You're up. >> All right. Good evening, Lunenburgg. My name is Brett Ramson. I'm the chairman of the Seward Commission. We're going to start our meeting as usual with the pledge of allegiance to the flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> And moving right along. Um, by the way, uh, the time of our start is 6:48
p.m. And, um, uh, I have to state that in accordance with the requirements of open meeting law, please be advised that this meeting of the sewer commission is being recorded and will be able to be found on
the Ludenberg Access YouTube channel after the meeting. The following information is also provided for members of the public. they would like to participate in the meeting remotely. To participate remotely from a computer, please use the link uh to join the
meeting uh the public meeting webinar found on the posted agenda or from a telephone, dial the toll-free number 8884754499 and enter the webinar ID number 28785449 06. If you have not registered with
Zoom, you will be asked uh for your name and email address. No, no participant ID is needed. Just press when it is. I will do a roll call vote to confirm that all members
um are present and can hear me. Um members, when I call your name, please respond in the affirmative. Do >> I? >> And Dan Proctor, no. Uh Der Cadis. >> Hi. >> And Brett Ramston is here. And Steph,
when I call your name, please respond in the affirmative. Bill Bernard >> here. >> Bill Valeria. Bill. >> Andrew. I'm here. >> Yeah. >> Jane Randley.
>> Yeah. >> Hi Jane. Thank you for being here. Um, and now I'm going to ask if there's any public comment. Um, is there any public with us? >> No public comments. >> Is there any comment from staff or
commissioners? >> Hearing none. >> We're glad to be back. >> Wise guys are not included. the we do have an announcement um and um hope to
um see lots of Lunberg um citizens interested. But we have the the Citizens Party Caucus will be held on March 9th, 2026 at the Middle High School auditorium at 700 p.m. for
volunteer voting. All are welcome. We would love to see some new faces and um that's where we'll be. Um we're going to switch to current business now and we're going to start by um talking
about the minutes from 12925 and um ask to have a um >> I'll make a motion to accept the minutes. >> Okay. Do I have a second? that motion. >> The motion's been there's been a motion.
It's been seconded. Um Arthur >> I I >> I >> and I by myself. The motion carries. The minutes are accepted. And um now we'll jump into the sewer
business manager GPW director updates. Um, we're going to jump right in with the user rates, uh, regarding the FI27. Um, and I'm going to refer that to Andrew.
>> So, um, we have the raise rates coming the air, unfortunately. Um so what you see in front of you we have you know a couple different options of what rates you know would be um what the total yearly revenue increase would be.
I've also included um 20% um delinquent rate. So, you know, you you subtract all the delinquents just in case it it's not at 20%, but if it was, just in case, you know, what the revenue or added revenue uh would be per year.
Um, with option, you know, 1A and then I have a um it's 1B at the end over here. Um, so in 2024 July, we raised the rates 16% across the board. Um, and going over
the budget uh for FY27, um, it it's looking right now that I would see that we would need to increase the rates another 16%. Um the only thing that we were talking about Bill is
you know the minimum rate do we you know I have the option to keep the minimum rate at a 5% or do we want to just rate put it at a 16% increase across the board with um the minimum rate and obviously the um usage rate. So that's
kind of where >> kind of you know >> as I recollect we had a discussion about upcoming rates um what we plan to do last year for the coming years >> um
and I believe we were please correct me if I'm wrong but I believe this is what we discussed last year is that right and then >> um in 2020 this before will be before me right yeah Brett, you're correct. >> Yeah. >> Right. So, at that point, we decided we
weren't going to go up >> because we had just gone up the year before. So, we gave our customers a break. >> Yeah. >> But both Lemonster and Fitsburg are charging us more, >> right? >> So, we have to keep up with that, right? >> We can't keep dipping into our reserves,
right? We'll run out eventually. And as we go along, the betterment income that we're getting is declining. >> Right. >> Right. If people are paying off their betterments now, >> and I think they were on a 20-year schedule, we're coming up to that 20
year on a lot of them. >> So, >> we're going to be getting less money there, but we got to make it up >> in user rates >> in the user fees. >> Yeah. >> And the recommendation is 16%. >> That >> Well, that's one. That's yeah, I mean
that is one. >> So just um we talk about the minimum, right? >> So the minimum charge right now is $133 and that's what 800 >> um
>> Yeah. Um the usage rate. Yeah. At 800 gradually goes up after that. Um >> yeah. So anybody who uses less than that 800 still gets charged 133. So my thought was don't go up too much
on on that because most likely the people not using that amount of water by the elderly, right? Or a single, >> you know, person living by themselves. >> That's my original thought. Y >> So we thought keep that minimum lower.
>> Right. Um they're probably paying a little too much anyway. If they say they use 500, they're actually paying for 800. >> Especially if they're a snowbird and stuff, too. Yeah. They're not even here for for I know we have a few of those, you know, they're not here for four or
five months, >> right? >> Right. So, that was our thought on that. And then the other users, they're using it over the 800. So, >> yeah. >> Yeah. So, I mean, pass the increase on to the actual users,
>> right? They have more control over what they do. They could put low flow heads on, you know, and slow down. But >> Right. Right. That >> so we're able to differentiate one from the other. >> We can. Yes. >> Yep.
