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Home My WebLink About2014-02-20-WSAB-min 2014/02/24 WSAB min Lexington Water and Sewer Abatement Board 201 Bedford Street Lexington, MA 02420 February 24, 2014 APPROVED 4/24/14 Attendance: Board Members: Loren Wood, Chair, and Jim Osten, Member, Bill Ribich, Member. Staff: Rob Addelson, Assistant Town Manager for Finance, Bill Hadley, DPW Director and Elizabeth Tucker and Robin Fullford, Utility Billing. Chair Loren Wood called the meeting to order at 4:31 pm. The order of business was conducted as follows: Status Report of Abatement Requests Ms. Fullford presented the following status report: 42 To be heard tonight 1 Appeal to be heard tonight 122 To be heard in the future 165 Total Appeals: ƺǚǠǝǙǐǤǴǞ ƵǙǏ ƳǚǙǏǚǘǔǙǔǠǘ ƱǞǞǚǎǔǌǟǔǚǙ Mr. Ian Whitfield and Suzanne Rice represǐǙǟǔǙǒ ǟǓǐ ƺǚǠǝǙǐǤǴǞ ƵǙǏ ƳǚǙǏǚǘǔǙǔǠǘ ƱǞǞǚǎǔation and Keith Hoffman, their irrigation expert met with members of the board on appeal. The board had previously voted to recommend denying an abatement on the ǌǞǞǚǎǔǌǟǔǚǙǴǞ ǔǝǝǔǒǌǟǔon account in the absence of proof of a leak or other mitigating circumstances. Mr. Whitfield asked for a 50% reduction on the bill. Mr. Wood explained that WSAB does not have the authority to make such decisions and explained that the Town had already paid for the water used and in the absence of a leak the association was not eligible for an abatement. Mr. Hoffman stated that he was familiar with the irrigation system and doubted that amount of water could be used. He also stated that recently in Bedford it was discovered that a meter recorded more usage than had actually gone through the meter. Mr. Whitfield was told that they were welcome to have the meter tested at their own expense. They were also told that if in the spring when they reopen the irrigation system they find and repair any leaks, they will be eligible for an abatement on that account. Mr. Whitfield thanked the board for hearing their appeal. Disposition of Abatement Requests Leaks 1 2014/02/24 WSAB min Lexington Water and Sewer Abatement Board 201 Bedford Street Lexington, MA 02420 February 24, 2014 APPROVED 4/24/14 18 Blueberry Lane The homeowner filed an application on bill # 720747. Staff did not find any inside leaks but a series of invoices from a pool company verified an elusive pool leak that continued into the summer of 2013. The 2 year average fall usage is 110 therefore, the excess usage of 19 hcf was recalculated at tier one, no sewer to acknowledge that the pool leak did not enter the sewer system. Staff recommended an abatement of $371.46. 102 Burlington Street The homeowner applied for an abatement on bill #762674. While away during the summer a pipe in the garage burst and leaked outside for an unknown period of time. A neighbor was watching the house and he repaired the pipe at no charge. The average fall usage is 29 therefore we recalculated all water usage at tier one rates and recalculated only 29 units at sewer rates because the leak did not enter the sewer system. Staff recommended an abatement of $168.63. 103 Burlington Street The homeowner applied for an abatement on bill #762675. They state that when they got home from vacation, they found that their grandchildren had left the sprinkler on. Their average fall usage is 15 therefore we recalculated all usage at tier one rates and the excess usage at tier one no sewer. The homeowner understands this is a one time only abatement for irrigation on a domestic meter. Staff recommended an abatement of $1,083.93. 28 Columbus Street The homeowner applied for an abatement on bill # 765901. He states he detected and repaired a toilet leak but did not know he should keep the receipt. The 3 year average fall usage is 43 therefore we recalculated all but 3 units at tier one rates. Staff recommended an abatement of $599.99. 113-115 Concord Avenue This account consists of two condo units that share a meter. Staff found toilet leaks and homeowner states they repaired them but do not have a receipt. Their first 80 units are billed at tier one rates. The average spring usage is 100 therefore we recalculated the excess 76 units at tier one rates. Staff recommended an abatement of $555.64. 