Dundee is mailing water data to residents

Nov 17, 2009 at 02:31 pm by Observer-Review


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Dundee is mailing water data to residents

DUNDEE—Village officials are trying to help customers keep a check on their water bills. At the Nov. 10 meeting of the village board, trustees agreed to send a packet of information to water customers.
One of the first concerns discussed was the cost of sending the materials to the approximately 600 water customers. The possibility of including it with the next quarterly water bill was discussed, however Mayor Fred Cratsley Jr. said the information couldn’t be sent separately because of the cost. He said he was also concerned that the additional preparation would place a huge burden on the office staff in preparing, folding, labeling and verifying that each contained the water bill intended for the addressee.
A unique solution developed; at Cratsley’s request, village board members agreed to help with preparation of the mailing.
Village Clerk Christine Sutherland said the materials being sent to water customers will include how to look for leaks, what to do about them and how to complain if they feel their bill is incorrect. The village began a pilot program last month during which water meters were read at the middle of the billing cycle. Periodically customers receive larger than anticipated water bills and an undetected leak is often the cause.
One of the items that will be included in the mailing is how to check the water meter to see if there are undetected leaks. Many customers were notified of the higher readings and the possibility of leaks within their systems after the most recent mid-cycle reading.
At the end of the month, village trustees will sit down with office staff to help water customers manage their bills.
In other business:
Increased revenue to the fire department for two grants;  a $1,000 forestry grant and a $3,000 Federal Emergency Management Agency grant. Funds will be used for equipment.
Trustee Judy Duquette announced Touch of Christmas has been scheduled for Dec. 12 from 6 until 8 p.m. The event is in the planning stages.
Approved application of Jonathan Martin to join the fire department.
Wastewater treatment plant operator Howard Sautter said the tank project is almost wrapped up for this year. In a related matter, the board approved a change order in the amount of $312,414,47 for the tank. The order covers replacement of substandard material used as fill and additional piping for both tanks. The village consulting engineers checked the order and approved the change.
Cratsley said the board will have to figure out how to pay the 15 percent increase in the retirement system.
Streets Superintendent Andy Howell spoke to the board about equipment the village no longer needs. He outlined the four which include  a wood chipper, fuel tank, liquid storage tank and an Army surplus aid compressor. Fair market value for the items will be determined before they are offered for sale.
Trustee Greg Wright asked the board if there is any way the village could stripe curbs on Main Street for safety. Cratsley said the sidewalk is the responsibility of the property owner. Discussion followed with representatives of the Community Health Improvement project who offered to paint the curbs in the spring. The village will supply the paint from existing stock.
Duquette announced the schedule for sign-up for the Food Sense Program. She said enrollment has gone from 40 to 91. The next deadline is December 4. She will be at the Dundee Youth Center to sign people up on Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. until noon; Dec. 1 from 2 to 4 p.m.; Dec. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Dec. 4 from 9:30 until 11:30 a.m. She said the cost for the packet of food is $15.50 and there are no income requirements to participate.
Community Health Project representative Jane Levatino said the group is working on a beautification project that may include small trees to decorate the downtown area. The group is contacting building owners to see if they are interested. Levatino also thanked the village for supporting the recently closed farm market. Cratsley said he would like to see the market in a more visible location next year.
Following the regular meeting the board went into executive session to discuss personnel matters.
The Nov. 24 meeting of the village board was canceled. The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Dec. 8. It will be preceded by a public hearing on the proposed incorporation of the Dundee fire department at 6 p.m.   
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