MINUTES
UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
July 17, 2000

Mayor Margo G. Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Councilmembers Harrison C. Bristoll, Jr., W. Whaland Clark, Mabel Mumford-Pautz and J. Brian Kirby, Medford C. Capel, Utilities Manager, W. S. Ingersoll, Town Manager, Joan Merryman, Stenographer, and guests.

Mayor Bailey asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the previous meeting. Mr. Bristoll moved that the minutes be approved as submitted, was seconded by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey stated that the Utilities Commission has cash on hand and in banks on July 17, 2000 of $444,057.82.

Mayor Bailey called on Mr. Capel for his report. Mr. Capel reported that the electrical storms Friday night caused problems all over Town. He said most of the problems were caused by a surge the electricity from lightning. He said it affected all of the automatic controls. He said Dwayne of TNR of Baltimore came over Saturday morning and looked at the high service pump controls. He said they were back working and had the high service pump back in service with three controls. He said the main control panel controls two other high service pumps which have parts that are not replaceable as they are about 30 years old. TNR will be able to put in a duplicate control.

Mr. Capel said we have had five water main leaks, Campus Avenue, Riverside Terrace, Washington Park, Maple Avenue and one other. He said they would begin work on the Maple Avenue leak (between Water and Queen Street) at 8 a.m. on Tuesday morning. He said because it was a State highway we would have certified flag men on duty to handle the traffic as one lane would be closed. He said if we can get the blacktop tomorrow that repair could be completed by the end of the day.

Mr. Capel said there were other leaks in service lines. He said when the pump goes bad, they cycle and cause surges in the service lines. He said when the lines are corroded from the soil they get weak and if the pipe or ground is not disturbed there is no problem. He said the thunder was so bad you could feel the earth shaking and that causes the pipes to move. He said that was why he requires copper pipes as they do not corrode.

Mr. Capel said he has gotten bids for a new blower at the water plant. He said they installed the spare a short time ago and he has gotten two prices to replace the spare blower. The one bid was from Jennings, Inc. at $9954.00 plus freight and the other was from Universal Blower for $9000. Mr. Capel recommended that they purchase the blower for $9000. Mr. Bristoll moved that the Utilities Commission buy the blower from Universal Blower for $9000 and was seconded by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz. Mr. Kirby asked whether this was a budgeted item. Mr. Ingersoll said it was not as it was an emergency repair. The motion carried by unanimous vote.

Mayor Bailey asked if there were any questions. There being none, she asked the Council to review the bills. Mr. Bristoll moved that the bills be paid as presented, was seconded by Mr. Kirby and carried unanimously.

Mr. Clark moved that the meeting be adjourned at 7:42 p.m., was seconded by Mr. Bristoll and carried unanimously.

Submitted by:
Joan Merryman
Stenographer

Approved by:
Margo G. Bailey
Mayor