WEST HANOVER TOWNSHIP WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY
7901 JONESTOWN ROAD, HARRISBURG, PA
17112
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2002, 7 P.M.
REGULAR MEETING
Chairman Millard called the November 19, 2002, regular meeting to order at 7:05 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Stephen L. Millard, Chairman
Robert R. Jones, Secretary/Treasurer
Donald L. Steinmeier
Richard Ulrich, 7000 Terrann Drive. Mr. Ulrich stated that he was present at the meeting to discuss the easement the Authority needed in order to complete the Sandy Hollow Road and Terrann Drive project. He explained that he had an approved subdivision for a portion of his property and that the requested easement went through one of the lots, which would render it useless/worthless. Mr. Ulrich added that he had consulted an attorney regarding possible eminent domain proceedings that the Authority might institute and was advised that, if he chose to fight the proceedings, he had a good chance of winning. Mr. Ulrich stated that it was his understanding, after consulting with a realtor, that the fair market value of his lot without sewer would be approximately $27,500 and with sewer it would be approximately $35,000. Mr. Ulrich did not offer the Authority an offer that he was seeking to settle the matter. A brief discussion ensued.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Millard, to have the chairman, the solicitor, and the Authority manager meet with Mr. Ulrich to work out a settlement and, if that was unsuccessful, the solicitor was authorized to prepare a Declaration of Taking. The motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to approve the October 15, 2002 Minutes as distributed. The motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Martin stated that the invoices for payment totaled $97,144.55. A brief discussion took place related to the electric costs for the treatment plant. Mr. Jones expressed an interest in exploring alternative sources of energy that could be used to power the treatment plant. Mr. Frawley stated that he would do some investigation into the matter, and it was agreed to place the matter on the December agenda.
Mr. Jones asked whether or not a representative from Vartan Bank had contacted the Authority regarding interest rates for Certificates of Deposit. Mrs. Martin stated that the Authority had not been contacted. Mr. Jones advised that he would follow up.
Mr. Steinmeier moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to approve the operating expenses in the amount of $97,144.55. The motion was unanimously approved.
Developer’s Agreements/Reimbursement for Terrann Drive and Sandy Hollow Road Project. Following a brief discussion, by consensus, the Authority members agreed they were satisfied with the agreement as presented but wanted further clarification relative to the blasting language. Staff was asked to contact Murray Insurance to get price quotes to add a blasting rider to the Authority’s policy. Mrs. Martin indicated that she would contact Murray Insurance and report back to the Authority.
Mr. Steinmeier moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to authorize the Authority officers to sign the Developer’s Agreement when the blasting language has been finalized. The motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Millard indicated that he has been working with the school district to resolve its issues related to Act 203 monies.
Resolution Regarding Reserve Capacity. Tabled.
Update on Letters to Residents in Arrears. Mr. Yost indicated that he had written several letters. Mrs. Martin advised that some arrears amounts had been collected during October.
Rhoads and Sinon Billings. Mr. Yost reported that William Welsh, the business manager for Rhoads and Sinon, called his office during the week of November 11 but that nothing had been resolved. Mr. Yost stated that he would bring an updated report to the December meeting.
Repair/Replace Roof. Mr. Salisbury referred the Authority members to Mr. Wendle’s report dated November 13, 2002. Mr. Wendle’s report indicated that it was unlikely that Conewago Enterprises, the contractor who built the treatment plant, would pay for any of the repairs since the roof was already repaired prior to a site visit by its representative. A brief discussion ensued. It was agreed that the Authority manager should contact Evanoff Roofing, who did the roof repairs, as well as another roofing contractor, get estimates to repair/replace the roof, get a detailed report outlining the defects, and then bring the information back to the Board for review. Mr. Salisbury stated he would do so.
Letter to Triple Crown Regarding Fence on Authority Right-of-Way. The Township sent a letter to Triple Crown, as no permit was obtained to construct the fence. A letter will be sent to the developer advising that the Authority will not be responsible in the event the fence would have to be removed since it is on a right-of-way and should not have been constructed there in the first place.
Approve Sale of 1966 Case Loader. Mr. Salisbury advised that four bids were received for the Case Loader. The bids were as follows: (1) Hazleton Mt. Laurel Enterprises, Inc. for $1,176; (2) Thomas M. Holley for $1,810; (3) Joseph Evans for $2,000; and (4) John Kupstas for $2,037.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to proceed with the sale of the loader to the highest bidder, John Kupstas, for $2,037. The motion was unanimously approved.
