Board of Commissioners Village District of Eidelweiss 1680 Conway Rd Box 1027 Madison, New Hampshire 03849 603-367-9022
WATER SYSTEM METER COST ANALYSIS
For
decades, some property owners within the Village District of Eidelweiss (VDOE)
have supported the installation of water meters for every property that is
connected to the district water system.
At times, this has been a contentious issue. The intent of this official statement from
the Board of Commissioners is to put this debate to rest so that a divisive
issue can be put behind the district.
This
official policy was crafted in July 2019 by the commissioners with guidance
from Rick Skarinka of DES, Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau, and Stacey
Herbold – Program manager for Water Use, Registration and Reporting.
During
the 2019 VDOE annual meeting of 2/23/19, the voters approved a total water
budget of $225,755 which has been in line with the water budgets of recent
years.
Of
the $225,755 that was raised for the water system (does not include the new Reinach
Tank because that expense is coming from taxes), all but $32,000 are fixed
expenses affiliated with having a water system.
These expenses must occur regardless of the quantity of water that is
actually used by any home connected to the water system and are therefore a
fixed cost that must be shared equally.
The value in our water system comes from having water available in a
home at any time.
Our
district has approximately 470 homes connected to the system. That means the total variable cost for water
averages less than $70 per home. For the
district to put in meters to determine a “fair” way to raise $32,000 when the
most any single property owner could save is less than $70 annually does not
make fiscal sense. The meter alone is
hundreds of dollars per house and in some cases would be far greater than
that. These meters would need to be
installed ($300+ per home), monitored, and billed. The district would be better off spending
this money on repairing water lines and other upgrades to our system than it
would be in determining the “fairest” way to allocate less than $70 worth of
water.
This
document accepted by the Board of Commissioners on September 19, 2019.
Environmental Committee VDOE September 16, 2019 DRAFT
Committee members in attendance: Paula Doyle, Patti Aliventi, Jane Gunn, Adam
Leiser, Larry Leonard
Public in attendance: Meta Stahlberg
Meeting was not filmed Call
to order 8:05pm
Motion to approve the 8/29/19 minutes – Adam made – second
by Paula – 3-0
Patti and Jane don’t vote because they were not in
attendance at that meeting
Report is 172 feet from the water to the rocks at cul-de-sac
on Porridge Shore
Sand can’t be added except at the very end of the path to
the beach and even that requires permission from abutters because area is less
than 40 feet wide – Gravel can be added
Peter Cooperdock is coming tomorrow to meet with Beth
Gagnon, Meta Stahlberg, Jane Gunn, Donna Lane and Adam Leiser
Meta summarizes a conversation she had with Ron Briggs
Algae fungus is starting to spread in the ponds. Meta and Jane both report seeing a lot of
it. The algae is brown and looks like
“cotton candy”. Jane recommends scooping
it out. It’s not harmful to dogs. Supposedly a pool skimmer is necessary to
remove this. Patti says she will
research it and get more information for the committee. Larry says it looks like fish eggs.
Adam reports that Donna Lane wants to help us with watershed
assistance grant.
Paula asks “what problem are we solving”? Explanation is that water runoff is hurting
our ponds.
Larry and Paula state that we are “looking for a problem”.
The committee wonders if Porridge Shore should simply be a
boat launch.
Patti reports she’s done a lot of research on beach water
testing: e coli is in the water and we
are actually testing for the level not for presence. Patti reports the testing time frame doesn’t
help us. Jane says nobody else does
weekly testing.
Adam asks Patti for a timeline of testing. Patti says she’s working on it.
Patti reports that Nancy has not yet sent her the contract
for the water testing.
Larry reports no new data.
Paula has not yet heard from the UNH stormwater management
person. Paula to call instead of email.
Paula asks if the brine sprayer is working? Adam reports that he thinks he asked the DPW
and the answer is yes.
The
Board of Commissioners met at 7:30 am on Monday, September 9, 2019. In attendance were Commissioners Adam Leiser,
Kathy Koziell and Jay Buckley. Also in attendance
was Kelly Robitaille. The meeting was
filmed for Madison TV.
At 7:30 am
Commissioner Adam Leiser calls the meeting to order.
1. Agenda
Meeting with Highway Foreman, no agenda
presented.
