VILLAGE OF LOWVILLE

MUNICIPAL BOARD

November 27, 2007

     A meeting of the Municipal Water and Sewer Board of the Village of Lowville was held on November 27, 2007. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM.  Members present.

Board Members            Dorothy Duflo                        Craig Ortlieb             Carlton Carpenter

                                    Joe Boshart                        Rick Nortz

Others Present:            Trustee Charles Truax          Eric Virkler         Mark Tabolt     

                                     Harry O'Connor                    Doug Hanno

CALL TO ORDER:  6:30 PM.

Approval of Minutes:           

-        Motion by Mr. Ortlieb, second by Ms. Duflo to approve the minutes of the September 25th  meeting. All voted in favor.

-        Motion by Ms. Duflo, second by Mr. Ortlieb to approve the minutes of the October meeting. All voted in favor.

Monthly Surcharges:

Mark Tabolt presented the monthly surcharge report from Kraft. The month of October again reflected significant charges primarily for phosphorous loading. Mr. Nortz commented that the digester transition was beginning to meet their acceptable standards and Kraft is comfortable with the progress made by the digester company. Mr. Boshart discussed the treatment plant's ability to handle the load.

-        Motion by Mr. Boshart, second by Ms. Duflo to approve surcharges for the month of October totaling $24,750.  All in favor with Mr. Nortz abstained.

Old Business:

-        Water Billing at Fairgrounds:  Mr. O'Connor and Mr. Hanno were present to discuss with the Board the ideas and concerns regarding billing water and sewer for the primary fair grounds service. Mr. Nortz provided a summary of the Municipal Board's discussion to this point and highlighted that this concept has not been taken any further than their board. Mr. O'Connor and Mr. Hanno gave a background of the various activities at the Fairgrounds and some of the challenges with determining how to allocate water or sewer fees. They stressed the community wide service provided by the facility.

The Board and the Fair Association visitors had a good discussion about the issues regarding the billing and possible alternatives. Both sides shared their concerns and there was mutual agreement this was a difficult issue. Mr. O'Connor agreed to discuss water usage with the school district and they are the greatest user of this service. The Board agreed to further discuss this issue before any final decisions are made.

-        Outfall Sewer Project Update:  The Board received a e-mail summary from BC&A on recent progress and Mark Tabolt provided additional updates. The Board discussed the status of the easements with the property owners. We will allow this process to continue on a one to one basis with the property owners in hopes of a friendly settlement. The Board also discussed stormwater prevention plans and the next steps in the contract with BC & A.

New Business:

-        Timber Management:  Mark Tabolt provided a follow up on the work performed by Erik Hirschey. The forester has marked two stands. He comments that the price of timber is very low and we would not rush to harvest at this time. Mr. Boshart and Mr. Carpenter commented we should focus on thinning and chipping harvests initially.

-        River Road Billing:  Mark Tabolt explained the circumstances of a property on the River Road that was listed as inactive. The property owner just asked for assistance with a leak and the owner admitted they have had service since they took ownership. Mark requested authorization from the Board to back bill this property for a minimum bill for the period of current ownership. The Board agreed to this.

-        Chemical Bids:  Mark Tabolt explained the annual process for bids for chemicals for treatment at both the water and wastewater plants. We have recently had a bid opening. Mark provided a brief summary of the low bids. We have minor increases on some chemicals and others that are no increase or a decrease from the prior year.

Motion by Mr. Boshart, seconded by Ms. Duflo to recommend to the Village Board to accept the low bids for chemicals as recommended by Mark Tabolt. All in favor.

-        SMSI Grant:  Eric Virkler updated the Board on an anticipated application for a NYS Shared Municipal Services grant application. We expect the Town of Lowville to partner on these applications. We have changed the original scope discussed and we intend to submit two separate applications. One for a water draw station and one for a water supply study.

-        Follows ups and agenda for the next meeting:

-         Follow ups will include:  Town of Lowville's progress on Waters Road meters, easements for the outfall project and an update from BC&A on the project. Additional agenda items will include a master meter on Sunset Ave. and water billing at the Fairgrounds.

-          Due to the Holidays, the Board agreed to combine the December and January meeting. The next meeting will be on January 15, 2008 at 6:30 PM.

Adjournment: