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Home My WebLink Aboutmin of light commission 10/10/03 " ~ ( r r -'" Minutes of Light Commissioners Meeting September 10, 2003 / 'I In. " L I .I /. "'IJ "'" ..../ ',' ., .,~ b : '" . : '" 1,_.,; n~ Present: Chairman Steven MacCaffrie; Vice Chairman David McCarter; CommissiorltfETrS Louis P. Amoruso; Clerk Roger Achille; Director Jack Beliveau; Chief Financial Officer Kimberly Stoyle and Town Manager John D' Agostino Light Commissioners Meeting Chairman MacCaffrie mentioned how proud the Town was of the Little League Champions and the parade that was given in their honor. He also made mention of the Premier of Nova Scotia who paid a visit to Mansfield to see the new flagpole which they had donated to Mansfield. The meeting was called to order at 7 :35 followed by the pledge of allegiance. A moment of silence was then observed for 9/11 and for those who are still dealing with their losses. Minutes of August 11, 2003 Regular Session Motion: To approve Passes 4/0 Financial Report for July 2003 Chief Financial Officer, Kimberly Stoyle, reviewed the profit and loss statement and the balance sheet for July. Per Commissioner Amoruso's request, CFO Stoyle provided copies of the financial report to the Finance Committee. Total metered sales for July were $2,461k (a 5% increase over July 2002) and total power production expense was $1,644k. Net income for the month was $402k while net increase to surplus was $362k. Net Utility and Plant was up 17% over last year. Chairman MacCaffrie commented that it appeared that the Light Dept. would make a profit above 8%. Commsioner McCarter asked that we review the rates. Director Beliveau answered that the PPCA had previously been increased ~ cent and that it would probably be lowered again. CFO Stoyle added that the preference is to adjust the PPCA now rather than waiting until the end of the year to see if the profit was over 8%. There were 9 outages for the month, 3 of which were squirrels. Director Beliveau reported that the project of replacing cut-outs has begun. CFO Stoyle gave a major projects update. She is reviewing different proposals for the e- billing, as well as rethinking one of the original proposals. Vice-Chairman McCarter questioned whether the company that is used would charge fees and if these fees would have to be absorbed by the Light Dept? CFO Stoyle answered that there would be no fees charged. She also mentioned that the National Grid study is done. I r Director's Report Director Beliveau stated that we are waiting for Comcast (cable tv) to finish their work on North Main St. November is the target date for completion but Director Beliveau pointed out that they don't have a good track record. He also spoke briefly about the NEPP A conference he attended. Engineer Chris Cox completed a Dig Safe report but was unable to attend the meeting so Director Beliveau suggested that it be tabled until the next Light Commissioners meeting. Old Business Chairman MacCaffrie inquired if Director Beliveau had looked into charging interest on overdue accounts? He has not as of yet. Vice-Chairman McCarter questioned whether the Light Dept had put a lien on Rojacks? Director Beliveau responded that since the business rented and did not own the building, a lien was not an option. At 8 :05 the Light Commissioners meeting was suspended so that the Selectmen could vote on the transfer of a liquor license for Mansfield Variety & Deli. The Light Commissioners meeting resumed with Questions and Comments. Questions and Comments r George Dentino of Gladiola Terrace commented on the statement made by Commissioner MacCaffrie that "he's glad we have insurance again" and Manager D' Agostino's comment that ''we're working on it". He noted his realization of what the statement meant and stated his assumption is that it related to the Light Department insurance. He also noted his assumption that it was the insurance carrier who paid the money for the Larch suit and that it is the insurer who has dropped the insurance for the harassment suit. He suggested that it must be difficult, if not impossible, to purchase the coverage and asked what the Town has in place to protect the workers and the townspeople themselves. Manager D' Agostino reported the carriers are different between the Larch case and the harassment case. There is no Employee Practice liability insurance (EPLI) for the Light Dept but there is for the Town. Alternative proposals are being sought as there has been no coverage since July 1 and the current option does not cover much and the premiums are high. Self-insurance,is also an option. Nineteen requests for proposals were initiated unsuccessfully and the previous carrier would not renew the coverage. If an action against the Town was successful, the Town would be liable to pay the judgement. Commissioner McCarter noted that the Town would be liable for both attorney fees and any judgement awarded. If the Town was successful in obtaining coverage, it would become effective when coverage was obtained. Commissioner McCarter stated "We would cover employees acting within the scope of their duties". New Business r The date for the next meeting was set for Monday, October 20, 2003 at 7:30. 2 r Commissioner Amoruso asked if it was possible to have the power billing for both August and September on October 20? Director Beliveau said it would not be possible. CFO Stoyle was asked if she could get the interest ready by the 6th of October. Chairman MacCaffrie asked the status of the e-billing? CFO Stoyle replied that a decision would be ready by October 20 and then discussed some of the pros and cons associated with e- billing. Adjournment Motion: To adjourn the Light Commissioner's meeting at 8:25 Passes 4/0 R~Utted:, Jacq~eline Lee 10/20/03 !9~ Signature of Clerk {c;;L~ 2(}/2 Date of Approval 6(jJ ,1/' r r 3 ~ ~ ~