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Water Sewer 20210708 Minutes

Water-Sewer · Source meeting date: 2021-07-08 · Record 76315

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Town of Canton Minutes Voted on: 6/1/22 
Water & Sewer Rate and Policy Committee Vote: 6-0-0 
801 Washington Street 
Canton, MA 02021 
Meeting Minutes 
July 8, 2021 
Committee Members Present: Patricia Cawley, Dan Cole, Randy Scollins, Walter Spiegel, Chris Sykes and Mike Trolls. 
Committee Members Absent: Gerald Carmichael and Dave Emhardt 
Guests Present: Ellen Jones, Recording Secretary 
Opening: Chair Scollins called the Zoom virtual meeting to order at approximately 10:00 a.m. The purpose of the meeting was 
to discuss the Harbar request for a sewer bill adjustment and to approve minutes. 
New Business 
Discuss Harbor request for a Sewer Bill Adjustment 
Chair Scollins shared on the screen a copy of a Memorandum dated June 28, 2021 from himself to the Select Board regarding 
Harbor's request for a sewer bill adjustment. He reviewed the highlights of the Committee's meeting on June 3, 2021 at which 
time the Committee voted to send a recommendation to the Select Board to deny Harbar's request for a sewer bill adjustment. 
The reason for this recommendation was the Committee's concern that it could create an equity concern for all other sewer 
customers. Chair Scollins was asked by the Town Administrator to figure out the impact to all of the other sewer customer's bills 
if the request to reduce Harbars bill were granted. 
Chair Scollins reviewed for the Committee a spreadsheet of 43 customers (including Harbar) (out of 426 customers that were 
identified in the billing software) that included 12 months of water consumption data for calendar 2020 and with FY22 sewer 
rates applied and what the potential cost shift and percentage increase to all other rate payers could be if the cost shift were to 
occur. Out of the 426 commercial users Chair Scollins consulted with Ms. Cawley on the short list of customers (43 customers) 
that might potentially ask for a similar sewer bill reduction based on their business operations. Of the 43 customers Harbar ranks 
fifth among the highest users of water whose water consumption in their businesses does not necessarily go into the sewer 
system. 
To understand the impact if Harbar's variable sewer charges were reduced by 75% Canton would still be required to pay all 
MWRA charges and would, therefore, have to shift the cost to all other rate payers to make up this revenue. If Harbor were 
granted their requested sewer adjustment the other rate payers could make a similar request for reductions to their bills. Of the 
43 customers with total sewer flow charges of $1,015,451 the resulting cost shift based on a 75% reduction could result in 
$761,588 or a 12.4% increase to all other rate payers bills. Chair Scollins also presented information regarding the impact if 
there was a 50% (8.3% increase), 25% (4.1 % increase) and 10% (1.7%increase) cost shift. Chair Scollins did not think that any 
of these increases would be insignificant to the rate payers. 
Chair Scollins slated that the spreadsheet presented had been prepared after the Committee's June 31d meeting and he was 
hoping to obtain the Committee's reaction. 
Mr. Cole confirmed with Mr. Scollins that water costs were used as a way to distribute sewer costs but that sewer and water 
consumption was not really the "driver" of the sewer costs and that infrastructure, piping etc. were factors to be considered for 
sewer costs. Mr. Cole spoke against giving Harbar an adjustment. Mr. Scollins stated that sewer costs are not a precise 
calculation of sewer flow costs but is an equitable means of allocating the cost that the Town incurs to have its sewer flow 
process. He further stated that even if the Town were to calculate sewer bills at 80% of the cost of water the Town is still 
obligated to pay the full MWRA charges. 
Mr. Sykes agreed with the list and stated with regard to Harbar's situation that they are automated so the Town can determine 
through meter readings how much water during the manufacturing process actually does go down the sewer. 
In response to Chair Scollins' inquiry if the MWRA goes through a process of charging Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Mr. 
Trotta responded that the MWRA does charge BOD based on how much wastewater flow there is, the population of the Town 
and how much industrial demand there is for BOD. BOD is essentially how much chemicals and energy is needed for treating 
waste. This is based on the businesses in Canton that have to obtain a permit from the MWRA. MWRA determines what the 
business is discharging and determines what strength may be needed to treat the waste. In response to Mr. Scollins' inquiry if 
Water & Sewer 20210708 Minutes WRS edits.docx Page 1 of 4 8/31/21

