WEST HANOVER TOWNSHIP WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY

7901 JONESTOWN ROAD, HARRISBURG, PA  17112

TUESDAY, JUNE 19, 2007, 6 P.M.

REGULAR MEETING

 

 

CALL TO ORDER

 

        Chairman Millard called the regular meeting to order at 6 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  

 

ATTENDANCE

 

        Stephen L. Millard, Chairman

        Kenneth L. Tyndale, Secretary/Treasurer

        Robert R. Jones

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

        No public comment was offered at this time.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

        Regular Meeting, May 15, 2007.  Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Tyndale, to table the May 15, 2007 Minutes until the next meeting.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

FINANCIAL REPORTS

 

        Operating Expenses.  Mrs. Martin reported that prepaid invoices totaled $16,089.88.  Mrs. Martin also reported that the invoices pending payment totaled $83,187.02.

        Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Tyndale, to approve the prepaid invoices in the amount of $16,089.88.  The motion was unanimously approved.

        Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Tyndale, to approve the pending invoices in the amount of $83,187.02. 

        In addition, the arrears report was reviewed briefly. 

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

        Update on Vermitech.  Mr. Shope reported that construction was underway.  Mr. Shope also called the members’ attention to the requests for payment included in the packets.  They represent the first payments for the project, including $140,800.52 to TAH Construction, Inc.), $1,395 to Robert P. Lepley Electrical Contractor, and $5,620.50 to Shannon A. Smith, Inc.

        Mr. Tyndale moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to approve the three requests for payment.  The motion was unanimously approved.

        In addition, Mr. Shope called the members’ attention to the construction meeting minutes that were also included in the packet for informational purposes.

 

        Update on Swatara Capacity.  Mr. Yost reported that Discovery is ongoing.  Following a brief discussion, by consensus, the Authority directed Mr. Shope to research the amount of capacity being used at the Swatara treatment plant by each municipality included in the Intermunicipal Agreement.

        Mr. Millard called the members’ attention to a letter from James Spare, chairman of the Swatara Township Authority, requesting that a representative be appointed to attend an upcoming meeting to discuss the financial ramifications involved in updating the Swatara treatment plant to meet the Chesapeake Bay Initiative.  Following a brief discussion, by consensus, it was agreed that Mr. Millard and Mr. LaDieu should attend as representatives for West Hanover Township.  Mr. Salisbury reported that he also forwarded a copy of the letter to Mr. Rimer so that it could be passed on to the Board of Supervisors.

 

        Update on Influent Screen at the Treatment Plant.  TABLED.  As an aside, Mr. Salisbury reported that Municipal Maintenance was at the treatment plant on Tuesday to troubleshoot the pumps in the wet well.  It was determined that one of the pumps had been incorrectly wired when it was installed in 1996, which was only now causing a problem.  Mr. Salisbury added that, as a result, he and the electrician from Municipal Maintenance had to climb into the wet well to disconnect the pump to be removed for repair.  A brief discussion followed regarding whether the Authority should establish some type of official safety program.  Mr. Tyndale stated he would do some research regarding safety training/setting up a safety program and report back to the Authority.

 

        Update on Proposal for GIS/GPS Mapping Updates.  Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to his memorandum included with the packets, which provided a breakdown of the $3,000 proposal.  A total of $1,800 would be for the office portion and $1,200 for the field work.  The field work would encompass obtaining the rim elevation for 90 manholes.  This work would add the sewer system components to the GIS mapping for Bradford Estates (Phase VII), Brookview (Phase II), Heather Glen, Lexington Woods, Manada Court Villas, Mayberry (Phase II), Sagewicke Annex, Sagewick (Phase IV), Townes of Hershey (Phase II), Winslett (Phase IV), Short Street low pressure force main, and the Bill Farmer low pressure force main on Jonestown Road.

        Mr. Tyndale moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to approve the GIS/GPS proposal in the amount of $3,000.  The motion was unanimously approved.

        A question was raised as to whether or not the developer should pay a surcharge as part of the development process to update the Authority’s GIS/GPS mapping system.  Following a brief discussion, staff was directed to include copies of the information provided to developers as part of the review/development process with the Authority for the next meeting.  The Authority will review the materials and consider amending the requirements to include that the developers pay to update the mapping system.

 

        Evergreen Ridge (Action Pending by Township).  Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to a copy of his memorandum included with the

 packets to approve the sewer extension for Evergreen Ridge. 

        Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Tyndale, to table approval of the sewer extension for Evergreen Ridge.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Insurance for Authority.  Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to the comparison chart between the Authority’s current coverage with Selective Insurance and PRIMA.  At the Authority’s request, the comparison was prepared by H.A. Thomson.

