Mayor Margo G. Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:37 p.m. In attendance were Councilmembers Harrison C. Bristoll, Thomas A. Gross, Sr., Mabel Mumford-Pautz and J. Brian Kirby, Medford Capel, Utilities Commission 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. Gross moved that the minutes of the June 15, 1998 meeting be approved 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 July 20, 1998 of $304,406.59.

Mayor Bailey read a Mayor's Citation which she presented to Daniel L. Johnson along with a $500 savings bond in recognition of his twenty years of employment with the Utilities Commission. Mr. Johnson was present to accept the citation and thanked the Mayor and Council.

Mayor Bailey called on Mr. Capel for his report. Mr. Capel reported that the new aerators are here and one has been installed. He showed pictures of the new aerators and explained how they work to take the VOC's and carbon dioxide out of the water, which had been contributing to the rusty water experienced at various times and locations in Town. He said the new aerators are fiberglass rather than aluminum and they will last a long time.

Mayor Bailey asked if there were any questions or comments. There being none, she asked Mr. Ingersoll to speak. Mr. Ingersoll said that the Town filed a pre-application for water improvements for the water upgrade project. He said that in order for the Town to stay on the priority list for a loan grant package of $1.3 million (with $1.2 being a low interest loan and the rest being grant) we must reply to their letter by July 24, 1998. He said he did not feel the water upgrade would cost as much as $1.3 million, but whatever it is will be the loan the Town takes out. He said each Councilmember had the figures on a $1.3 million loan with a 3.22% interest rate for a 20 year repayment. He said that funding would not be available until Spring of 1999 so if the Council wants to proceed, the debt service could be worked into the budget next year. He said the Council must decide whether they want to go for funding during the next twelve months. If you opt to stay on the priority list and for some reason do not proceed with the water upgrade, you could drop out, but if you do not act now the Town cannot get back on the list until next year.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz said she felt the Council should stay on the priority list and authorize the Mayor to sign any documents necessary. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bristoll and the motion carried by unanimous vote.

Mr. Capel said before final plans are done by the engineer, he may want to make some changes, in particular to the reservoir covers. He said he may be able to get them done cheaper. He said he thought he had saved the Town quite a bit.

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.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz moved that the meeting be adjourned at 7:50 p.m., was seconded by Mr. Gross and carried unanimously.

Submitted by:

Joan Merryman

Stenographer

Approved by:

Margo G. Bailey
Mayor