TUESDAY, MARCH 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
Kenneth L. Tyndale, Secretary/Treasurer
Robert R. Jones
Joe Curcillo, Esq., Beinhaur & Curcillo. Mr. Curcillo was present at the meeting representing Frank Randazzo, the owner of Jo-Jo’s Pizza. In January 2005, the Authority advised Mr. Randazzo that due to increased water usage at his business, he might be required to pay additional tapping fees. Mr. Curcillo advised the Authority members that Mr. Randazzo met with Gregory Jones of Gregory Jones Construction Company, and it was determined that there is a leak on the premises. Mr. Jones will be moving forward to repair the leak. In that regard, Mr. Curcillo requested that the Authority grant Mr. Randazzo an extension before increasing the tapping fees in order to ascertain that the increased usage was not due to a leak.
Mr. Tyndale moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to grant Mr. Randazzo a period of 30 days from the date of the meeting in which to have the water leak repaired and an additional 60 days to monitor water usage, after which the Authority will review the water usage and make a determination regarding increased tapping fees. The motion was unanimously approved.
At
this point in the meeting, Mr. Millard acknowledged that the Authority had
received a petition signed by 22 residents in the Wells,
Richard
Carl,
A lengthy discussion followed during which Mr. Tyndale offered to meet with Mr. Carl to review the possibilities for connecting his property to the system.
Terry
Eckert,
Emma
Rifflard,
Mrs. Rifflard reiterated her earlier statement that the residents should not have to pay any more than $2,600 to connect to the sewer. She asked whether the Board of Supervisors had to approve the amount paid by the residents. Mr. Millard responded saying that it was up to the Authority to set the fees.
Rande
Brady,
William
Kwasnoski,
Jean
Rummel,
Jay
Fackler,
February 15, 2005, Regular Meeting. Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to approve the February 15, 2005 Minutes as distributed. The motion was approved 3-0, with Mr. Tyndale abstaining as he was not present at the meeting.
Mr. Tyndale raised a question regarding
comments made by Mr. Millard at the February 15 meeting regarding Skyline
Car Wash and that Mr. Millard was under the impression that a flow meter was to
be installed at the car wash. Mr.
Tyndale stated that it was not the intention of the owner to install a flow
meter. He asked that the Authority place
this matter on a future agenda for discussion, as it was his understanding that
another car wash was planned for construction in the Township. He stated that he believed the Authority
needed to have a policy as to how tapping fees and user fees would be
determined for car washes.
Operating Expenses. Mrs. Martin reported that the pre-paid bill (those paid to meet due dates) totaled $25,686.24. Mrs. Martin also reported that the bills still pending for payment totaled $93,337.32.
Mr. Tyndale moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to approve the
pre-paid bills in the amount of $25,686.24.
The motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Tyndale moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to approve the
pending bills in the amount of $93,337.32.
The motion was unanimously approved.
Vermitech. Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to a report that was distributed just prior to the meeting. Mr. Shope proceeded to walk the members through the document, which included conceptual drawings of a building that would be constructed to house the Vermitech operation. The Authority then reviewed the projected costs involved with implementing this vermicomposting system totaling approximately $2.2 million. A lengthy discussion ensued. Mr. Jones voiced some concern over the projected costs and requested that Mr. Millard prepare some additional documentation for discussion at the April meeting. Mr. Millard agreed to prepare the information. Mr. Jones stated that he would check with the groundskeeper at the Colonial Country Club to determine how much of the finish product he could use for the golf course. He asked if someone would contact the Granville plant and determine whether the Authority could obtain about two tons of castings. Mr. Millard will contact Granville.
Update on Wells/Bolton/Slate Ridge Sewer Project. Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to his memorandum outlining possible costs involved for residents connecting to the sewer. He also called their attention to the “Draft” letter included for approval. The letter will be sent to the residents outlining the costs involved, as determined by the Authority.
A brief discussion ensued. It was agreed that the only fee that had any flexibility was the connection fee, which was projected to be $777. It was agreed that the residents should be charged $600 rather than $777.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Tyndale, to set the connection fee for the Wells, Bolton, Manor, and Slate Ridge project at $600. The motion was unanimously approved.
Staff was directed to add some information to the “Draft” letter regarding the Authority lowering the tapping fee from $3,075 to $2,700 effective January 1, 2005. By consensus, it was agreed that the letter could be sent to the residents.
