of water is recommended by Ian Hayes. Having the well pump on hand saved the District a long-term outage. On peak usage, Muddy Beach should be considered a 4-day supply.
pH levels are discussed. Last lab reading is 6.8. Ian Hayes outlines that a pH meter in line from the DPW well site would be beneficial. The repairs and cleaning of the chemical injection system will be done today. Mike Smith makes a motion to have Ian Hayes attend the Annual Meeting. Ron Sandstrom seconds. Motion passed 2-0.
Ian Hayes outlines the violations that DES can place on the District for low pressure in the Reinach zone. Creating this pressure zone is primary importance for the water system.
Ron Sandstrom questions the water rate at Rockhouse Mountain; Ian Hayes believes it is close to $1,100 annually. Discussion ensues on cost of running the water system, VDOE historically has been below the average rate in NH.
4. Administration
Mike Smith will hold a safety meeting today.
Treasurer’s report for balances of all accounts is needed for the Annual Meeting. Mike Smith makes a motion to have Nancy Cole put the material together. Ron Sandstrom seconds. Motion passed 2-0.
Asset Management meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 24 at 1 pm.
Mike Smith makes a motion to approve payroll in the amount of $7,881.11. Ron Sandstrom seconds. Report and time cards are reviewed and discussed. Motion passed 2-0.
2019 Warrant is reviewed. Updates to the wording on articles is reviewed and discussed. The order of the warrant is discussed. Moving the ballot questions to the beginning of the warrant is discussed. Mike Smith makes a motion to move Articles 12, 13 and 14 to 4-5-and 6. Articles 2 and 3 will be swapped. Ron Sandstrom seconds. Motion passed 2-0.
Ron Sandstrom makes a motion to post the warrant on the website. Mike Smith seconds. Motion passed 2-0.
Discussion is held on the update to the budgets, separating out the bonus line. Total increase for the proposed 2019 budgets is 4.24% increase.
Presentation for the budget hearing for Friday night is reviewed. Kathy Koziell questions the format, questions/comments will be allowed. Ron Sandstrom makes a motion to use the presentation Friday night. Mike Smith seconds. Motion passed 2-0.
5. Accounts Payable
6. Minutes
Mike Smith makes a motion to approve the minutes of 12-28. Ron Sandstrom seconds. Motion passed 2-0.
Mike Smith non-pub 12-28. Ron Sandstrom 2-0.
Mike Smith makes a motion to approve the minutes of 1-8. Ron Sandstrom seconds. 2-0.
7. Commissioners Reports
8. Signature Items
Mike Smith makes a motion to sign the request for insurance status information for the 2018 audit. Ron Sandstrom seconds. Motion passed 2-0.
9. Correspondence
Adam Leiser has sent a request for discussion of the Little Loop project. Mike Smith states no easements have been received. Ralph Lutjen is handling the pricing. Once easements are completed, pricing will be updated. Mr. Leiser interrupts the meeting with questions and comments regarding this project.
Adam Leiser has requested the back up documentation for the cost of the Muddy Beach tank replacement project under 91-A. Information has been sent.
NH Municipal Association has sent two Legislative Bulletins.
10. Scheduled Appearances
11. Other Business
NH DES water rate survey is reviewed. Most recent survey found on the DES website is from 2015 and shows the average water rate in NH as $473.60.
At 9:35 am Mike Smith makes a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ron Sandstrom seconds. Motion passed 2-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy E. Cole
Administrator