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​​​​​Jericho Underhill Water District Underhill, VT

2019 Annual Report

 

Annual Report

Board of Trustees

Jericho-Underhill Water District

P.O. Box 174

Underhill, Vermont 05489

                                                                October 1, 2018 to September 30, 2019           

The Board of Trustees would like to thank Marc Maheux, Chief Operator of the JUWD, for his dedicate service to the Board and the Jericho Underhill Water District since 1984.   Marc resigned as the Chief Operator for the system after 36 years but will continue as a consultant and website manger.  Marc’s service over the years, with his expertise, has kept the system functioning well and meeting all state and federal regulations.  His knowledge of the system will continue to be an asset.

Michael Willard, our past Assistant Operator, will assume the duties of Chief Operator  and Andy Foresberg of Poker Hill Rd. will be our Assistant Operator in Training.  Marc will continue to be a resource for both Mike and Andy. 

Jason Ritter, Trustee, will not be seeking reelection this next term.  The Trustees thank him for his service the past few years.  He has been a mainstay in our budgeting and finance work.  The Board is seeking a candidate to be nominated at the Annual Meeting on October 1, 2019.

Marc Maheux served as Moderator for the 2018 Annual Meeting. The Board consisted of Joseph P. O’Brien, President, Jason P. Ritter, Trustee and Stephen Jennings, Trustee. Nancy Benson served as Clerk and Treasurer and the assistant Clerk was Jason Ritter. Meter Reader was Andy Foresberg and Dwight DeCoster served as Delinquent Bill

Collector.  Auditors were Vicki Milton, Harland Blodgett, and Bill VanDeVenter.   Marc Maheux performed the duties of Chief Operator until June 30, 2019 and was assisted by Assistant Operator Michael R. Willard and Andy Foresberg.  Helen Miller was our local water tester. The Board wishes to thank everyone for their work this past year.

The Jericho-Underhill Water District provided drinking water and fire hydrant access to 326 residential and business connections representing about 900 people within the District. During the past year drinking water supplied to the District averaged about 4,000 gallons per day.  Water delivered to District customers this year was of high quality and adequate quantity and met all state and federal requirements.

            Listed below are some highlights of the past year:

  • Our staff continued identifying all roadside curb stops so that we could have all locations mark by GPS technology as part of the Drinking Water Asset Management Grant that we received.  Mapping of all assets was completed. 
  • Flushing of the entire system took place twice, once in November and again in May.
  • David Lavallee, public accountant, conducted a financial audit in November and found our books in sound condition.
  • A new chlorine pump replaced an older one that was constantly being repaired.
  • Weekly testing along with yearly testing for lead and copper were completed.  Results for all testing were very good with all levels well below state and federal requirements.  Arrangements were made to test for PFOA retired by State.
  • We were fortunate over the winter to have just no leaks leaks on a service line.
  • The Board appreciates the work of Robert Hill for winter plowing and Andy Foresburg for mowing and trimming work at our properties.
  • The Board and staff worked with G.W. Tatro who purchased the mill site and has plans for development.  The first business site was  the Union Bank and the Board is working with Hamlin Engineering on the water infrastructure for future development.
  • Vermont Natural Resources Department completed a Sanitary Survey with very positive results in meeting all requirements.
  • The Board approved six new allocations for water service for new construction.
  • Andy Foresberg continued maintenance on our fire hydrants to assure their thorough functioning.
  • Our Consumer Confidence Report was distributed to all customers either electronically or hand delivered and our Source Protect Plan was updated and approved.
  • The District plans to repair some older hydrants that do not function at 100%.  Work to be completed will be to make for easier operation.
  • The Board adopted a budget for the 2020 FY with a 4% increase in rates. Our Fiscal Year runs from November 2019 through September 2020 with rates changing at the first billing quarter of the FY.

 

Joseph P. O'Brien, President

Jason Ritter, Trustee

Stephen Jennings, Trustee