2013 Annual Report

2013 Annual Report

 This report is dedicated to the memory of Richard H. Eldred (1936-2012), Trustee from 2000 to 2012

Annual Report

Board of Trustees

of the

Jericho-Underhill Water District

P.O. Box 174

Underhill, Vermont 05489

October 1, 2012 to September 30, 2013

 

This report is dedicated to the memory of Richard H. Eldred (1936-2012), Trustee from 2000 to 2012

 

                The Jericho-Underhill Water District provides drinking water and fire hydrant access to 315 residential and business units representing about 850 people within the District. During the past year drinking water supplied to the District averaged 55,563 gallons per day, which was approximately 7% higher than the previous two years. The District also provided water to the Underhill Jericho Fire Department for use on two fires.  

                During the past fiscal year there were no water quality violations. The results of monthly bacteria water tests were no detection of either coliform or Escherichia coli bacteria. In July, due to work on the water main along Route 15, a boil water notice was issued for about a third of the District. The water main work was successfully completed and the boil water notice withdrawn without problems. The results for state required testing in FY 2013 for a number of volatile and synthetic organics were none detected. 

                Last year on November 5, 2012, a Public Hearing was held to discuss the fluoridation of District water; the hearing was followed by a vote on November 6, 2012. The turnout for both the hearing and vote was large. The result of the vote was to continue the fluoridation of the District water. The Trustees appreciate the participation of the community in this decision. As a result of some issues raised at the Hearing, the Board met with Chemistry Professor Robert Genter to review the risks of handling fluoride compounds. He made several recommendations regarding safe handling; also, the District purchased two full face breathing masks.

                In December 2012 Richard H. Eldred a long time Trustee of the District passed away. The Board and staff recognize his faithful service and many contributions to the District over the years. In February 2013 the Board appointed Jason P. Ritter, PhD. to fill the vacant Trustee position.  

                In January 2013 the Board hired Michael R. Willard as a Novice Operator. He was promoted to Assistant Operator in Training in April and passed the Class 3 Operator Examination in May. He brings a lot of experience to the job and has been a valuable addition to the District. Also, the Class 3 Operator License for Chief Operator Marc Maheux was renewed, recognizing completion of ongoing training requirements. 

                The operating staff, consisting of Chief Operator Marc Maheux, Assistant Mike Willard and Tester Helen Miller worked hard to keep the system operating smoothly in FY 2013. They conducted the extensive required testing and reporting. Customer support activity included locating water lines for customers for residential construction purposes, or repairs. They kept the equipment in operational readiness so, for example, the Poker Hill backup generator performed as needed during an 18 hour power outage on December 21, 2012. The District worked with customers to repair a leak at a residence on Park Street, and to repair a leak at the Lumber Yard. At the request of the District, the meters at the Underhill ID School were replaced to correct an under reporting error. 

                Maintenance activities at the control building included replacing the chlorine pump with a more suitable model, installation and integration of a flow sensor with the chlorine pump to improve the regulation of chlorine, improving the chlorine analyzer installation and servicing, replacing the chlorine injector; repairing the pump surge valve and the associated pilot valves. .Another improvement was installing a level sensor on the Poker Hill tank and improving the telemetry to the control building for the Maple Ridge and Poker Hill tanks.  Other improvements to the Control Building included installation of lights and motion sensor, and installation of more electrical outlets. Also, the gate on the Control Building driveway was set back from the road to allow for development of abutting property. A “No Dogs” sign was posted on the gate and Control Building property for sanitary purposes.  

                The system infrastructure was improved in several ways. A riser was reset at a residence on Route 15. Prior to the sidewalk work on Route 15 between Palmer Lane and the Underhill town line, Erie boxes were checked and replaced at several houses. Then service connections to the main were replaced with a saddle connection at four residences. At least one of these connections was leaking; the others were suspect because they were threaded taps into the brittle asbestos cement pipe of the main. Another improvement was finding and repairing major leaks at the Maple Ridge Cistern. 

                Marc Maheux has continued to improve the District website located at http://jerichounderhillwater.org. The Trustees encourage all customers to visit the website and register for e-mail notification of District communications such as emergency notices. The website was used this year in the distribution of the Consumer Confidence Report saving the District printing and mailing costs. The website now contains a large archive of District information including: the District Regulations, Annual Meeting Minutes from 1976, Annual Reports from 1980 (except 1981, 1982, and 1986), Water Usage from 2000, Bacteria Test Results from 2006, and much more.                 

                The Trustees wishes to thank Clerk/Treasurer Jane Maheux, Chief Operator Marc Maheux, Assistant Operator Mike Willard, Reader/Collector Dwight DeCoster, and Tester Helen Miller for their work through out the year. Also, the Trustees thank Moderator Bill Frank for his service, and Auditors Harlan Blodgett, Vicki Milton and Bill VanDeventer for there review and recommendations to improve the financial records of the District               

                If you are a resident of the District who would be interested in serving the District as a trustee, officer, employee, or volunteer please contact the Board. The Board asks District residents and customers to report water related irregularities such as leaks, wet spots, pressure swings, taste concerns, color concerns, etc. In the past customer reports have been the key to finding leaks and solving problems. 

                The Board holds regular monthly, public meetings on the first Monday of each month. These meetings are held at 7:00pm in the basement of the United Church of Underhill located at 7 Park Street in Underhill Flats across from the town green. Residents and voters of the District are welcome and encouraged to attend. 

Respectfully submitted,

 

______________________             ______________________             ______________________

Peter H. Mitchell, President                Joseph P. O’Brien, Trustee Jason P. Ritter, Trustee

Dated: November 4, 2013