BOD charges can be reallocated away from other customers Mr. Trotta was uncertain if this could be done. He stated that the 
MWRA has various meters in place on the system for measuring wastewater flow such as in locations in Stoughton and 
Dedham. Mr. Trotta reiterated that if Harbar were granted an adjustment it would still not change the amount the MWRA 
charges which would have to be collected through the revenue process. Mr. Scollins inquired if the BOD could be broken out 
from the MWRA bill and reapplied by the Town to only commercial customers. Mr. Trotta was uncertain if that would be 
possible. He also slated that there is also a certain amount of BOD demand with regard to residential customers, specifically 
waste from toilets. Mr. Scollins concluded that if there was BOD information available and there was a differentiating factor 
between commercial and residential it would have to be resolved by creating a whole new billing structure for billing purposes. 
Mr. Cole inquired as to what the differentiation is in the sewer costs with regard to maintaining infrastructure costs. Mr. Trotta 
explained that the debt services costs is within the MWRA budget and that their capital budget is available on the MWRA's 
websile. The MWRA does work under a mandate from the MWRA Advisory Board to not exceed a 4% increase of capital per 
year. Mr. Scollins concluded that any change in the way the Town bills for sewer charges would require a study of the 
breakdown of MWRA costs and how those costs relate to residential and commercial customers. 
Mr. Spiegel respectfully stated that the Committee is not required to "get into the weeds" with the Harbar situation nor does he 
think it is advisable for the Committee to get into the various ways it could be done and how MWRA sets its charges. He is 
concerned that Harbar may want to study this further. He suggested to keep things simple and that the Committee is required to 
proceed in a fair and equitable basis with some logic behind it. 
Chair Scollins addressed the hypothetical question and impact regarding the decision that allowed the installation of irrigation 
meters. Mr. Trotta stated that this is very similar to commercial businesses desiring to install meters to measure the sewer 
outflow but that the revenue would still have to be made up somewhere. The Town's consultant Raftelis did not recommend the 
installation of sewer meters. Mr. Trotta was uncertain if there would be an extra cost for the installation of sewer meters. Mr. 
Sykes stated that any meter installed under 1 inch the Town would pay the cost and those meters installed greater than 1 inch 
would be paid for by the customer. The customer would also have to assume the cost of the plumbing for installation of the 
meter. 
Mr. Trotta summarized that the Committee already sent their recommendation to the Select Board to not support the Harbar 
abatement but that the Select Board, as the Water and Sewer Commissioners, could address the Harbar abatement and any 
other abatement that came before them on a case by case basis. The result of that would be a cost shift to all other rate payers 
Mr. Scollins slated a new precedent would be created which would be an inequitable and unfair billing approach that the Town 
would be taking with regard to sewer billing subjecting the Town to criticism by the public and that the Town would not be taking 
a fair approach with regard to billing all sewer customers in the Town. 
Ms. Cawley spoke in support of not suggesting the installation of sewer meters. It could result in additional costs to the Town 
with again the bottom line of having to still come up with the revenue. 
In conclusion Chair Scollins stated that "here is the methodology with how bills are calculated" , this is how sewer is being billed. 
What is being requested in Harbar's instance is "opening the door' if this is the best way that the Town wants to continue to bill 
for sewer and is there a better way. The Committee is in agreement that there are other ways for billing but in the end the Town 
ends up in the same place (of having to come up with the revenue). 
The Select Board is scheduled to address Harbar s abatement at their meeting on July 20. Mr. Scollins encouraged the 
Committee members to participate in this meeting. 
Meeting Minutes 
A motion made by Mr. Spiegel to approve the Water & Sewer Rate and Policy Committee meeting minutes for June 3, 
2021 was seconded by Mr. Trotta. 
Roll Call Vote: 
Mr. Spiegel Aye Ms. Cawley Aye 
Mr. Trotta Aye Mr. Scollins Aye 
Mr. Cole Aye Mr. Sykes Aye 
The motion passed 6-0-0. 
Water & Sewer 20210708 Minutes WRS edits.docx Page 2 of 4 8/31/21

