Board of Aldermen Page 12
December 13, 2016
MOTION CARRIED
MOTION BY ALDERMAN CLEMONS FOR FINAL PASSAGE OF O-16-019 AS AMENDED
ON THE QUESTION
Alderman Clemons
We had a very good conversation at the Personnel/Administrative Affairs Committee regarding this and a very
good presentation as to the necessity of the rate change. One of the things that came up in public comment
was that some people were surprised by this and | understand that. It came up after a lot of the condo
associations approved their operating budgets. While this is likely still going to go through | am hoping is that
this spring we can have a discussion to see if we can get these increases to be more systematic so folks will
know what to expect in the future without being blind-sided.
Alderman Deane
| don’t think anyone was blind-sided, the prior administration did not bring in the rate increase as was
recommended through the rate study and the expenditures associated with the system. The financial analysis
that was presented to us with our wastewater equipment reserve fund, with capital projects, operations and
maintenance we know full well that we are going to be looking at a 7.5% increase every year now. It’s not like
it was never discussed in a public setting. | think we do need to put a system in place and look at what we
have to do to cover the cost. This is by far the most important facility in the city. There were a myriad of
issues from in the past where our unassigned fund balances drained and we had to make up the difference on
that. Nashua’s rates are still low in that area comparably. Maybe in spring we should get a rate study done
and put an ordinance in and address it right then and there so folks know what the increases are going to be.
Alderman Siegel
| would concur with Alderman Clemons that it is very good. | would urge everyone to please review the
minutes and the presentation that Mr. Griffin gave. It explains very clearly why this isn’t optional.
Alderman Moriarty
It looks like the demand charges are going up by 15% and then there is a flow charge that goes up in two
steps, a 15% sort of retroactively and then it goes up another 15% in the beginning of 2017, is that right?
Alderman Deane
Yes.
MOTION CARRIED
Ordinance O-16-019 declared duly adopted as amended.
O-16-021
Endorsers: Alderman June M. Caron
Alderman-at-Large Lori Wilshire
Alderman Richard A. Dowd
Alderman Ken Siegel
Alderwoman Mary Ann Melizzi-Golja
Alderman Tom Lopez
CHANGING THE NAME OF THE REVIEW AND COMMENT COMMISSION TO THE CITIZENS
ADVISORY COMMISSION FOR COMMUNITY GRANTS
Given its second reading;
