Mayor Margo G. Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Councilmembers Harrison C. Bristoll, Jr., Thomas A. Gross, Sr. and Mabel Mumford-Pautz, W. S. Ingersoll, Town Manager, Joan Merryman, Stenographer, and guests.
Mayor Bailey asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes of the previous meeting. Mr. Bristoll moved that the minutes of the meeting of March 17, 1997 be accepted as presented, was seconded by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz and carried unanimously.
Mayor Bailey announced that the Utilities Commission has cash on hand and in banks on April 21, 1997 of $265,276.34.
Mayor Bailey announced that Mr. Capel would not be at the meeting as he was ill. She said one matter that needed to be addressed was to set a date to meet with the engineers O'Brien and Gere. She said read several dates the engineers had suggested for a meeting. The Council agreed to meet with them on Friday, May 9, 1997 at 2:00 P.M.
Mayor Bailey said Mr. Ingersoll had a letter to read before the meeting went any further. Mr. Ingersoll stated the letter was from George M. Davis addressed to Mayor Bailey and Members of the Council. The letter was Mr. Davis' resignation from the Town Council effective April 21, 1997. Mr. Davis stated that his work responsibilities had become such that he could not properly represent the people who elected him to office.
Mayor Bailey said that the procedure for the Council to follow was that the Council would decide on a replacement for Mr. Davis from the 4th Ward. She asked the Council to give consideration to a replacement and discuss it with her. Mrs. Mumford-Pautz asked what the procedure for an election was for replacement. Mayor Bailey said the Council appoints the replacement. She said if the Council can agree on a replacement an election can be avoided since there was an expense involved in holding an election. Mr. Bristoll said his reading of the Charter states the Council has the obligation to name a successor within 45 days. If that is not done within 45 days, an election would be held. He said he thought that person would serve until the next regular election which will be in December of this year. Mrs. Mumford-Pautz asked about the costs for an election. Mr. Ingersoll said that with the Board of Election Supervisors helping it would be approximately $500.
Mayor Bailey asked if there was any further business. Mr. Bristoll said there are events that will occur in the next couple of months that will require the Town to have a thorough knowledge of our water and sewer operations and capacities. He suggested that the Town engage an independent professional engineer to determine those capacities and give us a written report. He said Mr. Capel does a marvelous job and was very sound in the information he has, but to back up the Town, we should have a professional statement on our capacity and potential. Mayor Bailey said that was a excellent suggestion and asked Mr. Ingersoll for his comment.
Utilities Commission Meeting - April 21, 1997 Page 2
Mr. Ingersoll said we may have a current figure on the water capacity from O'Brien and Gere. He thought that it was 1,000,000 gallons a day. He said we have estimates on the lagoon capacity from a few years ago when the upgrade was done, but new regulations also affect ourt capacities. Mr. Bristoll said we also need to know what the potential was for new users within the present Town limits, i.e. vacant lots and opportunities for development. Mr. Ingersoll said a few years ago he had done a potential study based on the zoning categories we have and considering vacant land at full capacity, but that changes as development occurs. Mayor Bailey said we need current information so that we know exactly how much we have, how much reserve we need for commercial, industrial and residential and what our potential is because decisions will have to be made. She asked the Council for a motion to proceed with an engineering study. Mr. Bristoll moved that the Council engage an independent engineer to document our water capacity, sewer capacity, and the capacity needed to build out completely within the existing Town limits. Mr. Gross seconded the motion and it carried by unanimous vote.
Mayor Bailey asked the Council to review the bills. Mr. Bristoll moved that the bills be paid as presented, was seconded by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz and carried unanimously.
There being no further business, Mr. Bristoll moved that the meeting be adjourned at 7:42 p.m., was seconded by Mrs. Mumford-Pautz and carried unanimously.
Submitted by:
Joan Merryman
Stenographer
Approved by:
Margo G. Bailey
Mayor
RETURN to 1998 Minutes