TUESDAY, FEBRUARY
15, 2005, 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
Kendall
Collins,
Mr. Millard advised Mr. Collins that a decision to extend the sewer system had to be made by the Board of Supervisors, and that the Board would then assign the project to the Sewer Authority. Mr. Collins stated that he also planned to attend the next meeting of the Board of Supervisors.
Bill
Pavone,
Mr. Pavone stated that his business was doing well and for that he was thankful. He also stated that he did not disagree that he owed some additional tapping fees due to increased business, but he asked the Authority members to reconsider the amount of the increase. Around March 2004, he installed a water-cooled ice machine, following which there was a definite increase in water usage. However, in October 2004, he changed the ice machine from being water cooled to being air cooled. He added that he believed this was responsible for a large portion of the additional water usage during 2004. Mr. Pavone asked that the Authority allow him to pay 1 EDU rather than 2 EDUs, as it would appear that his increased water usage from March-October 2004 was most likely caused by the ice machine.
Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention the water usage chart that was distributed just before the meeting began. Mr. Pavone paid 3 EDUs at the time he secured his Sewer Connection Permit. Mr. Salisbury stated that, based on water usage during 2003 and 2004, an additional 2 EDUs should be due to the Authority. A brief discuss followed.
Mr.
Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Millard, to increase the tapping fees for Pavone’s
Restaurant by 1 EDU. The motion was
unanimously approved.
Mr.
Patel,
Mr. Salisbury again called the members’ attention to the chart provided in the packet showing that Green Lawn Motel had increased water usage during 2003 and 2004 by 3.6 EDUs. Green Lawn Motel was originally accessed 4.4 EDUs when the former owner obtained the Sewer Connection Permit.
Mr. Patel asked the Authority to consider reducing the amount of additional EDUs to 2 due to the fact that he had taken steps to alleviate excessive water usage. He also requested that the Authority allow him to pay the additional monies due through an Installment Agreement. A brief discussion followed.
Mr.
Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to increase the tapping fees for the
Green Lawn Motel by 2 EDUs. The motion
was unanimously approved.
Mr. Patel was instructed to contact the Authority Office to arrange for an Installment Agreement. Mr. Patel agreed to do so.
Jo-Jo’s
Pizza, 7747 Manor Drive. The
Authority received a letter from Mr. Randazzo’s attorney, Joseph Curcillo of
Beinhaur and Curcillo, requesting the Authority delay a decision regarding
additional tapping fees due for Jo-Jo’s Pizza until such time as he could
appear before the Authority. Mr.
Curcillo had a previously scheduled appointment in
Mr.
Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to table this matter. The motion was unanimously approved.
A letter will be sent to Mr. Curcillo asking him to be prepared to attend the March 15, 2005 meeting to discuss this matter.
Pilot
Oil,
A letter will be sent to Pilot Oil requesting payment for the additional EDUs.
January 19, 2005, Reorganization
Meeting. Mr. Steinmeier moved, seconded by Mr. Jones,
to approve the January 19, 2005 Minutes as distributed.
The motion was unanimously approved.
January 26, 2005, Special Meeting. Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to approve the January 26, 2005 Minutes as distributed. The motion was unanimously approved.
Operating Expenses. Mrs. Martin reported that the pre-paid bill (those paid to meet due dates) totaled $16,871.28. Mrs. Martin also reported that the bills still pending for payment totaled $71,394.45.
Mr. Steinmeier moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to approve the
pre-paid bills in the amount of $16,871.28.
The motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to approve the
pending bills in the amount of $71,394.45.
The motion was unanimously approved.
Vermitec. Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to a Work Authorization in the amount of $5,200 so that Gannett Fleming could proceed with a preliminary design for the Vermitec project. Mr. Millard raised a concern about the amount of the Work Authorization and what services would be provided for the $5,200. Mr. Shope explained that the Work Authorization included compiling the information requested by Shaun Ankers in order to determine how many beds would be required for the Vermitec composting, as well as a preliminary design for the equipment and building. A lengthy discussion ensued.
Mr.
Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to approve the Work Authorization for
Gannett Fleming in the amount of $5,200.
The motion was unanimously approved.
Grease Trap Resolution. Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to his memorandum of February 10, 2005, which stated that, in his opinion, a grease trap program was not warranted at the present time. By consensus, the members agreed to have this item removed from the agenda.
Update on Wells/Bolton/Slate Ridge Sewer Project. Mr. Salisbury reported that the preconstruction meeting was held with Doli Construction. Doli Construction is scheduled to do the project layout on February 24 or February 25 and actual construction should begin around March 1. The project should be completed within 60 days. Mr. Salisbury stated that the Authority would also need to discuss the amount to be charged for connection fees.
Mr. Millard called the Authority’s attention to the proposal from Gannett Fleming requesting a budget of up to $19,500 for inspections during the project. Mr. Millard voiced some concern that the amount seemed excessive and asked Mr. Shope what services would be provided as part of that amount. Mr. Shope responded saying that the inspector would be on-site approximately one day per week and would do all of the administrative work involved with change orders, reviewing shop drawings, conducting substantial and final inspections, as well as preparing substantial and final completion certificates. Mr. Millard suggested that the Authority authorize up to $10,000 at the present time and have Mr. Shope come back to the Authority if Gannett Fleming’s services would exceed the $10,000.
Mr.
Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to authorize up to $10,000 for
construction phase engineering services for the Wells,
South
Update on Swatara Capacity. As reported at the January 19, 2005 meeting, Mr. Rubendall is still in the process of circulating information regarding attorneys, accountants, and engineers who might serve as arbitrators in this matter. Mr. Yost had no further update on whether all parties involved in the Intermunicipal Agreement would be added to the arbitration.
