Village of Belgium Public Utilities Committee met Nov. 6.
Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:
1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Chairperson Clem Gottsacker
2. Roll Call of Officers: Officers present were Gottsacker, and Trustee Josh Borden. A quorum was established. Also in attendance were DPW & Water Superintendent, Daniel Birenbaum, and Wastewater Superintendent, Paul Bley, and Village Clerk, Julie Lesar.
3. Open Meeting Law Compliance Check: This meeting is in compliance with the Open Meetings Law of the State of Wisconsin.
4. Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag, Moment of Silence: All in attendance stood for the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.
5) Approval of Minutes: Public Utilities August 23, 2017 – A motion was made by Gottsacker and seconded by Borden to approve the Public Utilities meeting minutes from August 23, 2017. Ayes – Gottsacker and Borden: Noes – none; Abstain – none. Motion carried 6) Agenda Items
a) Review Capital Equipment schedule: Lesar explained that the proposed 2018 Water and Sewer budgets show expenses for capital equipment replacement based on no prior year’s savings for capital equipment. She added that she is waiting for updated information from Baker Tilly to determine available capital equipment replacement funds for the Water and Sewer Budgets. The committee discussed the need for purchasing a mini excavator. Borden questioned the need for the excavator when the Village currently owns a back hoe and front end loader. Birenbaum explained that there are certain projects that require the smaller piece of equipment. Currently, the Village will rent a mini excavator when needed. After further discussion it was decided to continue to rent or lease a mini excavator on an as needed basis. The replacement cost for the mini excavator will be removed from both Water and Sewer capital equipment schedule. An amount of $3,125 will be budgeted in both Water and Sewer for the lease/rent of a mini excavator.
b) 2018 Water Fund Budget Workshop: The committee reviewed the budget. Gottsacker made a motion to recommend a 3% rate increase for water service. Motion was seconded by Borden. Lesar will determine the PSC requirements for completing a water rate increase. Ayes – Borden, Gottsacker; Noes – none; Abstain – none.
c) 2018 Sewer Fund Budget Workshop: The committee reviewed the budget. Bley is requesting capital project money for a water system for potable water. He is estimating a cost of $7,000 for this. This would decrease the water usage for the sewer treatment plant. Lesar will provide this current cost. Borden requested DPW to provide a list of sewer plant equipment needing replacement and also determine future costs for the system upgrades to meet the new phosphorous requirements. There was additional discussion of upcoming capital projects costs.
d) Discussion and possible action regarding Sewer rates: Borden made a motion to increase the 2018 sewer rates by 3%. Motion was seconded by Gottsacker. Ayes – Borden, Gottsacker; Noes – none; Abstain – none.
7) Motion to Adjourn: A motion to adjourn at 8:00 pm was made by Borden and seconded by Gottsacker. Ayes – Gottsacker, Borden; Noes – none; Abstain – none. Motion carried.
http://www.village.belgium.wi.us/Utilities%202017/MPU%2011-6-2017.pdf
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