Adlournment 
A motion made by Mr. Trotta to adjourn the meeting at approximately 11:06 a.m. was seconded by Ms. Cawley. 
Roll Call Vote: 
Ms. Cawley Aye Mr. Sykes Aye 
Mr. Cole Aye Mr. Trotta Aye 
Mr. Spiegel Aye Mr. Scollins Aye 
The motion passed 6-0-0. 
Minutes reviewed by: Randy Scollins 
Respectfully submitted, 
Randy Scollins, Chair 
Water & Sewer Rate and Policy Committee 
Water & Sewer 20210708 Minutes WRS edits.docx Page 3 of 4 8/31/21

Town of Canton 
Water & Sewer Rate and Policy Committee 
Meeting Documents 
July 8, 2021 
Please note: Some meeting documents may be found on the Town's website under the Posted Minutes section 
(Laser Fiche). 
Agenda for July 8, 2021. 
Memorandum from Randy Scollins to the Canton Select Board dated June 28, 2021 regarding Harbar Request for Sewer Bill 
Adjustment including a spreadsheet entitled "Water Usage — Cost Shift and Percentage Increase to All Other Rate Payers" 
(3 pages). 
Water & Sewer 20210708 Minutes WRS edils.docx Page 4 of 4 8/31/21

K01 , 
Town of Canton 
Water & Sewer Rate 
Study Committee 
Gerald Carmichael 
Patricia Cawley 
Dan Cole 
C. David Emhardl 
Handy Scollins, Chair 
Walter Spiegel 
Chris Sykes 
Mike Trotta 
Water & Sewer Rate & Policy Committee Meeting 
tang Date: Thursday, July 8, 2021 
Meeting Time: 10:00-10:30 AM 
Meeting Location: Virtual Meeting 
Water & Sewer Rate & Policy Committee Agenda — Virtual Meeting (see details below} 
This meeting is being recorded by the Town of Canton. Items may be taken out of order. 
Join Zoom Meeting 
https://us02web.zoom. us/j/83640543816 
Meeting ID: 836 4054 3816 
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New Business 
1. Discuss Harbar Request for Sewer Bill Adjustment. 
2. Vote to accept minutes of June 3, 2021 (draft posted on Town's website). 
Next Meeting Date: To be determined. 
if a topic becomes known prior to 48 hours before the scheduled meeting, the Committee will update [Iris posting. The Committee may also 
discuss a topic or topics not reasonably anticipated by the Chair 48 hours before the meeting. 
WS Rate Study Comm Agenda 20210708.doex

