Minutes — May 17 2022

Attendees: Jeff Earl, Drew Bulfer, Anne Kroll Lerner, Charlie Windisch

Meeting was held at the Deborah Rawson Library; called to order at 7pm.

  1. Second quarter bill status: 5 households are currently delinquent; one household is awaiting aid from the State. Second notices have gone out. (As a side note, residents are strongly encouraged to pay on time! Water bills should be treated as any other utility bill. Delinquency can result in your water being shut off.)
  2. Third quarter bills: Notices will be sent out for most residents via email. Instructions will be included, but for the most part will be the same as for the US Mail notices. “Water BIlls Due” signs have been purchased and will be set up at the entrance to the neighborhood mid June. 
  3. Greensand filter replacement: The work is scheduled for June 16th. There should be no impact on the neighborhood water supply.
  4. State Drinking Water Funds: The committee continues to pursue tapping into the state funds, which would provide low interest loans and possible loan forgiveness, for the greensand filter project.
  5. Curb stop replacement: Several valves were flagged as potentially problematic last summer. The committee is in the process of getting a quote refresh to have this work done (most likely in the Fall of this year).

Meeting was adjourned at 7:40pm. The next meeting will be Tuesday, June 21 at 7pm.

Comments invited.

Minutes — April 19 2022

Foothills residents – Here are the minutes from the April 2022 JFD #1 meeting.
Attendees: Jeffrey Earl, Drew Bulfer, Anne Kroll Lerner, Fred Lavenberg, Charlie Windisch.
The meeting was called to order at 7pm via Zoom.

  1. 2nd quarter bill status – Marilyn reported that as of 4/15, 11 households had not paid yet (bills were due 4/1). These households were contacted and a second notice was sent out. A big change for the billing process – for the next quarter, bill notices will be sent out via email (to the extent possible) rather than US mail. This is a test run; we will see how it goes. If successful, it will significantly save dollars normally spent on first class stamps. A notice will be sent out prior to the due date (July 1) via the All Foothills distribution list, and a sign will be posted at the bottom of Foothills Dr and Raceway informing residents.
  2. Greensand filter replacement: looks like this will happen the second week of May. Financing: Drew Bulfer to check with the State to see where we stand with regards to obtaining funding from the State Drinking Water fund.
  3. Culligan (greensand filter manufacturer) has recommended a dehumidifier unit for the pump house. This will dry out the air and eliminate the corrosion that has affected the filter support structure.
  4. There was a discussion regarding the hardness of our water. No doubt, it is considered hard, but not unusually so. The greensand filter removes the manganese, which had been a problem prior to it’s installation. The water is tested regularly by SOS to check for abnormalities. A water quality report is issued to all residents annually. (A side note: Among the members present, some have water softeners, some don’t. Seems to be a personal preference.)
  5. Curb stop replacement – We will get a quote refresh from Wells excavating.

All for now. Comments/questions invited.

Minutes — 2022 Annual Meeting

Foothills residents – Here are the minutes from the JFD #1 Annual Meeting, held Tuesday February 15, 2022.
Attendees: Fred Lavenberg, Brian Stevens, Marilyn Marshall, Chris Laskowski, Chris Lavorgna, Ann Kroll Lerner, Dottie Windisch, Drew Bulfer, Charlie Windisch, Jeffrey Earl.
Meeting was called to order at 7:05pm.

  1. Marilyn Marshall was introduced at the new JFD #1 bill collector. (Jeannie Satink will continue to mail out the quarterly bills.) As a reminder, the quarterly bills remain at the $235 rate.
  2. Elections: Jeff Earl was elected President. Drew Bulfer was elected to join the Prudential Committee. Charlie Windisch and Brian Stevens were elected to remain in their current positions of Secretary and Treasurer, respectively.
  3. State Permit status for the greensand filter replacement: Fred reported the permit is currently in the public comment period, which lasts for two weeks. Thus, we expect approval by March 1, 2022.
  4. Culligan reported it will take about 4-6 weeks to begin the filter/structure replacement. Given we expect approval from the state March 1, Culligan should be able to replace the filter in the early April timeframe.
  5. Financing the filter replacement: Two options here. a) Line of credit from Community Bank; loan from the State Drinking Water Fund. We are on the State list, but currently below the cut-off line (but close). This list gets updated every few weeks (projects are added/removed) so there is a chance we can still get funding from the State. Two advantages of using the Drinking water fund: a) The interest rate is lower; b) Oftentimes part of the loan is forgiven.
  6. There was some discussion on improving the current bill pay method – ie, moving to either an on-line payment option or an automatic checking account deduction. When the committee has a proposal, it will be sent out to the Foothills development for comment.

Meeting was adjourned at 8pm. Next meeting: Tuesday March 15, 2002 at 7pm.