Mr. Millard stated that he and Mr. Steinmeier had attended Swatara’s annual meeting and that at that meeting it was mentioned that a pump station that runs into the joint use interceptor would be updated at an approximate cost of $700,000.
Concerns Related to Millstone Sanitary Sewer Easement. Mr. Millard reported that he, Mr. Shope, and Mr. Salisbury met with Carl Bankert of S&A Homes recently regarding the sewer easement. During the meeting, it was agreed that the necessary steps would be taken to ensure that the Authority has full access to the easement. Mr. Salisbury added that construction on Phase II of Millstone would begin in the near future.
Update on Letters to Residents in Arrears. Mr. Yost reported that letters to all persons in arrears would go out from his office in the near future.
Update on Access Database. Mr. Salisbury reported that this project is completed, with the exception of populating a few of the areas on the database.
Update on Contract for Outsourcing Sewer Billing to PA American Water. Mr. Yost reported that he had completed a review of the contract and that Mr. Millard could sign it in order for the project to move ahead.
Update on Sewer Inspections under Uniform Construction Code. Mr. Salisbury reported that there was no update on this matter, other than the Authority was currently working with a third party inspector for lateral inspections. Mr. Salisbury also reported that Mr. Rodemoyer took a test on Saturday, February 12, to become UCC certified. The results will be available within 4-6 weeks.
Generator as Treatment Plant. Mr. Shope called the members’ attention to his memorandum dated February 9, 2005. Mr. Shope stated that he looked at various alternatives to increasing the capacity of the generator. His recommendation would be that the Authority plan to replace the existing generator set with a larger unit as part of an expansion project.
Mr. Millard asked if the digester blowers could be used to aerate the SBRs in the event of a power failure. Mr. Salisbury and Mr. Rodemoyer will research that possibility.
Influent
Screen at Treatment Plant.
Mr. Salibury stated that he would like to see the influent screen
replaced during 2005. Mr. Millard
suggested that someone appear at a future meeting to discuss the influent
screen that he and Mr. Salisbury viewed at a plant near
Mr. Jones raised a question as to whether or not anything could be done with regard to the influent screen that was installed several years ago due to the ongoing problems. Mr. Yost stated that he believed the Authority really did not have any legal recourse in this matter. Mr. Jones suggested that someone write an article about all of the problems that the Authority has encountered and submit it to PMAA for publication in its magazine. He further suggested that the article be forwarded to U.S. Filter for comment prior to submission. Mr. Salisbury will explore that possibility.
Sewer
Lines – Pump Station #7. Mr.
Salisbury reported that Pump Station #7 (at
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to request homeowners to allow inspections and, if that is not possible, then proceed with Walters to televise the lines. The motion was unanimously approved.
Reserve Fees for Capacity. Mr. Millard stated that the treatment plant has committed at least half of its capacity and that he believes the Authority should consider using reserve fees for developers to ensure capacity for their projects. A brief discussion followed as to what other townships may be doing on this matter. Mr. Millard stated that he would be willing to contact PMAA and PSATS to determine how others handle the reservation fees. He will report back at the March meeting.
Additional Tapping Fees for Businesses. This item was handled as part of Public Comment earlier in the meeting.
Contract for Interruption of Public Water Service when in Arrears. Mr. Yost stated that he has reviewed the contract and that he believes that it might help in keeping arrears to a minimum.
No public comment was offered at this time.
Mr. Salisbury briefly highlighted some of the correspondence included with the packets, specifically a letter from Township Manager Mike Rimer dated February 9, 2005 to Shari Soule regarding expiration of her NPDES permit for a small flow treatment plant facility on her property. The permit expired on November 1, 2004. Mr. Salisbury advised that Ms. Soule has obtained a Sewer Connection Permit but has not yet connected to the sewer.
Mr. Salisbury also called the members’ attention to an article submitted by Mr. Tyndale regarding water usage by car washes. Mr. Millard raised a question about a flow meter that would be installed at the proposed Skyline Carwash. Mr. Salisbury responded saying that a flow
meter was not shown on the plan for Skyline Carwash, although Mr. Shope suggested that one be installed. Mr. Millard raised another question as to when the Authority would see the plan for Skyline Carwash. Mr. Salisbury advised that in the cases where only laterals were proposed for projects, those plans were not brought to the Authority for approval. A lengthy discussion followed, after which it was agreed by consensus that Mr. Millard and Mr. Salisbury would discuss a policy regarding plans brought before the Authority for review and approval. This matter will be discussed at the March meeting.
Bob Jones. Mr. Jones complimented Mr. Shope on the Annual Report. Mr. Jones also raised a concern about the fact that Mr. Dunsworth missed three meetings. A brief discussion followed. Mr. Millard agreed to contact Mr. Dunsworth to determine whether or not he wished to continue on the Authority Board.
Don
Steinmeier. Mr. Steinmeier voiced
some concerns regarding blasting that may have to be done as part of the Wells,
Steve Millard. Mr. Millard had no comments.
No other business came before the Authority.
Manager. Mr. Salisbury provided a written report (a copy is attached to the Minutes). Mr. Salisbury also called the members’ attention to the Annual Report and encouraged the members to call him if they had any questions.
Engineer. Mr. Shope provided a written report (a copy is attached to the Minutes).
Solicitor. Mr. Yost had nothing further to report.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to adjourn the meeting. The motion was unanimously approved. The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail A. Martin
Recording Secretary