HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Selectmen Minutes May 7, 2009 Afternoon Meeting_2014020616122024621
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Minutes of the meeting of 7 May 2009 at 1:00 PM. The meeting took place in the Conference
Room, 16 Broad Street, Nantucket, MA 02554. Members of the Board present were Rick Atherton,
Brian Chadwick, Michael Kopko, Allen Reinhard, and Patty Roggeveen. Chairman Kopko called
the meeting to order at 1:10 PM.
Sewer Rate Model Workshop
Town Manager C. Elizabeth Gibson explained that Mark Abrahams of the Abrahams Group has
developed three sewer rate models based on Board discussion from a few months prior. Mr.
Abrahams then gave a presentation on the sewer rate models. He noted that the Town serves over
5,400 sewer users which are mostly residential, about 599 commercial accounts, and that there is
currently a two-step sewer user charge (a four month in-season and an eight month off-season).
Mr. Abrahams reviewed how accounts are currently set up, flow and billings, and flow ranges. He
then went over the newly developed models: seasonal rate, ascending rate, and residential/
commercial rate and how fees could be assessed within each model. He said based on the 2008
calendar year revenues and current revenue requirements that fees need to increase by 20% to
make up a deficit of $877,679. A discussion followed on sewer privilege fees and impact fees.
Chairman Kopko said he would like Mr. Abrahams to develop a hybrid seasonal/ascending model
as well. Ms. Gibson said a public hearing will be scheduled for 3 June 2009 to discuss increasing
sewer rates for the 2010 fiscal year.
Unrelated to the presentation, Ms. Gibson said Whitney Gifford from the Nantucket Yacht Club
(NYC) came by regarding an issue with the Town’s sewer line from the Children’s Beach
concession stand. She said Mr. Gifford indicated that the NYC understands the problem and is
requesting a letter from the Town stating that in return for the NYC allowing the Town to use its
sanitary sewer line, the Town agrees to enter into a license agreement and grant of easement for
the sewer connection, and to add the restriction that any expansion of use or flow in the Children’s
Beach line beyond capacity of the pipe going in would have to be mutually agreed upon in the
future. Ms. Gibson said pending Board approval, she will draft the requested letter which she and
Mr. Gifford could sign after review, and that work on a license agreement and grant of easement
would begin in the next month or so. Mr. Atherton moved to approve the execution of said letter;
Mr. Reinhard seconded. All in favor, so voted.
The meeting was unanimously adjourned at 3:16 PM.
Approved the 2nd day of December, 2009.