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Water board hears finance, project and distribution updates; grant reimbursement and major project costs noted
Summary
During a nonpublic finance report, staff said Manchester Water received just over $1,000,000 in grant reimbursement and reported revenues and consumption above last year; public reports covered a deferred $11 million backwash-improvement estimate, Meramec River plant operational issues, Noise Road main completion and lead-service-line inventory progress.
Manchester Water Works staff delivered finance, project and distribution updates on Nov. 21, reporting a large grant reimbursement, seasonal consumption increases, and multiple infrastructure project updates.
In the finance report delivered in nonpublic session, a staff presenter said the utility received "a little over $1,000,000" as a grant reimbursement that will cover related expenses. The presenter said revenues were up during the current drought and that comparative water consumption was roughly 18% higher than this time last year; service charges were also up nearly 10%.
Staff described operating-expense and division-level figures and noted an accounts-receivable uptick largely attributable to one customer who voided and reissued a roughly $7,000 check. Finance administration and division expense ratios were presented to the board.
On capital and operations, staff said the Blake Massifisa feasibility study was finalized and submitted to New Hampshire DES and that many components for the raw-water pump station have been delivered, with remaining items expected in January. A consultant's estimate to improve the backwash system was reported at about $11,000,000; the board decided to defer that project for further cost consideration and revisit it later.
At the Meramec River plant, staff reported improved caisson water quality after disinfection and flushing but said the plant cannot yet pump full design flow without reduced filter run times; CDM Smith is assisting. To avoid violating the facilitys NPDES permit, staff added a sodium bisulfide chemical-feed system to dechlorinate backwash water.
Distribution staff reported substantial completion of the Noise Road 30-inch, 1,400-foot water main extension; final paving and easement cleanup were scheduled for spring. The board reported it met the states Nov. 15 deadline for the lead-service-line inventory, sending 13,500 letters; staff said many residents have self-reported, and that no lead service lines have been identified so far (a few galvanized lines were found; most services are copper or plastic). Hydrant inspections and winter-preparation work were also underway.
Separately, staff reviewed personnel matters and retirements in nonpublic: a watershed supervisor named Tom submitted a retirement letter after 23 years of service; a long-serving employee, Mike Penard, also announced retirement; Matthew Poisson was hired into a public-service role and Karen Cooper was introduced as the new board secretary.