>> And so we can Is this Does this require a vote this evening or >> Well, I recommend we don't vote this evening because we haven't finalized the budget for next year. >> Okay. >> Right. So, we're working with the new finance director on trying to get some
answers. There's a few of the line items that are we're not quite sure how they work, >> right? So, last year I just put in numbers that were close to what we've done in the past. >> Yep. >> And it it probably worked. It'll probably work. This year, we're probably
close, but we want to make sure. >> Yes. >> Right. We want to make sure we're doing the best we can for our customers. >> Absolutely. >> You know, a rate increase. >> No, no one wants a rate. >> Nobody wants a rate increase, >> but we want to make sure that we're doing it. We're do you know right if we're gonna propose this rate increase
it's going to be the correct way and yeah >> the right way for everybody involved. So >> right we don't want to say 16% when it turns out we could have done 12%. Right. >> Of course. >> Right. >> So we we need >> zero prepared. >> Yes.
>> Right. We'd love to do that but we have to pay for what's going >> our costs have gone up so we have to pass that along. But where are you getting the projected as so low for 2027 rates? You just I'm just your projection here
on the rate increase >> is lower than 2026. >> Well well yeah is much lower. So that's what I'm asking kind of what's that based on only is that just hopefulness?
Um we because we're still at mercy of Fitchburg and Lemonsters's >> rates, >> right? >> Which we would have no idea what they're going to do. >> Well, we know Fitsburg's going up what? 7% for the next like >> five. It was five years. >> Five years. And I think Lemonson said it
was like 3% for the next few years. >> Yeah, it was two years. >> At least two. >> At least two. Yeah, I know. Um this past year was 3%. But where so where are we in their rate increases if we're looking at a fiveyear schedule? Are we two years
in? Are we four years in? >> We're in we're in the second year. >> We're in the second year. And is there any I mean what are the real guarantees? It's nice to say they're having a locked in rate, but in the end if they're going to go out of business they're going to
raise the rates. This is just them saying, "Hey, this is our sliding scale." but could easily change too, >> right? They could come back and say, "We'll go up again." >> Well, if you look at in threeyear increments, you're looking at 11 to 13% every three years.
>> If you did the if you did an average of three years. >> Yeah. >> So, you're looking at 32 here, 38, >> but we also don't know if it could, you know, >> 12.3%. >> For three years, >> that seems to be this the the rate what
it's going at every 3 years, >> right? Well, you're and you're not at the 6%, you're right in that >> 32.3%. >> Mhm. >> area. 38% area. So, it's what? You know,
11 12.3 12.3% for 3 years, right? 24 to 27. 2022. This one's a different one, though. This one is sevenyear difference.
2 213 to 220 that's 8% you know in seven years but that could be population stagnancy that could be anything else you know >> and there yeah I mean the more people that do connect with the system the
better as well it's more revenue >> right so so it's it's hard to forecast how much money we need >> because of usage right so last year we had a drought. It was pretty dry. So usage was down.
>> This year we got a lot of snow, right? So I think our when that melt that billing cycle, we're going to see >> the uh higher >> but I heard about a drought that they're having now. >> Where's the drought they're having now? Was it Lemonster they're having a drought or they're saying they're having
even though >> No, it's because No, it's not Melbourne. >> So they're claiming there's a drought >> already. >> Well, yeah. I mean, you only have to drive by the Cambridge reservoir and walnut. >> Yeah. Because we we just came out of the
drought. So now all the precipitation is sitting on the ground. >> I mean, look, or late spring is going to be great. >> Saying drought right before they're raising rates probably like I don't know. >> No, I mean they raised the rates two years ago. All right.
>> Trust me, it's supposed to rain like Wednesday or something. You're going to It's going to spike as >> people we're going to exist past 2027. We could see then what we want to do if we want to do it 5%, you know, or 4%.
>> Right. >> But we're already saying that we're going into reserves. We might as well be safe. I don't know. And just >> Yeah. You can only really address it one year at a time because you have semi hard.
