VILLAGE DISTRICT OF EIDELWEISS
Commissioners Meeting
Thursday January 14th, 2021
The Board of Commissioners met by phone at 9:00 am on Thursday January 14th, 2021.
In attendance were Commissioners Jay Buckley (JB), Kathy Koziell (KK), Paula Doyle (PD), Donna MacKinnon (DM) and Dinah Reiss (DR). Ian Hayes (IH) attended part of the meeting. The meeting was recorded (audio).
At 9:01 am Commissioner JB calls the meeting to order.
1. Agenda
JB makes a motion to approve the Agenda sent out this morning. Seconded by KK. Motion Passed 3-0.
2. Water System Report
IH confirms Smithfield invoice was for PVC piping and agreement with commissioners that this was not an expense for the Reinach project.
IH reported on bleeder status. JB asked about spikes in electric usage. IH informed that propane used at Muddy Beach, Oak, Summit and for DPW Boiler but others use electric. Did see spike at Summit could have been from a home issue or leak but it stopped after a few days.
PD asked about timing for emergency plan. Should be complete or almost complete by next meeting that IH will attend in early Feb.
DM asked about SCADA issue. IH confirmed will be back to normal by tomorrow.
IH reported this time of year slow, check bleeders periodically. Saw very large usage over holidays particularly day after Christmas. There was a leak near Altdorf – was very old pipe.
KK reported to IH that BOC have discussed that we’d like DPW to do more of the roadwork when IH does projects requiring excavation and road repair. IH agreed that was a good idea but noted that the grader typically not good for doing big excavations. Willing to try to do some more excavations and also opportunity for DPW to do follow up work on road repairs a few days after initial work and road settles. IH would like to work with KR more. Although, also noted that DPW often ends their day prior to need for roadwork at end of water projects day. All agreed that further discussions between KR and IH would be worthwhile.
IH left the meeting at this point.
3. Administration Report
JB makes a motion to approve the minutes of 1/7/21. KK seconded. Passed 3-0.
JB makes a motion to approve the minutes of 1/12/21. KK seconded. Passed 3-0.
JB makes a motion to approve the non-public minutes of 1/6/21. KK seconded. Passed 3-0.
JB makes a motion to approve the non-public minutes of 1/9/21. KK seconded. Passed 3-0.
JB makes a motion to approve the minutes of 1/6/21 and 1/9/21. KK seconded. Passed 3-0.
JB asked if anyone has info about small claims process for 4 Little Loop issue. No response.
JB reported that ACH process is complete.
DM reported that information packets from Auditors were sent out. JB to take a pass at filling out the information for BOC and will forward to consider and complete at later date.
DM asked about information for E. Bergamo questions – JB said 10 registered voters required for petition warrant article and gave DH some ideas for collecting signatures to pass along to property owner.
Discussion on property owner with $50 credit on water bill. Office to send refund because property is being sold.
JB reported that he sent letter to A. Leiser about his 91A request. A Leiser replied asking for proof that BOC had approved this communication. DM to follow up and send.
JB makes a motion to approve the Manifest of 22 checks for $7,723.82. KK seconded. Motion Passed 3-0.
DM to send KK info on how much of this was posted to 2020 so that she can update her budget spreadsheet.
JB makes a motion to approve the Payroll in the amount of $5,851.52. KK seconded. Motion Passed 3-0.
4. 2021 Annual Meeting & Warrant
JB pointed out need to add warrant article for engineering to do the dam project as the application is pretty complex and will need professional assistance. He has requested ballpark number from engineering firm to put in warrant. PD suggested that we put in operating budget under Engineering to ensure that it is funded since project is required by law.
PD brought up warrant article draft that JB submitted to sell the lodge. Discussion followed on several steps necessary to get this project completed. Further discussion required.
5. Commissioner Reports
JB reported on estimate for selling truck came in between $24K and $35K. Recommended placing newspaper ad to request bids. BOC agreed that a minimum bid of $29,500 would be a good place to start particularly given new transmission put in truck last year. JB to draft ad for review by BOC.
JB asked if transfer from Water Tank CRF was made for Monadnock invoice paid earlier in year for $1,230. DM to create form for signature. KK states that same should be done for the Office Equipment CRF to fund the new printer.
JB spoke to Fire Chief about photo submitted of fire extinguisher at Lodge showing it is full. Will not be sufficient for approval. We will need to get it inspected.
JB makes a motion to contact company that did other inspections and schedule with DM. KK seconded. Motion Passed 3-0.
KK reviewed everything done so far for Annual Meeting Process – newsletter out and posted to website, posted NHMA guidelines and link to NH 1129. Also updated and posted Absentee Ballot application.
KK spoke to Andrew Hartveldt and confirmed his assistance with MS Teams. Also spoke with him about signing a pro bono agreement. He will fill in details, run by his employer to avoid any issues and get back to KK with it.
BOC scheduled next meeting dedicated to 2021 warrants and budget for Tuesday January 19, 2021.
PD had no report this week but asked about when we should discuss office staffing. Agreed to discuss on Tuesday as any changes could affect budget.
JB spoke to Kelly Robitaille about his review input. He asked for more time so discussion on this will be done in non-public at next Thursday’s meeting.
KK brought up the newspaper ad notice that needs to be placed today for public hearing. Changes discussed and made.
JB signed up for Data for Dollars Webinar. No one else will attend.
KK stated she discussed the driveway at 7 Biasca with Kelly Robitaille. They agreed that it would need to wait until spring due to snow.
6. Public Comment
DR reported that the tax check has arrived for $366,000+ and that it has to last until the next one arrives in August. She also asked about status on getting help for the office. She also stated that she thinks that in the interest of transparency the BOC should provide an update at the hearing and annual meeting on the accounting for the Reinach Tank Project given how much money is being spent. BOC agreed to take this under advisement and will consider during meeting on Tuesday.
7. Adjournment
JB makes a motion to adjourn the Public Meeting at 10:36 am. KK seconded. Motion Passed 3-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Paula Doyle
Commissioner