19 Dane Road The homeowner applied for an abatement on bill #761576. She detected a leak in the children's toilet and repaired it by adjusting the level of the float valve. The average fall usage is 75, therefore we recalculated all but 35 units at tier one rates. Staff 2 2014/02/24 WSAB min Lexington Water and Sewer Abatement Board 201 Bedford Street Lexington, MA 02420 February 24, 2014 APPROVED 4/24/14 believes it is evident that the leak started earlier and recommended abating bill # 742667 as well. The 3 year average spring usage is 79 therefore we recalculated all but 39 units at tier one rates. Staff recommended an abatement of $1,985.81. 7 Diamond Road The homeowner applied for an abatement on bill #762824. He detected a leak and provided an invoice from a plumber for the repair of a toilet. The average fall usage is 45; therefore we recalculated all but 5 units at tier one rates. Staff recommended an abatement of $256.38. 157 East Street This meter was replaced last May. Staff noticed high usage and found 2 toilets were leaking. The homeowner had a plumber repair the leaks and provided an invoice. He applied for an abatement on bill # 764145. The 3 year average fall usage is 33 therefore we recalculated all usage at tier one rates. Staff recommended an abatement of $1,324.35. 7 Fairfield Drive The homeowner applied for an abatement on bill #764125. She stated she had a toilet that ran constantly for weeks before she was able to bring in a plumber. She provided an invoice for the replacement of the toilet and repair of another. In establishing average fall usage bill #667670 was omitted because it was abated due to a leak. The average fall usage is 66 therefore we recalculated all but 26 units at tier one rates. Staff recommended an abatement of $1,281.29. 26 Fifer Lane The homeowner applied for an abatement on bill # 753645. He states he detected and repaired a toilet leak but did not know to keep the receipt. The 2 year average fall usage is 15 therefore we recalculated all usage at tier one rates. Staff recommended an abatement of $1,334.17. 3 2014/02/24 WSAB min Lexington Water and Sewer Abatement Board 201 Bedford Street Lexington, MA 02420 February 24, 2014 APPROVED 4/24/14 17 Franklin Road The homeowners applied for an abatement on bill #764869. They detected a toilet leak, had it repaired and provided a plumber's receipt. Their 3 year average fall usage is 41 therefore we recalculated all but 1 unit at tier one rates. Staff recommended an abatement of $1,073.29. 25 Hathaway Road The homeowner filed an application on bill # 744947 citing a significant leak in a bathroom that he repaired himself. The average fall usage is 40 hcf therefore we recalculated all usage at tier one water rates. Staff recommended an abatement of $552.62. 2408 Massachusetts Avenue The former homeowner filed for an abatement on bill # 765776. Staff concerned that a toilet was running and the meter was spinning. We did not require the homeowner to repair the leak because she sold the house to a developer. The developer was aware of the leak and took responsibility as they planned a major renovation. The 3 year average fall usage is 30 therefore we recalculated all usage on bill #765776 at tier one rates. Staff recommended an abatement of $311.83. 21 Meriam Street The homeowners filed an application for abatement on bill# 764508 citing an irrigation leak. They provided an invoice from an irrigation company for repair of a leak in the system. Their 3 year average fall usage is 78 therefore we recalculated the excess usage of 41 hcf at tier one rates, no sewer. Staff recommended an abatement of $882.36. 15 Parker Street The homeowner applied for an abatement on bill #761858. His irrigation company found and repaired a leak and he provided an invoice. The average fall usage is 27; therefore we recalculated all but 27 units at tier one rates. Staff recommended an abatement of $510.57. 17 Parker Street The homeowner applied for an abatement on bill # 765234 citing a leak in the irrigation system while they were away. They provided a receipt for repair. The 3 year average fall usage is 193 therefore we recalculated the excess usage of 153 at tier one water rates. Staff recommended an abatement of $495.72. 