>> Yeah. It depends on what like I said I would it would be great to be like oh yeah guaranteed that we can do that >> we're one pandemic away from it usage skyrocketing so >> and it's you know and I feel as though taking it
>> yes user rates yearbyear is a little bit more uh thoughtful on the customers so >> yeah I mean like I was only asking just because it was such significantly lower. But that's
really, you know, that really only covers the Fishburg Lemonster disposal increases >> in a sense, right? Basically, and maybe a a touch on maintenance, but yeah, really, it's not much of a >> Well, we've already funded what we want
done for us, right? As far as the >> budget's not done, >> yeah, but this is the budget for next year, >> right? >> Yeah. Coming up next year. >> Yeah. So if you look at that, a lot of >> the line we say level fun, level fun. >> Some of them we went up because we know
>> where we're going up, >> right? >> But the biggest unknown is the usage. Lament Fittsburg usage >> like what? Yeah. >> Right. It all depends on use, right? >> Yeah. >> So we know we have past history. So we kind of
>> we do we are basing it off that like what you know >> we had some more money in the fund but we need that money to uh pay that pay our debts to Fitsburg and limits her. So >> yeah we also like you said we're you know looking at
>> the revenue you know the the the cash cow of the Betterments you know running down. So now you have to find another >> source of income to fund or >> you know services
>> dwindle and repairs don't get done and there's system failures so that costs more money. Exactly. I've always been Yeah. I look I'm always the big proponent of preventive maintenance >> and but to see our not any >> hence the next
>> replacement but why I look forward to that I don't know. Um but yeah, that's why I always, you know, encourage you to, you know, put extra money, extra asking, capital expenditures and yeah, >> make
um concessions there when you need to. But in the end, you always got to try to >> yeah, >> keep the stuff upgraded, especially with the the >> the increase in cost every labor cost. I mean, at least fuel's down, but nobody
>> you don't see anybody take their s fuel or charges off invoices, do you? When it goes, no. >> So, anyways, um yeah, I mean, >> oil drops by >> if you guys are comfortable with the the
16% if you think that that's going to be limited, I mean, >> it's what we're going to, you know, have to do. And honestly, it's not it's in the past 20 years, it's still not even in the top five of
>> So, >> national grid's going up on 9%. I think it is. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. So our hope is at the next meeting to have the budget nailed down >> then we'll know how much
>> revenue more revenue we need and then we'll have >> then I can then I can adjust if I need to adjust >> certainly >> and present >> a more precise clear picture to everybody. Oh, you did mention something that we needed to revisit and I think
the m might have been pre-author but was the um once we got the new billing system and you mentioned 20% of the delinquency rate you know just on average. How much I remember it was higher than that. Where are we at now? >> Oh um I it was still about it was about uh last time
>> 25 26 I'm just talking about ngo it's lower. Yeah, it was over 20. Now it's a little bit >> a little bit lower. >> Oh, that's great. I mean, because that's why we were pushing for the partial payments and stuff like that so people could >> Yeah, it's a little bit lower, but I
like I said, I I did the 20% estimated, you know. >> No, no, that was just I didn't want to interrupt you. It was just like a more of a throwaway. >> People are selling their homes, too. And at the sales, they're doing the payoffs, too. So, right happening. So, yeah, we get the money eventually. Yeah.
>> Like we must have got the bootleger, right? >> Yeah. >> Yeah, we did. >> We have Kiko's there now. >> Yeah. >> Okay. That was I mean all I had on this. >> So I guess when when we were trying to come up with
the rate, did you guys like that idea of keeping the minimum lower? >> It's like we can't, you know, look, it's the only thing that we can control. And I like the way you were >> looking at it. Um, >> yeah, >> because it is a pretty big concern and
it's a pretty big >> percentage of our population right now too. >> Yeah, that that's what that's what I initially thought. >> And as you know, >> as we know, as they move on,
>> there's going to be probably a younger family coming in and now there's going to be more usage and everything. So there's no reason to uh if they're not even hitting the threshold, why raise the threshold? >> And even um like said a single like I
said single person like myself that owns a home, it's just one person. I use the minimum on my bill. So >> yeah, >> what I mean I like it's helpful to me um you know as a single income person. >> Well, it helps your budget. >> Yeah. You know
>> Yeah. Without Yeah. Without Right. >> You know, so they've been here for decades. They retire here. They're not coming from Florida to retire in Lunberg. >> Right. Right. So, >> and like I said, especially I said those on fixed incomes um elderly, the ones that have been here for many years.
Yeah. >> Yeah. And you know, I hate to say it to the people that have vested interest in the uh in the septic system, but it's still a better deal than >> pumping and maintaining a septic system. >> Right. Right. one less you know a burden
gone away you know another bill you know >> because it yeah pumping does cost him so >> excellent gentlemen so >> well we're just tableing this to we get more hard numbers on the >> unless you have the pathway and direction of how we want
to be there next >> yeah plus it'll be good to have uh you know Dan here too >> yeah with Dan's input as well >> all right Then uh gentlemen, let's move on to the um annual report of FY25.
Um we do need to vote for this. I'll hand the re back over to Andrew. >> Um so I did send um that annual report in an email. I don't know if we you guys got a chance to review it from Jane.
>> I had I briefly reviewed I was >> okay. Um, >> I've been a little on time lately. >> Can we have it? Do you do you have Do you need a >> I forget where I saved it. >> Oops. >> And by the way, thank you, Jane, for um
coming up with um that. It came out. We thought it came out great. >> Welcome. Did Andrew, did you send it to me? All right. >> I just um you should now
>> I forget where in your email >> where you did I didn't stop popping up in the email. >> I just um forwarded it. Oh, there it is. Is this is this about just homeowners? >> I think I did see it, but >> Or is it like um like a government housing too and everything? >> No, I think I think that's what we
actually paid Lemonstone Fitchburg. >> Yeah, >> the the Lemonstone Fitchburg uses land is that Yeah, that's what we actually paid them for >> the service of accepting our waste. Right.
