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HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin of light commission 05/14/01 f" Minutes of May 14, 2001 Present: Chairman Brad Wills, Clerk Michael McCue, Lou Apt~~~~~tf5'an, David McCarter Light Department Director: Jack Beliveau Light Department Financial Officer: Kimberly Stoyle Light Department Engineer: Ann Langille Town Manager: John D' Agostino Meeting called to order at 7:30 p.m. followed by Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Chairman Wills congratulated Michael McCue and David McCarter for their win. He handed the gavel to Light Department Director Beliveau for th~. Annual Reorganization of the Board. The Director mentioned the need for a secretary to take the minutes of the Light Commissioners Meeting. Any interested parties should contact Kimberly Stoyle at the Electric Department. It pays a flat fee of seventy-five dollars to take the minutes and type them. Reorganization of Light Commissioners r".. I Nomination: To nominate Brad Wills as Chairman (McCarter) 5/0 Passes Nomination: To nominate Michael McCue as Clerk (Donovan) 5/0 Passes Minutes of April 9, 2001 Motion: To approve the minutes. (Amoruso) 3/0/2 with Clerk McCue and Selectman Donovan abstaining Passes Executive Minutes of April 9, 2001 Motion: To approve the minutes as amended. (Amoruso) 4/0/1 with Clerk McCue abstaining Passes Light Department Director's Report - Financial Report Kimberly Stoyle advised the board that financially, March was not a good month. Sales came in at $180k, up 22% over prior year, which can be attributed to the increased purchase power adjustment. However, Purchased Power Expenses were $1,8l4k, up 41 % over prior year. Based on estimates by our wholesalers, MMWEC, we had anticipated power expense to come in about $200k less than they did. Seabrook was down for the first week of March and was a factor in the increased costs. We incurred a loss of $197k before payments in lieu of taxes with a final net decrease to surplus of / T" .... r- $226k. Our year to date net income is $159k with our after payment in lieu profit for the year of a mere $44k. The fact that purchased power costs represent close to 90% of our total costs emphasizes the importance that is placed on this number. We expect to make a profit for the month of April. Most of the current cash is already committed and will soon be spent on the substation. Selectman Amoruso requested the sentence regarding health insurance (paragraph 4) to be reworded. The benefit of converting to the Inventory Bar Code system was discussed. The system will be fully integrated by the end of September. This information will be shared with any other interested departments. The Director mentioned the cost for the Harris System and Northern Data Systems is a financial wash. Four squirrels and goose caused the five outages this month. Director Beliveau will meet with businesses in the Industrial Park regarding the improvement of our record of outages (mid June.) Town Manager, Mr. D' Agostino, wants to better address the future and feels we should initiate communication with the business people in the park. . Director Beliveau assured Selectman Donovan that the car insurance company is billed for the pole and is also billed a small amount for loss of revenue, when there is an accident. r- Selectman McCarter inquired about the general outlook of power in this area, especially in regards to our five-year plan. The Director addressed concerns regarding the electrical problems across the nation and its affect in this area. He did not expect Mansfield to be affected this summer or fall and would not predict for next year. He said there are warnings or stages from the ISO Web and the call to the Governor to take into account. There are many decisions that can be made locally regarding our electricity. Town Manager D' Agostino said the police department, fire department, DPW and wells all have generators; but town hall does not have a generator. The Director advised that there are benefits to the town and the electric department if the electric department provides the generator to the Town of Mansfield. Chairman Wills thought a generator for town hall and partnering with business a good idea for future agenda items. Project Status Ann Langille updated the Commissioners, 'fith pictures, on the progress of the Gilbert Street substation. The bulk of the work should be done by the end of June with completion in July. There possibly may be an open house in July. Installation of the firewall will be done at the end of the project. The Director praised Ann for a great job during the New England Power oil leak and ensuing problems. Ann worked from 7 p.m. until 2:30 a.m. containing the oil leak and getting the system back up. She also managed to enlist the expertise of another contractor, when Nstar (our support service) failed us. - Selectman McCarter suggested a slide presentation so the public can view the progress of the Gilbert Street substation. Others agreed and thought all municipal projects should be presented to the public in picture format. . ~ . r- The Director explained the reasons he thought the board should attend the MMWEC meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 23,2001. Old Business Selectman McCarter inquired as to whether or not the DEP has answered the town regarding the parking lot contamination. He was informed that the DEP should accept Engineer Ralph Penney's proposal. He also noted that the town has not received any communication from the DEP regarding the parking lot. Selectman Donovan wanted to know whether or not Hercules is committed to the town financially regarding the clean up. Town Manager said we have a participation agreement with Hercules but we need to determine the extent oftheir costs. The DEP has scheduled an Enforcement Hearing next week pertaining to the Hercules clean up. Chairman Wills asked for a progress report on paying by credit card. Representatives met with the bank three weeks ago. It maybe up to six weeks before the town is able to accept credit card payments. New Business None Date of next meeting June 4,2001, 7:30 p.m. ".- Adjournment Motion: To adjourn at 8:45 p.m. (Donovan) 5/0 Passes ~~ ..........Signature of Clerk Ie J uN f)W I Date of Approval ,- T _