4 2014/02/24 WSAB min Lexington Water and Sewer Abatement Board 201 Bedford Street Lexington, MA 02420 February 24, 2014 APPROVED 4/24/14 11 Paul Revere Road The homeowner applied for an abatement on bill # 766530. He states he detected and repaired a toilet leak and provided a receipt. The 3 year average fall usage is 28 therefore we recalculated all usage at tier one rates. Staff recommended an abatement of $992.92. 70 Paul Revere Road The homeowner filed for an abatement on bill #766560 citing a leak for which she provided a plumber's invoice. A radio read device was installed on 12/23/13 and the meter read 263 verifying the postcard read. The average fall usage is 19 therefore we recalculated all usage at tier one rates. Staff recommended an abatement of $1,108.20. 12 Phinney Street The homeowner applied for an abatement on bill # 768767. He states he detected and repaired a toilet leak and provided a receipt. The 3 year average fall usage is 41 therefore we recalculated all but 1 unit at tier one rates. Staff recommended an abatement of $188.79. 12 Utica Street The homeowners applied for an abatement on bill # 763351. They cited a toilet leak and provided a receipt for a new part. Their 3 year average fall usage is 43 and because this is a 2-family residence, their first 80 units are calculated at tier one rates. We recalculated all usage at tier one rates. Staff recommended an abatement of $24.36. 4 Westminster Avenue The homeowner applied for an abatement on bill # 734252. Staff found and adjusted two toilets leaking in overflow. The homeowner further stated she came home to a flood when the hot water heater burst in November 2013 and she provided a plumbers invoice for replacement. However, the flood occurred after the fall reading and did not affect either bill. The one year average spring usage is 30 and the one years fall usage is 13, therefore we recalculated all usage on bills #757701 and #734252 at tier one rates. Staff recommended an abatement of $2,999.17. 100 Wood Street The homeowners applied for an abatement on bill #770123. They provided a receipt for toilet parts. In establishing average fall usage we omitted bill # 704851, a zero bill that was followed by a leak-based abated bill. The average is 31 hcf therefore all usage has been recalculated at tier one rates. Staff recommended an abatement of $85.26. 5 2014/02/24 WSAB min Lexington Water and Sewer Abatement Board 201 Bedford Street Lexington, MA 02420 February 24, 2014 APPROVED 4/24/14 It was moved by Mr. Ribich, seconded by Mr. Woods and approved unanimously to accept as presented all leak based abatement recommendations with the exception of 4 Westminster Street which was put on hold to determine how much leaked water bypassed the sewer system. Irrigation on Domestic 14 Diana Lane The homeowners applied for a one time only abatement on bill # 766988 for irrigation on a domestic meter. Because bill # 729682 did not cover a complete billing period, we derived their average fall usage at 80. 70% of the excess usage of 55 hcf (39) was recalculated at irrigation rates. Staff recommended an abatement of $690.46. 4 Hastings Road The homeowners filed for an abatement on bill #765847 citing irrigation on a domestic meter. They understand this is a one time only abatement of its type. We omitted bill #728561 from establishing average usage because it was abated for a leak. 70% of the water used in excess of the average is recalculated at irrigation rates. Staff recommended an abatement of $985.10. 3 Juniper Place The homeowners filed an application for abatement on bill # 764569 for irrigation on a domestic meter. We used a 2 year average fall usage because bill #668107 seems anomalous. 70% of the excess usage of 96 hcf (67) is recalculated at irrigation rates. An irrigation meter has been installed. Staff recommended an abatement of $960.81. 