WILLIAM R. SCOLLINS III 
FINANCE DIRECTOR 
rscollins@town.canton.ma.us 
(781) 575-6612 
KATHLEEN D.BUTTERS 
TOWN ACCOUNTANT 
kbutters@town,canton.ma,us 
(781)575-6605 
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE 
TOWN OF CANTON, MASSACHUSETTS 
MEMORIAL HALL 
801 WASHINGTON STREET 
CANTON, MA 02021 
PHONE: 781-575-6610 
FAX: 781-575-6608 
town.canton.ma.us 
MEMORANDUM 
To: Canton Select Board 
From: Randy Scollins, Finance Director 
cc: Charles Aspinwall, Town Administrator 
Water and Sewer Rate & Policy Committee 
Date: June 28, 2021 
RE: Harbar Request for Sewer Bill Adjustment 
SUSAN E. DESJARDINS 
ASST.TREASURER/COLLECTOR 
sdesiardins(atown.canton.ma.us 
(781)821-5006 
LOUIS M. JUTRAS 
INFORMATION 
SYSTEMS MANAGER 
Ilutras@town.canton.ma.us 
(781) 821-5069 
ALLYSON M. PODGURSKI 
ASSISTANT TOWN ACCOUNTANT 
apodaurski@town.canton.ma.us 
(781) 821-5011 
At the Select Board's direction the Water and Sewer Rate & Policy Committee (WSRPC) took 
up the request by Harbar, at our June 3rd meeting, to consider a way to adjust their Sewer bill. 
After considering all of the email communication, Harbar's presentation document, and a full 
discussion, the Committee voted unanimously 7-0-0 (Dave Emhardt was on vacation) to 
recommend that the Select Board not grant any reduction to Harbar on their sewer bills. The 
reasons are listed as follows and are contained on the 2nd page of the draft WSPRC minutes: 
Chair Scollins provided the following overview of Harbar's request for a sewer bill adjustment: 
• Harbar is requesting a -$10, 000 adjustment per quarter to their sewer bill now and going 
forward; 
• Various emails on the topic from Gene Manning, Charlie Aspinwall and Mike Trotta were 
circulated in advance to all members of the Water & Sewer Committee; 
• Industry information was gathered on the topic by Mr. Aspinwall from Jennifer Peterson, 
Director of Mass Water Works, from various towns such as Groton, Franklin, Medway, 
Harwich and Holden, and also distributed in advance to the committee; 
• Harbar claims that 76% of their water usage does not make it to the sewer and is used in 
the process of food manufacturing; 
• Regardless of any action taken by the Select Board the Town's cost for processing sewer 
billed by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) does not change; 
• Any reduction in sewer billing for one customer would be an additional cost burden to every 
other sewer user in the Town; 
• Most likely there are other businesses that could make a similar case for adjustments to 
their sewer bill; 
• If the Town "does for one" then in fairness it will have to "do for all". This could result in a 
significant cost shift; 
• However, wastewater that is left to be processed can be more difficult to breakdown 
because of material factors - the water is denser and is not diluted. 
Mr. Spiegel commented that this would "open the floodgates" to other users for a similar 
reduction request.

Mr. Cole stated that if the Town were to allow this the Town would need a robust and 
standardized policy. 
Mr. Trotta spoke against granting a sewer bill reduction to Harbar based on the possibility of 
causing an unequitable situation. 
Ms. Cawley also spoke against the reduction due to its inequity. She gave examples of many 
businesses in Canton (hockey rinks, Trillium Brewery, Organogenesis and Frito Lay) that have 
high consumption of water that could be affected by a change in the billing. 
Ms. Cawley also stated that the billing system could be set up manually to accommodate 
separate sewer meter billing, or sewer/irrigation meters could be installed at the expense of the 
customer. Chair Scollins asked if it was possible to measure consumption differently at this 
business compared with different manual billing by Ms. Cawley. Ms. Cawley stated that it would 
not address the equity issue and the costs do not go down. 
A motion made by Mr. Spiegel that the Water & Sewer Rate and Policy Committee send a 
recommendation to the Select Board to deny the request from Harbar for an adjustment to their 
sewer bill was seconded by Mr. Cole. 
Roll Call Vote: The motion passed 7-0-0. 
The attached schedule summarizes water usage for the 12 months of calendar 2020 for 43 
commercial and industrial Canton sewer users, out of 426 total, that, including Harbar, also 
could possibly make a similar claim as Harbar that a large portion of their water usage is not 
processed out as sewer flow. FY 2022 sewer rates, that go into effect on 7/1/2021, were 
applied to the calendar year 2020 listed water usages to compute the estimated FY '22 "variable 
sewer flow" charges, i.e., not including flat or fixed fees. 
The summary shows that these 43 companies comprise an estimated 16.6% of total Town 
variable sewer flow charges, and 53.6% of total commercial and industrial variable sewer flow 
charges, or $1.015MM out of $6.127MM. 
Reducing 75% of the $1.015MM in sewer flow charges to these 43 customers would shift 
-$761.6K in sewer charges to all other (residential, commercial and industrial) sewer 
customers. This would equate to a 12.4% increase in all other Canton sewer bills. Shifting 50% 
would increase all other Canton sewer bills by 8.3%. Shifting 25% would increase all other 
Canton Sewer bills by 4.1 %. 
Shifting 75% of Herber's estimated sewer bill alone would increase all other sewer customers' 
bills by 0.7%. 
It is the resulting cost shift, and no ability to reduce total sewer bills, that is the primary concern 
and reason for the WSRPC's recommendation to not adjust sewer bills.

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