CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Millard called the June 12, 2002 workshop meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. In attendance were: Stephen L. Millard, Chairman; Robert Ziltz, Vice Chairman, Robert R. Jones, Secretary/Treasurer; Gloria J. Zimmerman; Jon Yost, Authority Solicitor; and Jeffrey Wendle, Authority Engineer. Authority Staff members Mark A. Salisbury and Gail A. Martin were also present.

BUSINESS

The only item on the agenda was the codification of the tapping fee resolutions. Resolution 1995-A-48 was amended several times over the years, and it was agreed that all of the amendments should be codified into one resolution for easy reference. A draft of the proposed resolution was distributed to the Authority members at the May 23, 2002 regular meeting, and it was that document that was used for discussion at the workshop.

Section 1. Mr. Millard began review of the proposed resolution at Section 1., Definitions. Mr. Wendle raised several questions relative to the definitions, as they were written, specifically discussed were: 1.B. Building Sewer; 1.C. Collection Fee; 1.L Service Line.

A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the definition of 1.B., 1.C., and 1.L. A suggestion was made that the three definitions should read as follows:

1.B. “Building Sewer” means the extension from the sewage drainage system of any structure to the Service Lateral.

1.C. “Collection Fee” is a part of the tapping fee that is charged against each appropriate owner of property hereafter connected or hereafter required to be connected to the Sewer System for the collection facilities portion of the Sewer constructed by the Authority.

1.L. “Service Line” means the part of the Sewer System that connects the sewer to the Building and includes both the Service Lateral and the Building Sewer.

Discussion continued and, by consensus, it was agreed that Mr. Salisbury, Mr. Yost, Mr. Wendle, and Mr. Millard should meet, review all of the definitions, and finalize the proposed definitions before bringing them back to the Authority for approval.

Collection Fee. Discussion then shifted to the collection fee, which is currently set at $115. Mr. Wendle explained how the original tapping and connection fees, totaling $2,600, were computed. A $100 collection fee was included in the $2,600 paid by residents who connected to the sewer during the original project. He also explained that the collection fee was $115 currently and had been increased based on the Construction Cost Index (CCI).

Mr. Wendle explained that the collection fee came into play when a property was connected to a collection line that was installed by the West Hanover Sewer Authority only. Mr. Salisbury stated that currently the collection fee was charged for two developments, Brynfield East (Yingst Homes) and Clover Lee (Triple Crown). Mr. Millard stated that he did not agree with that practice and thought that developers should not be required to pay the collection fee. A brief discussion followed during which Mr. Jones and Mr. Ziltz thought that anyone tying into a collection line should continue to pay the collection fee. In the case of a developer, if connection were not made to a collection line, the developer would have to run another line that would cost substantially more than $115 per Sewer Connection Permit. However, Mr. Wendle did point out that very few municipalities charge the collection fee. Mr. Wendle also pointed out that it was strictly a policy decision on the part of the Authority. A brief discussion followed; however, no decision was made as to whether or not charging the collection fee would continue.

[Mr. Yost left the workshop at 8 p.m.]

Section 4. Discussion then moved on to the tapping fee. Currently, properties built prior to 1999 were grandfathered to pay the original tapping fee of $1,900 for each EDU; all others pay $2,940 per EDU. Again, that tapping fee was increased the past three years from $1,900 to $2,940 based on the CCI. Mr. Millard stated that he believed all properties should be assessed the $2,940 regardless of when they were constructed. Mr. Jones concurred. A brief discussion followed during which it was agreed by consensus that everyone should pay the $2,940 per EDU.

[Mrs. Zimmerman left the workshop at 8:50 p.m.]

By consensus, it was agreed that Mr. Salisbury, Mr. Millard, Mr. Yost, and Mr. Wendle should meet and resolve the questions that were raised at the workshop and bring a revised draft resolution to the July meeting. It was also agreed that, if necessary, another workshop would be scheduled to discuss the revised resolution.

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Ziltz, to adjourn the workshop. The motion was unanimously approved. The workshop was adjourned at 9:08 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Gail A. Martin

Recording Secretary