Minutes — January 18 2022

Foothills residents – Here are the minutes from the January 2022 JFD #1 meeting.
Attendees (via Zoom): Fred Lavenberg, Brian Stevens, Chris Lavorgna, Chris Laskowski, Robert Nadal, Jeffrey Earl, Charlie Windisch.
Meeting was called to order at 7pm

  1. Robert reported that as of the meeting time, six households are delinquent in paying the Q1 water bills. Reminders to be sent out.
  2. The committee continues to await approval from the State regarding our permit to replace the greensand filter. (Green Mountain Engineering submitted the permits on our behalf.) As this is an exact replacement for what currently exists, no surprises are expected.
  3. A request has been made to Culligan Corp to get a refresh on the quote for the greensand filter replacement itself. The current quote is over a year old.
  4. The committee is also awaiting word from the State to see if JFD #1 can get a low interest loan from the drinking water fund. We expect a decision within a few weeks.
  5. The Annual Meeting will be held Tuesday, February 15 2022 at 7pm. The meeting warning has been sent to all Foothills residents.
  6. The committee is looking for help! Please consider attending future meetings and becoming engaged in the operation of our water system. This is NOT a huge time commitment!

Meeting adjourned at 8pm.

Minutes — December 14 2021

The December meeting of the JFD #1 (aka, the Foothills water board) was held Tuesday, December 14 2021, via Zoom.
 
Attendees: Brian Stevens, Fred Lavenberg, Chris Laskowski, Chris Lavorgna, Ann Lerner Kroll and Charlie Windisch.
 
Minutes:
 
  1. 4th quarter billing status: Two households have not paid up as of the meeting time. Service shut-off notices have been sent out (will take effect early Jan ’22). Two households paid the old quarterly amount ($230 vs $235). The difference will be added to their 1st quarter 2022 bills. 1st quarter 2022 bills have been sent out. Please contact me if you did not receive your bill.
  2. Greensand filter replacement – We await final approval from the state (it is in the queue).
  3. Greensand filter financing – Application was made for a low interest loan from the state drinking water fund. Currently, we are above the cut line in terms of obtaining dollars, but more money may be coming from the Federal government in early January ’22. This may improve our chances. Fall back position is a loan from Community Bank NA.
  4.  Curb stop/blow off valve replacement – a handful of valves need to be replaced. This work will be scheduled for the Spring of 2022.
  5. Pump house is in need of some upgrades. More discussion to take place at future meetings.
Meeting adjourned at 7:40pm.

Minutes — November 16 2021

Meeting via Zoom was called to order at 7pm. Members present: Fred Lavenberg, Chris Laskowski, Chris Lavorgna, Jeffrey Earl, Robert Nadal, Brian Stevens, Ann Lerner Kroll, Charlie Windisch. (Deborah Rawson library meeting room is still not available for use as a result of the ongoing pandemic).
 
  1. 4th quarter bill payment status (Robert): As of the meeting time, two households are delinquent in making payment. Delinquent notices have been sent out. As a reminder, bills are payable upon receipt! The amount due is currently at $235 per quarter.
  2. The project to replace the greensand filter/support structure in the pump house continues to move forward. The submittal fee and application to the State has been made, and we are awaiting final approval. As several months have now gone by since the original quote from Culligan, we will get a refresh on the final dollar amount.
  3.  The communication between the pump house and the reservoir seems to be working fine. (The Mission System now relies on a cellular connection as opposed to the older line of sight communication).
  4.  The wellhead area was brush hogged in the early fall. As a reminder, this land is open to all Foothills residents to use as they see fit.
  5. Replacement of several curb stop valves/flush valves was not done this year due to scheduling issues. The Prudential Committee will revisit this and try to get the work lined up for Spring 2022.
Next meeting will be Tuesday, December 14 2021 (one week earlier than the usual third Tuesday of the month, due to the close proximity of the Christmas Holiday).
 
Meeting adjourned at 7:45pm.

Minutes — May 18 2021

Below are the minutes of the Jericho Fire District meeting held on May 18, 2021.
 
Attendees: Brian Stevens, Jeff Earl, Ann Lerner-Kroll, Charlie Windisch
 
Meeting was held via Zoom and called to order at 7pm
  1. It is believed that all residents are paid up and current for the second quarter bills. We will verify that this is in fact true.
  2. Brian reported we are still awaiting word from the state with regards to our application for DWSRF monies, to be used for payment for the greensand filter replacement (this summer). We expect to hear within the next couple of weeks. Our fallback position is a loan from the Community Bank NA.
  3. Our bank balance is in good standing. (If anyone would like details, the committee would be glad to share the information).
  4. A short discussion was held regarding the use of the common land around the well head. This land is open to all Foothills residents. Grass paths are being mowed and maintained (thank you Chris Lavorgna) for our benefit. There was a No Trespassing sign that was removed (by whom we do not know), but will be replaced. The sign was to signal that the land was not open to the general public. The committee again wants to point out it is open for the enjoyment of our neighbors.
 
