The regularly scheduled Board of Commissioners (BOC) meeting began at 1:04 PM on Monday, April 7, 2008 in the Littleton Water and Light Department (LWL) conference room. Present were Commissioner Ralph Ross, Commissioner Eddy Moore, Commissioner Perry Goodell, Operations Manager Richard Herrington, Administrative Assistant Sharon Hampson and Financial Services Director Cheryl Wilkins.

MINUTES REVIEW:

The minutes of March 17, 2008 regularly scheduled Commissioners meeting were reviewed. Commissioner Goodell made a motion to accept the minutes as presented, seconded by Commissioner Ross.             

The vote was in favor 3-0-0.

APPOINTMENTS:

Laurel Krauss with the Littleton Community Center brought in a flyer for the BOC to review. She was looking for approval for a new mailer, because initially when the BOC approved an insert at a previous meeting it did not pertain to a fund raiser, which this one does. Commissioner Goodell made a motion to delay immediate decision, take it under advisement and get back to her.

Mike Norman and Mike Duffy with Horizons Engineering introduced themselves to the BOC. Mr. Norman wanted to make them aware of the upcoming Ahead project and the food co-op project. Those will be discussed with Rich Herrington at another time. Mr. Duffy inquired about LWL’s water storage tank on School Street asking if LWL is planning on replacing it. Commissioner Goodell stated there is not a definite plan but at some time it does need to be replaced. If LWL has any projects coming up Horizons Engineering would like to be considered. Commissioner Goodell stated Mr. Considine will be returning soon and that he would be the one to speak with.

Craig Kieny of Energy Initiatives and Stan Faryniarz of La Capra attended to discuss power supply procurement and the landfill gas project. Mr. Faryniarz had a couple of issues to discuss with the BOC. Today they toured the possible interconnection area with Mr. Herrington in regards to the landfill gas project. One potential route would be located near the Blaney Road where 34Kv and 115 cross.

Mr. Faryniarz stated the price of generating equipment, lines, and poles have accelerated. LWL missed a round of potential financing for clean renewable energy bonds. He was just giving the BOC an update and to see if they had any questions that he would need to discuss with Casella. If the landfill were to shut down there is still approximately 25 years of gas available.

He handed out graphs on natural gas futures and market heat rates. Last quarter natural gas went up 20%. Mr. Kieny stated that remaining procurements for 2009 include purchases for weekend hours and a 4 MW heat rate product for around-the-clock. These purchases would lock in a price to cover some of LWL’s load on a monthly basis. It still is a decent time to buy one of these heat rate contracts. The numbers look reasonable as long as natural gas prices behave favorably. They are seeking to get the BOC’s approval. Mr. Faryniarz asked about the water. Commissioner Ross said water rates may have to be increased. Mr. Faryniarz stated if any time the water rates need to be reconfigured let them know or if LWL has any questions on structuring rates they would be happy to provide assistance. Ron Bolt asked for copies of the graphs. He is on the Littleton Energy Conservation Committee.

Ron Bolt asked the BOC what happened to the usage chart on the monthly billings. It was explained that when the graphs were printed on the statements it caused some statements to print on two pages, which increased costs. Prior to Mr. Considine’s departure LWL was working with the software vendor on a new statement format to include some type of historical data.

OPERATION MANAGERS REPORT:                

Mr. Herrington stated all vehicles have been inspected and have passed.

Mr. Herrington stated he is in the process of researching other uniform vendors for linemen uniforms.  There are some changes in requirements for fire retardant clothing that will be mandated in 2009.

Mr. Herrington informed the BOC that Ossipee Mountain Electronics is coming tomorrow to calibrate all of LWL’s radios and base stations. Mr. Herrington stated communication is hard in some places out of town and in certain other areas around town. It has been recommended previously that communication could be improved by installing a repeater at the tower or in the trucks. Mr. Herrington was directed to do more research on the subject and come back to the board.

Mr. Herrington discussed the position that will be open when Howard retires on April 25^th and suggested we post it within the department. BOC decided to table the matter.

FINANCIAL SERVICE DIRECTORS REPORT:      

Mrs. Wilkins reviewed the financial statements for the month ending February 2008 with the Commissioners. Several discrepancies as compared to budget were discussed and explained by Mrs. Wilkins.

Mrs. Wilkins asked Commissioner Goodell if he spoke to Mr. Fillion regarding air quality.

Commissioner Goodell said he did speak to Wayne and that he did not recommend an air quality study to be done at LWL. Commissioner Ross suggested that before purchasing any air purifiers to read the consumer reports on them.

The BOC agreed that pink disconnect notices should be mailed out on April 14, 2008 now that it is warmer weather.

OLD BUSINESS:   

The bid for truck #8 was awarded to Paul Skipper of Skipper Paving in the amount of $5758.00.

Mrs. Wilkins passed out an approved list of capital projects for 2008.

Commissioner Goodell asked if there was money in the budget for Gale River. Commissioner Ross made a motion to fund approved 2008 water capital project in the amount of $46,000 and $19,136 designated to Main Street reconstruction. There was discussion on when LWL would be working on the valves for the project. Mr. Herrington stated they would be working the valves this spring. Commissioner Goodell seconded that $19,136 be designated for Main Street.

The vote in favor 3-0-0.

The approved 2008 electric capital projects was $102,000. Commissioner Goodell made motion to designate the remaining $153,187 to building repairs, seconded by Commissioner Ross.

The vote in favor 3-0-0.

NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Moore wanted to make the other members aware that Hebert Construction will be doing the town building. Mr. Herrington will be waiting to hear from them regarding any changes in water and electric service. Commissioner Goodell feels they are going to end up with a new water line coming off of Cottage Street. Commissioner Moore stated that there is a committee for the new police station.

No fundraisers or no politics to be included in flyers at the discretion of the department per Commissioner Ross. Commissioner Goodell and Commissioner Moore were in agreement.

ADJOURNMENT:

Commissioner Goodell made a motion to close the meeting, seconded by

Commissioner Ross.

The vote was in favor 3-0-0.

Meeting adjourned at 3:35 PM.

The regularly scheduled Commissioner’s meeting is held twice monthly on the first and third Monday, at 1:00 PM, in the Department’s conference room.