Harwich Water & Wastewater Department

Present: Chairman Donald T. Bates Jr., Vice Chairman Danette Gonsalves, Clerk George Cavanaugh, Superintendent Craig Wiegand, Secretary, Carol M. Connor

Also present: Harry McCafferty

Chairman Bates called the meeting to order at 8:15 AM.

Abatements were approved and signed for services #1269 and #2578.

Bills signed as presented.

Minutes of 09/21/04 - Danette Gonsalves made a motion to approve as written. George Cavanaugh seconded. The Board voted unanimously to approve.

Superintendent Wiegand gave an update on site preparations for the new water tank. We are now in the process of trying to get a building permit for the foundation so the concrete can be poured.

November meeting dates set for 11/09/04 and 11/23/04.

David Ryan (new Town Accountant) came to the meeting and introduced himself and explained his background. Discussion regarding indirect charges. Chatham, Orleans, and Brewster all charge indirect charges. Charges for F/Y '04 were silent as per the agreement between the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Water Commissioners. There should be a surplus of $660,000 in Water Dept funds at this time. F/Y '05 charges will be done to revenue fund as this is the base year. No additional charges except what is in the F/Y '05 budget. All monies collected go into the special revenue fund.

Metered water is water used and should be charged per Mr. Ryan. It is the only way to get a true accounting, and it is fair for matching revenues with expenses. Fire protection (41 section 56) Mr. Ryan is very concerned about this bill as he feels it should be included in metered water. An estimate on actual usage would be acceptable. Chatham charges $800 per hydrant for fire protection. Superintendent Wiegand came up with a figure of $349 per hydrant. Per both Mr. Wiegand and Mr. Ryan we should bill the town departments for their water usage so as to keep accurate records.

Per Mr. Ryan there is one general fund and 196 special funds in Harwich. Departmental monthly reports will be issued per Mr. Ryan. The Department of Revenue feels the agreement made is a town decision and they will not get involved. Mr. Ryan will explain the agreement to the auditors and hopefully they will agree also. This agreement will help things move forward and correct "past sins".

The Board of Water Commissioners would like to see approximately a $500,000 cushion in the reserve fund. The Special Revenue fund works and is better than an Enterprise Fund per Mr. Ryan. Fund #1320-488000 is for the Special Revenue Fund and all Water Department receipts need to be deposited to this fund according to the Town Accountant.

Meeting adjourned at 9:25 AM.

Donald T. Bates, Jr., Chairman
Danette Gonsalves, Vice Chairman
George Cavanaugh, Clerk
Craig Wiegand, Superintendent
Carol M. Connor, Secretary