Barnstable Free Press

Patrick-Murray Federal Stimulus Spending Sucks the Life Out of Barnstable

Spending for "green Infrastructure" benefits wealthy lake front owners and commercial property owners.  Everyone else loses.

I'm starting to have serious doubts that Federal Recovery Act Funds will have any meaningful impact on the health, welfare, and pocketbooks of the citizenry of our State. If what we're seeing in Barnstable is considered "stimulus," leave my name off the list. I want no part of it.

Increases in household debt will not stimulate our local economy.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray and state environmental officials announced $185 million dollars in spending yesterday to finance more than 127 statewide drinking water and waste water infrastructure projects that will protect the environment and the public health.

According to a press release by the Lieutenant Governor's office:

“This is great news for cities and towns across the Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor Murray. “Our water infrastructure needs are significant and this funding will go a long way in helping municipalities make important upgrades to their systems.  My sincere thanks to our Congressional delegation for including this funding in the stimulus bill and for their great work on behalf of the Commonwealth.”

“These projects are vital to the health and vitality of communities here in Massachusetts and across the country,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “Federal funds will help write down the total cost of the capital projects for cities and towns, create jobs and, with the energy investments they also make possible, reduce the cost of operating the new treatment plants. Massachusetts spearheaded this approach, and the Recovery Act has taken this program nationwide.”

“EPA is part of the solution in these challenging times. Massachusetts has been a leader in creating green jobs that grow the economy and benefit the environment, and today’s grants build on that work,” said EPA Administrator Jackson. “Keeping the water supply clean and safe for millions of people will bring new jobs and opportunities to Massachusetts communities. Protecting our health and the environment is a great way to put people to work and build a new foundation for prosperity.”

See Press Release: PATRICK-MURRAY ADMINISTRATION RECEIVES $185M IN FEDERAL RECOVERY ACT FUNDS FOR WATER TREATMENT PROJECTS

So tell me, what's so green about sewering the vacation homes of wealthy property owners along the shores of Lake Wequaquet and Long Pond?

$30 million was awarded to Barnstable to partially finance a $69,587,000 Sewer Extension and Hyannis WPCF Improvements.

See: http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/wastewater/09cwiup.pdf

This program will cost homeowners in and around Lake Wequaquet and Long Pond an estimated $30,000 in betterment fees. This shouldn't be a problem, if you own a $1 million dollar second home on the water. But, what about the folks living on fixed incomes in the surrounding area? Can they afford an extra $300 a month? How will this spending stimulate their household discretionary spending, if they live on a fixed income?

An additional $13 million will be spent on Hyannis Water Supply System Improvements.

Hyannis has the highest unemployment rate on the Cape and the third highest foreclosure rate in the state. Do you truly believe that a $100 increase in utility bills is going to help homeowners in Hyannis?

The primary beneficiary of this $13 million dollars in stimulus spending will be commercial property owners who will receive lower insurance costs in exchange for making upgrades to their commercial sprinkler systems.

What's so green about a commercial sprinkler system upgrade?

Residents of the Stewarts Creek area of Hyannis will be have new water pipes and sewers installed. They are on the hook for a $30,000 sewer connection fee, ongoing sewage processing fees of up to $800 a year and a 25% increase in their water rates.

They are just plan screwed.

How do any of these so-called loans stimulate the economy?

Twenty-six percent of Barnstable's residents are over the age of 65 years old. Many of these residents are living on fixed incomes. They will be hard pressed to pay betterments and increased utility charges. They will cut back on daily expenses and pay more and more of their limited income to the town foregoing purchases with local business owners.

If there is a stiumulus here, I don't see it.

We're trading a temporary boost in construction for a 20 year drain on household income.

What's in a name?

Shouldn't this notice read: Hyannis Water Supply Division

NEW BUSINESS (Refer to Public Hearing June 4, 2009) (Roll-call)
BARNSTABLE TOWN COUNCIL - ITEM# 2009-113
INTRO: 05/07/09

2009-113 APPROPRIATION ORDER TO FUND THE FY10 DPW WATER SUPPLY ENTERPRISE FUND BUDGET

ORDERED, That the sum of $2,731,839 be appropriated for the purpose of funding the Town's FY 2010 Department of Public Works Water Supply Enterprise Fund budget as presented to the Town Council by the Town Manager, and to meet such appropriation that $2,731,839 be raised from current year revenues by the water supply operations.

