HomeMy WebLinkAboutLight Comm Minutes 1/29/1996Board of Light Commissioners
Minutes of Meeting
January 29, 1996
PRESENT: Chairman Ronald, Commissioners Colella, Pasquale, and Royle.
Commissioner Robinson arrived at 7:55 pm.
Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm
MOTION: To approve minutes of December 4, 1995
Pasquale /Colella Vote 3 - 1*
*Commissioner Royle abstained.
MOTION: To have the Chairman of the Light Commission discuss the new rates
and the senior citizen and disabled vets discount program at the
Wednesday, January 31st Selectmen's Meeting.
Pasquale/Royle
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Vote 4 -0
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Five bids were received. The Manager informed the Board that D. C. Bates withdrew
their bid since they had quoted a price in error. The bids from Equipment Services and
Altec did not meet the bid specifications. The Manager recommended that the bid be
awarded to Morse Body who met the bid specifications at a price of $130,990.00 less a
$1,659.00 discount if the chassis payment is made within 39 days of receipt. We will
take this discount option only if the title to the chassis is in the Town's name.
MOTION: To award the bid for a bucket truck to Morse Body who meets the bid
specifications at a price of $130,990.00 less a $1,659.00 discount on the
chassis provided by title to this vehicle is in the Town's name.
Royle /Pasquale.
Vote 4 -0
Commissioner Pasquale requested that the Manager have the words "Electric
Department" stamped in large letters on the vehicle so that the public could easily
identify the vehicle. The Board also requested that the Manager ensure that the vehicle
be painted school bus chrome and have the Town Seal visibly displayed on the vehicle.
The Manager informed the Board that he attended the Joint Action Agency Conference in
San Antonio and he also attend a legislative session in Washington D.C. The Manager
informed the Board that he gained insight into the way the State plans to handle Retail
Wheeling. California finalized their Retail Wheeling procedures on December 20, 1995.
After January 1, 1998 anyone with 8 megawatts or more can start retail wheeling and by
the year 2005, all customers will have a choice of suppliers. The utilities will collect
stranded investment charges from 1998 -2005.
The Manager feels that Boston Edison and Mass Electric will keep their rates as high as
possible in order to pay down their debts and then in the year 2005 they will be in a better
position to drop their rates in order to lure customers. The Manager advised the Board
that in the year 2005 we will dispose of our trash to energy refuse power which is very
expensive, so our purchase power costs will drop a little at this time. Then in the years
2006 - 2008 Stonybrook bonds will be paid off and our power costs will drop some more.
At this time we will then be in a much better position to compete with the other utilities.
However between the years 2005 - 2008 will be a crucial time because our purchase
power costs will not decrease significantly until these contracts expire. The Manager
feels that we should keep the rates where they currently are and any money we make
should be put into a rate stabilization fund.
POSSIBLE PENDING LITIGATION - SHAWN GALLAGHER
The Manager informed the Board that the Department had been contacted by a lawyer
who is representing Shawn Gallagher in a suit against the Electric Department.
Apparently this individual was doing work at the Bristol Arms Complex and when he
attempted to move an extended aluminum ladder it can in contact with a 13,800 volt line.
The Manager presented the Board with his 1996 estimate of revenue and expenses.
*At 7:55 pm Commissioner Robinson arrived.
A lengthy discussion followed.
MOTION: To instruct the Manager to enter into Contract Negotiations with the
landlord of 125 High Street Unit 4 for the purchase of the condo to be used
as the Mansfield Electric Business Office.
Pasquale/Royle Vote 4 - 1*
* Commisiioner Robinson was opposed.
MOTION: To adjourn at 8:55 pm
Colella/Royle
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Clerk's signature & date
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Vote 5 - 0