A brief discussion followed.  It was agreed that the comparison should be forwarded to Mr. Rimer, as the Township may want to consider switching insurance coverage as well.  Mr. Tyndale stated that he would ask an insurance representative that he knows to offer his evaluation.  He will report back at the July meeting.

 

Discussion on Laterals for Arondale Project.  Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to his memorandum included with the packets, as well as the two drawings distributed just prior to the meeting.  Mr. Salisbury reiterated that at the April 2007 meeting, the Authority had approved the connection of no more than three condominiums to one service lateral, with a cleanout to be provided for each unit.  A brief discussion and review of the drawings followed.  By consensus, the Authority agreed that the laterals could be connected as proposed on the drawings entitled “Triples and Sextuplet,” as submitted by Mr. Yingst. 

 

Repair/Replace Utility Pole on Authority Property.  Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to the memorandum/pictures from Mr. Rodemoyer regarding the utility poles located on Authority property.  On June 3, there was a power failure at the treatment plant.  A second power failure occurred on June 12.  When the PPL crew arrived on June 3 to replace the blown fuse on the utility pole, they advised Mr. Rodemoyer that the pole was split at the top and should be replaced.  A suggestion was made that perhaps the Authority should consider having the utilities placed underground.  Mr. Tyndale reported that an engineer at PPL advised him that it was not possible to put the utilities underground since the box would be located in a floodplain.

A lengthy discussion followed, during which Mr. Tyndale agreed to contact PPL regarding the floodplain issue, as well as holding discussions with PPL to move forward in having the utilities placed underground.  He will report back at the July meeting.

 

Release Performance Bond for Townes of Hershey Phase II.  Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to his memorandum of June 13, 2007, as well as the copy of the letter from Classic Communities requesting that the Performance Bond be released.  Mr. Salisbury reported that the mandrel and air testing was completed in Phase II.  The developer has been requested to provide record drawings as well as a Deed of Dedication and also to have the vacuum testing completed.  An 18-month maintenance bond in the amount of $15,375 is forthcoming.

Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Tyndale, to approve the release of Performance Bond #586320S in the amount of $102,500 upon receipt of the 18-month maintenance bond in the amount of $15,375.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

Reduction of Escrow Funds for Country Hearth.  Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to his memorandum of June 13, 2007.  The Authority is currently holding an escrow account in the amount of $7,335.08, which represents funds put up by the owners of Country Hearth for installation of the sewer extension.  Since the project has been completed for some time and the only outstanding item is a Deed of Dedication, Mr. Salisbury recommended that the Authority reduce the escrow funds to 15%, or $900.  A brief discussion followed, during which it was agreed that Mr. Yost should contact the owner of the hotel in order to resolve any issues regarding the Deed of Dedication prior to the July meeting.

   Mr. Tyndale moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to table the request for reduction of the escrow funds for Country Hearth.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

Discussion on Roger Hoffman Property at 128 North Hershey Road.  Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to his memorandum of June 14, 2007.  Mr. Salisbury briefly reiterated that in October 2006 the Authority discussed the proposed low-pressure sanitary sewer.  At that time, the Authority agreed that it could not approve the plan due to outstanding easement issues.  Included with the memorandum was a copy of the Highway Occupancy Permit, a letter from the Township agreeing that the force main to service the property could be put in the public right-of-way due to special circumstances, and a location map showing where the low-pressure sewer line would be located.  Financial bonding for the Township will be required.  A brief discussion followed, during which a question was raised as to the proposed depth of the line. 

Mr. Tyndale moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to approve the installation of a low-pressure sanitary sewer line for 128 North Hershey Road contingent upon clarification of the drawing submitted and approval by the Authority’s engineer of the grinder pump station and shop drawings of the materials for the force main.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

        No public comment was offered at this time.

 

CORRESPONDENCE

 

        Mr. Salisbury briefly reviewed the correspondence included with the packets.

          

AUTHORITY MEMBER COMMENTS

 

        Bob Jones.  Mr. Jones reported that he had a brief discussion with Mr. Rimer regarding the Swatara capacity as to who actually holds ownership of the capacity—the Township or the Authority.  Mr. Jones suggested that a joint workshop meeting should be held between the Authority and the Township.  By consensus, it was agreed that a workshop should be arranged following Mr. Millard’s attendance at the first meeting with the Swatara Authority relative to the treatment plant upgrade.

 

        Ken Tyndale.  Mr. Tyndale had no comments.

 

        Steve Millard.  Mr. Millard had no comments.

 

REPORTS

 

        Authority Manager.  Mr. Salisbury submitted a written report. 

 

        Engineer.  Mr. Shope submitted a written report.

 

        Solicitor.  Mr. Yost had no additional report.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

        Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Tyndale, to adjourn the meeting.  The motion was unanimously approved.  The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

 

                                                                                 Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                 Gail A. Martin

                                                                                 Recording Secretary