SPONSOR: Town Manager John C. Klimm

Between Deb Krau and Mark Ells we'll never get clean drinkable water in Hyannis.

Do you remember voting for Deb Krau?

Since when is it "her" Water Board

The Barnstable Patriot published a brief description of a recent Barnstable Planning Board Meeting which included a description of Deb Krau's effort to extort $700,000 from Stu Bornstein for "fire-suppression."

Heather Wysocki wrote for the Patriot:

The Barnstable Planning Board closed its hearing on developer Stuart Bornstein’s proposed five-story, 132-room Hilton Garden Hotel, but held off taking a final vote on the project’s fate.

With the close of the public hearing April 27, the planning board must now decide whether to forward the project to the Barnstable Town council for final approval. Under the Growth Incentive Zone, the planning board negotiates the terms of regulatory agreements, but the town council has final say. 

Deb Krau, chairman of the Hyannis Water Board, said her board concluded that the project will cause a deficit in fire department water needs for the area. That’s contrary to opinions offered by Bornstein’s engineers and Hyannis Fire Department Deputy Chief Dean Melanson.

Water system improvements to accommodate the hotel’s needs would run about $700,000, according to Krau.

Planning board member Paul Curley said that cost shouldn’t be put on a single developer.

“I don’t think it’s fair to ask him to pay the whole thing,” he said. Bornstein has maintained that he would be willing to pay his share for future improvements to the area.

See: Public hearing closes on proposed Bornstein hotel

I find it curious that Deb Krau would over-rule the opinion of Hyannis Fire Department Deputy Chief Dean Melanson on a question of fire suppression.

John Julius commented on Ms. Krau's appearance at the Planning Board on CapeCog.com. He wrote in part:

Mrs. Krau was a JOKE! Does anyone doubt that the Town Manager sent her in there? The planning Board worked their rear ends off on all this for the past YEAR and all of a sudden in walks GOD, the Hyannis Water board.

Look folks, these water Board folks are nothing more than KLIMM HACK APPOINTEES who have no clue about ANYTHING, let alone running a GD water company! This is pitiful!

We've long heard the laments of Town Manager on the issue of "traffic." Is "fire suppression" the new buzz word from Town Hall. Or, was Krau's performance at the Planning Board a warm up for her pending request for a $130 a year in "fire suppression" fee from Hyannis Water ratepayers?

I believe that Ms. Krau seriously overstepped her mandate in this appearance before the Planning Board. I find this performance no less appalling than former Town Council President Janet Joakim's appearance before the Zoning Board of Appeals on behalf of "family" interests.

It is not the purview of the Water Board to align itself with Town Hall on development issues.

Krau has previously stated that the Water Board is "reserving" water capacity for a "planned" hotel in the downtown area.  When this plan emerges from a figment of John Klimm's imagination, will Klimm's Hotel be asked to pay a similar "fire suppression" fee by the UNELECTED Chairperson of the Hyannis Water Board.

I think not.

What's good for Dennis isn't good enough for Hyannis

Billy Bob Mills has a passion for local politics - everywhere except Hyannis.

Regarding the recent water commissioner election in Dennis, Cape Cod Times editoral pooh-ba Billy Bob Mills wrote:

Local politics at its best

People will get out and vote when they believe their pocketbook is on the line. The threat of higher water fees and taxes for anticipated sewering projects in parts of Dennis brought 2,500 people to the polls Wednesday as two candidates vied for a water commissioner seat. The last water district election, uncontested, drew 61.

The victor, Peter McDowell, made an issue of all the Crowell family names in the water department, but everybody knew that was a red herring. McDowell, former town moderator and finance committee member, is a tight-fisted, anti-tax government watchdog who doesn't believe in many feel-good environmental causes. He says he hasn't seen evidence of pollution that would require sewering.

One thing's for sure district meetings should be more interesting. The two other commissioners, Paul Prue and Charles F. Crowell, both signed their names to a political ad endorsing the losing candidate, Brad Crowell, and praising his "positive, can-do attitude."

Too bad, we don't have a "tight-fisted, anti-tax government watchdog" on our unelected Hyannis Water Board.

