VILLAGE OF LOWVILLE

MUNICIPAL BOARD

March 10, 2020

A regular meeting of the Municipal Water and Sewer Board of the Village of Lowville was held on March 10, 2020. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mr. Joseph Zehr.

Municipal Board Members: Joseph Zehr Donald Kraeger

Dorothy Duflo Mike Comet Thomas Widrick

Others Present: Pamela Roes Joseph Beagle Pat Scordo Ryan Churchill Charles Truax Henry Avallone Tim Widrick

Approval of Minutes:

Motion by Mr. Widrick, seconded by Mr. Comet to approve the minutes of the February 11th, 2020 regular meeting. All in favor.

Public Comment:

§ None.

Correspondence:

§ NYSDEC – re: WWTP Improvements Phase II – notification that WQIP funding was not granted.

§ NYSDOH – Water Supply Emergency Plans – AWIA Requirements to develop or update risk and resilience assessments and emergency response plans.

Old Business:

§ Watson Water Service Agreements:

· Atty. Russell stated at the last Board of Trustees meeting that Watson asked the Village to consider an increase in the amount of in-kind services allowed. Watson would still be responsible for their own O&M and the Village would assist in an emergency event only if it has sufficient manpower.

Motion by Mr. Widrick, seconded by Mrs. Duflo to recommend an offer of increase of in-kind services to $4,000 per year. All in favor.

§ WWTP Upgrade:

· Phase II:

§ GYMO Proposal – Engineering Services. Jeff Tubolino was contacted by phone to answer questions from the Board, regarding portions of budget included with the proposal for the rehabilitation of the WWTP.

Motion by Mr. Comet, seconded by Mrs. Duflo to recommend approval of GYMO proposal for engineering services of Phase II WWTP upgrade. All in favor.

§ Village Water Filtration System:

· Groundwater Development Project:

§ Well Access Road / Landing Area Timber Cut: – A logger has begun setting up for the road/landing area timber cut and access road work. He expects it may take a couple of weeks to complete.

· Property Owner Proposal – Water Supply Investigation: – The committee will re-address the proposal from the property owners after Jay Billings has viewed the property in question.

§ Timber Bid:

· Bid opening is scheduled for Monday, March 16th at 9:00 AM.

§ Water / Sewer Rates:

· The Board of Trustees have scheduled a public hearing for March 23rd at 4:00 PM for the recommended water & sewer rate increases. (5% increase of sewer rates effective for the 11/1/2020 billing and a 5% increase of water rates effective for the 5/1/2021 billing)

New Business:

§ Kraft Surcharges:

· January 2020 – $0.00.

§ 2020 Tax Roll Year – Utility Advisory Appraisals: – A spreadsheet was provided to the Board with the new appraisals listed for watershed properties as compared to the previous year. Overall, there is a decrease in proposed assessments. The Board did not have any concerns.

§ Proposed Solar Farm: – Mr. Widrick gave information to the Board of a proposed solar farm to be located on property in which the Village has easements for water transmission lines and a sewer line. If project is undertaken, the Board will ensure that adequate space is allowed for right-of ways.

Follow-ups:

§ Watson District Agreements.

§ Access Road/Area timber cut.

§ Timber Bid.

§ Next Meeting – April 14th.

Adjournment:

– Motion to adjourn by Mr. Kraeger, seconded by Mr. Comet at 6:58 PM. All in favor.

Respectfully submitted by:

Pamela Roes, Clerk/Treasurer