WEST HANOVER
TOWNSHIP WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY
7901 JONESTOWN
ROAD, HARRISBURG, PA 17112
TUESDAY, MAY 18,
2004, 7 P.M.
REGULAR MEETING
Chairman Millard called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Millard announced that an executive session was held following the April 20, 2004 meeting to discuss legal matters.
Stephen L. Millard, Chairman
Robert R. Jones, Secretary/Treasurer
Kenneth L. Tyndale
Bob Rogers, 7839 Allentown Boulevard. Mr. Rogers stated that he is planning to open a Subway shop in the Platinum Gym building located at 7015 Jonestown Road. Mr. Rogers indicated that the owner of the Platinum Gym building, George True of Bradford Associates, told him that he would be responsible for the payment of the tapping fee for the Subway shop in the amount of $3,075. He further stated that he believed that he should not have to pay a full tapping fee for the Subway shop because his water usage would be less than 1 EDU.
Mr. Salisbury advised the Authority members that based on the building plan that he saw, at least five businesses would be located within the building, including the Subway shop, the Platinum Gym, a chiropractor, a physical therapist, a hair salon, and a nail salon. Based on the information provided and the Authority’s tapping fee resolution, a minimum of 5-6 EDUs would be due for the building. Mr. Millard stated that he believed that more than 5 EDUs would be used just for the Platinum Gym. Mr. Salisbury stated that, at Mr. Millard’s request, he contacted the Lower Paxton Township Authority to determine how many EDUs The Friendship Center uses and was told that at least 27 EDUs were used by that facility. Mr. Millard added that based on that usage, it was conceivable that the gym could use up to 12 EDUs or more, as the building is about one-half as large as The Friendship Center.
Mr. Rogers stated that he believes that West Hanover Township is anti-business because of some of the requirements and fees that are charged to business owners. He reiterated that he does not believe that he should be responsible for the payment of the EDU that will be assessed to the Subway shop.
Mr. Tyndale stated that, in his opinion, Mr. Rogers should not be before the Authority discussing the payment of an EDU and further indicated that it should be between Mr. Rogers and the owners of the Platinum Gym building as to who is responsible for the EDU charges.
Following a brief discussion, Mr. Rogers thanked the Authority for its time and indicated that he would contact Mr. True regarding the matter.
Mr. Tyndale moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to approve the Minutes of April 20, 2004 as distributed.
Mr. Jones asked to have a correction
made on page 4 stating that Mr. Geppert had not contacted him regarding the
charges for his business. Mr. Jones
stated that he used Mr. Geppert’s business property as an example.
Mr. Tyndale moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to approve the Minutes of April 20, 2004 as amended. The motion was unanimously approved.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
Operating Expenses. Mrs. Martin reported that the Operating Expenses for May 2004 were $101,505.06.
Mr. Jones raised a question about the $11 charge from Fulton Bank for a safety deposit box. He asked what items were kept in the box. Mrs. Martin advised that the only item stored in the safety deposit box was the original Certificate of Deposit. Mr. Jones stated that perhaps the Authority should consider buying a safe rather than pay $11 per month for a safety deposit box at the bank. A brief discussion ensued. Staff was directed to contact Fulton Bank to verify the annual cost of the safety deposit box and Mr. Jones offered to look into pricing for safes. The findings will be discussed at the June meeting.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Tyndale, to approve the Operating Expenses for May 2004 in the amount of $101,505.06. The motion was unanimously approved.
Update on Letters to Residents in Arrears. Mrs. Martin called the Authority’s attention to the detailed listing that was provided for residents owing in excess of $250. Several residents who had arrears in excess of $250 brought their accounts up to date, or made a partial payment, following receipt of Mr. Yost’s letter.
Access Database. Mr. Shope reported that his staff is continuing work on the database and that he expected to have a draft at the July meeting.
Well Project to Connect Polymer System. Mr. Salisbury reported that following the April 20, 2004 meeting staff obtained quotes from three well drillers and that those quotes were contained in the Authority’s packet for review. Quotes were received from Myers Brothers in the amount of $6,014.69, Etnoyer in the amount of $3,575, and Eichelberger in the amount of $7,562. A brief discussion followed regarding the difference in prices. Mr. Salisbury indicated that the lowest quote in the amount of $3,575 did not include the cost of a constant velocity pump.
Mr. Jones, moved, seconded by Mr. Tyndale, to
award the project to Myers Brothers at a cost of $6,014.69. The motion was unanimously approved.