In recent weeks, Hyannis Water Board spending has included $1,050,000 for pipe replacement on South Street; $200,000 to upgrade Hyannis water supply wells; and an additonal $416,000 for a rate study, repairs to one of the system’s water towers and a water quality study.

Your rates are going up another 8.7% in July.

Over the next ten years, your water rates will more than double.

Munafool gives away 10% of water district revenue

How much more will we have to pay for our water?

I suffered through the April 16th Town Council meeting on tape. It is infuriating to view such total incompetence.

I do appreciate Greg Milne's effort to get clarification on our rates.

On March 19th, I was told that the rate increase would be 5.75%. Thanks to Greg's proding we learned that the rate increase would be much more.

James Munafool did all that he could to prevent this discussion from occurring. See for yourself what a fool he really is on this video:

Find more videos like this on Cape Cod Living

What shocked me was the revelation that Muanfo made a deal with the Hyannis Fire District which allowed them to transfer $225,000 in expenses from their fire district to the water district.

Munafool did this WITHOUT asking for any reduction in the Fire District levy.

You are now paying for fire protection THREE times. You are paying your insurance company. You are paying the fire district. AND, SOON YOU WILL BE PAYING YOUR WATER DISTRICT for fire readiness.

30-40% of a water districts expenses are for fire readiness. Get ready to bend over, because Deb Krau is going to stick it to us on this one. Watch. She'll use this opportunity to raise rates more than 10%.

Our water rates have increased 50% since the Town acquired the Barnstable Water company in 2005. Our rates will increase another 8.75% in July. And, they will need to increase another 10% - 20% to compensate for the loss of revenue from the Fire Districts.

The Fire District has a split tax. The Water District doesn't. Munafool's maneuver transferred the cost of fire readiness from the HFD to home owners.  In effect, Munafool threw us all under the bus to give his friends in business yet another subsidy at the expense of the Hyannis homeowners.

Munafool just gave away your money.

Do we really need a new water tower?

Hyannis Water has more consultants than you can shake a stick at. You might as well read what they have to say.

We're about to spend $3.5 - $4.5 million on a NEW water tower. Read this report and tell me where is says that Mary Dunn 1 Water storage Tank NEEDS to be replaced.

See: Hyannis Water System: Inspection, assessment and recommendations of the Mary Dunn 1 Water Storage Tank - June 2008

The Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc. report provides an overview of the recommended maintenance schedules and an explanation for why we had a boil-water notice in 2007. They wrote:

The need for this assessment arises from the events, which occurred On Saturday November 10, 2007. On this day, the Hyannis Water System issued a boil-order for all their customers. Repeat coliform samples taken at the Mary Dunn 1 Water Storage Tank had come back confirmed with E-coli. By chlorinating the water storage tank and the entire distribution system together with daily consecutive coliform sampling the Department of Environmental Protection lifted the order on Monday November 12, 2007. The bacteria detections were contained to the tank and were never detected in the distribution system.

The need for the issuance of the boil order was based on the fact that the Hyannis Water System has only two water storage tanks, one of them was off line for repair, and the Hyannis Fire Department requirements regarding fire fighting capacity combined with pump control and SCADA issues meant that the Mary Dunn 1 Water Storage Tank could not be isolated.

At this point the large water storage tank, Mary Dunn 2, is repaired and back in service. The small water storage tank, Mary Dunn 1 was taken off line in December 2007, emptied, cleaned and field inspected. This report consists of a thorough inspection and assessment of all tank components, a repair and capital improvement plan for the tank and a water storage tank management plan for the Hyannis Water System.

Starting on page 24 is the Merithew, Inc. Tank Inspection Report which includes pictures of the tank and a detailed listing of required repairs.

If you've never seen the inside of a water tank, take a look.

We're paying Whitewater to manage our water system. We're paying Weston & Sampson to tell us how to maintain our water system. And, we're paying Merithew to tell us what repairs need to be made.

Does anyone who works for Hyannis Water know what they are doing?

Can you say Water District Consolidation?

Town Manager John Klimm fails to post Hyannis Water Rate Increases

How much are you paying for your water come July 1^st?

The Hyannis Water System is broke. Every one out of ten homes in Hyannis is vacant, in foreclosure or bank owned. 15% of last years revenue is past due or in collection.

