WEST HANOVER TOWNSHIP WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY
7901 JONESTOWN ROAD, HARRISBURG, PA 17112
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2004, 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
Donald L. Steinmeier, Vice Chairman
Robert R. Jones, Secretary/Treasurer
Kenneth L. Tyndale
No public comment was offered at this point.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Tyndale, to approve the Minutes of October 19, 2004. The motion was unanimously approved.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
Operating Expenses. Mrs. Martin reported that the Operating Expenses for November 2004 totaled $115,458.06.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to approve the Operating Expenses for November in the amount of $115,458.06. The motion was unanimously approved, with Mr. Tyndale abstaining on the payment to “K.L. Tyndale.”
Update on Letters to Residents in Arrears. The Authority briefly reviewed the arrears reports provided.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to forgive penalties and interest for one month and then move to Sheriff’s sale.
A lengthy discussion followed, after which Mr. Jones withdrew his motion.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to have the solicitor prepare a policy to handle the arrears. The motion was unanimously approved.
Update on Swatara Capacity. Mr. Yost reported that this matter is ready to proceed to arbitration. A meeting will be held in the near future with representatives from South Hanover Township, as well as himself, Mr. Millard, and Mr. Jones representing West Hanover Township.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to rescind acceptance of the refund check in the amount of $23,867.61 and rescind the second addendum to the Swatara capacity and recommend to the Board of Supervisors that it do the same. The motion was unanimously approved.
Access Database. No update at this time.
Grease Trap Resolution. Mr. Salisbury will prepare a draft resolution for consideration at a future meeting.
Update on Wells/Bolton/Slate Ridge Sewer Project. The Authority briefly reviewed the advertisement for the Wells/Bolton/Slate Ridge sewer project. A brief discussion ensued as to whether or not a $50 non-refundable deposit should be charged to contractors who wish to bid on the project.
Mr. Tyndale moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to refund the $50 deposit for the bid documents if an acceptable bid is submitted to the Authority. The motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Tyndale, to advertise for bids for the Wells/Bolton/Slate Ridge sewer project. The motion was unanimously approved.
Consolidation of Tapping and User Fee Resolutions. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the consolidation of the tapping and user fee resolutions. Review of the resolution will continue at the December meeting.
Generator Contributions from Developers for Existing Pump Stations. Mr. Salisbury reported that Mr. Yingst is ready to move forward with the installation of the generator at Pump Station #6 (located near the Plumbers and Pipefitters building).
Mr. Tyndale moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to authorize up to $15,000 to pay the Authority’s share of the installation. The motion was unanimously approved.
South Central EMS Request to Connect to Public Sewer. Mr. Salisbury reported that he spoke to Mike Widner of Lobar Construction, who is installing the sewer lines in the Clover Hill project. Mr. Widner estimated that the cost to extend the sewer line and install a lateral for the South Central EMS would cost approximately $14,985. The Authority will discuss the matter further at the December meeting.
Vermitec Sludge Process. Mr. Salisbury reported that Trudy Johnson of Material Matters spent some time with Authority staff obtaining information she will need to conduct a study to determine the best process for handling biosolids at the treatment plant. It is anticipated that her report will be available by mid-December.
Concerns Related to Millstone Sanitary Sewer Easement. Mr. Millard reported that there was no further update on this matter.
GIS Mapping. The Authority reviewed the proposal from HRG for GIS/GPS mapping services. HRG will map all features on the sanitary sewer system for use with the Township’s GIS at a cost of $17,000. DEP has agreed to pay $8,500 towards the cost of the project.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to authorize the Township to move forward with the project. The motion was unanimously approved.
Request from Lobar Regarding Connection to Public Sewer in Clover Hill. This request will be discussed at a future meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Request from Double K Tavern for Reduction of Escrow. Mr. Salisbury reported that the Authority received a letter dated October 28, 2004 from the owners of the Double K Tavern requesting that their escrow be reduced. Mr. Salisbury added that the only outstanding item for the project is the Deed of Dedication, and Mr. Yost is working on that. Fifteen percent of the escrow will be held to cover the 18-month maintenance bond for the project.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to reduce the Double K Tavern escrow from $47,156.39 to $7,081.96. The motion was unanimously approved.
Request from Skyline View Brethren-in-Christ Church. A letter dated October 26, 2004 was received from the Skyline View Brethren-in-Christ Church stating that the child care center located in the church has been closed. The church is requesting a reduction in EDUs. The church currently pays two EDUs for the property located at 7733 Hillcrest Avenue, one EDU for the church and one EDU for the day care.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Tyndale, to reduce the EDUs for the Skyline View Brethren-in-Christ Church by one. The motion was unanimously approved.
2005 Budget. Mr. Salisbury called the Authority’s attention to the proposed 2005 budget and asked the members to review the budget with the intent to take action on it at the December meeting.
Request from Tall Timber Motel. A letter dated November 13, 2004 from D.C. Naik, the owner of the Tall Timber Motel, requested a credit for sewer service due to a water leak. Mr. Salisbury called the Authority’s attention to the water usage chart he provided on the Tall Timber Motel covering the period of the entire year of 2003 and the first ten months of 2004. A brief discussion ensued.
Mr. Tyndale moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to authorize a credit of $250 towards sewer charges for March, April, May, and June 2004. The motion was unanimously approved.
CORRESPONDENCE
The Authority briefly reviewed the correspondence included with the packet.
PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comment was offered at this time.
AUTHORITY MEMBER COMMENTS
Bob Jones. Mr. Jones had no comments.
Ken Tyndale. Mr. Tyndale had no comments.
Don Steinmeier. Mr. Steinmeier had no comments.
Steve Millard. Mr. Millard stated that he would be accompanying Mr. Salisbury and Mr. Rodemoyer to Athens, PA on November 22 to observe a screen that could possibly be a solution to the ongoing problems at the West Hanover treatment plant.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS THAT MAY COME BEFORE THE AUTHORITY
Restoration Plan for Winslett Development. Mr. Millard called the Authority’s attention to the DEP letter dated November 5, 2004, which enclosed a Consent Order and Agreement. This matter deals with the violations of the Clean Streams Law and The Dam Safety and Encroachments Act relating to the Watson sanitary sewer right-of-way.
In response to a question, Mr. Millard went on to explain that even though the Authority does not own the property and therefore is not developing it, by law the Authority is required to hold the water Obstruction and Encroachment Permit and the Erosion and Sedimentation Permit.
Mr. Millard went on to explain that a fine of $5,800 has been levied in this matter. The Authority will look to the developer and/or contractor to pay the fine, as the damage was caused while developing the Winslett project.
Further, Mr. Millard went on to explain that the Authority is responsible to prepare a plan to restore the damaged areas and submit that plan to DEP for approval. Mr. Millard called the Authority’s attention to a proposal from Glace Associates to (1) assess the impact to all stream and wetland resources affected by the sewer installation through the site; (2) prepare and submit a plan for restoring the disturbed construction corridor; and (3) prepare and submit a schedule for completion of the work. The cost for these services would be between $3,500 and $4,500.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to authorize Glace Associates to perform the work as outlined. The motion was unanimously approved.
Sewer Billing. The Authority has been contacted by PA American Water Company to determine the Authority’s interest in outsourcing the sewer billing. Mr. Salisbury stated that a meeting has been sent up with a representative from PA American Water Company to discuss the billing. An initial review showed that by outsourcing the billing, the Authority could save approximately $15,000 to $20,000 for staff time and supplies. A further report will be provided to the Authority at its December 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 additional report.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Tyndale moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to adjourn the meting. The motion was unanimously approved. The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail A. Martin
Recording Secretary