HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 11-15-1976Board of Selectmen /Light Commissioners
November 15, 1976
Minutes of the Meeting
Present: Robert M. DeLong, Antonino Caponigro, David R. Clemmey
Light Department Director James F. Hall
Office Manager Geraldine Lemieux
Town Clerk and Accountant Arthur Remillard and Treasurer and Collector
Joan Cutillo met with the Board and Office Manager and Director to dis-
cuss the minicomputer at the Light Department in Hudson, Massachusetts.
Mr. Hall explained how the computer system was set up for the Light
Department and the Town Hall offices in that town. He said that the
population of Hudson was about 20,000, and they have approximately
twice the number of billings as Mansfield. Their complete system
with four input terminals was about $93,000 - Mansfield may not need
that many terminals, it was explained. Selectman DeLong discussed the
elimination of labor. Joan Cutillo and Director Hall explained that
this would eliminate the need for the part -time people in their respec-
tive departments. Mr. Hall suggested that the Board members go up to
Hudson to view the system. A meeting will be set up for later this
week. Selectman DeLong also suggested that the Town Clerk and Town
Treasurer contact their counterparts at the Hudson Town Hall and get
more information on the amount of hours saved, etc. in their respect -
tive departments.
Review of Balance Sheet - Mrs. Lemieux and Mr. Hall reviewed the Octo-
ber balance sheet with the Light Commissioners. It was pointed out that
the operating fund "cash" was some $60,000 short, as Owens- Illinois had
been late with their payment, which showed below in the Accounts Receiv-
able.
Options for December billing credit - Mr. Hall pointed out that if the
unt
amo of $150,000 was returned to consumers in December as a rebate,
the estimated profit of the Light Department for the calendar year 1976
would be 9.1845 %; if $200,000 were returned, the profit would be
7.7985%, and if $100,000 were returned, the profit would be 10.5807 %.
The Board and Director discussed the possibility of using part of this
money to purchase the minicomputer. Selectman Clemmey noted that the
decision on the amount to be rebated should be made no later than the
December 1 meeting. This will be put on the agenda.
Savings from Contract Demand - Mr. Hall presented the Board with a sheet
showing the contract demand savings versus the R -9 and R -10 wholesale
rates.
Equity Realty - Mr. Hall reported that the town has received an offer
of Equity Realty to pay $2,000 on its outstanding obligation. Selectman
DeLong moved to accept the $2,000 towards the amount owed, but not as a
settlement on the account. Seconded by Selectman Clemmey, voted 3 -0.
Final Contract with State DPW - for the West Street utilities. The Direct-
or reported that the final contracts had been reviewed by Town Counsel and
approved as to form. He noted that this would be done by monthly report
and reimbursement rather than a lump sum payment by the State. Selectman
Clemmey moved to approve and sign the Utility Force Agreement, Agreement
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Board of Selectmen /Light Commissioners
Minutes of the Meeting
( November 15, 19T6
Page 2
Number 342T, F.A. Project No. 1 -495- 9(1)11 P.E.; I- 495 - 9(003)11 Const.,
between the Town of Mansfield and the Massachusetts Department of Public
Works. Seconded by Selectman DeLong, voted 3 -0.
Bucket Truck - Mr. Hall reported that the truck was ready for inspection.
The Board will view the truck at the conclusion of the meeting.
South Main Street Conversion - The conversion of the South Main Street
area to 13.8 KV will be done either this coming weekend or the next, de-
pending on weather conditions. A notice will be put in the paper so that
the residents will be aware that they may be without power (from 15 or 20
minutes to a maximum of 3 hours).
Policy of Arrears - The Board reviewed a copy of the latest list of com-
mercial arrears accounts. Mr. Hall presented the Board with a sample
letter to be sent to arrears accounts notifing them that the power will
be shut off after a certain date. This was discussed. Selectman DeLong
commented that the policy to be set by the Board should apply to both
the commercial and residential users.
Selectman DeLong moved that the first day that an account is past due, a
letter be sent to the account telling them that the policy of the Light
Department is to shut off the power when the account is 30 days past due.
When the account is 15 days past due, a final letter will be sent telling
the customer the exact day the power will be turned off if the account is
not current at that time. This is to be effective from this date forward
and would not be applied to the current arrears. Seconded by Selectman
Clemmey, voted 3 -0.
On the present arrears accounts, the Board discussed allowing the customers
to make arangements with the Light Department Director to pay these accounts.
Selectman Clemmey moved that the accounts with arrears over $1,000 be given
90 days in which to bring the account to a current status, and that the
accounts under $1,000 be given 60 days or the power will be turned off, and
this is to be in a letter from the Board of Light Commissioners. Seconded
by Selectman DeLong, voted 3 -0. Selectman DeLong noted that the policy for
future arrearages should be noted in this letter.
Sewer Connection - The Board of Selectmen approved a sewer connection on
Union Street Extension. Selectman DeLong moved that the application for a
connection at 205 -20T. Union Street Extension, owner Frederick Vallett, be
approved, with the owner to be responsible for all engineering and construe -
tion costs. Seconded by Selectman Clemmey, voted 3 -0.
SRPEDD Representative - Note from the Board's SRPEDD representative, Patricia
Manget, requesting that her husband, John P. Manget, be allowed to be her
alternate while she is in Delaware until January and sit in on the meetings
( for her. Motion to approve by Selectman DeLong. Seconded by Selectman Clemmey
and voted 3 -0. Notice will be sent to SRPEDD.
Selectman DeLong moved to adjourn at 9:30 p.m. Seconded by Selectman Clemmey,
* voted 3 -0.
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