Approve Payment to A&E Enterprises for Screen (Application #4). Mr. Salisbury reported that A&E Enterprises was looking for another payment in the amount of $24,680.50. Mr. Millard indicated that he still was not happy with the way the screen was working and thought that no further payment should be made until such time as all of the issues had been addressed. A brief discussion ensued.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to authorize payment, after November 26, in the amount of $24,680.50, upon approval of the release of the funds by the Authority manager when he is satisfied that the screen is working properly. The motion was unanimously approved.
2003 Budget. Mr. Millard stated that Mr. Ziltz was not present the 2003 Budget to the Authority. [Mr. Jones made a telephone call to Mr. Ziltz and learned that Mr. Ziltz had resigned from the Water and Sewer Authority the morning of November 19.]
Mr. Salisbury and Mrs. Martin stated that they had already done some preparatory work on the budget and agreed to take that information, as well as the information received from Mr. Ziltz, and prepare a draft budget for the Authority members to review. By consensus, it was agreed that the Authority should hold a special meeting on Tuesday, December 3, 2002, at 7 p.m. to consider the 2003 Budget. Mrs. Martin indicated that she would place the required legal advertisement in The Patriot News.
Water and Sewer Authority By-Laws. Mr. Millard referred the members to the draft By‑Laws included with the packet. Mr. Millard indicated that he had included in the proposed By-Laws the duties of the Authority Manager, which were similar to those contained in the Ordinance that created the Township Manager position. Mr. Salisbury raised a question as to whether or not the Authority Manager should be required to be a Township resident, since that was not a requirement of any other position within the Township or the Authority. A brief discussion ensued, and it was agreed that the first paragraph on page 6 of the draft By-Laws should read as follows:
The Manager shall be qualified and shall be required to reside within a twenty (20) mile radius of West Hanover Township within twelve (12) months following appointment.
No other changes were recommended. Mr. Millard asked Mrs. Martin to prepare the By-Laws in final form for action at the December 17, 2002 meeting. Mrs. Martin concurred.
Resolution 2002-A-6 (By-Laws). Mr. Millard called the members’ attention to the proposed Resolution 2002-A-By-Laws. It was noted that on page 2, the enacted date for the resolution was incorrect, and that the date of adoption should be substituted. Mr. Millard asked Mrs. Martin to prepare the Resolution for adoption at the December 17, 2002 meeting. Mrs. Martin concurred.
Future of Administrative Assistant Position. Mr. Millard stated that he wished to discuss the future of the administrative assistant position for the Water and Sewer Authority and whether or not it should remain as it is presently, whether a part-time person should be hired during regular office hours, and/or whether the position should become a full-time position during regular business hours. Mr. Millard indicated that Mrs. Martin had sent him a letter asking for the Authority’s consideration in remaining in her position as it is currently structured at least through June 30, 2003. Following a brief discussion, by consensus, it was agreed that the Authority would consider the recommendations of the Authority Manager at the time the budget was discussed.
No comments were forthcoming relative to any of the correspondence included with the packet.
No public comment was offered at this time.
Bob Jones. Mr. Jones had no comments.
Don Steinmeier. Mr. Steinmeier had no comments.
Steve Millard. Mr. Millard had no comments.
Easements for Sandy Hollow Road Project. Mr. Millard indicated that in addition to the Ulrich easement, two other easements were outstanding and those involved the Shreve and Gooddale properties. Mr. Millard stated that he was hoping to meet with these individuals in an effort to resolve any outstanding issues.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to have the chairman, the solicitor, and the Authority manager meet with these individuals to work out the necessary easements. The motion was unanimously approved.
Manager. Mr. Salisbury submitted a written report (a copy of which is attached to the Minutes). Mr. Salisbury briefly reviewed his report and asked for permission to have the sludge pump from SBR #1 rebuilt to be used as spare.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to approve the rebuilding of the sludge pump in the amount of $2,250. The motion was unanimously approved.
Engineer. Mr. Wendle submitted a written report (a copy of which is attached to the Minutes).
Solicitor. Mr. Yost had no further report.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to adjourn the meeting. The motion was unanimously approved. The meeting adjourned at 9:46 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail A. Martin,
Recording Secretary