Minutes of the Special Town Board Meeting held Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at 6:00 PM, at the Keene Town Hall. The following Town Board Members were present: William B. Ferebee, Supervisor, Paul R. Martin, Robert M. Biesemeyer, Marcy A. Neville and Lawrence Jaques, Members of Council. Also present were: Wayne Ryan, Water Dist. #2 Engineer, Vic Putman, County Planner, Lisa Manzi, Representative from Congresswoman Gillibrand’s office, Ron Briggs, Town Attorney and Ellen Estes, Town Clerk.

The Chairman, Mr. Ferebee, called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM, explaining that tonight’s meeting had been called to discuss the proposed project for Water District #2.
He said he had given the Board Wayne Ryan’s latest project cost estimate.

Mr. Ryan began by asking the following questions and stating these facts:
He asked whether the easements were in place, Mr. Briggs said pretty much, except for the door to door work;
He said that as far as the right of way issues, he thought permanent easements sounded reasonable;
He stated that this had been a slow construction season and may make the bidding more desirable;
He asked if the documentation for the spoils permit was in place to dump at Joe Pete Wilson’s. This brought about a discussion on other places this debris could be utilized, Mr. Ryan informed the Board that it could only be accepted at locations holding a spoils permit; and
He asked the Board to prioritize the areas and alternates of the project.

Ms. Neville took this opportunity to ask why the $1,000,000 storage tank had to be part of the project.
Mr. Ryan said to comply with fire code making the District eligible for funding.

Mr. Martin spoke on the survey done a few years ago and said it reports 450 water users, which is double the actual number.
Mr. Ryan clarified that the 450 was the population in the District not the number of users.
Mr. Ferebee said he feels the income study from this report is also incorrect.
When asked, Mr. Putman explained to Ms. Manzi that the low and moderate income levels were at 38% and needed to come in at 51% for funding.

Mr. Jaques asked to go back to Ms. Neville’s concern regarding the storage tank.
Mr. Putman explained that the reason the tank has to be done is to keep the points in the system for funding, he said if the tank is not done, the District will lose points, which would make it lose the low interest status.

Mr. Martin spoke about the leaks in the distribution system, saying they were costing big money. He said since some of the major leaks have been found and fixed, he would like to see a new test performed on the reservoir.

The storage tank discussion continued with Mr. Ryan explaining the cost of getting the materials to the site, including building a temporary bridge for the crane to cross.

Mr. Briggs asked how the determination is made as to whether the project is awarded no interest or low interest funding.
Mr. Putman explained it’s a target service charge.
Mr. Briggs suggested doing an analysis on the difference in cost with replacing the storage tank compared to not replacing the storage tank and losing any chance of funding opportunities.

Lisa Manzi, a representative from Congresswoman Gillibrand’s office was present to inform the Board about 2 new bills, regarding funding, that had passed in the House and are now needing to pass the Senate. She said they had been in the Senate since May. She asked if a funding request had been earmarked for 2008 and suggested earmarking a request for 2009.

Mr. Ryan asked for clarification on bidding the project, he asked the Board if they wanted the storage tank to be put into the bidding as an alternate.
The Board agreed to this and also agreed to have the distribution system on Route 73 as the main priority.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:57 PM.

Ellen S. Estes, Town Clerk
September 12, 2007

William B. Ferebee, Supervisor
Paul R. Martin, Councilperson
Robert M. Biesemeyer, Councilperson
Marcy A. Neville, Councilperson
Lawrence Jaques, Councilperson