2. Highway Department
Report
Kelly Robitaille reports backhoe service has been
done. Backhoe needs a new cutting
edge. $385. Adam Leiser makes a
motion to allocate up to $400. Jay
Buckley seconds. Motion passed 3-0. Kelly Robitaille states
preliminary numbers for replacement of 7400 would be over $200,000. Kelly’s recommendation is to replace
F-550. Adam Leiser states that he is now
in agreement for replacement of the F-550.
Would still like to see a quote for replacing the 7400 for
reference. Replace F-550 on warrant for
2020. Kelly asks how Board is going to
operate; sates that requests from one commissioner should be done by a vote
from the Board. States best if meet
weekly to get direction from Board, not just one Commissioner. Adam asks if he has received requests from
individual commissioners; Kelly states yes.
Kelly outlines discussions in public meetings that have reflected
negatively on him. The Board should be
controlling this and not allow continued public discussions on employment
matters; especially when he is not there.
Kathy Koziell states that Board should do better controlling these
discussions. Outlines some is
reactionary from prior issues. Kelly
outlines establishment of the regulations from experience. Outlines use of local shop for outfitting
allows for repairs to be done locally.
Discussion on support from Board.
Adam states that he “had Kelly’s back” on Thursday night. States not on Kelly, on Jay as liaison. Kelly outlines has met 5 times since this
Board was elected. Jay apologizes for missing
Thursday night. Jay gives DPW report
during Commissioners report, was not there to present the information last
Thursday. Adam outlines Jay could have
sent an email. Kelly outlines that
emails without discussion and explanation does not work. Discussion during meetings has come across
very negative for the highway.
Highlights need for DPW to meet with Commissioners. Kelly states has a full calendar until winter
outfitting. Was hoping for some sort of
approval on the projects in order to be able to do the work this year. There are 5 weeks of work for crew with the
asphalt and gravel road articles. Road
grading is needed everywhere. Needs a
weekly meeting to keep everyone informed on the status of equipment and
projects. Jay Buckley recommends the Board
meet with Kelly once per week. Adam Leiser makes a motion to meet Tuesday morning at 8 am
with the highway department. Jay Buckley
seconds. Motion passed 3-0.Adam
Leiser makes a motion to ask Kelly to come up with a hard number for a
replacement of F-550. Jay Buckley
seconds. Kelly states
November. Agreed. Motion passed 3-0. Kathy Koziell states timeline
inclusion is important for establishing expectations. Kelly asks about third person. Board states OK to use Tony as part time
help. As warrant articles are worked on,
other roads in that area will be done.
Kelly discusses lack of time for ditching the roads. Adam discusses allowing a Saturday. Kelly states one road per day. Discussion on ditching needs. Adam Leiser makes a motion
to have Kelly report next Tuesday for timeline to do the work. Jay Buckley seconds. Motion passed 3-0.Adam
Leiser makes a motion to take rafts out when time allows. Jay Buckley seconds. Motion passed 3-0. Kelly discusses plan to do the
asphalt work the week of 9/16. Has
roller rented for 9/16. Anticipates two
weeks use. Kelly outlines renting blower
for leaf cleaning on roads; will need for a week. Kelly outlines available unit for $200 per
day. Would like Board to consider. Discussion on renting blower. Will have estimate for days for next
week.
Adam asks for expenses for rest of this year; that
was already done. Adam questions routine
maintenance numbers and if Kelly would put together. Kelly outlines ability to put this together;
would take a lot of work and could not be relied on specifically. Jay Buckley outlines cost review and then
review with Kelly. Kelly states would be
better to do that way. Kelly outlines
variables that are included and inability to estimate those factors. Adam continues review for next Tuesday and
outline of presentation for Sept 28.
Kathy outlines meeting as preliminary review with residents. Adam discusses whirl-a-way and requests
physical demonstration of unit. Kelly
recommends using both pumps; the one that gets rented and the one that VDOE
owns. Kelly outlines whirl-a-way is used
for a 100% jam. Using on a partially
blocked culvert doesn’t work as water comes back and does not remove
debris. Adam reiterates using the
whirl-a-way only when 100% blocked; Kelly verifies that is correct. Question on culvert at 47 Eidelweiss Drive;
culvert was cleaned when highway did the work; whirl-a-way was not used.