Despite annual rate increases 2x - 3x times the rate of inflation and a doubling of minimum service fees, water system revenue is stagnant and unable to support the aggressive pipe replacement program planned for downtown by the Town Manager.

In a desperate gambit to raise rates even further, the Hyannis Water Board intends to institute a "fire readiness change" to pay for fire hydrant maintenance. Previously, the Hyannis Fire Department covered this cost. Since HFD refused to pay a rental fee for these fire hydrants, water rates payers are being asked to pick up the tab.

This item is on the Town Council agenda next week to justify the imposition of yet another new rate increase for Hyannis Water ratepayers:

ITEM# 2009-082
INTRO: 03/19/09, 04/16/09
2009-082 APPROPRIATION FOR COST STUDY - HYANNIS WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM

ORDERED: That the sum of $48,000 be appropriated for the purpose of funding the Cost of Service and Rate Structure Analysis for the Hyannis Water Supply System; and to meet this appropriation that $48,000 be transferred from the mitigation funds received by the Town from the MTBE lawsuit; and that the Town Manager is authorized to contract for and expend the appropriation made available for this purpose and be authorized to accept any grants or gifts in relation thereto, subject to the approval of the Town Council.

ANALYSIS: This cost of service study and rate structure analysis is needed to provide the Hyannis Water Board with accurate information and professional expertise relative to expenses for operations, debt service and capital plan and properly choose a rate structure to support these expenses in a way that is justifiable, equitable and fair to all of the rate payers of the Hyannis Water System.

SPONSOR: Town Manager

How much is too much?

A month ago I went before the Town Council to comment on a number of appropriations for the Hyannis Water System. I expressed my concern that Town Manager John Klimm intended to increase water rates by 8.7% in July.

I was assured that this was not the case. Well then, maybe someone should explain to me how this bond will be paid:

OLD BUSINESS (Public Hearing) (Roll-call 2/3)
BARNSTABLE TOWN COUNCIL
ITEM# 2009-097
INTRO: 03/19/09, 04/16/09
2009-097 APPROPRIATION-& LOAN ORDER - HYANNIS WATER SYSTEM

ORDERED: That the sum of $1,050,000 be appropriated for the purpose of funding the pipe replacement and upgrade program for the Hyannis Water System as outlined in the FY 2010 - FY 2014 Capital Improvement Plan as recommended by the Town Manager; and that to meet this appropriation, the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Town Manager, is authorized to borrow $1,050,000, and that the Town Manager is authorized to contract for and expend the appropriation made available for these purposes and be authorized to accept any grants or gifts in relation thereto, subject to the approval of the Town Council.

SPONSOR: Town Manager

If the water system is broke and rates are NOT increasing by 8.7%, how are we going to pay for this bond?

Finance Director Mark Milne has previously stated that a 3% increase in water rates over and above the annual 5.7% increases would be required to fund a $1 million a year in pipe replacement program.

I didn't go to Barnstable High School, but I learned that 5.7% + 3.0% = 8.75%.

Last night, some anonymous jerk from Centerville stopped by to say that "we don't want nor have we ever asked what you think about this town."

That's too bad, because in ten years, the average Hyannis Water bill will equal your property tax bill. If this isn't mismanagement I don't what you call it.

Now I RECALL why everyone thinks James Munafo Jr. is an idiot

Who do you think Munafo represents? It isn't our neighborhood.

Hyannis is getting hammered. We have one of the highest foreclosure rates in the State. The official unemployment rate for Barnstable County is 11%. In our neighborhood, it is twice that amount. Every one in five homes in my neighborhood is vacant, for sale or bank owned.

And, what is Munafo's respond to this crisis?

Munafo wants to raise your water rates another 8.75% on top the 100% increase we've already endured.

James Munafo, Jr. was NO WHERE to be seen last November when Town Manager John Klimm authorized a 8.75% increase for Hyannis Water:

Find more videos like this on Cape Cod Living

In authorizing this increase the Town Manager did leave us some wiggle room.