Meeting adjourned at 7:40pm Next meeting is Tuesday, June 15 at 7pm.
 
  • Charlie Windisch, JFD #1 Secretary

Minutes — April 20 2021

Minutes of the JFD #1 Meeting held April 20, 2021 
 
Meeting was held via Zoom; called to order at 7pm.
 
Attendees: Chris Laskowski, Chris Lavorgna, Brian Stevens, Ann Kroll-Lerner, Charlie Windisch
 
  1. Second quarter bills were due April 1st. There was a slight increase in the amount due – $235 vs the previous amount of $230. Several payments were received in the old amount; an email was sent to those affected. The latest status as to how many outstanding bills as of the meeting time was not available.
  2. Brian reported that a decision on our loan/grant application to the state (drinking water fund) should be available in several weeks. As a backup, an application has been made to the Community Bank NA. The money is needed to pay for the greensand filter replacement that will happen this year.
  3. At this point, we are waiting for Green Mountain Engineering to submit the design and acquire a permit for the replacement of the filter. Once that happens, we can get a schedule in place for the work to begin.
  4. SOS reports the communication between the pump house and the reservoir seems to be good at this point. 
  5. The consumer confidence report has been received from SOS (Simon Operating Systems). It will be distributed (as required by law) to all Foothills residents for their review.
 
Meeting was called to an end at 7:35pm
 
Nest meeting: Tuesday, May 18
 
  • Charlie Windisch, Secretary

Minutes — March 16 2021

The monthly JFD #1 meeting was held via Zoom on March 16, 2021.
Members present: Fred Lavenberg, Brian Stevens, Ann Lerner-Kroll, Chris Lavorgna, Chris Laskowski,
Jeffrey Earl, Robert Nadal, Charlie Windisch
 
Meeting was called to order at 7pm.
 
Discussion items:
 
  1. Second quarter water bills have been sent out via US mail. Bills are to be paid by April 1st! (If for some reason you have not received your bill, please contact Robert Nadal. Also note that the bills have increased by $5 – total due is now $235.
  2. The list of valves that need to be replaced was reviewed (email from Simon Operating System). SOS will forward an estimate as soon as it’s available. Work is planned for this Spring.
  3. The heater in the pump building intermittently stops working. This is a new unit, so it should be problem free at this point. Chris Laskowski will take a look; if more serious, the contractor who installed it will be contacted.
  4. Communication between the pump house and reservoir okay at the moment. Situation will continue to be monitored.
  5. The financials were reviewed. Overall our accounts are in good shape.
  6. Brian Stevens reported on the loan/grant that was submitted to the state that will cover the replacement of the greensand filter in the pump house (estimated in the $40K range.) He will also pursue a loan thru the Community Bank in case the grant application falls through.
 
Meeting was called to an end at 7:40pm.
 
(Note – All Foothills residents are eligible to attend these meetings, held the third Tuesday of the month.
Contact Charlie Windisch for more information.)
 
  • Charlie Windisch, Secretary

Minutes — February 16 2021

Minutes of the Jericho Fire District #1 (JFD #1) 2/16/2021 Meeting
 
Attendees: Fred Lavenberg, Chris Laskowski, Chris Lavorgnac, Jeffrey Earl, Robert Nadal, Charlie Windisch
 
Meeting was held via Zoom and called to order at 7pm.
  1. 1st quarter bills were due January 5th. With the exception of one household, all residences have paid the first quarter bills and are up to date. The committee discussed adding late fees to unpaid water bills. Robert will look into the bylaws to see what late fees can be imposed.
  2. We continue to have issues with the new Mission communication system operating between the lower pump house and the reservoir. (Reservoir and pump house need to communicate with one another – the reservoir tells the pump house when to pump more water). Communication is intermittent and should be continuous. An attempt by Fred and Cody (SOS) to reposition the antenna on the reservoir did not improve the communication. Fred agreed to contact Mission to have them get to the root of the problem.
  3. The committee unanimously agreed (by vote) to add Jeff Earl as a member. Welcome aboard, Jeff!
  4. Brian Stevens is in the process of completing the application for a grant that will be used to replace the greensand filter in the pump house. The greensand filter has reached the end of life stage and needs to be replaced this summer. The application will be circulated to Prudential Committee members for review and approval.
  5. Robert has looked into the possibility of paying the quarterly water bills electronically (direct deposit into the Community Bank account). Although it is doable, it would be more work than the current pay by mail system. Someone would have to keep track two systems – who has paid by mail/who has made an electronic payment. No final decision yet.
 
Next meeting: Tuesday March 16th, 2021 @ 7pm.
 
  • Charlie Windisch, JFD #1 Secrectary