Jay Buckley outlines that the replacement of
Bristenstock culvert as completed.
Back yard DPW cleaned. Metal returned. DOL inspection last week.
Jay discusses that Thusis culvert has not dried; may
use pump to dry the area to get a view of the pipe.
Crack sealing is getting done.
Adam highlights that Jay’s report would have been
helpful last Thursday.
Pumping of puddle to view Thusis is discussed.
Discussion on Bristenstock culvert not having a
solid bottom when removed. Probable that
Thusis area culvert is in same condition.
Discussion on final project; placement of rip rap at outlet. Discussion on beach and possibility of
creating a perched beach at this location is held. Adam outlines holding on this project and
incorporating funds into beach upgrades via one comprehensive plan. Jay outlines storm water management being
handled separately. Right now, the plan
has erosion capture that will benefit the area; believes culvert under
Eidelweiss Drive should be replaced.
Kelly outlines closure of Burgdorf due to water under the road from
where the culvert is separated; could happen under Eidelweiss Drive. Contacting homeowner for boundary line
easement is discussed by Jay Buckley. Adam says one commissioner approach has
worked; approach not working is outlined.
Written contact with property owner for benefit of VDOE is recommended. Ability to schedule this project this year is
discussed. Jay
Buckley makes a motion to write letter for use of boundary line ROW with
discontinuation of existing pipe under driveway. Kathy Koziell seconds. Motion passed 2-1 with Adam Leiser against
sending a letter.
Jay Buckley makes a
motion to allow him to work with Kelly on clearing the Thusis at culvert for
ability to check bottom of culvert pipe.
Kathy Koziell seconds. Motion
passed 3-0.
47 and 49 Eidelweiss Drive are discussed. Jay outlines water from the driveways and the
erosion in the area. Kelly recommends
paving driveway at 47 with proper direction to enter existing drainage. Will depend on how homeowner wants to repair
driveway. Current culvert goes under 47
and 49 driveways. Kathy Koziell outlines
water flow and rivulet that shows the manner in which water is flowing. Kelly outlines basin and two culverts; but is
not fixing road; fixing driveway drainage.
Probable cost of $2,000 is outlined by Kelly Robitaille. Adam motion Kelly
Robitaille right up proposal for material for next Tuesday. Kathy Koziell second. Motion passed 3-0.
Adam discusses putting together a letter to the
property owner of 47 Eidelweiss Drive outlining plan for possible solution and
recommend property owners can discuss with Board. Adam outlines placing a grate at 49 to stop
water flow. Kelly states will flow into
basin. If does not work, approach 49 for
a possible grate at that time.
Little Loop is discussed. Adam Leiser recuses himself. Kelly states trees have been marked. Tree service needs to be engaged. Updated drawing keeps crew from needing to
enter private property and believes will rectify the situation of the drainage
in the area. Cost difference between
modified proposal and engineered drawing shows approximate $2,000 savings. Discussion on drainage on Little Loop. Other areas on road also need to be
addressed. Adam Leiser questions
difference on view of property line between drawings. Kelly Robitaille states header will be at
road and some rip rap. Adam Leiser states
support as property owner. Need for a
culvert at 26 Little Loop is discussed.
Grading of road is needed and can be done. Adding a basin to catch water flow near #1
can be looked at going forward.
Adam Leiser leaves meeting at 8:48 am.
Discussion on scheduling for the Little Loop project
is outlined. Encumbering funds to keep
the monies committed to Little Loop is discussed; other roads may be a higher
priority. Engineering for establishing
drainage on the entire road is discussed as needed.
Jay Buckley makes a
motion to move forward with the modified design for drainage at 3, 4 & 6
Little Loop with appropriating $150 for permit. Kathy Koziell seconds. Motion passed 2-0. Kathy Koziell makes a motion to notify
4, 6 and 3 Little Loop property owners of project approval. Jay Buckley seconds. Motion passed 2-0.Jay
Buckley makes a motion to allow Kelly Robitaille to order materials for the
Little Loop project and engage Barry’s Tree service for tree removal. Kathy Koziell seconds. Motion passed 2-0.
