WEST HANOVER TOWNSHIP WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY
7901 JONESTOWN ROAD, HARRISBURG, PA
17112
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2002, 7 P.M.
REGULAR MEETING
Chairman Millard called the meeting to order at 7 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Stephen L. Millard, Chairman
Robert R. Jones, Secretary/Treasurer
Donald L. Steinmeier
Kenneth L. Tyndale
No public comment was offered.
Gannett Fleming. Jim Elliott, Bob Schaffer, and Dale Shope were present to provide a brief history of the company and also to outline services they could offer, if Gannett Fleming were to be appointed as the Authority’s engineer for 2003. An outline of the presentation was provided to each Authority member for review.
[Solicitor Jon Yost arrived at 7:47 p.m.]
November 19, 2002, Regular Meeting. Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to approve the November 19, 2002 Minutes. The motion was approved 3-0, with Mr. Tyndale abstaining as he was not present at the meeting.
December 3, 2002, Special Meeting. Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to approve the December 3, 2002 Minutes. The motion was approved 3-0, with Mr. Tyndale abstaining as he was not present at the meeting.
Operating Expenses. Mr. Salisbury stated that the operating expenses to be approved totaled $104,827.49.
Mr. Tyndale questioned the fuel bill for Lower Paxton Township. Mr. Salisbury stated that the Authority purchases its gasoline through Lower Paxton Township. A question was raised as to whether it was worth traveling to Lower Paxton Township for such a small amount of fuel. It was suggested that perhaps staff should check on purchasing the fuel at a location within the Township.
Mr. Tyndale questioned the payment to the PA Department of Revenue. Mr. Salisbury explained that the payment represented the wage taxes paid on salaries.
Mr. Tyndale also questioned the invoice for the accountant. He asked if the $2,300 before the Authority for approval represented services for a month. Mr. Salisbury stated that the bill represented accounting services for a quarter. A brief discussion ensued, and it was suggested that staff explore other accounting firms that might be available and what their charges would be.
Mr. Tyndale moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to approve the operating expenses. The motion was unanimously approved.
A question was raised regarding the interest rate for a CD. Mr. Jones stated that he called Vartan Bank and the interest rate on a CD would be 2% to 2.25%. A suggestion was made that the $1 million CD should be renewed at Commerce Bank for six months.
Resolution Regarding Reserve Capacity. Mr. Yost stated that he drafted a resolution in this matter. He provided copies to the Authority for review.
Mr. Jones called the Authority’s attention to the letter that was included in the packet to Richard Yingst regarding sewer capacity. Mr. Steinmeier asked if the Authority received a response. Mr. Salisbury responded saying that Mr. Yingst had signed the capacity letter, and it is one file with the Authority.
During a brief discussion, one of the issues raised was whether or not a time limit should be applied to the reserve capacity. Following the discussion, it was agreed that this matter would be addressed at a future meeting.
Update on Letters to Residents in Arrears. Mr. Yost reported that liens would be placed against nine residents with arrears in excess of $750.
Mr. Yost distributed a draft resolution outlining a fee schedule for entering liens, judgments, writs, etc. Mr. Yost asked the Authority to review it and offer their comments. This matter will be addressed at a future meeting.
It was suggested that the arrears listing should be separated so that the properties that are not connected and/or have liens against them are on one listing and the properties with arrears less than $750 are on a separate listing so that a clearer picture can be shown.
Rhoads and Sinon Billings. Mr. Yost met with Rhoads and Sinon’s business manager in an effort to resolve this matter. Mr. Yost will update the Authority at its January meeting.
Repair/Replace
Roof. Mr. Salisbury stated that he
and Mr. Millard met with Bob Stanley of CET Engineering. Mr. Stanley believes that the Authority
would be unsuccessful in securing payment by Conewago for replacement of the
entire roof, and it was his recommendation that additional venting should be
added to the treatment plant roof. It
was suggested that Mr.
Salisbury contact Gary Houck and ask him to have someone from his firm inspect
the roof. Mr. Salisbury will contact
Mr. Houck.
Water and Sewer Authority By-Laws. Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to approve the By-Laws of the West Hanover Township Water and Sewer Authority. The motion was unanimously approved.
Resolution 2002-A-6 (By-Laws). Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to approve Resolution 2002-A-6 (By-Laws). The motion was unanimously approved.
2003 Budget. Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Tyndale, to approve the 2003 Budget. The motion was unanimously approved.
Holiday/Call-Out Policy. Mr. Salisbury called the Authority’s attention to the memorandum he had prepared regarding compensatory time. Following a brief discussion, it was agreed that Mr. Salisbury should prepare a policy and bring it back to the Authority’s next meeting for action.
Five-Year Financial Plan. Mr. Millard called the Authority’s attention to a letter dated September 12, 2002 from CET Engineering regarding long-term planning. Following a brief discussion, it was agreed to table this matter for the present time.
Alternative Means of Power for Treatment Plant. Mr. Salisbury advised the Authority of some of his findings. Following a brief discussion, it was agreed that no further research should be done relative to alternative means of power.
No comments were offered.
No public comment was offered.
Don Steinmeier. Mr. Steinmeier had no comment.
Ken Tyndale. Mr. Tyndale had no comment.
Bob Jones. Mr. Jones had no comment.
Steve Millard. Mr. Millard had no comment.
No other business came before the Authority.
Manager. Mr. Salisbury submitted a written report (a copy of which is attached to the Minutes).
Engineer. Mr. Wendle was not present at the meeting, although he 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 9:35 p.m.
An Executive Session followed.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail A. Martin
Recording Secretary