>> I don't know, baby. Open up. Way to go. >> Plus, we'll be able to um >> Oh, the fresh >> control our runoff issue once we get the right size manhole cover sealed up. >> Yeah. Oh, yeah. Well, we're working on that. Yeah.
>> Can you get it done before the snow melts? >> I don't know. >> Not that. Just out of curiosity, just my knowledge. Um like when Lemonster and Fitsburg uh calculate the usage is it just on >> right there it is. >> Is it on government housing too or
government housing a separate usage? >> Um >> no no it's >> Yeah. No >> the sewer goes down. So it's everything that's in the pipe. >> Everything. Yeah. >> Yeah. So there's the report. >> Oh I did read this. >> Okay.
>> But yeah. Yeah. So, I think Jane captured it pretty well what what the commission did last year. >> We had a lot of uh moving parts. Yeah. >> Mhm. Yeah. that last minute there. Um 270 which
have access to town but are not yet connected. If if like we were talking about to the development when we open up if they want to build homes if their addresses are on streets that have possible connection would that change? >> Yeah. Yeah. This is based on houses that
were in place now. >> So if we go spot was not all of us were talking about like when the builders come in >> to not have exigent circumstances all the time to make it easy for easements. we'd have more people connecting to get
rid of adding on to those 270, right? Because we build on that road and then the other people would have access too, right? Is that that would that change that 270 like that? Well, well, if that whole street came online, but it's probably only what 15 houses
>> that mindset, if that mindset is placed all the way through, >> the building of >> it's basically 270 that are within our >> service, but not some properties are big and the
developers seem to be coming in and sub >> putting like four houses, >> but we see it as one lot. They see it as four. So yeah, that number can change. >> Yeah, >> but it all comes down the capacity of what Lemonster and Fitsburg can handle.
>> But we're in good shape there with all >> Yeah. Last I knew, we do have some wiggle room there. >> We do. We do. >> What's ARPA funds just for the sake of the acronym? around these
>> what was it recovery act the co money right yeah >> it was okay >> yeah cuz this this covered the pump too Right. Here. >> Yeah. Mass. What is it? Mass one. >> The pump station. >> Yeah. There you go. Mass.
>> That's starting back up in the spring, right? Was it? Yeah. Yeah, it's always good to remind people of clogs. >> No dude bites. >> And we've had less issues since that.
>> Yeah, we made a big force and it they helped a lot. >> Yes. So you see the top line there. We had $32,000 in retained earnings to balance our budget. We want to try to reduce that this year. >> Yeah. Yeah. There's almost so much,
right? Funds you can dip into, right? >> Capital. Okay. I was just I was I was just going to say love to you, right? We >> started that discussion. >> Yeah. >> Mhm.
>> But there'll be do what's our timeline on don't we have to um change that wording uh coming up for the Lawrence? >> Oh yeah. Yeah. If we wanted >> Yeah, we have they got to get something.
>> Yeah. And so the deadline's coming up, right? >> Yes. >> Like literally a few weeks, right, on the >> standard changed. >> No, remember we were going to we needed to up >> we when we did the ADU thing, we
>> adopted certain wording and now we want it to be consistent with the regular rates in the bylaws. that takes, you know, an act of um a warrant and then um basically it's not town vote,
but it is town count. No, I'm sorry. >> Meeting. >> Yeah. Well, it is. Yeah, you're right. It'll end up on the uh on the big board and you get to uh >> play with the transponder and vote. Yay. Nay. >> Do you gentlemen have any questions regarding the >> No. No. Do we need to dig a vote?
>> We do have that. >> That's what happened. You can make a motion. >> Make a motion to accept the uh summary of the year for this. >> I'll I'll second that motion.
>> All right. And >> you can go. >> We have a motion for the uh annual report FY25 to be voted on. It's been seconded. >> And we'll start with Scott this time. >> I I
for myself. the annual report passes as written for FY25. Thank you, gentlemen. >> Thank you, Jane. >> Yeah, thanks Jane. >> And uh thank you, Jane. >> And um moving on, we've got the third
quarter FY26 billing. Um we need a couple of signatures. Um >> yep. So the billing uh for quarter 3 has been mailed out. It was mailed out on >> February
3rd. >> So, bills are actually due on >> It's pretty good. I think I actually got my bill in the mail. >> Oh, you did? Okay. >> Like um a few days after the text. >> Oh. >> So, it was pretty close.