Jay Buckley discusses warrant articles and needs for
VDOE roads going forward. Eidelweiss
Drive and option of placing an overlay is discussed. Shim is intended for this year. Next year would be ideal for an overlay. Jay Buckley discusses permission for working
with Kelly Robitaille on next year’s warrant articles.
Jay Buckley makes a
motion to allow him to update the road portion of CIP to make a better tool for
use by VDOE. Kathy Koziell seconds. Motion passed 2-0.
At 9:08 am Kathy
Koziell makes a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Jay Buckley seconds. Motion
passed 2-0.
The
Board of Commissioners met at 8:00 pm on Thursday, September 5, 2019. In attendance were Commissioners Adam Leiser
and Kathy Koziell. Also in attendance
were Paula Doyle, Mark Graffam, Joe Farnese, Mary Alice Lapoint, Beth Gagnon, Greyson
Merrill and Jennifer Merrill. The
meeting was filmed for Madison TV.
At 8:05 pm
Commissioner Adam Leiser calls the meeting to order.
1. Agenda
Adam Leiser makes a
motion to approve the agenda. Kathy
Koziell seconds. Motion passed 2-0.
Action list is reviewed and discussed.
2. Highway Department
Report
3. Water
4. Administration
Payroll Adam Leiser
Kathy Koziell 2-0.
Discussion on leak on Interlaken is held. Leak is getting worse. Adam outlines having at least $15,000
available for emergencies. $3,000 -
$4,000 to repair this leak. $100,000
estimated to replace the line. Greyson
Merrill states fix the leak and not expend the extra funds to replace the lines
at this time. Discussion on water lines
and replacing water pipes around the District.
Paula adds that less time is being spent on major capital expense than
was spent on a flat tire. Jennifer
Merrill outlines getting things done and need to have a plan outlined. Recommendation to look at roads and water
together when possible. Adam Leiser makes a motion to allocate up to
$4,500 to repair the leak on Interlaken.
Kathy Koziell seconds. Motion
passed 2-0.
MS 434 is reviewed.
Adam Leiser makes a motion to not
allocate funds from UFB. Kathy Koziell
seconds. Motion passed 2-0.
Dan Crean road rights document was distributed. Will be re-sent.
Adam Leiser discusses port-o-potties at beaches
option. Carry-in carry-out policy at
beaches is discussed. Cleaning of
current outhouses is discussed.
Mary Alice states facilitate movement in
meeting.
Little Loop will be discussed Monday.
Thusis will be discussed on Monday
Mary Alice discusses need for plan for roads and
culverts. Prior attempts to establish a
capital improvement plan are outlined.
Recommendation to focus on major items moving forward in a big
picture. Discussion on need to create
plan. Adam outlines time that can be
spent developing a plan and then not being able to fund the projects. Discussion on funding continues. Mary Alice sates put things in order and then
work out some of the funding. Discussion
continues; plan and then work on funding.
Raising water rates is recommended by Joe Farnese. Adam outlines meeting with Ian to outline
plan for water system. Paula questions
Adam’s statement – clarifies working with Ian to identify needs. Step one; start plan.
Adam Leiser makes a motion
to form a road committee. Kathy Koziell
seconds. Motion passed 2-0. Mary Alice and Joe
Farnese will assist with committee.
5. Accounts Payable
Adam Leiser makes a
motion to approve 10 checks for a total of $29,219.02. Kathy Koziell seconds. Checks and invoices are reviewed
and discussed. Motion passed 2-0.
6.Minutes
Minutes of Aug 24 will be reviewed at next
meeting.
7. Commissioners
Reports
Kathy Koziell discusses electrical work warrant
articles. $13,137 is updated cost for
DPW updates. Kathy Koziell outlines
upgrades. SCADA updating is one
portion. Adam
Leiser makes a motion to approve. Kathy
Koziell seconds. Motion passed 2-0.
Adam Leiser makes a motion sign Summit electrical quote from EII for $5,553. Kathy Koziell seconds. Motion passed 2-0.
Kathy Koziell states lightening protection at
Chocorua to be looked at.
Additional discussion on water system
protection.
Adam Leiser unseal
non-pub Aug 8. Kathy Koziell 2-0.
Adam Leiser remove
speed bumps after Columbus Day. Kathy
Koziell 2-0.
