My fourth letter to the residences of Lisbon: Regarding Water Department

My fourth letter to the residences of Lisbon:

Licensing 
I would like to give the readers a short explanation on who is eligible to work for a Maine water company.  The Maine Drinking Water program has the responsibility of determining who may become a licensed operator and is responsible for assigning licensees.  Water systems are defined through a process of grading points, class I to class IV.  This is true in both treatment and distribution according to the complexity and population.  Lisbon is a class II.  Operators must show competency by successfully completing examinations in both treatment and distribution.  Operators must also possess the appropriate experience.  The state requirement for Lisbon is two years experience in a water company.  An operator must posses the knowledge, skills, ability and judgment to assure safe drinking water.  This is measured through a review of education, experience and examinations.   The Lisbon Water Department has three employees with a class II or higher license and one employee who has a class I and is currently studying for the class II test.  My point to this is that the town does not have any current employees who would meet the requirements to be licensed operators.  Hence, there would be no savings with a takeover by the town!

General Manager
The General Manager’s duties are to supervise the daily activities of all the staff and report to the three elected water commissioners at the bi-monthly meetings.  I think it would be beneficial to mention the chain of command at this point.  The field staff will do what it can to solve any problems/requests.  The next step is to take it to the office staff.  The office staff will then present the problem/request to the general manager.  If the problem/request is still present then the Board of Water Commissioners will ask the person to attend a meeting.  If the problem/request still has not been resolved the final decision falls with the Maine Public Utilities Commission.   So for complaints or concerns you should come to the water department not the town manager or council member.

Commissioners
The Water Commissioners are elected for a three-year term; their terms do not run concurrently.  Therefore, there is one commissioner on the ballot every year.  The water commissioner’s sole responsibility is to the customers and the water supply that serves the Town of Lisbon.   I feel that the present board works very well to keep your water supply safe.

I would like to ask you to write in the name of Stanley Arthur Doughty Jr. for re-election to the water board.

Remember voting yes will not cut your water bill or lower your taxes.  Therefore, I am asking for your support of the current Water Department as it stands by voting NO.

Questions call me at home 353-2780 or cell 576-2438 office 353-3020.

William A. Bauer, Chairman