>> Okay. All right. That was quick. All right. But we should, this is another probably immunest thing, but I don't remember seeing a Do we want to ever do a paperless option? >> Um, I don't know if we have. I mean, we
>> I mean, the fact that we have the text ability, right, and the bill goes out and you can send out the automated things, you know, is there a way to shut off the paper statement from being mailed? That's >> for for us. No, because it's in Munice. So, it's and it has to Yeah. And >> Yeah. I'm only looking at between
postage and and labor and material. >> Protect against fraud though too. >> You know, if we're just doing all digital, people could be just answering back to any >> No, no, no. But you you you decide if you want to opt in. I'm only saying where I subscribe to the text and
stuff. And matter of fact, I think you can pay from the link. >> So, I think that that is like the uni pay >> Yeah. >> portion of it. Um, but when it comes to like the actual billing part, I don't really have anything to do with the uni pay. I just get so mun sends out it's
kind of a code specific code, different format. >> Um, >> no, that's fine. I was just I was just asking because you know I have almost all my stuff, >> right? >> It's paperless >> but >> so unfortunat like the system that we use doesn't we don't there there's just
no email. Um, >> yeah. Yeah. capabilities for that. So, >> yeah. So, just ask >> whoever does sign up for, you know, the paperless bill, they will you'll still get the email. You have the option to pay it online, but you're always going >> I wasn't saying I get the text. I was
saying then you opt out of the mailing. >> That's what I was mean. Usually those kind of go hand in hand. But >> so yeah, it's like I when you do a bill run it would kind of like I mean we could do that but then I'd have to have a list of who doesn't want.
>> No no that's that's defeating the purpose. >> It wouldn't Yeah. It wouldn't you know unfortunately >> Okay. >> Hey look, >> postage is a line item. >> I know. Yeah. Yeah, it is. But yeah, these people. >> So, we need to vote on the commitment >> on the commit accept the commitment.
>> The uh the quarterly billing for FI uh >> yeah, the third floor, right? 200 Y was $296,29921. >> I'll make a motion to accept the third quarter billing. >> Second that. >> We have a motion to accept the third
quarter billing. Has been seconded. Arthur. >> Hi, >> Scott. >> Hi. >> And I for myself. >> Thank you everyone. >> Thank you. >> Yep. >> Get that over. >> There's a couple pages.
>> Got it. >> That way we don't leave without it. >> I need >> not that we've ever done. is >> no >> it's too
>> I think that's your last >> so the we need a brief discussion regarding u waterworth um gentman >> before we start with that can you give us a quick definition
>> um so we had um was a consultant from waterwork >> waterwork Yeah. >> So, we got a cold call from, >> you know, a saleserson from Waterworth. >> Okay. >> And um we listen to their spiel and they have this slick program. It's all on the
cloud. So, we would give them all our data, all our um um usage >> usage >> for the past few years. >> Uh you give them, you know, your expenses, your anticipated expenses, your like your capital plans. They put
it all into this computer program they came up with and it'll spit out um recommended rates going forward. >> Um it's really slick. They look really nice. >> It's a big time saver. I'm guessing
>> it could be. Um the one of the drawbacks though is it's a annual subscription and what was the cost for >> um for the basic like I said we're you know how we're doing calculations. Yeah. >> And we're only looking at the basic
level. >> Yeah. Basic level for um you know user rates you know for future increases. And that was $5,000. Yeah. >> $5,000 per year. >> Well, what what exactly would the advantage be? So right now we're kind of struggling to
come up with a rate, >> right? And we're only kind of looking at one year with this. All the data is there. You know, they could forecast out future years, right? And and you can do different scenarios. You could say, well, we're going to do this capital
project in this year. And you know, and then it'll show you what the rate should be. And then you say, oh, maybe you change your mind. We're going to do that capital project two years out. Well, maybe we're going to do a big capital project and, you know, put the sewer down Chase Road. >> So, we're gonna have to take a little
bone for that. So, you could put in that. >> So, it's like kind of gives you that. Yeah. That um I guess that >> forecast >> forecast like we would still have to input the >> No, but it's giving you the the capital plan to >> we would be able to the projection >> backth
projects and Yeah. Yeah. >> My question is how you know how much is that actual taking our numbers and then adding maybe uh you know environmental um
>> incentives or green incentives in their processing? like are they using an algorithm that's that's or are they using something that adds more to um rate uh increase? What goes behind
it? the the ingredients behind the rate increase. Is it the same or is it something that they also they add something to it um that the state's trying to push that you know >> it sounded like it was only from the
data that we give >> right they don't have something that's added that's >> you know >> well no I I reading >> and you guys got the full presentation what I can pull off the web in and some reviews um of course they protect all
that stuff because it's they have proprietary data, but I mean they're also pulling surrounding towns rates. I mean, they just get a big um >> estimation, I guess,
>> anticipating guesses, but they're also doing a lot of the the budgeting with if they're planning out the capital expenses and and especially they're going to know when like our loans are coming off, when's going to be the next time that we should put in for another
big project or, you know, whatever. They can forecast it. And I love that stuff and you know, but when it comes down to it, the $5,000 you said was just a rate projection. I mean, is
he saying that that that level doesn't do like the capital plan? >> Yeah, that would be a different no with them projecting. Yeah. I'm saying so even to get their input >> right now the 5,000 would only them
calculating rates not the other little bells and whistles >> right but to calculate the rates they need that data right they need we're going to spend you know $100,000 next year $300,000 what I was saying is them coming back to you with it because then
like look when it comes to the IT and and ERP things on the financial software you Well, the one thing you have to ask yourself, does the $5,000 save you $5,000 in salary, >> right? In $500.