Adam Leiser motion all meetings at lodge after next
Monday. Kathy Koziell 2-0.
Adam Leiser motion
Update finances on website for Tuesday.
Kathy Koziell 2-0.
Adam Leiser motion fill
out form Nancy & Donna
separate. Kathy Koziell 2-0.
Adam Leiser states he was wrong regarding email
issue with Jay Buckley regarding lack of repercussions. Was discussed.
Discussion on beach testing is held.
Adam Leiser questions D & K bill. Update was received yesterday; late notice
with interest.
Discussion ensues on bill and original questions
sent to the engineers. Sending a letter
with the Adam Leiser motion pay the bill minus
interest and send with letter outlining that interest should not be added as
this is the first response from a letter dated May 5. .
Kathy Koziell seconds. Motion
2-0.
Adam Leiser makes a motion
to invite Chris Albert and Ian Hayes to the meeting Sept 28. Kathy Koziell seconds. Motion passed 2-0.
Adam Leiser makes a motion
sign letter to EPOA out of session.
Kathy Koziell seconds. Motion
passed 2-0.
Adam reads committee agreement to remaining 4
persons present for additional input. Jennifer
Merrill outlines compliance with 91-A agreement; remaining persons agreed. Discussion
on documents continue.
Adam Leiser discusses replacing the F-550 next year
instead of the 7400. States that what he
has developed will be reviewed by rest of Board and he hopes for approval. Discussion on funding and needs of the
District is held.
8. Signature Items
Adam Leiser makes a motion
sign letter to Terri Warren. Kathy Koziell
seconds. Discussion
ensues on two options for the letter having been proposed. Adam Leiser states Kathy Koziell may choose
which version is signed. Kathy Koziell
chooses Option B as prepared by Administrator Nancy Cole. Motion passed 2-0.
Adam Leiser makes a
motion to sign the updated committee member agreement with repercussion
statements. Kathy Koziell seconds. Paula outlines negativity and
Boards lack of establishing priorities for work. Discussion on review of documents and
spending of time on rules and regulations that aren’t the most important. Negative impacts of asking committee members
to sign these things. Adam outlines persons
not showing up for meetings and occasional cancelation of meetings due to lack
of a quorum as rationale for document. Motion passed 2-0.
Adam Leiser approve
time off requests. Kathy Koziell
seconds. Motion passed 2-0.
Adam Leiser makes a
motion to sign the EPOA request for lodge use.
Kathy Koziell seconds. Motion
passed 2-0.
9. Correspondence
The July VLAP testing results have been received and
distributed.
Notification of a tree limb in the wires for Muddy
Beach pump house was received.
Eversource has been notified.
Terri Warren has sent a statement regarding pond
levels questioning status of the dam boards.
This has been discussed.
Beach testing information has been sent to the
Environmental Committee.
10. Scheduled
Appearances
Mark Graffam states he is concerned about roads and
the water system. Mark has looked at the
roads and outlines room for improvement in meeting with the highway
foreman. Discusses Old Town Road at
Upper Lakeview Drive and outlines road is in worse shape now than when truck
went off road last winter in this area.
Discussion on getting information from highway foreman. Adam outlines Jay Buckley as liaison is not
working. Adam
Leiser makes a motion to have Kathy Koziell become DPW liaison. Kathy Koziell seconds. Adam outlines no record of any
discussion with DPW from Jay. Kathy
Koziell states Jay is better choice.
Kathy Koziell states will accept if it continues, determine after Monday
meeting with DPW. Adam continues discussing lack of correspondence from Jay. Mark Graffam discusses if liaison is not
working, it is the Board’s fault. Mark
Graffam states Board is issue. Board
needs to meet with Kelly. Meeting with
Kelly is needed. Paula outlines that she
agrees that decision should held, Board needs to meet with Kelly. Joe Farnese states that one person being
accountable is needed. Jennifer Merrill
states that is DPW is not doing job, make a change. Mark Graffam states that DPW is not being
held accountable. Joe Farnese states
reporting from Kelly is needed and information should be known. Condition of roads overall is outlined, need
for grader is stated. Motion failed 1-1 with Kathy Koziell against. Mark Graffam cautions Kathy on
being pushed into a position where she will be in the middle of the other two
Commissioners. Mark Graffam discusses
the DPW meter installation occurring in August when meter failed in
February. States Board of Commissioners
are in charge and need to take control of the water system. Board is spending time doing other crazy
stuff on social activities and the dam when the focus needs to be roads and
water system. Mark Graffam states that
he will document this information.
