HomeMy WebLinkAboutLight Comm Minutes 1/6/1997Board of Light Commissioners
Minutes of Meeting
January 6, 1997
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97 FEB -3 AN S: 59
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PRESENT: Chairman Robinson, Commissioners Colella, Mahana and Pasquale.
*Commissioner Madan arrived at 3:40 pm.
Meeting called to order at 7:47pm
MOTION: To approve the minutes of September 16, 1996
The Chairman decided to table the minutes of December 16, 1996 until the Board
has a chance to review them.
PURCHASE ORDER APPROVAL
One purchase order was submitted for the Board's approval.
1. 1996 Software Contract fee of $10,041.66
MOTION: To approve the purchase request as submitted.
Pasquale /Colella Vote 4 - 0
PURCHASE POWER SALES AGREEMENT
Mr. John Weslowski presented the Purchase Power Sales Agreement to the Board. Mr.
Weslowski explained that the DPU is urging the legislature to make necessary legislation
to deregulate the electric utility industry, to make the market more open and competitive.
The Attorney General has made an agreement with Boston Edison and Mass Electric for a
12 year transition period to recover stranded investment costs.
MMWEC developed its purchase power plan with its municipalities to recover stranded
investment costs over the next 10 -12 years. The goal is to develop a rate stabilization
fund to reduce expenses associated with stranded investments so that when deregulation
does occur, the municipalities will be competitive in the industry.
The funding of this rate stabilization fund could be established with minor rate increases
(2 1/2 % or less). We will need to have approximately 16 million in this fund by the year
2005 to cover the expected stranded investment costs. If MMWEC does not receive
unanimous approval for their Purchase Power Sales Agreement, they can mandate and
bill out these monies. However, with a unanimous vote, the participants will earn more
interest (5 - 7 %). 14 of the 41 MMWEC participants have already agreed to amend this
purchase power sales agreement.
MOTION: 1) That the Manager is hereby authorized and directed to execute
the Amendment to Power Sales Agreement, a copy of which has
been presented at this meeting and is filed with the permanent
records hereof, and
2) That the Manager is hereby authorized and directed to take any
other action he deems necessary or advisable to carry out the
purposes of this vote; and
3) That any actions previously taken by the Manager which are
inconsistent with the purpose of this vote are hereby ratified and
confirmed.
4) That this agreement to this amendment is subject to review by
Legal Counsel.
The Board stated that they would like Town Counsel to review the trust portion only of
this Amendment and have Rubin & Rudman review the entire Amendment.
Pasquale /Colella
BACKHOE REPORT
Vote 4 - 0
The Manager informed the Board that the Line Foreman was not at Gilbert Street
removing snow as previously reported. The backhoe was used to take down piles of
wood chips and spread them at the Gilbert St substation before they froze.
STREET LIGHTS
The Manager advised the Board that 52 street lights had been replaced.
INDUSTRIAL QUESTIONNAIRE
The Manager advised the Board that he would be sending them a copy of the proposed
industrial questionnaire for their review and input prior to finalizing and mailing.
Commissioner Mahana requested that the Manager work on a plan to guard our industrial
customers. The Manager advised Mr. Mahana that is the sole purpose of the amended
purchase power sales agreement. However, it was agreed that the questionnaire ask what
the industrial customer feels is important to them.
BUCKET TRUCK
Commissioner Colella requested that the Manager give the Highway Department the old
bucket truck that was just replaced. The Manager asked if the Town wanted the liability
of having untrained employees operating an aerial lift.
MR GALLAGHER
The Board discussed a letter which was sent by Mr. Gallagher which expressed his
concern over the credit and collection techniques mandated by the D.P.U. The Business
Manager suggested that perhaps -i\/h-. Gallagher attend the yearly meeting held by the
D.P.U. Chairman Robinson said he would like to attend this meeting.
*Commissioner Madan arrived at this time (8:40 pm).
MOTION TO ADJOURN AT 8:43 PM
Pasquale /Madan Vote S - 0
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Clerk's signature and date %