2011-10-06-AC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 6, 2011 Water /Sewer Rates. Mr. Bartenstein reported on the FY 2012 water /sewer rate presentation made to the Board of Selectman meeting at its meeting on Monday, 10/3. The basic proposal was for a combined rate increase of 14 %, with alternative proposals to lower this increase for the "average" user by appropriating additional retained earnings at the special town meeting, differentially increasing the third -tier water and sewer rates, or both. Although costs are up only about 5 %, the proposal for an unexpectedly large increase was driven by: (1) the inadvertent omission of over $100,000 in debt service for an MWRA- funded sewer capital improvement project in the FY 2011 rate submission, as well as in the FY 2012 budget proposed at the 2011 Annual Town Meeting; and (2) the reliance on usage data for the FY 2011 rate - setting that failed to account for the Town's policy of readjusting in the billing process metered tier usage for multi -unit dwellings, as a result of which Tier 1 usage was understated and Tier 3 usage overstated. Mr. Bartenstein informed the Board of Selectmen that he believed further investigation was warranted of several usage assumptions underlying the rate proposal that appeared to be unduly conservative, and that he hoped to work with Town staff in the coming weeks to develop an alternative rate proposal that would lower the proposed rate increase to a more reasonable level without the need for differential tier increases and minimizing the need for further draws on retained earnings. CPC funded Study of Cary Hall. Mr. Bartenstein also reported on a meeting he attended a few weeks ago regarding a proposal for the renovation of Cary Hall, based on a design study financed by a prior appropriation from the Community Preservation Fund. The proposed project, estimated to cost approximately $8 million, would include fixing meeting rooms, soundproofing them and making them more comfortable, handicap access, audio /visual, lighting, HVAC and staging improvement, as well as improving the acoustics and building a practice rehearsal room on lower level. The Historical Commission will be presenting this proposal for funding by the CPC. If approved, it would probably require bonding given its magnitude. SUMMARY OF ACTION ITEMS: Mr. Michelson will develop a list of questions regarding Article 2. Mr. Parker will invite members of the school and building committees to the 10/19 AC meeting, coordinate with CEC regarding a joint meeting, determine what reports will be provided and prepared for Town Meeting, and check on the need to post a notice and agenda for the 10/12 summit meeting Mr. Pato will request advance information for the Committee for the 10/12 summit. The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m. A list of documents and other exhibits used at the meeting is attached. Respectfully submitted, Andrea Yepez Recording Secretary Approved October 27, 2011