1412 Massachusetts Avenue The homeowners filed an application for abatement on bill # 761092 for irrigation on a domestic meter. Their average fall usage is 25 and 70% of the excess usage of 59 hcf (41) are recalculated at irrigation rates. They understand this is a one time only abatement for irrigation on a domestic meter and a note has been put on their account. Staff recommended an abatement of $437.13. ƹǝǝǔǒǌǟǔǚǙ ǚǙ ƴǚǘǐǞǟǔǎ ƽǐǟǐǝ ƳǚǙǟǔǙǠǐǏI 12 Wheeler Road 6 2014/02/24 WSAB min Lexington Water and Sewer Abatement Board 201 Bedford Street Lexington, MA 02420 February 24, 2014 APPROVED 4/24/14 The homeowners called after receiving bill # 720920. Staff found no leaks. The homeowners called again after receiving bill #758104. This time they were able to determine that one outside faucet was connected to the domestic meter. They had been using that faucet for the last 2 years and asked that we abate all of that usage. However, we informed them of the one time only abatement for irrigation on a domestic meter and calculated the abatement on the most recent bill #758104. We recalculated 70% of the excess usage at irrigation rates. We put a note on the account. Staff recommended an abatement of $1,618.32. It was moved by Mr. Osten, seconded by Mr. Wood and voted unanimously to approve all staff recommendations for Irrigation on Domestic abatements as presented. Over Estimated 421 Bedford Street The homeowners filed for an abatement on bill #767122 stating that the house has been empty for a year. A new meter was installed on 12/31/13 and the meter read 2715 indicating we had over estimated their usage. We established ADU and derived usage of 0 hcf. The excess 1 unit will be captured in the spring billing. Staff recommended an abatement of $904.40. 25 Brent Road The homeowner called after receiving bill # 685059 for zero usage saying that they did use water. However it took until 11/2/2013 to get in and change the meter. Staff takes the position that the meter began to fail after bill #654026 in 2010. Prior to that, the usage had been quite consistent so that usage was used to establish ADU and derive usage. Staff recommended an abatement of $554.14. 76 Cary Avenue The homeowners filed for an abatement on bill #769057. When the reading on 10/28/13 indicated no usage Staff suspected the meter had failed and estimated based on past usage. The Homeowners state they did not turn on their irrigation system this year at all. This abatement recommendation abates bill # 769057 entirely. Staff recommended an abatement of $196.50. 27 Charles Street The homeowners filed for an abatement on bill # 758414. A new meter was installed on 11/5/13 and the meter read 2530 indicating we had over estimated their usage. We established ADU and derived usage of 22 hcf. The excess 6 units will be captured in the spring billing. Staff recommended an abatement of $1,335.98. 17 Fairfield Drive Staff was unable to obtain readings and estimated usage. The meter was removed on 10/4/2013 with an outread of 4502 indicating we had over estimated usage. We went back to the last postcard reading, established ADU and derived usage for the two billing periods. The excess 11 units will be captured in the spring. Staff recommended an abatement of $1,356.60. 7 2014/02/24 WSAB min Lexington Water and Sewer Abatement Board 201 Bedford Street Lexington, MA 02420 February 24, 2014 APPROVED 4/24/14 48 Hancock Street The homeowners failed to respond to several requests for a meter change and staff overestimated their usage. The meter outread on 11/15/13 was 6384. We calculated ADU from the last "A" read on 4/15/13 to the outread and derived usage for the 5 billing periods. 17 units will be captured in the spring billing. Staff recommended an abatement of $3,751.49. 15 Lexington Avenue The homeowners filed for an abatement on bill #759004. The meter was replaced with an outread of 3663 indicating we had over estimated their usage. We established ADU and derived usage of 23 hcf. The excess 16 units will be captured in the spring billing. Staff recommended an abatement of $1,325.67. 16 Manley Court The homeowners filed an abatement application on bill #763341 which was estimated. The meter outread on 1/24/14 was 768 indicating we had over estimated. We went back to the last P read on 10/20/11, established ADU and derived usage for the four billing periods. The excess 20 units will be captured in the spring billing. Staff recommended an abatement of $1,617.93. 