WEST HANOVER TOWNSHIP WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY

7901 JONESTOWN ROAD, HARRISBURG, PA  17112

TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2008, 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

        Donald L. Steinmeier, Vice Chairman

        Kenneth L. Tyndale, Secretary/Treasurer

        Robert R. Jones

        William LaDieu

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

        No public comment was offered at this time.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

        Regular Meeting, March18, 2008.  Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to approve the March 18, 2008 as distributed.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

FINANCIAL REPORTS

 

        Operating Expenses.  Mrs. Martin reported that prepaid invoices totaled $24,086.44.  Mrs. Martin also reported that the invoices pending payment totaled $186,897.46.

        Mr. Tyndale moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to approve the prepaid invoices in the amount of $24,086.44.  The motion was unanimously approved.

        Mr. LaDieu moved, seconded by Mr. Tyndale, to approve the pending invoices in the amount of $186,897.46.  The motion was approved 4-1, with Mr. Jones voting nay.

        In addition, the arrears report was briefly reviewed.  Mrs. Martin reported that letters were sent to residents in arrears less than $800.

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

        Update on Vermitech.  Mr. Millard reported that the problems with the heating system have not yet been resolved.  Mr. Salisbury added that there had been some discussion about replacing the main pumps within the next two to three weeks.  Mr. Shope stated that staff at Gannett Fleming is continuing to work towards resolution of the problem.

        There was also a brief discussion as to what type of conveyor should be installed in the building.  Mr. Tyndale and Mr. LaDieu agreed to meet on-site with staff on Friday, April 18, 2008, at 7 a.m. to discuss some of the options available.

 

        Update on Swatara Capacity.  Mr. Millard reported that negotiations were continuing.  Mr. Salisbury stated that projected costs for use of the joint use interceptor would not be forthcoming until after the Lower Paxton Authority meeting scheduled for May 27, 2008.  Following a brief discussion, by consensus, it was agreed that a meeting should be set up with Lower Paxton to discuss this matter.  Mr. Millard or Mr. Yost will make the contact.

 

        Update on Influent Screen at the Treatment Plant.  Mr. Shope reported that Gannett Fleming staff was working on this item and that he expected to have a proposal in the near future.

 

        Reduction of Escrow Funds/Deed of Dedication for Country Hearth.  Mr. Yost reported that he was continuing to work to resolve the issues involved with the Deed of Dedication for the Country Hearth as well as the others that are still outstanding. 

 

        Sludge Press Solids Handling Pump.  Mr. Salisbury reported that information regarding this item would be presented in the near future.

 

        Tapping Fee Update.  TABLED.

 

        Capital Improvement Subcommittee Update/Annual Report.  Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to the spreadsheet he prepared showing projected capital improvements at the plant.  A brief discussion followed.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Job Description for Vermicomposting Position.  Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to the proposed job description.  By consensus, it was agreed that Mr. Salisbury should proceed with placing an advertisement in the newspaper as well as with the PWEA Job Bank.

 

Proposed Article for Newsletter re: Arrears.  Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to the proposed newsletter article.  By consensus, it was agreed that the article should be forwarded to the Township Office for inclusion in the newsletter.

Following a brief discussion, it was agreed that the Authority should aggressively pursue all arrears of more than $132 (or four months). 

Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Tyndale, to file liens against those properties with arrears of $800 or more.  The motion was unanimously approved.

Further, it was discussed that at some point in the future the Authority might consider Sheriff’s sale of those properties with significant arrears.

 

Resolution 2008-A-3.  Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to the proposed resolution, which would adopt a grinder pump policy.

Mr. Tyndale moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to adopt Resolution 2008‑A‑3.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

Authorization to Purchase New Decanter Valve Actuator for SBR #1.  Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to the proposal to install a new gear drive that would be mounted right onto the decanter valve.  The cost would be $2,740 for the part and $450 for installation, or a total of $3,190.

Mr. Tyndale moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to approve the purchase of a new decanter valve actuator for SBR #1 as proposed.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

        No public comment was offered at this time.

 

CORRESPONDENCE

 

        Mr. Millard briefly reviewed the correspondence included in the packets.

          

AUTHORITY MEMBER COMMENTS

 

        Bob Jones.  Mr. Jones had no comments.

 

        Bill LaDieu.  Mr. LaDieu had no comments.

 

        Ken Tyndale.  Mr. Tyndale suggested that a risk management representative from the Authority’s insurance agency/carrier should be asked to inspect the vermicomposting building regarding possible safety concerns.  Mr. Salisbury reported that the insurance agency had been contacted and that he was awaiting a call as to when the representative would be available for an on-site visit.

 

        Don Steinmeier.  Mr. Steinmeier thanked Mr. Salisbury for e-mailing reports on the Chesapeake Bay Initiative as they were received.

 

        Steve Millard.  Mr. Millard stated that he would like the Authority to receive an updated budget report each quarter.  Following a brief discussion, it was agreed that staff would provide a monthly budget report to the members.

        Mr. Millard asked staff to send a letter to Bill Keane, who appeared before the Authority in March to express his concern regarding the sewer arrears, telling him that an aggressive effort would be made to lower the arrears.

 

REPORTS

 

        Authority Manager.  Mr. Salisbury submitted a written report.  Mr. Salisbury reported that Jamie Aston’s father and father-in-law had passed away in the last month.  He stated that in lieu of flowers, requests had been made for contributions to various charities.  By consensus, it was agreed that the Authority should make a contribution of $50 each in memory of Jamie’s family members.

        Mr. Salisbury also reported that Mr. Aston was in the process of being recertified to perform lab work.  He passed the entire test except Phosphorus and Ammonia.  Following a brief discussion, it was agreed by consensus to have Nick Saad from Gannett Fleming assist Mr. Aston, as needed, to prepare to retake the test.

 

        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 8:10 p.m.

 

                                                                                 Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                 Gail A. Martin

                                                                                 Recording Secretary