Outlines math error on page 5 of the audit and openness on
financing. Outlines GASB compliant set
up and work that went into that. Would
like to review all finances openly.
Questions committee on financing; requests purchase of scanner for
allowance of invoices to be scanned.
Kathy Koziell questions how this is not open; Mark asks for all information
in electronic format. Mark continues
with the need for the Board to review all information closely. Adam Leiser responds that Board is doing a
lot of work but does not know for certain that everything is being
covered. Mark reiterates that Board is
failing. Mark questions job of
Administrative Assistant. Questions
budget for paying this person. Adam
states he is questioning level of knowledge of new person. Mark outlines 10 hours per week; person
shadowing at this time. Suggests
purchase of scanner and make all the information electronic; use second person
in office to handle this as a project. Adam Leiser responds that the position is to
learn the office procedures, not scan documents. Mark Graffam discusses $42,000 from water
system in 2017 and request is to verify his beliefs of possible errors. Mary Alice Lapoint questions openness; it is required
by law. Mark outlines vendors sending
everything electronic. Paula outlines
that everyone should work together and that group should make all information
as transparent for everyone. Adam
outlines budget shortfalls that were inherited from the prior Board. Adam states not spend at this time, but work
on appropriate levels for budget and then work on digitizing all
information. Effort is supported. Mary Alice Lapoint states good idea and look
into. Adam
Leiser makes a motion to have all vendors send invoices in electronic
format. Kathy Koziell seconds. Motion passed 2-0. Mark outlines maintenance and
damage that occurs when drainage is overwhelmed. Will show how roads are not being properly
maintained. Mark uses whirl-a-way pump
as example. States DPW foreman stated as
trash pump – defines trash pump for Board.
Pump is not a trash pump; it is actually a high-pressure pump. Culverts must be jetted to clean. Mark adds that he does not want to play
Adam’s game, his is not interested in private conversations. Discussions should occur at Board of
Commissioners meetings.
Joe Farnese discusses prior Board issue with
culvert. States he had oil showing on property.
A catch basin with a sump would be best option for cleaning. No dirty water would then be allowed to pass
onto the wetlands area. States he added
gravel to road at this own expense.
Outlined Kelly informed him of need to remove rip rap stone in culvert
inlet. Joe Farnese states he is willing
to purchase the needed catch basin.
Outlines change in culvert from years ago. Adam states that permit should be on
file. Adam
Leiser makes a motion to have office pull all information on 23 and 26
Diessbach regarding culvert change.
Kathy Koziell seconds.Motion passed 2-0. Joe Farnese asks for a commitment
to work Diessbach Drive for next year.
Joe requests gravel and proper grading.
Adam outlines need for increases in budget that will be needed to do correct
maintenance. Joe continues with outline
of better workflow. Joe will send in a
drawing of what he believes should occur.
Adam solicits assistance for upcoming Annual Meeting from Joe Farnese on
establishing budgets.
Beth Gagnon discusses Porridge Shore Beach. Outlines that sand was added in 2012. States runoff from Porridge Shore Drive is
entering beach area and pond. Discussion
on perching the beaches and protecting the ponds. Adam Leiser makes a motion to task
Environmental Committee to review all beaches.
Kathy Koziell seconds. Beth Gagnon discusses review of beaches that
would be needed. There is one perched
beach on Big Pea Porridge Pond that is visible from Big Loop Road should
persons want to see what a perched beach looks like. Motion passed 2-0.Adam Leiser makes a
motion to accept available boulders and store at Eidelweiss Beach parking
lot. Kathy Koziell seconds. Discussion on amount
of stones. Mark Graffam states storing
rocks in Eidelweiss Beach parking lot may cause difficulty with plowing and
winter overflow parking. Adam Leiser moves to amend the motion to give Kelly
Robitaille discretion for location to store the rocks. Kathy Koziell seconds. Amendment passed. Motion, as amended passed 2-0.
11. Public Comment
No other comments were received.
