HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 5-17- 1976k(' Electric Light Commissioners' meeting of Monday, May 179 1976.
Members present were: Commissioner Robert DeLong, Antonino Caponigro,
Frank Colella and David Clemmey.
The first item of business was concerning the depreciation fund, Se-
lectmen DeLong inquired whether the plant's value had ever been de-
termined in an appraisal, and whether the Assessors would make such an
appraisal as part of the revaluation of town property. Selectmen
Caponigro agreed that it should be done as part of revaluation but
felt that town should not bear the cost of the appraisal because it
does not receive real estate taxes from the Light Department. The
Board agreed that the Assessors should be notified to appraise the
light properties, at an expense to the electric department. The motion
was made by Selectman DeLong, seconded by Selectman Caponigro, all in
favor.
Continuing their review of depreciation the Board agreed that it would
ask the D.P.U. to permit a 5% depreciation factor this year; motion
made by Selectman Caponigro, and seconded by Selectman Clemmey, all
in favor.
The monthly balance sheet for April was analyzed, questions concern-
e d. the street light maintenanance expense, costs for underground
wiring, in new subdivisions, and then involved the question of maximum
expenses for street lighting. Selectman Colella stated that he would
not vote to shut out any street lights. The Board estimated that 200
lights would have to be shut off. Selectman DeLong observed that the
Town Meeting made a decision and the Board should follow it in its
true intent. Selectman Caponigro felt that a detailed inspection
of every street should be made by Board members and made a motion
that at least three Board members should make the inspection and
should prepare a check list of street lights. The motion was seconded
by Selectman DeLong, and Selectman Clemmey agreed with the motion
on the condition that there be a moratorium on any new street light
additions. That amendment was seconded by Selectman DeLong, and
unanimously voted. Selectman Clemmey noted that he reserves the
right to change his support for this motion, based on the results
of his observations. The Board agreed to meet on Tuesday night,
May 18 to make the inspections.
Electric Department Director Hall reported on the status of WNEC
activities. Selectman Clemmey moved that Mr. Hall would be appointed
as the Electric Department's Director to the MIEC, in accordance
with the conditions and opinions expressed by bond consultant Palmer
& Dodge, seconded by Selectman Caponigro and so voted.
Electric Department Director Hall also submitted a report showing
that about $60,000, per year had been sav¢iby going to the R -10 rate
on contract demand, as contrasted to the R -10 wholesale rate.
After discussion with Mrs. Lemieux, Mr. Hall and Mr. Hannon, the
Light Commissioners meeting May .l %, 1976
Page 2
Board agreed that the annual contribution to the town in lieu of taxes
should be ra3.de by I-W 31, 1976, Selectman DeLong moved and Selectman
Caponigro seconded that the contribution of $80,000. should be made by
thatldate, all in favor.
The Town Manager and Electric Director then presented a report on the
comparison of electric charges to various large apartment complexes in
town. The differences in RWH charges were explained by the fact that
Millhaus ohms its own transformer and all its electricity is billed to
one meter. Selectmen Caponigro stated that the policy should provide
an equitable return for all apartments or aL least for appartment com-
plex6s with 12 or more units. Selectman DeLong agreed because apart-
ment management is a commercial venture, no matter what the metering
arrangement.. Selectmen Caponigro asked that the staff prepare a report
showing a cost comparison and a recommendation for an electric heat
rate for apartment complexes.
The Board also reaffirmed its earlier vote to trade in the existing
bucket truck *hen the new one is purchased from Doering Equipment.
Selectmen DeLong moved and Selectman Clo mney seconded that the purchase
be made with the trade-in, the motion passed on a. 3 - 1 vote. Select-
man Colella had moved that the old bucket truck be given to the Fire
Department but his motion received no second.
All business being concluded, the meeting was adjourned.
DAH/r. f