ARLINGTON WATER DEPARTMENT COMMISSIONERS
MINUTES OF MEETING of January 13, 2025
Commissioners in Attendance: Dan Harvey, Cynthia Browning, Glenn Sherman (via Zoom) and Jamie Paustian
Commissioners Absent: Matt Bykowski
Also in Attendance: AWD Chief Operator- Josh Brace, Town Administrator- Nick Zaiac, Steve McClafferty, and Janet Barry, via Zoom.
The meeting was called to order by Mr. Harvey at 7:00PM
Public Comments: None
Minutes of Recent Meetings: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of October 28, 2024 as presented. Mr. Paustian seconded. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the minutes of the Special Water Department meeting of November 25, 2024 as presented. Mr. Paustian seconded the motion. Motions passed unanimously, with Mr. Bykowski absent.
Report of the Chief Operator: The Water Board reviewed the letter drafted by Chief Operator, Josh Brace, and Town Administrator, Nick Zaiac, explaining the need for the rate increase, that will be included in the January bills. The need to pay for a back up operator, for a more secure operation, and to assure the stricter State regulations can be met, as well as higher insurance costs and to be able to make advancements in the water system were listed as necessitating the increase. It was decided it will be printed on Water Department letterhead and will include the Board in the signature. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the letter with the revisions discussed. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion carried unanimously, with Mr. Bykowski absent.
Mr. Brace said he is getting quotes to have rotten trees around the storage tank taken down. He said he is currently reading meters. He said the new pressure tanks are in and will be put in when the weather warms up.
He said the Water Department truck has a check engine light that will have to be addressed.
Mr. Zaiac said he and Mr. Brace had a meeting with an EPA systems contractor who can review and assist with updating the Water Department Capital Plan. She can offer her technical expertise and recommendations for zero cost. It was discussed there is very little funding available as the Town is above the State median and does not qualify for funding.
Mr. Brace said he has been making a list of projects that need to be addressed. He explained that there are currently 77 non-consumption meters that should be replaced. He is in favor of new ultrasonic meters that have 100% accuracy for their life expectancy. Mechanical meters are typically 95-96% accuracy new and decreases with age. The ultrasonic meters are approximately $160-$170 each, $20 more than the mechanical meters. He said it would be a quicker return in investment to do large users first, but those meters are approximately $500-$600 each. Starting with 5-10 new meters, replacing single meters that are currently not working, would be a way to see if it nets a return on investment.
2025 Budget: The 2025 Budget was reviewed. Cash on hand figures are not yet available. It was discussed new meters could come out of the Infrastructure Repair/Maintenance line.
Mr. Paustian made a motion to approve, as written, the budget for fiscal year. 2025. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion carried unanimously, with Mr. Bykowski absent.
Aged Billables: The Board reviewed the Aged Billables. It was discussed that the delinquencies are higher. As part of the transition, Mr. Zaiac has pulled back on checking on payment plans and sending warning letters. Mr. Brace will take this over going forward. He said he will start sending shut off notices. He said in his experience payment plans do not consistently work. He also suggested posting delinquent accounts in the Town Report going forward.
Other Business: Mr. Zaiac said there is Special Select Board meeting on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 6:30PM.
Mr. Paustian made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:20PM.
Minutes taken by Janet Barry