>> So, that's really what it comes down to. So, if they're saying it only does the rates, are you gaining any or freeing up hours or, you know, is are you getting $10,000 worth of salary saved by spending 5,000? So
that's, you know, the real usually the real uh question. What's it saving you on clicks and and just your time in front of a computer? >> Then there's another angle to it all, isn't there? Um, if we,
you know, we make our final decision on a rate, it's still based on estimations of of our own, if you will, >> right? Um, and I guess worst case scenario is we estimate too high. So,
what's the the question I guess could be how what's the effect on our customers? Um, I mean, if we're uh if we're a percent high or 2% high, it may not be that big a deal,
especially if you know the the following years. we certainly won't will take that into consideration for any future rates because the money's not going anywhere. Um whereas if it's likely that we're going
to be off by 5%. For everybody, that's I could see that potentially being worth it. I just don't expect us to be that far off, I guess, is what I'm wondering.
likelihood of being that far. >> I mean, I'm just thinking I'm throwing out spaghetti on the wall here. Just >> No, that's good. >> Yeah, you're right. If we go too high, people are going to get upset, right? >> Yeah. >> Obviously, that's not our goal. Of course. Right. But we can always just blame.
>> We're here to >> try and save everyone on and streamline the best we can, >> right? >> Yeah. So, will they do a better job forecasting rates than than we do? Yeah. Right. because they have the software. But like Scott said, is it worth $5,000?
>> And that's just for that, you know, and then is there more worth in um buying an upgraded plan? Like what do you gain from that? I mean, is it saving you? You know what I mean? So just here
here's the the the dumb math. You have 280 work hours a year and $5,000. So that's costing you $2.40. 40 cents an hour to use the software. So you kind of look at it like that. Is that going to take more off of
an employee time? You know what I mean? And and making that an easier process by this town loves the word outsource, right? Um >> outsourcing it does it free up more time. It doesn't, you know, because look, in this time with all the budgets
and everything you're talking about, what's killing, and I'll only say this town is the fact of your salaries. It's not the salaries, it's the cost of benefits that the town incurs. So, if you're paying somebody 70
grand, you're probably paying 60 and 40 to 60 in benefits. So, that's why they're such an outsource thing. So, if this is a minimal cost and we can get $15,000 worth of work out of it, then it
but only you guys would know what it's really going to free up. And you know, if you get the hard cell and a cold call, you know, these guys are they're just d giant database managers and um you
they're going to put all their variables in and and tell you what they think. There's no guarantees but >> of of rates and stuff but you know in the end it's what kind of times saver. Unfortunately in this day and age where
people say they don't like >> AI taking away jobs and stuff in in this sense it's coming in after the fact. You guys aren't hiring anyone else >> and so will this help the efficiency of your current staff?
>> You could ask them that question. Well, well, no, they're gonna say they're gonna say, >> but I'm talking about they have to figure out if what you guys are spending and I know I know with Bill's time spend uh putting together the you haven't seen
the his full electronic spreadsheet yet. It's pretty good. But, uh yeah, the he you know, he's the plug-andplay, but how much time, you know, are you guessing on calculations and guessing growth? um is
it going to save >> time? Because $5,000 is quite frankly a fraction of your salary if you are the one that is doing this. So that now it depends if it's somebody else it's hourly. Now it's taking overtime
away. Uh uh so it's saving rates on overtime which makes it even more valuable. So >> right. So we asked them you know who around us is using it. And it turns out the Lunberg water district just signed up with them
>> in the town of Conquered. So we have connections in both places. So I haven't been able to reach out to either yet, but >> yeah, >> that I think that's my next step is talk to those two and see how it's helping them. >> Yeah. And if it is or Yeah. Yeah.
>> Yeah. There's not a ton of towns that have the separate full separate water and sewer. So maybe they give you the uh the buddy deal, the baggage deal. You know, if you're already here, >> is that rate going to go up? You know, you know,
>> I would be curious. >> They gave us options for that. We could go with like a fiveyear plan and it it brings it down a little bit per year. >> Yeah. I wouldn't suggest that more than one. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> One year, right?
