HomeMy WebLinkAboutLC_04_01_2015M�ngrield Electric Light Commission
0 F F I C EApril 1, 2015
Present: Jess A A2'�6� &=A; bliVkr Kozlowski, Vice Chairman; Frank DelVecchio,
Clerk Doug Annino, Qew
. ' o, William Ross, Town Manager and Gary Babin, MMED
Director E T T S -
Chairman Aptowitz called the meeting to order. The Chairman reminded everyone the meeting is
being broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable.
2. Director's Report
a. Submittal of Department of Public Utilities Report to the State of Massachusetts
Mr. Babin explained that annually the DPU requires that every electric utility in the State submit
a report, which is a financial and energy sales summary as well as a summary of the physical
system data for Mansfield Electric. Mr. Babin reminded the Board. that the report had been
previously sent to them for review. Mr. Babin is seeking approval of the report, which requires
each Board member to sign on the last page.
Chairman Aptowitz noted the DPU report is compiled on a calendar basis.
Mr. DelVecchio noted there was a net income loss for the year and asked what had occurred to
create this situation. Mr. Babin. explained the reason for the negative net income was due to the
fact that the Commission had voted a $2 million rebate to customers to be returned in January
and February of 2014, which the auditors require to be deducted from net income.
Motion: To sign the report for submission to the DPU (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0
- 3. Citizens Comments
Gary Forget, Webb Place, asked the Commission to explain, in layman terms, how much money
Mansfield Electric makes per month. Mr. Babin reported annual overall revenue of about $26
million with $24-25 million in operating expenses, which puts them on target for a net income
averaging about $125,000 per month. Mr. Forget then asked how many automated meters were
needed and how many have been installed. Mr. Babin noted that the MMED system has 9,500
meters and approximately 5,000 automated meters are installed. Mr. Babin said that the
Department was expecting to install 1,000 -1,500 additional meters in the next year. Mr. Forget
asked the Commission if it would consider other licensed professionals or contractors to install
the meters as it seems that they should all be up and running and this seems to be an ongoing
project, lasting forever. Mr. Forget would like for the Commission to look at the hiring of
outside contractors to perhaps offset this cost and use the savings for other projects.
Mr. Aptowitz did not disagree with what Mr. Forget is asking but explained the Department
needs to maintain some type of reserve to cover capital projects down the road.
Mr. Forget felt Mr. Aptowitz to be a champion of the residents on a fixed 'income. Mr. Dentino
reminded Mr. Forget that the Commission has given millions back to the residents over the past
three years.
Scott Feely, 49 Fruit Street, followed up on the meter reader project,,, stating there will be more
efficiency once the new meters are installed. Mr. Feeley noted that if the installation was to be
outsourced, it would take longer to recoup any savings and felt the existing approach to be better.
Mr. Babin indicated that he is very comfortable with the original approach.
Mr. Aptowitz noted it is the Commissioners job at the end of the day to keep the Department
financially healthy and keep the bills as low as possible at the same time.
Mr. DelVecchio felt the citizen's suggestion is worthwhile for analysis. Mr. Babin and Mr. Ross
will review.
None.
50 Any Items Not Anticipated By The Chairman 48 Hours Prior To This Meeting
None.
6. Adjourn
Motion: To adjourn Light Commission Meeting at 7:14 PM (KozlowskilDelVecchio) PASSES
5:0
ell
Signature of Clerk
Adw
'-7
Date of Approval