WEST HANOVER TOWNSHIP WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY

7901 JONESTOWN ROAD, HARRISBURG, PA  17112

TUESDAY, MAY 20, 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

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

        No public comment was offered at this time.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

        Regular Meeting, April 15, 2008.  Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to approve the April 15, 2008 Minutes as distributed.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

FINANCIAL REPORTS

 

        Operating Expenses.  Mrs. Martin reported that prepaid invoices totaled $67,141.73.  Mrs. Martin also reported that the invoices pending payment totaled $248,493.76.

        Mr. Tyndale moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to approve the prepaid invoices in the amount of $67,141.73.  The motion was unanimously approved.

        Mr. Steinmeier moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to approve the pending invoices in the amount of $248,493.76.  The motion was approved 4-1, with Mr. Tyndale abastaining on payment of the K.L. Tyndale invoice.

        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.  A concern was raised regarding the continued problems with the heating/cooling system in the building.  Mr. Shope reported that a meeting would be held during the week of May 26, 2008.  He asked that the members consider authorizing a Change Order so that corrections to the system could begin prior to the Authority’s June meeting.  A brief discussion followed.

        Mr. Tyndale moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to approve a Change Order up to $20,000 to fund revisions to the heating/cooling system, with the stipulation that costs will be reimbursed to the Authority at completion of the project.  The motion was unanimously approved.

        Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to the proposal from Gannett Fleming to re-evaluate the vermicomposting project for compliance with ADA and related codes and regulations.

        Mr. Tyndale moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to accept the proposal not to exceed $6,400.  The motion was unanimously approved.

        Mr. Salisbury also called the members’ attention to the e-mail from David Weiss of Gannett Fleming regarding ADA modifications that need to be completed in order to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy.  The estimated cost of the modifications would be $2,255.

        Mr. Tyndale moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to approve the modifications to meet ADA compliance not to exceed $2,255.  The motion was unanimously approved.

        Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to the letter from TAH Construction dated May 5, 2008 to Gannett Fleming regarding installation of a conveyor from the sludge press building into the sludge storage building.   Following a brief discussion, it was decided by consensus that a conveyor should not be installed at the present time.

        Finally, Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to a proposal from TAH Construction to install a garage door in the vermicomposting building.  In response to a question, Mr. Salisbury stated that he would be in favor of Options #1, #2, and #6.  A brief discussion followed.

        Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Tyndale, to approve installation of a garage door at a cost not to exceed $26,393.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

        Update on Swatara Capacity.  Mr. Millard reported that negotiations were continuing.  He met with representatives from Lower Paxton as well as Jim Cieri, the engineer for Yingst Homes, and Charlie Yohe from Yingst Homes.  It would appear that Lower Paxton is amenable to accepting the Arondale project under the agreement drawn up years ago regarding the John Hall tract off Sarhelm Road.  However, Lower Paxton does have some reservation in accepting the main lines since they did not inspect them during installation.  Mr. Salisbury reported that the air testing records were copied and provided to Charlie Yohe.  Mr. Millard also stated that Lower Paxton requested a letter advising them that it was the intention of West Hanover Township to take back the Arondale project when the matters with the Swatara Authority were resolved.

        Mr. Salisbury reported that HRG submitted the Task Activity Report to DEP and has commenced work on the Act 537 amendment.

 

        Update on Influent Screen at the Treatment Plant.  Mr. Shope called the members’ attention to the information from JWC Environmental.  He reviewed the information and advised that he was awaiting a price.  He also stated that he would be looking at several other products and would report back.

 

        Reduction of Escrow Funds/Deed of Dedication for Country Hearth.  Mr. Yost is continuing 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 called the members’ attention to his memorandum of May 7, 2008 regarding the purchase of radio control VFDs for the sludge pumps.  The cost would be approximately $25,850.  As an alternative, Mr. Salisbury referenced an estimate from Whitman’s Plumbing for $2,250 to remove the existing pump and replace with ductile iron pipe and plug valve in press building.  Mr. Salisbury proposed to make the expenditure under “Plant Repairs” in the budget.  A brief discussion followed. 

        Mr. Tyndale moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to accept the proposal from Whitman’s Plumbing in the amount of $2,250.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

        Tapping Fee Update.  TABLED.