32 Partridge Road The homeowners filed for an abatement on bill #768417. A radio read device was installed on 12/17/13 and the meter read 275 indicating we had over estimated their usage. We established ADU and derived usage of 49 hcf over two billing periods. The excess 8 units will be captured in the spring billing. Staff recommended an abatement of $1,365.89. 54 School Street The homeowners filed for an abatement on bill #766122. The meter was changed on 1/14/2014 with an outread of 711 indicating we had over estimated their usage. We established ADU and derived usage of 14 hcf. The excess 7 units will be captured in the spring billing. Staff recommended an abatement of $1,418.46. 46 Winter Street The homeowners filed for an abatement on bill #767955. Staff obtained a reading of 166 on 10/24/13 but suspected the meter had failed and estimated usage. The homeowners state they have not moved into the house as it is undergoing renovations. Staff recommended abating bill #767955 entirely. It was moved by Mr. Osten, seconded by Mr. Ribich and voted unanimously to approve staff recommendations for all abatements based on over estimation with the exception of 46 Winter Street. Staff was asked to call the Building Department determine if and when a permit was pulled and if it has been completed. Billing/Meter Issues Bedford VA Hospital 8 2014/02/24 WSAB min Lexington Water and Sewer Abatement Board 201 Bedford Street Lexington, MA 02420 February 24, 2014 APPROVED 4/24/14 The Town of Bedford monthly service charge was erroneously attached to the Bedford VA water rate in October 2013 in error. The VA has two meters and two accounts. Both accounts were billed an extra $4,927.40 on the October, November and December bills. Staff recommended an abatement of (6) ($4,927.40) =$29,564.40. 9 2014/02/24 WSAB min Lexington Water and Sewer Abatement Board 201 Bedford Street Lexington, MA 02420 February 24, 2014 APPROVED 4/24/14 28 Chase Street The homeowners called about bill # 758475. It was a manual reading after several estimated readings. The meter was replaced on 10/4/13 with an outread of 1307. We calculated ADU from the last A read on 3/23/11 and derived usage for the 5 billing periods. Staff recommended an abatement of $1,447.26. 49 Courtyard Place This is a single family residential condo unit with a 2" meter that failed at zero. The usage was estimated at 100 on bill #728356. On 11/16/2012 a new meter was installed and we waited until a history of usage was established. We calculated ADU on the new meter and applied that to the number of days in each billing period. Staff recommended an abatement of $549.92. 3 Patterson Road The homeowners called about bill # 729174. After estimating this account since 2002 an inside reading of 242 was obtained on 4/24/2012. The meter was replaced on 12/18/2012 with an outread of 253. However, the meter is literally falling apart and believed to be unreliable. We waited until history was established on the new meter to calculate ADU and derive usage for 3 years. Staff recommended an abatement of $3,566.62. 503 Waltham – Domestic This is a staff generated abatement recommendation. We were unable to read the meter for the fall 2013 billing and estimated usage. Before the billing was completed, an accurate final bill was created based on an inside reading of 1822. At that time, Munis should have given staff the option of removing the account from the bill run. Staff recommended abating bill # 759664 entirely. 503 Waltham - Irrigation This is a staff generated abatement recommendation. We were unable to read the meter for the fall 2013 billing and estimated usage. Before the billing was completed, an accurate final bill was created based on an inside reading of 540. At that time, Munis should have given staff the option of removing the account from the bill run. Staff recommended abating bill # 759665 entirely. It was moved by Mr. Wood, seconded by Mr. Ribich and voted unanimously to approve all staff recommendations for Billing/Meter Issue abatements as presented. Schedule next meeting The board will next meet on, Thursday 3/27/2014. Adjourn It was moved by Mr. Osten, seconded by Mr. Ribich and voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 5:53 PM. 10