Is this a uh New England company? Is this a national company? >> They are a national. >> Now, where would the ask be in here? Is this in your ex? I mean, this is a new ask and the budget's already proposed. So, where do you even Is this something
you're putting out to next year? Like, that's what I'm saying. where >> cuz we're already working on this year. So I would think that if we're going to do it, we'd have to incorporate it for FY28, but >> and that gives us time to >> it would give time for the other towns and see how
>> well and I'm sure water's not coming on board with it tomorrow, you know. >> Yeah, it sounds like >> they're probably a year out into it. >> Yeah. before they see it benefited. >> Um, yeah, I mean it's just it's hard to research that stuff because they keep it
so tight, but if you guys have the access and stuff, you can start >> asking for uh sample reports and stuff like that and see if >> if you can tie it into what you're already having to do, you know what I mean? Like
>> it's it's you're paying $2.40 an hour for Yeah. for work hours when you look at it that way. So, is that going to save you that uh you know because all whatever you put it in your budget and
the the town's looking at it, the the people are looking at it as just an increased cost. So, you're going to have to show them >> if it's if it's a three-fold saving, it's almost a no-brainer, but you're still going to sell the five grand, right? um or whatever the increased
level is. So, >> I mean only, you know, we can and we as a commission can look at it all day, but realistically it comes down to you guys if it's >> going to be help helpful um for you
>> or they're going to put you out of a job. You don't want to do that. So, >> it's not going to do that. >> Yeah. Good. >> But that's what I'm saying. Like there's not the AI back. This is to you're using this instead of hiring somebody else right now. You're trying to alleviate the workload so somebody can
>> either you can cut some of your your labor cost of overtime or you know which nobody really wants to see but in the end it >> does. You'd be happy to know I don't I don't actually get overtime. >> Well, no, but that's what I'm saying. I
didn't know who it affected. So that that's what I'm saying. So now you know are you better served you know working more of the functionality with munice and stuff you know what I mean of getting worked out of that you know what I mean
so it's just stuff like that there's other projects that you're probably your skill set's probably >> being wasted you know >> but doing a couple clicks when you could be you know working on another project
or even like the venom maintenance stuff, you know. So, that's >> But in the end, I don't want this five grand to take away from >> the big capital, you know, plans. Would I rather have the aging lines replaced than pumps? Yeah. You know, so
>> of course, of course, >> that's what I'm saying. It's just it's that double-edged sword. And some people just see, >> you know, oh, you're going to increase 16 grand and I'm sorry, 16% and you want to
>> charge five grand. >> Let's um let's let's go with the plan and have Bill reach out to Graten and Conquer and maybe >> yeah, more information >> another one if you know about it and just get their point of view. >> My experience is they will give you
sample reports. >> So >> I think they did. Yeah, but I'm saying that only you guys are going to be able to know if those are going to tie into what you're already doing cuz you're not trying to reinvent the wheel. You're just trying to streamline your process, right? >> Um
>> All right. Um and this will certainly be something to put on a future agenda. >> Absolutely. Yeah. >> Excellent. Um, so next on our agenda, we've got the sewer bylaw tieins to talk
about and what are some of the specifics there? We have food. >> So when I don't think we have to really address anything I well not anything but um I'm not sure because I did remember like I said that was a discussion that we had in December um in in November um
with the verbiage of um >> yeah we have to get address specific but I'm not sure if we >> if we really need to do we want to really put address specific because it does >> I thought it was already there. it it's already there kind of there if you read
it as to um you know connections to different buildings a separate and independent um building shall be provided you know our sewer system shall be provided to each building so I mean that's address >> but I also thought it was
>> we were you know that was I believe Dan had proposed that or whatever but I think what there was there was something that tied into more of our discretion of >> but I don't remember if we wanted to talk to town council about it.
>> The verbage was supposed to be simple and direct, right? To >> to avoid to avoid >> somebody coming in and and um trying to finagle the bank >> trying to sue trying around it. >> Yeah. It was because Dan said something
that simple >> address specific I think was the verb. >> Yeah. He if you had he wanted the tie in on which look I agree with it if we can do it you know >> the tie in on the street I mean of course >> right
>> there's the exceptions of if they're not in the sewer district you know >> right they're already there >> there's nothing we can do >> which would be kind of >> case by case but it be a very interesting argument if you like the you
know the one we were talking about uh here but but That's in No, no, but that's in our district. I'm talking about if we had we were on that very edge and >> the new stuff was going with a possible connection, but it wasn't in our
>> overall expansion plan or or what? Yeah. However, it's worded. >> Okay. >> The public sewer zone. I don't what we even call it. I don't even know. It's still weird to me that it's not the whole town, but that's
>> it's the curlage. >> Um >> it's the curlage of it. >> But yeah. Um so I mean I I don't know. Do we have to go >> running by the town council, you know, >> and then go back on our notes and see
what >> would be in the minute. >> Yeah. In the minute >> what we said for the verbiage. >> Yeah. Um would you be able to get just a little anecdote from that uh for the next meeting? >> Yep. Yep. No, absolutely. Okay.
>> Well, yeah, because at the same time we have to work on the verbiage for the warrant. >> Yeah. And we're not so Yeah. >> We're not done discussing the >> They still doing it? >> What's that? >> They still want to build it? >> Oh. Um >> do we hear anything, M?
>> We haven't, but I'm sure they will. >> Yeah, we haven't heard anything. We have a >> we have a continuing discussion regarding people um tying in from their >> oh >> from a road that they're connected to
versus >> getting um >> oh the easements >> the easement right >> situation but beyond that >> we believe we wanted to we wanted to sort of force people's hand to
>> No But I think it was >> I thought there was a followup to >> we had denied an application but we were warning we were asking about does it set precedent but >> it doesn't because they said there's
something with the wording that every hearing or decision is a case by case individual basis and that's where I think we were I think that's where it came where we were covered on the address that's what it came in we people to tie in with >> Dan was Dan was the one that was really
you know on that so he may remember >> but we can go back that was probably >> we meetings ago >> end of November is maybe >> yeah no >> shouldn't be too hard to find >> I know it's not very >> easy and then um
um if if everyone's all set there >> um we do need to talk about uh what's left of our winter meeting times. >> Okay. >> And uh through May um
and so the thought was uh to change our inerson meetings uh regularly from 7:00 p.m. to 6 p.m. >> Well, that worked out well. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I was in my driveway going, "Okay, I'm just going to rest before the meeting."