On the official notification of the rate increase, I found this footnote:

The water usage rates are hereby increased by 5.75%*, as identified above, effective as of July 1, 2009. An additional 3% water usage rate increase (for a total rate increase of 8.75 %**) has been deemed necessary in order to fund pressing capital projects. The Town Manager is aggressively seeking additional revenues from grants and development mitigation funds to be earmarked for the Hyannis Water Division to cover those capital projects. However, if by April 1, 2009, such funds have not been obtained, a water usage rate increase of 8.75%** as indicated above, shall become effective as of July 1, 2009 and the Town Manager shall publish a notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the Town of Barnstable of said water usage rate increase.

See: http://www.town.barnstable.ma.us/TownManager/FeeChanges09/FeeIncreasesFY09-FY103_2.pdf

Last night, Town Council started what will be a month long spending spree for Hyannis Water.

We'll be starting DESIGN work on a new water tower, new pipes for South Street, a rate study and a water quality study. The work will be underwritten by a recent settlement of $3.3 million dollars. In my mind, this settlement can be considered "additional revenues."

With all this money flowing into the water company, no one thought to ask for a reduction in the rate increase - until last night.

I hammered the Council on the rate increase, on their new collection program and on their plans to fund the design of a water tower without a rate study in place.

Munafo criticized my every suggestion. Munafo voted to place a lien on your home if you fall behind on your water bill and Munafo objected to the Town Manager's unilaterally decision to reduce rates in response to public comment.

John Klimm took pity on us last night.

Although we do not as yet have official confirmation, Town Manager John Klimm indicated at Town Meeting that the rate increase would be rolled back from 8.75% to 5.75%.

Munafo protested. He doesn't give a damn how much we pay for our water.

There is no pity in Munafo's heart. Now I RECALL why everyone thinks he's an idiot.

It's all about the water

Town Council votes tomorrow on a range of Hyannis Water appropriations which will double your water rates - again!

The Town Council will be voting on a range of appropriations tomorrow which will cast the die for Hyannis Water for the next ten years. If you think your water bill is high now...wait.

It will get a lot worse. You can expect your rates to double.

The only three private citizens who have looked at any of the recommendations which will be before Town Council are Deb Krau, Peter Cross and Skip Simpson. And, Skip doesn't even live in Hyannis.

As I have mentioned previously, Tom Holmes never seems to attend the once a month meetings and the CFAC does not have oversight of Enterprise Accounts. I've tried in vain to request information from the water division two years. All I get is blank looks and cow eyes.

The Town is moving forward with an accelerated build out of a new water tower and a reconstruction of the water main along South Street. This is being done despite the fact that the rate structure in place does not support an expansion of the system AND the water at several wells is in poor condition - especially at the Straightway well.

No effort has been made to DESIGN a town-wide water system despite the fact that THREE storage tanks are currently planned or under construction. No coordinated water quality study has been ordered to consider a "consolidation" of water operations within the Town of Barnstable.

Every expenditure you see listed below will be misspent and your rates will have to double to support this folly.

2009-070 Amend General Ordinances, DPW, Water Supply Division

BACKGROUND: The Hyannis Water Board and Department of Public Works have worked through a variety of issues related to the Hyannis Water System since the acquisition in May 2005. One of the issues is the collection of past due water service fees from delinquent customers. By the adoption of this order to amend the Town’s general ordinance the DPW Water Supply Division would be enabled to collect these delinquent water service fees via the lien process currently in place and used by the DPW Water Pollution Control Division.

2009-072 APPROPRIATION & TRANSFER ORDER FOR THE HYANNIS WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM

ORDERED, That the sum of $378,000 be appropriated for the purposes of funding the preliminary design of a new water storage tank within the water distribution system for the Hyannis Water Supply System; and to meet this appropriation that $378,000 be transferred from the mitigation funds received by the Town from the MTBE lawsuit; and that the Town Manager is authorized to contract for and expend the appropriation made available for this purpose and be authorized to accept any grants or gifts in relation thereto.

BACKGROUND: The Hyannis Water Board and Department of Public Works have prioritized the design, permitting, and construction of a new 1.25 MG water storage tank as one of two prioritized capital improvement recommendations of the Hyannis Water System Master Plan completed in April 2007. The findings of this master planning study concurred with the earlier findings of the SEA Consultants Inc. March 2004 Capital Equipment and Infrastructure Review. This request is for funding to proceed with the preliminary design of the water tower. The remainder of the design/permit funding has been included in the FY 2010 budget as a Capital Improvement Project request.