Staff will notify Myers Brothers that they have been chosen for the project and send letters to the others thanking them for their quotes.
Update on the Catwalk Project. Mr. Shope reported that the project is proceeding. It is scheduled for substantial completion by July 17, 2004.
Update on Swatara Capacity. Mr. Millard reported that he called Jeff Wendle of CET Engineering regarding the $5,000 that the Authority paid to Lower Paxton Township in order for CET to come up with an incremental cost breakdown to upgrade the transmission line and pump station. The cost may be between $100,000 and $150,000. A brief discussion followed as to the direction this project should take.
Renewal of Certificate of Deposit. Mrs. Martin reported that, as directed at the April meeting, she contacted PA State Bank regarding Certificates of Deposit. The PA State Bank offered an interest rate of 2.75%; however, the stipulation was that all of the Authority’s monies would have to be deposited with them.
She called the Authority’s attention to her memorandum advising that Fulton Bank agreed to match the 2.75% for a period of one year. A total of $1.2 million was invested at 2.75% for a period of one year. Due to the fact that the Authority will undertake the Wells/Bolton/Slate Ridge sewer project, $300,000 was invested at 2% for a period of six months so that the funds would be readily available if needed.
Grease Trap Resolution. This item will be addressed at a future meeting.
Update on Survey to Sewer Users. Mrs. Martin reported that as of May 18, 2004, approximately 550 surveys were received. She will calculate the results and include with the packets for the June 15, 2004 meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Wells/Bolton/Slate Ridge Sewer Project. Mr. Millard reported that the Board of Supervisors reconsidered its position on the Wells/Bolton/Slate Ridge project. Mr. Millard thanked Township Supervisor Rick Mullen, who was present in the audience, for reconsidering his vote on the project.
Per the memorandum from the Township Manager, the Board has assigned the project to the Sewer Authority. Mr. Millard stated that it will be necessary to have Dale Shope prepare a design plan and cost estimate for the project. It was suggested that a letter should be sent to Harold Harman, Township roadmaster, making him aware of the project so that he can determine any impact it may have on his plans for those roads. Staff will write the letter.
Mr. Millard raised some concern for several residents he is aware of that may not have the financial means to pay the tapping fee and connection fees for the project. He suggested that the Authority may want to consider offering an installment agreement to cover the tapping fee, if residents are unable to pay the entire amount up front. Mrs. Martin will obtain monthly payment costs for several scenarios (e.g., 20 months, 5 years, etc.).
Mr.
Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Tyndale, to authorize the engineer to prepare a
proposal for engineering and design fees for the Wells/Bolton/Slate Ridge
project. The motion was unanimously
approved.
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Salisbury called the Authority’s attention to the correspondence included in the packet, including the information on the Tapping Fee Seminar. Mr. Millard, Mr. Yost, and Mr. Tyndale expressed an interest in attending. By consensus, it was agreed that the Authority would pay for those wishing to attend.
PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comment was offered at this time.
AUTHORITY MEMBER COMMENTS
Bob Jones. Mr. Jones stated that he is eager to move forward on resolving the Swatara capacity issue.
Ken Tyndale. Mr. Tyndale indicated that he will be moving to East Hanover in the near future and asked whether he should plan to resign from the Authority. Mr. Millard stated that his change of address would not disqualify him from serving since he still owned property in the Township. Mr. Tyndale owns K.L. Tyndale located on Allentown Boulevard.
Steve Millard. Mr. Millard had no comments.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS THAT MAY COME BEFORE THE AUTHORITY
Crane Winch for Authority Truck. Mr. Salisbury reported that staff would like to purchase a crane winch for one of the Authority trucks to assist in removing or replacing pumps at the pump stations. It could also be used to assist in opening manholes. Staff was directed to bring quotes to the June meeting for review.
Big Joe. Mr. Salisbury stated that the Big Joe was originally purchased to help move bags of lime at the sludge press. He indicated that since the lime silo was completed the Big Joe was no longer needed. The Big Joe was purchased from Lift, Inc. Mr. Salisbury was directed to contact Lift, Inc. to determine if they knew of anyone who might be interested in purchasing it. Mr. Salisbury will report back at the June meeting.
REPORTS
Manager. Mr. Salisbury submitted a written report (a copy is attached to the Minutes).
Engineer. Mr. Shope distributed a written report (a copy is attached to the Minutes).
Solicitor. Mr. Yost had no report.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Tyndale, to adjourn the meeting. The motion was unanimously approved. The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail A. Martin
Recording
Secretary