12. Other Business
At 10:41 pm Adam Leiser
makes a motion to enter non-public session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II (a)
employment matters. Kathy Koziell
seconds. Adam Leiser yea, Kathy Koziell
yea and motion passed 2-0.
At 12:15 am Adam Leiser
makes a motion to exit non-public session and resume public session. Kathy Koziell seconds. Motion passed 2-0.
Adam Leiser makes a
motion to have Jeff DeMartino attend Monday morning’s meeting. Kathy Koziell seconds. Motion passed 2-0.
At 12:18 am Adam Leiser
makes a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Kathy Koziell seconds. Motion
passed 2-0.
Administration: CM082419, payroll, Water main replacement at
Interlaken ($85/ft,1,000 feet), MS 434, VDOE Road Rights and Board procedure
recommendation, outhouses, metal recycling hwy, Madison burn permit, Little
Loop, phone system, Thusis review, memorial placement
Accounts payable:
$29,219.02 – 10 checks
Signature Items: 26
Diessbach, 47 Eidelweiss Dr, 18 Little Shore, Terri Warren (2 options),
Committee member agreement update
Commissioners
Reports:
Correspondence: VLAP July results, MB tree branch in
power line, Terri Warren pond level, Environmental Committee beach testing
info, Leiser emails
Scheduled Appearances:
Mark Graffam
Public Comment:
Other: Sept 28 meeting – 2020 projects and future
funding for VDOE capital needs, upcoming meeting schedule
Non-Public
session RSA 91-A:3, II (a) employment matters
Adjourn
VILLAGE DISTRICT OF EIDELWEISS August 2019 NEWSLETTER
In This Issue:
Upcoming Meetings: September 28th
Budget Review
Commissioner News:
Capital Reserve Update
Independent Insurance/Financial Reviews
Grader Repair Status
Reinach
Tank Status
Warrant
Article Status
Job Posting
Volunteer Update
EPOA News - presentation by Sara Steiner of DES
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Check the VDOE website for all meetings &
locations.
Please note that on Saturday 9/28 at 10:00 AM
(following a 9:00 AM Commissioners meeting) at the Lodge at the top of Oakridge
Rd, the Commissioners will present a “State of the District” financial review.
Residents are encouraged to attend as we will be discussing our current budget,
environmental initiatives, Reinach water tank, roads and plans for the 2020 budget
and warrant. We will also review changes
made in 2019, VDOE Capital needs and funding for meeting these needs.
COMMISSIONER NEWS Capital
Reserve Funds as of 7/31/2019:
Highway
Equipment $17,000 ($15,000 of this allocated to grader repair)
Highway
Eq Repair $2,462
Land
Acquisition $11,183
Road
Construction $7,132 ($10,182 less $3,050 pending withdrawal)
Office
Equipment $7,413 ($8,361 less $948 pending withdrawal)
Water
System CRF $45,518
Water
Pipe CRF $40,000 (incudes $20,000 to be added this year)
Water
Tank CRF $40,842
The Commissioners reached out to industry
professionals to review our financials. We were looking for a neutral
evaluation as to how we could save the district money going forward. Thanks to
Bill Schwab and John Corcoran for taking the time to provide the following
insight.
Property owner Bill Schwab, a CLU (Certified
Life Underwriter), Licensed Life and Health Insurance broker for NH and MA and,
member of the Society of Professional Benefit Administrators volunteered to
review our employee health insurance coverage. He reported:
“EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONS - It is unusual to see a medical plan that
requires no employee contributions. Massachusetts has a similar municipal trust
(risk pool) and all the participating towns require employees to pay part of
the cost. A reasonable starting point would be 10%. Among the
corporate clients I have, the average is more like 30%.
PLAN DEDUCTIBLE - Most
plans have a deductible that the participant must pay each year and the most
common is $1,000 per person. Your current plan has a $1,000 deductible
but you said that the Village covers 100% of the deductible through a Health
Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). This
creates an additional liability of $6,000 to the Village but you didn't say how
much was actually paid out during the past year.
RATING BASIS - With
only 3 employees you have little clout with the Trust underwriters. The
rates for the larger entities could be lower than you received. Is there
any way you could join Madison, Conway or North Conway and get the benefit of
their larger size?”