2009-082 Appropriation – Hyannis Water Supply service study costs

2009-082 APPROPRIATION FOR COST STUDY - HYANNIS WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM
ORDERED: That the sum of $48,000 be appropriated for the purposes of funding the Cost of Service and Rate Structure Analysis for the Hyannis Water Supply System; and to meet this appropriation that $48,000 be transferred from the mitigation funds received by the Town from the MTBE lawsuit; and that the Town Manager is authorized to contract for and expend the appropriation made available for this purpose and be authorized to accept any grants or gifts in relation thereto.

BACKGROUND: The Hyannis Water Board and Department of Public Works have prioritized the Cost of Service Study and Rate Structure Analysis for the Hyannis Water System. The findings of this study will guide the Hyannis Water Board to provide recommended rates and fees for fiscal year 2011 and beyond.

ANALYSIS: This cost of service study and rate structure analysis is needed to provide the Hyannis Water Board with accurate information and professional expertise relative to expenses for operations, debt service and capital plan and properly choose a rate structure to support these expenses in a way that is justifiable, equitable and fair to all of the rate payers of the Hyannis Water System.

2009-083 Appropriation water main upgrade design

ORDERED: That the sum of $190,000 be appropriated for the purposes of funding the preliminary design and final design of an water main upgrade from the Maher Treatment Plant on Old Yarmouth Road through South Street for the Hyannis Water System; and to meet this appropriation that $190,000 be transferred from the mitigation funds received by the Town from the MTBE lawsuit; and that the Town Manager is authorized to contract for and expend the appropriation made available for this purpose and be authorized to accept any grants or gifts in relation thereto.

BACKGROUND: The Hyannis Water Board and Department of Public Works have prioritized the design, permitting and construction of this water main upgrade as one of two prioritized capital improvement recommendations of the Hyannis Water System Master Plan completed in April 2007. This request is for funding to proceed with the preliminary design and final design of the water main upgrade.

ANALYSIS: The fire flow tests performed for the Insurance Services Office in 2007 and the Hydraulic Study Results identified deficient fire flows in the down town Hyannis area. This project is needed to improve these fire flows.

2009-084 Appropriation for repair of the Hyannis Water Supply water tank

ORDERED: That the sum of $33,000 be appropriated for the purposes of funding the recommended repairs on the Mary Dunn 1 Water Storage Tank for the Hyannis Water System; and to meet this appropriation that $33,000 be transferred from the mitigation funds received by the Town from the MTBE lawsuit; and that the Town Manager is authorized to contract for and expend the appropriation made available for this purpose and be authorized to accept any grants or gifts in relation thereto.

BACKGROUND: The Hyannis Water Board and Department of Public Works have prioritized the repairs to the Mary Dunn 1 Water Storage Tank for the Hyannis Water System. The June 2008 tank inspection report by Weston & Sampson recommended a variety of repairs to be done within the first year. This request is for funding to proceed with these repairs.

ANALYSIS: These repairs are needed to help ensure the safety and reliability of the Hyannis Water System for their rate payers.

2009-085 Appropriation - water quality study

ORDERED: That the sum of $145,000 be appropriated for the purposes of funding the Water Quality Study for the Hyannis Water Supply System; and to meet this appropriation that $145,000 be transferred from the mitigation funds received by the Town from the MTBE lawsuit; and that the Town Manager is authorized to contract for and expend the appropriation made available for this purpose and be authorized to accept any grants or gifts in relation thereto.

BACKGROUND: The Hyannis Water Board and Department of Public Works have prioritized the Water Quality Study for the Hyannis Water System. The findings of this study will provide recommendations and guide the Hyannis Water Board and the Department of Public Works relative to all issues related to water quality within the water system and will provide a structured and prioritized Operational and Capital Improvement Plan.

ANALYSIS: This water quality study is needed to provide the Hyannis Water Board and the Department of Public Works with accurate water quality testing, assessment and professional expertise relative to operations, water treatment options and requirements, capital improvements with cost estimates and the required adjustments in the Hyannis Water System Master Plan.

2009-086 AN ORDINANCE TO WAIVE WATER TOWER CONSTRUCTION FEES

ORDERED, That not withstanding the provisions of any other ordinance of the Town regarding Schedules of Fees, water tower construction project(s) shall hereby be exempt from payment of such fees.

