WEST HANOVER TOWNSHIP WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY

7901 JONESTOWN ROAD, HARRISBURG, PA  17112

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2007, 6 P.M.

REGULAR MEETING

 

 

CALL TO ORDER

 

        Vice Chairman Steinmeier called the regular meeting to order at 6:03 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

ATTENDANCE

 

        Stephen L. Millard, Chairman

        Donald L. Steinmeier, Vice Chairman

        Kenneth L. Tyndale, Secretary/Treasurer

        William LaDieu

        Robert R. Jones

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

       

        No public comment was offered at this time.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

        Regular Meeting, September 18, 2007.  Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Tyndale to approve the October 16, 2007 Minutes as distributed.  The motion was approved 3-0, with Mr. LaDieu abstaining, as he was not present at the meeting.

 

FINANCIAL REPORTS

                                                                                                                  

        Operating Expenses.  Mrs. Martin reported that prepaid invoices totaled $26,895.88.  Mrs. Martin also reported that invoices pending payment totaled $378,338.86. 

        Mr. Jones raised a concern regarding the continued increases for electric power at the treatment plant.  He suggested that the Authority might want to explore some alternative forms of electric power.

        Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Tyndale, to approve the prepaid invoices in the amount of $26,895.88.  The motion was unanimously approved.

        Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Tyndale, to approve the pending invoices in the amount of $378,338.86.  The motion was unanimously approved, with Mr. Tyndale abstaining on the payment to K.L. Tyndale, Inc.

        The Authority briefly reviewed the arrears listing.

 

[Mr. Millard arrived at the meeting at 6:10 p.m.]

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

        Update on Vermitech.  Mr. Salisbury reported that the vermicomposting building was on schedule for completion by Christmas. 

        Discussion took place regarding the purchase of a skid loader.  Mr. Tyndale volunteered to work with Mr. Rodemoyer in exploring the purchase of a used skid loader.  He will report back at the December meeting.

        Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to the fact that one of the requirements of the approved land development plan included the construction of a pedestrian pathway on Jonestown Road.  Mr. Salisbury also advised that as part of the pedestrian pathway, the Authority would also be required to install a drain under the pathway.  A lengthy discussion followed.  By consensus, it was agreed that the Authority should forward a letter to the Township asking for a waiver for the pedestrian pathway until such time as the Township develops the tracts of land on either side of the Authority’s property.

 

        Update on Swatara Capacity.  This matter was handled during a brief executive session to discuss ongoing litigation.

 

        Update on Influent Screen at the Treatment Plant.  TABLED.

 

        Evergreen Ridge.  Mr. Salisbury reported that the West Hanover Board of Supervisors was scheduled to act on the plan at its meeting on December 3, 2007.  Mr. Salisbury indicated that he would include the Evergreen Ridge plan in the Authority’s packet for the December 18, 2007 meeting.

 

        Reduction of Escrow Funds/Deed of Dedication for Country Hearth.  Mr. Yost reported that this matter remained unresolved but added that he would do his best to complete it for the December 2007 meeting.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

        Insurance for Authority.  Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to the insurance proposal from Penn Prime through the Strickler Insurance Agency.  Mr. Salisbury reported that the proposal from Penn Prime was $3,415 less than the proposed insurance rates through the Township.  A brief discussion followed during which a concern was raised as to whether or not removing the Authority’s insurance from the Township’s policy would cause a problem for the Township.  Mr. Tyndale volunteered to speak with Mr. Rimer and report back to the Authority at the December 18, 2007 meeting.

 

        2008 Budget.  Mr. Salisbury briefly reviewed the “Draft” budget, including proposed salaries and hourly compensation for 2008

        Mr. LaDieu moved, seconded by Mr. Tyndale, to approve the salaries and hourly compensation rates as proposed. 

 

        Resolution 2007-A-3.  Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to Resolution 2007-A-3, which would set the tapping fee at $2,960 effective January 1, 2008.  The connection, collection, and customer facilities fees would remain at $125, $140, and $175 respectively. 

        Mr. LaDieu moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to approve Resolution 2007-A-3.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

        Resolution 2007-A-4.  Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to Resolution 2007-A-4, which would set the monthly sewer rate at $33 effective January 1, 2008.

        Mr. Tyndale moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeir, to approve Resolution 2007-A-4.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

        Press Solids Handling Pump.  Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to his memorandum dated November 13, 2007.  As directed at the October meeting, Mr. Salisbury reported that he was unable to secure an acceptable quote for the installation of a press handling pump.  By consensus, it was agreed that Mr. Shope should discuss the matter with TAH Construction to determine if a change order could be implemented to take care of this issue.  Mr. Shope will report back at the December meeting.

 

        Request for Reduction in Letter of Credit for Village Glen.  Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to his memorandum dated November 13, 2007.  E.G. Stoltzfus, the developer for Village Glen, has completed the sewer main lines installation in accordance with its Sewer Extension Agreement.

        Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to approve the reduction of Letter of Credit SB-910286 from $153,700 to $23,055.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

        Speedco Sewer Billing Issue.  Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to the letter from Speedco regarding excessive water usage due to water leaks. 

        In addition to Speedco’s letter, Mr. Salisbury also called the members’ attention to the letter from the owner of the Tall Timbers Motel also requesting relief from high monthly sewer charges due to water leaks.  A brief discussion followed.

        Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. LaDieu, that the West Hanover Township Water and Sewer Authority adopt the policy that no adjustments could be made for monthly sewer charges  The motion was unanimously approved.

        Staff agreed to prepare letters to both Speedco and Tall Timbers advising that no relief would be granted.

 

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 had no comments.

 

        Bill LaDieu.  Mr. LaDieu stated that he completed review of the current Act 537 Plan and pointed out that the Houck Manor/Holiday Park areas would need to be added to the public sewer system within the next ten years.

        Ken Tyndale.  Mr. Tyndale had no comments.

 

        Steve Millard.  Mr. Millard announced that three members of the Authority held an executive session on October 25, 2007, to discuss personnel issues.

        Mr. Millard stated that he received a telephone call regarding a problem encountered by a resident while the sewer lines were being flushed.

        Mr. Salisbury reported that several calls were also received at the Authority Office.  Mr. Salisbury stated that it was necessary to perform the preventative maintenance on the lines, as a lot of dirt and grit was found while flushing.  He added that when the flushing was performed in 2008, he would send out a notice to those residents in the area being flushed to let them know that it would occur. 

 

        Don Steinmeier.  Mr. Steinmeier stated that he thought the Authority should send letters to Representative Marisco and Senator Piccola regarding the possibility of making public funds available in order to adhere to the Chesapeake Bay mandate.  At Mr. Millard’s request, Mr. Steinmeier agreed to draft a letter for the Authority members’ signatures.

 

REPORTS

 

        Authority Manager.  Mr. Salisbury submitted a written report.  In addition, Mr. Salisbury reported that he obtained a quote from Lepley Electrical Contractors for approximately $4,900 to move the electrical box from the wet well.  A brief discussion followed.

        Mr. Tyndale moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to have the work performed by Lepley Electrical Contractors not to exceed $5,000.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

        Authority Engineer.  Mr. Shope submitted a written report. 

 

        Authority Solicitor.  Mr. Yost had no further report.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

        Mr. Tyndale moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to adjourn the meeting.  The motion was unanimously approved.  The meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m.

 

                                                                                      Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                      Gail A. Martin

                                                                                      Recording Secretary