 

        Update on Vermicomposting Position.  Mr. Salisbury reported that the position was advertised in The Patriot News and that 15 resumes were received.  He added that he would be reviewing the resumes and bringing some recommendations to the Authority at the June meeting.  Mr. Tyndale stated that he would supply the name and contact information to Mr. Salisbury for the temporary agency that he uses.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Discuss Remote Controls for Flygt Pumps.  This item was addressed as part of the discussion on the sludge press solids handling pump.

 

Discuss Press Building Fuel Oil System.  Mr. Salisbury reported that the problems were continuing in the sludge building with the heating system.  An estimate in the amount of $6450 has been obtained from Leffler Energy to install a new fuel oil system.  Following a brief discussion, it was agreed that staff should obtain several more quotes.  In addition, it was suggested that perhaps the Authority should consider replacing the existing unit with an LP gas furnace.  Mr. Tyndale offered to work with Mr. Salisbury to prepare specifications for an LP gas furnace in order to obtain quotes.

 

LG Sonic Algae Control Unit.  Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to an e‑mail dated April 11, 2008 regarding the purchase of an algae control unit.  A build up of algae reduces the water transparency and hinders the UV light penetration effectiveness.  This unit would propose to reduce the amount of algae, making the effectiveness of the UV bulbs more apparent.  It should also offer a reduction in power consumption of the UV bulbs due to the improved clarity.  There is a two-year manufacturer warranty on the unit.  The cost of the unit would be $4,090.  A brief discussion followed, and a suggestion was made that Mr. Salisbury contact the company and inquire as to whether or not a unit could be tested before making a decision to purchase it.  Mr. Salisbury will follow-up and report back.

 

Authorization to Hire Summer Help.  Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to his memorandum of May 7, 2008, which proposes that he hire Sean Salisbury for the summer.  He would work 40 hours per week at the rate of $8 per hour.  His duties would include assisting Mr. Rodemoyer and Mr. Aston around the plant, as well as some mowing, trimming brush and general clean-up at the pump stations and treatment plant.  He would not be operating any of the heavy equipment or driving the Authority vehicles.  Following a brief discussion, it was suggested that Mr. Salisbury contact the insurance carrier to determine if there would be any insurance issues if the Authority employed a 16-year-old for the summer.  Mr. Salisbury agreed to make the call.

Mr. Tyndale moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to approve the hiring of Sean Salisbury for summer employment contingent upon a response from the Authority’s insurance carrier.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

        No public comment was offered at this time.

 

CORRESPONDENCE

 

        Mr. Salisbury briefly reviewed the correspondence included in the packet, highlighting the copy of a letter received from DEP regarding the Chesapeake Bay Initiative.

          

AUTHORITY MEMBER COMMENTS

 

        Bob Jones.  Mr. Jones stated that he believed it was necessary to remain aggressive in collecting sewer arrears.  A brief discussion followed. 

        Mr. Steinmeier moved, seconded by Mr. Tyndale, to authorize the solicitor to move forward with a Sheriff’s Sale for any properties not in bankruptcy with arrears in excess of $1,200.  The motion was unanimously approved.

        In reviewing the arrears list, it would appear that the action taken by the Authority would be initiated for 7180 Jonestown Road and 262 Lawrence Drive.

 

        Ken Tyndale.  Mr. Tyndale had no comments.

 

        Don Steinmeier.  Mr. Steinmeier stated that he read that PMAA has highlighted Bill 2441, which is being proposed to establish a fund of $500 million to assist municipalities affected by the Chesapeake Bay Initiative.  He urged the Authority to send a letter by the end of June to Representative Marsico and Senator Piccola asking them to support that Bill.  Mrs. Martin will draft the letter for review and signature by the Authority.

 

        Steve Millard.  Mr. Millard stated that he had read recently that in light of escalating gas prices theft of gas was increasing.  In that regard, he encouraged staff to be diligent to keep the pump stations and/or any diesel fuel cans locked at all times. 

        Mr. Millard thanked Mrs. Martin for a good job on the budget report.

 

REPORTS

 

        Authority Manager.  Mr. Salisbury submitted a written report. 

 

        Engineer.  Mr. Shope submitted a written report.

 

        Solicitor.  Mr. Yost reported that Hummelstown has continued concerns about the upgrade at the Swatara treatment plant.

 


ADJOURNMENT

 

        Mr. Tyndale moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to adjourn the meeting.  The motion was unanimously approved.  The meeting was adjourned at 8:53 p.m.

 

                                                                                 Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                 Gail A. Martin

                                                                                 Recording Secretary