BACKGROUND: For the good of the public water system three new water towers will need to be built over the next several years including one in Cotuit, one in Centerville and one in Hyannis.

All three of these projects require what is known as a controlled build which requires a state licensed professional to oversee the construction of each tower consonant with and reflective of the requirements of Massachusetts General Laws.
Due to the stringent oversight requirement, there will be minimal inspection requirements by town personnel.

ANALYSIS: The aspects of this request for fee waiver have been vetted with Thomas Geiler, Director, Regulatory Affairs, who has approved of this request.

2009-090 Appropriation-Water Supply Enterprise Fund Capital Improvement Plan $200,000

ORDERED, That the sum of $200,000 be appropriated for the purpose of funding a continuing program of repairing and upgrading water supply wells, treatment plants and pump stations owned by the Town as outlined in the FY 2010 - FY 2014 Capital Improvement Plan as recommended by the Town Manager; and that to meet this appropriation, that $200,000 be transferred from available funds within the Water Supply Reserve Fund, and that the Town Manager is authorized to contract for and expend the appropriation made available for this purpose and be authorized to accept any grants or gifts in relation thereto.

No analysis was offered for this expenditure.

And, no effort has been made to develop a long term vision for our Town's most precious resource - potable water.

John Klimm and his UNELECTED, UNDERSTAFFED and UNSCRUTINIZED Water Board is flushing money down the drain.

Town Manager approves 8.75% fee increase for Hyannis Water

Town Manager John Klimm unceremoniously announced today that he is raising Hyannis Water rates by 8.75% for FY 2010.

In a tersely worded statement Klimm wrote in his weekly email, "On December 1, 2008, I approved the 2009 Fee Schedule which can be seen on the Town’s website."

With this announcement the Town Manager broke a previous promise to the community that rates would not be increased by more than 5.75% in any one year.

See Rate Schedule

The Hyannis Water Board FINALLY got around to posting the minutes of their Fee Hearing:

The Board moved on to a discussion of the recommendations for fees and rates for FY2010.

Krau said there has been no firm response from the Town Manager as to what increase might be acceptable. Keijser said Ells asked him to convey to the Board that up to an 8.75% increase is good. Krau wants to discuss the 8.75% increase without discussing mitigation, at this time. The 8.75% rate increase is needed in order to meet the goals established for the capital program. Cross and Baxter are in favor of the increase. Simpson questioned the monthly service charge. Cross wants to change the name to infrastructure charge. He said it is a fire flow maintenance charge, not an administrative charge. Cross said this can be part of the replacement of the hydrant charge. Simpson thinks most income should come from water usage and that continual annual increases will eventually make these monthly charges disproportionate to water usage.

A Motion was made to recommend rates be increased by 8.75% in order to provide for a pipe replacement capital improvement program. The Motion was seconded.

VOTE: Unanimous.

Keijser will find out if the monthly service charge name can be changed, it might have been set during the rate hearing. He will find out what was original spirit and intent.

The discussion moved to the Fees. Krau said that if they are increased by 5.75% it will result in an additional $3,465, based on this year’s activities. If the fees are set at 8.75%; $5,191 more per year could be collected. Simpson suggests leaving alone the fees. Cross suggested rounding them, he is not willing to leave them alone. Baxter is unsure – this is hitting the same people with increases.

A Motion was made by Cross to round fees down to the nearest dollar to keep the rate increase under 8.75%. The Motion was not seconded.

A Motion was made by Simpson to leave fees the same. The Motion was not seconded.

Krau suggested an amendment leave turn on/off fees at the current rate is and raise the rest of the fees. Cross feels the cost of putting truck out on the road justifies the fee increase. The Motion was not seconded.

A Motion was made by Krau to propose for FY 2010 that excepting the turn on/off fee and all system development charges, the fees should be increased by 8.75%, and rounded down to the nearest dollar. This Motion was seconded by Baxter. Cross questioned the system development charges. Krau said these were not planned to be increased.

VOTE: Aye: Cross, Baxter Krau
Nay: Simpson

See: 10/14/08 Minutes

To Skip Simpson's credit, he voted against an increase in the monthly service fee.