June 9, 2009

 

Notes from the Public Hearing held Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at 6:30 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:  15 Residents and Ellen S. Estes, Town Clerk.

 

The Chairman, Mr. Ferebee, called the Public Hearing to order at 6:33 PM saying tonight’s meeting was to discuss the Water District No. 2 Improvement Project.

 

Mr. Ferebee began by saying this project entails a new storage tank, water mains along Route 73 and new lines along various roads inside the district.

 

He said a 30 year 0% interest loan was secured a few years ago, saying that in January, he had applied for a $500,000 USDA grant.  He said the District was awarded a 3.1 million dollar loan/grant, saying that 3 million was grant money and $100,000 was a loan.  He said this loan, which is interest bearing, will be paid off with monies from the 0% loan.

He said the project is estimated at 5.3 million dollars, excluding lines on Beede Road, which may or may not be done, which were put out with the bid as an alternate. 

Mr. Ferebee said that the 3 million dollars of stimulus money will be used to pay down the secured loan leaving an estimated 2.3 million to be paid back.  He said this amount would increase the user’s water bill by an estimated 48%, which amounts to a $205 increase bringing the water bill to $630 per year.

He said these figures depend on the bids that are due on Friday, June 12th, also saying that Rural Development has additional funds that can be applied for.

 

He said after the bids are opened on June 12th, the Town has 30 days to award the bid, which will probably be done in about a week.  He said it is anticipated that the Company would start construction 2 weeks after the award.

Mr. Ferebee said that 1 contractor will be working on the new storage tank and another would be laying lines.

He said that work on Route 73 between the Noonmark Diner and the Valley Grocery can not begin until after Sept 9th.  He also said that Market Street must be done before school opens.

 

Mr. Ferebee asked if anyone had any questions.

Steve Bowers asked about the water meters and why they are not used.

Mr. Ferebee explained that it is not required that meters be used, saying that at the time of the last grant, it was required that they be put in, but not required that they be used.  He went on to explain that residences have a flat rate while usage for businesses is determined by the number of bathrooms, saying that this rate will be apportioned accordingly.

Mr. Martin contributed that following the installation of meters and until this project is completed, use of meters has made no sense due to the loss of water resulting from leaks.

Mr. Biesemeyer added that the fact is, that using meters could cost more since there would be more work involved, reading meters, billing, etc.

 

Mr. Bowers asked where the new main would go and where the lines would come into residences.

Mr. Ferebee said the water main would be on the opposite side of the street from the existing main, but the entrance into a residence would be in the same place it now exists.

There was discussion about replacement of old laterals and whether the contractor would do this work.  Mr. Ferebee said anything done on private lines from the shut off to the residence was between the homeowner and the contractor.

 

 

 

Rusty Hall asked if larger mains were being put in on Interbrook Road, saying that the existing ones do not meet ISO standards.  Mr. Ferebee responded saying no.

 

Jay Haus asked if the debt would be paid by ad valorem.

Mr. Ferebee said no, explaining that Water District No. 2 is a Benefit District meaning that the debt will be paid equally by the property owners.  He then explained that Ad Valorem, which is how Water District No. 1 is being paid, is a tax based on assessment.

 

Mr. Ferebee said that it is planned that the construction trailer will be set up at the well site at KCS, that he will try to keep everyone up to speed and that Kirk Bassarab, the water quality person will serve as the Town’s overseer.

 

Pam Gothner, a representative for the Birch Store, asked if a seasonal rate would be established.  Mr. Ferebee said no.  He also said that parcels that have no water will still make the capital improvement payment.

 

Donna Austin asked about the pressure in the new water lines and asked about leaks this will cause in old houses.

Mr. Ferebee said that leaks are expected, he said homeowners may need to install pressure reducers.

Rusty Hall asked if homeowners would be encouraged to install water filtration prior to construction saying that he still gets dirt in his filters.

 

Mr. Hall asked if as Fire Chief he could be kept informed on the project by email.

Mr. Ferebee said he could do that.

 

There was a brief discussion regarding Beede Road.

Mr. Ferebee explained that there is a winterized line to Phelps Bridge and then a summer line which goes as far as the Taylor and Walker properties.

He explained that the cost to include Beede Road could raise the estimate approximately $1 million since the line would bore under the river twice.

 

Pam Gothner asked for clarification on how the water rents are figured for businesses.  Mr. Ferebee explained the rates and said they are based on sinks and bathrooms where applicable.

 

With all questions answered, this meeting was adjourned at 6:58 PM

 

 

                                                                       

                                                                                                Ellen S. Estes, Town Clerk

                                                                                                June 11, 2009

 

William B. Ferebee, Supervisor

Paul R. Martin, Councilperson

Robert M. Biesemeyer, Councilperson

Marcy A. Neville, Councilperson

Lawrence Jaques, Councilperson