Meeting Minutes of November 12, 1996
Acting Chairman Stanley Hollister called the meeting to order at 7:05pm. A roll call was taken and present were: Vice Chairman Stanley Hollister, Mr. Ed Betts, Mrs. Donna Williams, and Mr. Herbert Donow. Chairman Richard Jumps joining the meeting at a later time. Also present were employees Ron Lada and Karen Townsend. Visitor present was Mr. Matt Courtney, prospective customers.
The meeting opened with the review of the minutes from October 1996. After brief discussion a motion was made by Mr. Donow to accept the minutes as presented, seconded by Mrs. Williams, and with 4 yes and 0 no votes, the minutes were approved.
Next order of business was to address Mr. Courtney’s questions related to a new meter to be installed in downtown Makanda at Baptist Hill and Rocky Top Road. Mr. Courtney expressed interest in hooking to an existing line. Ron Lada suggested there would be room to t-off service; would have to shut main off at corner. After further discussion, Mr. Courtney completed an application for water service along with an installment deposit. Anticipated installation date between November 22 -26, 1996.
Another customer request discussed was the new meter installation for Makanda Baptist Church. No representatives from the church were present at the meeting. Karen Townsend to write a letter including the estimates that were prepared for discussion at this meeting, and mail to the prospective customer.
Karen Townsend presented information received from a telephone call from Mr. Wayne Nelson, IRWA, related to SHWD infringement on BPWD boundaries. Mr. Nelson explained there were no statutes to protect us from this type infringement which was quite common in Southern Illinois between water districts that are close together. He agreed that from an ethical standpoint it was wrong; but suggested a legal battle would not be worth the moneys that would be incurred. Mr. Nelson recommends that we remake our original offer for section v backflow device.
Also discussed was the $50.00 fee for cutting off water service (meter removal) and the related fee for re-activation of service. It was suggested that a standard minimum rate (i.e.$250) be set for reinstallation subject to additional costs if applicable. Mr. Donow also mentioned that this would not be feasible for anyone considering reconnection within a three year period.
The Secretary/Treasurer Report was presented by Karen Townsend along with the Accounts Payable Report detailing bills for payment in November. A motion was then made by Mr. Betts to accept the Secretary/Treasurer Report and to pay the bills as presented, seconded by Mr. Donow, and with 4 yes and 0 no votes, the motion carried.
Ron Lada presented the Water Supply Operator Report; all tests were completed with no related problems. Also discussed was the regulation of temperature in the district office. It was requested that Ron Lada repair the damage air vents above the office and ductwork to redirect airflow into the room.
It was requested that funds be allocated for the purchase of a gift for Ron and Heather Lada upon the arrival of their new baby. Suggestions related to the purchase were briefly discussed; and Mr. Betts made the motion to allocate $75.00 toward the purchase of a baby gift for the Lada’s Seconded by Mr. Hollister, and with 4 yes and 0 no votes, the motion carried.
Discussed was the excess water usage and/or sporadic activity of meter #63800, Kevin Wheetley. Ron Lada stated that the problem was most likely related to a defective meter; therefore, the meter was replaced. It was agreed by the board to write off the excess water and bill Mr. Wheetley for average monthly usage based on previous account history for the months in question.
No changes or updates to the Ordinances being reviewed were available at this time.
Follow up discussion continued related to Mrs. Elaine Greenberg’s visit at the previous board meeting. Due to the hardship this account incurred during the recent fire to her home, as a courtesy of the water district it was discussed and agreed upon by board members to pull the meter, hold and “mark it”, re-installation at no charge, and not bill the $7.50 minimum monthly fee for a 6-month period. This to be reviewed again by the Board at the end of that 6 months. The motion was made by Mr. Betts as detailed above, seconded by Chairman Jumps, and with 5 yes and 0 no votes, the motion was approved.
As has been procedure for the past several years, the Board discussed and agreed that there would be no meter shutoffs during the Holiday Season, December 8, 1996 through February 8, 1997. Customers will, however, continue to be penalized for late payments according the district ordinances.
There being no further business, a motion was made by Vice Chairman Hollister for adjournment and seconded by Chairman Jumps. A voice vote was taken and with 5 yes and 0 no votes, the meeting adjourned at 10:00pm