Property owner John Corcoran volunteered to do
a cost reduction review of our overall finances. He reported:
“I have spoken
to several VDOE people in the last few years about my cost reduction
business.
I analyze,
benchmark then renegotiate everything a business or nonprofit spends their
money on. I work on a contingency
basis so there are no fees if I don't find savings.
As
an owner, I would love to help out the district find some savings to avert the
need for fee increases. I do all of the work and but the final decisions
land at the VDOE board or the VDOE office.”
“Based on the current
rates for the bills there isn't much opportunity for savings. The
insurance rates were in line overall and didn't have any red flags. Utility
costs made sense. Office products were already priced well with low
volume.
The cell phones
were highest. Spectrum Mobile (the carrier I use) is great and they use
Verizon towers so the signal is good. I'd suggest reaching out to
Spectrum and switching your cell phones over.
I'll keep VDOE
in mind for future services that pop up and would make sense. “
Road Grader: It was expected to be back in
working order by mid July but while in for repairs, additional repairs and work
were identified. We hope to have it back
on our roads the week of Sept 9th. In
the meantime, the DPW continues to utilize other equipment for road repairs and
maintenance.
Reinach tank project update: The subsurface exploration for the proposed
tank construction has been completed. A
schedule for the tank project is as follows:
August – complete tank design plans and specifications
September 13- Groundwater Trust
applications are due
September – complete site construction
plans and specifications and booster pump well house building
August - September - Bid tank
construction
September through November – Groundwater
Trust Commission Review projects
September - October – Bid Opening for
tank construction
October - November - Bid Site
construction and booster pump well house building
November – Award tank construction
December – Groundwater Trust Commission
Award funds
December – Award Site construction and
well house
May through June 2020 – site
construction on tank site and building
July – October 2020 – Tank construction.
DPW1 and Summit Pump House warrant articles:
These electrical upgrades were approved at the annual meeting. Updated pricing
has been requested for complete upgrades to both the Summit Pump house and DPW1
electrical panels which includes SCADA controls, metering and lightning
protection. Work is scheduled to start in early November.
A job has been posted for two (2) part-time
highway workers for snow removal with CDL-B license. Hourly rate $20-$25 commensurate with
experience. Contact the office for an application at office@vdoe-nh.org or call at 603-367-9022
DON’T FEED THE DUCKS
Just a
friendly reminder to not feed the ducks in our ponds. Doing so encourages them to linger at the beaches,
which increases the opportunity for water contamination.
NO DOGS ALLOWED ON PUBLIC BEACHES
The
exception is Muddy Beach located on Eidelweiss Drive, 1.5 miles from the Eidelweiss
entrance sign on the left side of the road. Park at the district pump house.
VOLUNTEER UPDATE Summer
weekend beach raking by volunteers was a success. We had 13 residents
volunteer. Thank you to Mike Dolan for
coordinating this project which saved the District approximately $2,000.
Line
stripe painting of the basketball court at Eidelweiss Beach has been completed.
Thanks to Jay Buckley for labor and material.
Jay
Buckley is coordinating the reconstruction of the bulletin boards at the
Huttwil parking area during Sept-Oct, if interested contact him at jaybuckley@verizon.net
The
Environmental Committee is seeking a volunteer to redesign the Porridge
Shore beach because of all the erosion happening there. If you are interested in
helping or know someone interested in helping, please email commissioner2@vdoe-nh.org
or office@vdoe-nh.org.
Three
years ago, property owner Sharon Monroe received approval from the BOC to
install a Little Free Library at the Huttwil mailbox area. Andrew Harteveldt volunteered to build and
install it. It was unveiled and filled with books on Saturday 8/24. Please take
a closer look and feel free to add or take a book. However, if it is full, please do not leave
books in the shed, on the mailboxes or on the ground nearby. Many thanks to
Sharon, Andrew and the prior BOC for adding this to our community. Adam Leiser has
agreed to maintain the library.
Sarah
Steiner, DES VLAP biologist will be presenting on Sept 14th at 11am
at the Lodge for discussion on the health of the ponds and the VLAP
testing. Appetizers will be served.
A potluck lunch will follow (if interested in lunch, please contact the
EPOA at epoa@eidelweissvillage.com)