>> I have if if that if that's more convenient for everyone. Okay. >> All right. >> I live five minutes away. >> Yeah. >> How does it work for you then? >> No, I I came in once I hung up. I was here. And the thought process on that is um because as we know our director's
>> fairly busy with a lot of the other you know um >> committees and everything else that works on >> and and commute wise um you know and everything I feel as though it would make um >> life a little bit better for
>> our director. I'm fine with it. So basically let's get it to >> our regular meeting times are just going to be 6 p.m. >> Right. So, we'll just for the foreseeable >> be a little bit easier to remember if we keep it all the same anyway. >> Yeah. 6 p.m. Um and then um
>> Yeah. And then if we, you know, we want to revert back or it doesn't work once, but >> hey, we can talk about it in May. >> Yeah, we can talk about it then. >> Yeah, you'll be busy then and you might be out of town. >> I'm out of town a lot now. I'm working in New Hampshire.
>> All right. notice. Uh >> yeah, >> I'm in uh work mode here, >> but I made it. >> But it is what it is. I mean, meeting nights isn't every night. So, >> right. >> Um >> and I'm on board with six o'clock
meetings. It's kind of nice to >> Okay. >> I mean, they still have the Zoom option if somebody wasn't >> correct. was falling behind. So, >> I know Dan's not here to chime in on that. Um, but you've discussed a little bit. We've talked about it a little bit
before, didn't we? >> Uh, ju just in just like a little bit. It's not very uh not >> Do you ever get any feedback from Dan on that? >> Um, I don't think so. I don't think I I don't think I've mentioned it to Dan. Um, so, >> but I mean, we're all on board. So, we
can >> Do we have to vote on this or >> um It would be a vote. Yes, because it is changing our commission times in general. So, >> Okay. Um, >> I'll make a motion to change our meeting times to 6 p.m. in person. Sorry. Well,
I mean, yes, our in person meeting times to 6 p.m. >> I second that. >> All right, we've got a motion. It's been seconded. Arthur, >> Scott, >> I. >> And I for myself. >> Thank you, gentlemen. Um, and now we're looking
uh to scan over our future agenda items, which a lot of them have already been covered. Um along of course with whatever the uh director and manager need to add. Of course. >> Um
you gentlemen uh commissioners can you think of anything else that needs to be >> future agenda? I would >> future agenda items. I don't know if this is more under no because I guess I could >> ask here um where we have potential
and we're still looking for volunteers and everything but where we have the um uh at least the potential of one coming on board at this point. Is it I understand that the town, you know,
could make an exception and add them. Do we have this person go to the caucus and get on the ballot >> at this point? >> Just waited. >> It might be a faster >> process process than it seems to be >> in the past.
>> I mean, it's it puts us a few months out, but when is the actual I forget when is the town vote for >> the town election? Sorry. >> Oh, yeah. you know, to get on the ball.
Is it like July or is this >> I don't remember. >> I believe it's May. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah, you're right. Because the commission starts July. >> Yeah. >> And then Yeah, we got to talk to you too. So, >> because I think your Oh, there you go.
Right there. So, your commission's expiring the finally I might not be here >> considering moving. So, >> really? >> Yeah. Considering Florida. So >> that's all right. You're not going in the summer. So
>> might be happening pretty quickly. >> All right. All right. Let us know. >> I got to not I'm dragging you down to the caucus. >> Hit my lips. >> That's how I feel after this, >> you know. And that was it. I was like, what tastes so good when it hits your lips, you know. >> All right, then.
Uh without further ado, um we could talk about old business, but that's generally been covered already. Um and then if there's any public comment or comment from uh commissioners or staff, we'll be talk about future
meetings. >> No. Um, well, I guess I would just put it out there to the public that if you want to weigh in on our um rate potential rate increase that our next meeting would be the time to do that. >> That's excellent. >> That is good.
>> Which is our next meeting is >> Well, I'm going to announce that. >> Well, I know, but I was just trying to follow up. >> February 24th. >> There we go. >> So, our upcoming schedule for sewer commission activities, uh, our next one will be February 24th. Uh there's going
to be a Zoom at 6 PM. Um following that, we have uh um our first uh official 6 p.m. inperson meeting here at the DBW building on March 10th. And then March 31st,
uh 2026 would be 6 p.m. Zoom meeting. And then April 14th would be our regular hybrid meeting here at the DPW building. Um 14th of April at 6 p.m. >> My birthday
14th we can have a sewer cake. Yeah 16 meeting >> without further ado. Um >> yeah but >> would anyone like to >> I'll make a motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> All right. We've got a motion to adjurnn. It's been seconded. Uh, I'll start with Arthur again.
>> Hi, >> Scott. >> Hi. >> And I for myself. Good evening, Lunberg. Thank you for your time.