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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLight Comm Minutes 8/4/1997Board of Light Commissioners Minutes of Meeting August 4, 1997 - ICE Pil 3 :02 MA D PRESENT: Chairman Colella, Commissioners Madan, Mahana, Robinson and Royle. Meeting called to order at 8:45 pm MOTION: To approve the minutes of July 21, 1997 Two typographical errors were noted and corrected Madan/Royle Bid Award Financial Audit Vote 5- 0 The Manager advised the Board that six proposals were received. The Manager recommended that the Board award the bid for the 1997 Financial Audit to Bill Fraher, CPA from Boston. MOTION: To authorize the Manager to enter into a three year contract for an audit of the financial records of the Mansfield Electric Department at a cost of $13,000 for each audit. Robinson/Royle Vote 2 -3* *Commissioners Colella, Madan and Mahana were opposed. Commissioner Madan said he would like to look at the proposals, seek written references and then perhaps choose the firms they are interested in and interview those firms at the September 8th Light Commissioners Meeting. The Business Manager stated she would forward copies of each proposal to the Board and ask for written references. Bid Award - Computers The Manager advised the Board that we received four bids, two from Gateway, one from I- Wangnet, and one from Harris Computer Systems. The Manager recommended that the Board reject all bids and work with the Acting Town Manager to choose the best computers for the office through the state bid list. Commissioner Royle suggested that we speak with Mr. Gary Langton of Quandrant Software. Mrs. Royle has spoken with this individual and he has offered his assistance to the Town regarding computer needs. MOTION: To authorize the Manager to reject all bids for computers and to work with the Acting Town Manager to purchase computers off the state bid list Madan/Royle Vote 5 - 0 Purchase Order Approval Two purchase orders were submitted for the Board's approval. 1. Arthur J. Hurley Company, PO #17275 in the amount of $3262. This was a rush order, it the stock was required for work that had to be done. Mahana/Royle Vote 5 - 0 2. WESCO PO 9017292, in the amount of $5210.62 for underground cable, cross arms and protective caps. Robinson/Madan Vote 5 -0 ADDITIONAL APPRENTICE LINEMAN/METER READER POSITION The Manager again requested the addition of this position. The Manager advised the Board that this position would not reduce overtime, nor would it add an additional crew. We can utilize an additional person and this will get a person in the training process. The Manager advised the Board that we could get by without an additional personal, but this will help to fill in for vacations, sick time, etc. and will get an individual into the training process. MOTION: To authorize the Manager to post the position for Apprentice Lineman/Meter Reader Mahana/Robinson Digger Derrick Vote 5 -0 The Manager advised the Board that the anticipated replacement date for the Digger Derrick had initially been the year 2001. However, we are experiencing a lot of problems with the Digger Derrick and the Manager wanted the Board to be aware that he will be looking to replace this equipment in 1998 and the cost would be approximately $100,000. Personnel Authority The Manager advised the Board that he had discussed this issue with Mr. Mangiaratti and that Mr. Mangaratti would review this issue and report back directly to the Board of Light Commissioners. St Mary's Church - Damage Claim The Manager advised the Board that during the April 1st snowstorm, the Electric Department caused the - boiler controls and motor on the furnace to burn out at St. Mary's Church. This was not done intentionally, but we made a decision to restore electricity to the Bicentennial complex as soon as possible and inadvertently caused this problem. The Manager submitted the claim to the Town's insurance company who ruled that the Town was not negligent or liable and therefore denied the claim. The Manager stated that he feels we are responsible and accountable and asked that the Board approve the claim which was for $2,100. MOTION: To authorize the Manager to pay St. Mary's expenses of $2,100 as a result of damages caused during the April 1st snowstorm. Mahana/Royle Vote 5 - 0 ►f` ►' 7WC t WW" The Manager recommended that the Board approve the modified NYPA agreement. A copy of the modified agreement is attached. MOTION: (1) That the Town of Mansfield, acting by and through its electric department, hereby agrees to purchase a Purchaser's Percentage (as defined in the Power Purchase Agreement 1995A referenced in this vote) of the hydroelectric power and energy sold to the Department of Public Utilities, as the bargaining agent for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, by the Power Authority of the State of New York, also known as the New York Power Authority ( "NYPA ") and; . (2) that the Manager is hereby authorized and directed to execute the Power Purchase Agreement (1995A) for NYPA Hydropower, a copy of which has been presented at this meeting and is filed with the permanent records hereof; and (3) that the Manager is hereby authorized and directed to take any other action he /she deems necessary or advisable to carry out the purposes of this vote; and (4) that any actions previously taken by the Manager which are consistent with the purpose of this vote are hereby ratified and confirmed. Robinson/Madan ' Vote 5 - 0 SEPTEMBER MEETING SCHEDULE The Light Commissioners Meetings for the month of September will be September 8th and September 22nd. BALCOLM RIDGE A power line goes right through the middle of one of the town owned lots. Mr. Mahana stated that we could increase the value of the property if we moved the power lines so that they are not through the middle of the line. Mr. Mahana asked the Manager to find out what costs would be associated with moving these power lines and to report back to the Board. RAISING RATES Mr. Mahana suggested that the Board considering raising the Electric rates by 2 1/2 %, which would amount to an increase of $1.25 a month in the average customers bill. The Manager stated that he would like to see July's financial reports prior to increasing the rates. The Manager also advised the Board that we are paying extra to MMWEC on the purchase power bills so that at the end of twelve years we will have built up a 12 million dollar stranded investment fund. The Manager advised Mr. Mahana that he would forward these reports to him before the next Board meeting. 6 BELLA VISTA TREE REMOVAL Chairman Colella read a letter from the Burkes of 6 Bella Vista Avenue who requested that the Electric Department remove the tree which is in front of their property. The Electric Department had to trim this tree since its limbs were interfering with the power lines and once the tree trimming was complete, the end result was not pretty. The tree is unsafe, it is rotted and it is within six inches of the town property line. The Manager recommended that the Board authorize the Electric Department to remove the tree, but not the stump. MOTION: To authorize the Manager to instruct the Line Foreman to remove the rotten tree at 6 Bella Vista, provided the homeowners sign a Release and Hold Harmless agreement and are advised that the tree stump will not be removed. Royle%Mahana Vote 4 -0 -1* *Chairman Colella abstained since he lives on this street Motion to Adjourn at 10:05 pm Mahana/Royle signature & date Votes -0