HomeMy WebLinkAboutLight Comm Minutes 3/7/1991-)ARD OF LIGHT COMMISSIONERS
.LINUTES OF MEETING
MARCH 7, 1991
IF f 11. I
1 /
C ro l r, 19 All U„• 54
PRESENT: Chairman Sarro, Commissioners Markt, Tartufo, Colella and
Robinson.
Meeting called to order at 7:25pm
MOTION: To approve minutes of February 25, 1991
Markt /Robinson
1991 OPERATING BUDGET:
Vote 5/0
Mr. Larch was instructed to reduce his 1991 operating budget by 12 %.
The Manager informed the Board that 89% of the 1991 operating budget is
purchase power. Commissioner Markt stated that the Manager cut the
udget by only 1 %, not the 12% that was requested. The Manager advised the
Board that in order to cut the 1991 operating budget he would have to
eliminate all employees at the plant, eliminate all expenses at the plant,
and reduce purchase power by 1 %.
The Manager informed the Board that the Municipal Electric Department
has already signed committed purchase power agreements that must be paid.
Two municipalities, Hull and Groton didn't pay their purchase power costs
and both were ordered by the Court to pay their purchase power bills.
The following budget line items were reduced; heating costs, advertising
costs, training, building maintenance, work clothes, plant- overtime,
gasoline, truck maintenance repairs.
The Manager informed the Board that jobbing expenses will now be billed
out at actual labor dollars versus a loaded labor rate. In addition, a
65% markup will now be assessed in order to cover our operating costs.
The truck rate was increased to $30.00 per hour. The Board instructed the
Manager to investigate what other companies /utilities charge for truck
rentals. The Manager will look into this and report his findings to the
Board.
_.AYMENTS TO THE TOWN:
The Manager requested that the amount paid to the Town Accountant be
reduced since that Town Accountant no longer maintains a separate set of
books for the Electric Department. The Board advised the Manager that
the Accountant spends 6 hours a week on Electric Department work. The
six hours represents 16% of the accountant's time and therefore, 16% of
his budget is appropriated to the Electric Department. The Manager will
review the Accountant's proposal and advise the Board accordingly.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT:
Shawn Burke, MaryDee Flynn and Bill Madan were present to discuss
street lighting in subdivisions.
The Manager advised all parties that there are no national lighting
standards for subdivisions. Currently, our practice is to place a street
light approximately every 240 feet in new subdivisions. The Manager
also advi ed the Board that the purpose of street lights is to define
the roadway not to light the road or to be used as security lighting.
Mrs. Flynn commented that people are complaining that the current street
do not adequately light the roadway. Mrs. Flynn also stated that she
wants street lights to serve as security lights as well. It was decided
that all parties concerned need to determine what the function of street
ghts is. It may be time to reconsider the function of roadway lighting.
'_Ae most common complaint is that there is not enough light for the street.
The Manager advised that this could be remedied by increasing the height
of the pole, increasing the wattage of the light or increasing the number
of poles per street. Everyone present felt that the current number of
poles per stree was adequate. It was agreed that the Manager would
purchase some 70 watt and some 100 fixtures and test these in
different subdivisions.
Mr. Madan suggested that we begin charging developers for all wire and
transformers provided to connect service in new subdivisions. The Manager
indicated that this might be a good idea and he will look into this
suggestion. Mr. Madan also expressed concern that Route 106 to the
Easton town line is an extremely hazardous area which requires street
lights as soon as possible. The Manager advised Mr. Madan that this
project would cost over $100,000 and has not been planned for in the
1991 operating budget.
The Manager said he would notify all paties once he had installed
the 70 and 100 watt bulbs and determine further action at that time.
TELEPHONE COMPANY:
The Manager advised the Board that we are still lacking a strategy.
The odds of getting this bill through are still very slim.
Mr. Rodophele suggested that for $20,000 we could hire him to lobby for us,
us, hhowever he still didn't feel we'd succeed. He also suggested
we introduce a bill in the Home Rule Committee which still isn't a good
chance. The best route may be through the DPU. Mr. Rodophele
suggested we go to local DPU hearings and make our argument at this forum.
The argument would be that the phone company is not being a decent corp-
orate neighbor and they are abusing the underground law. Commissioner
Tartufo will ask Representative Vernon to speak to the Department of
Energy Resources. The Board advised the Manager to cancel his scheduled
meeting with Moe Prassard and to make the Telephone Company his priority
at this time.
CREDIT REPORT:
The Board was issued a quarterly credit report.
STREET LIGHT DEPOSIT PROCEDURE:
he Board decided to mandate a new street lighting security deposit
drocedure. The Manager was instructed to formally prepare a proposal
and submit to the Board for their review and approval.
MOTION: To develop a new street light deposit procedure which the
Board will review and approve at it's next scheduled meeting.
Tartufo / Markt Vote 5 -0
STREET LIGHTS DISCONNECTED FOR NON - PAYMENT:
MOTION: To immediatley turn street lights back on in those development
which we disconnected for non - payment.
Markt /Robinson Vote 5 -0
THE BOARD WAS POLLED AT 9:33 TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS
LABOR CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS
MOTION TO ADJOURN AT 10:10 p.m.
Colella /Robinson
l
Vote 5 -0
Vote 5 -0