Mr. Millard also called the members’ attention to a proposal from Glace Associates for inspection fees during sewer construction. The proposal was in the amount of $6,468. Mr. Millard stated that if the Authority agreed to this proposal, Glace Associates rather than Gannett Fleming would perform the inspections during construction.
Mr. Shope added that he had spoken with members of the staff at Gannett Fleming and it was agreed that by reducing the number of site visits, Gannett Fleming was able to work within the $10,000 approved by the Authority at its February meeting for inspection services during the sewer project.
A brief discussion ensued. By consensus, it was agreed that Gannett Fleming should continue with the inspection services not to exceed $10,000.
Update on Swatara Capacity. Mr. Yost reported that it was his understanding that the other parties involved in the Intermunicipal Agreement had received letters regarding their addition to the arbitration. He added that work was continuing to finalize a list of possible arbitrators for submission to the Court.
Concerns Related to Millstone Sanitary Sewer Easement. Mr. Yost reported that it was his understanding that S&A Homes had agreed to take the necessary steps to ensure that the Authority has full access to the easement.
Update on Letters to Residents in Arrears. Mr. Yost stated that his office was in the process of preparing letters to everyone in arrears more than $100 and that they would go out within the next few days.
Update on Access Database. Mr. Salisbury had no update.
Update on Contract for Outsourcing Sewer Billing to PA American Water. Mr. Salisbury reported that the contract had been signed and returned to PA American Water Company. Mrs. Martin called the member’s attention to the “Draft” notice included with the packets. By consensus, it was agreed that the notice should be included with the March 31, 2005 billing.
Update on Sewer Inspections under Uniform Construction Code. Mr. Salisbury reported that the only comment Staff had was regarding the first item on page 3 of the proposed Ordinance. It currently reads: “a. The Authority shall be responsible for the sewer lateral to the structure.” It should read: “a. The Authority shall be responsible for the sewer lateral inspections for laterals from the service main to the building structure.” Mr. Salisbury stated that he had been in touch with Mr. Rimer regarding this change.
Update on Sewer Lines – Pump Station #7. Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to Mr. Rodemoyer’s report stating that he had contacted the owners of the residences connected to Pump Station #7. During the course of his inspections, it was noted that one home did have a sump pump connected to the sanitary sewer lateral. A letter was sent to the resident, requesting the sump pump be disconnected. Mr. Rodemoyer returned for a second inspection documenting that the sump pump had been removed from the sanitary sewer system.
By consensus, the members agreed that a thank you letter should be sent to Mr. and Mrs. Leiberher expressing appreciation for their cooperation in disconnecting the sump pump.
Generator at Treatment Plant. Mr. Salisbury reported that he had contacted two contractors regarding the piping of the digester blowers into the SBR air lines to assist with air flow into the SBRs in the event of a power outage. He added that both contractors thought it could be done. He is awaiting estimates and will report back to the Authority at the April meeting.
Influent Screen at Treatment Plant. Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to the proposed letter to US Filter as well as the proposed article. Following a brief discussion, it was agreed that Mr. Yost and Mr. Salisbury would finalize the letter and the article and report back to the Authority at the April meeting.
Reserve Fees for Capacity. By consensus, it was agreed to table this item for discussion at the April meeting.
Additional Tapping Fees for Jo-Jo’s Pizza. 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 reported that he has completed his review of the contract and has some comments. By consensus, it was agreed to discussion this item at the April meeting.
Approval of Sagewicke – Phase IV. Mr. Salisbury called the members’ attention to his memorandum dated March 11, 2005 stating that the Authority’s engineer had completed the review and approved the final sanitary sewer plan for Phase IV of Sagewicke.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Tyndale, to approve the
final sanitary sewer plan for Sagewicke Phase IV project contingent upon the
completion of the following outstanding items:
· A
Sewer Extension Agreement must be executed.
· Approval
of the cost estimate, security must be posted within ten (10) days of the date
of the approval letter.
· Shop
drawings detailing the materials to be used in the construction of the gravity
sewer and sanitary manholes must be submitted to the Authority for review by
the Authority’s engineer.
The motion
was unanimously approved.
No public comment was offered at this time.
Mr. Salisbury briefly highlighted some of the correspondence included with the packets, specifically a letter from Lobar regarding ongoing problems with the Clover Hill pump station generator. It was also noted that a check for $10,800 was received from Pilot Oil Corporation for the additional tapping fees requested by way of a letter dated February 17, 2005.
Bob Jones. Mr. Jones asked Mr. Salisbury to review some of the projects included with his memorandum of March 11, 2005. Mr. Salisbury briefly reviewed the listing of current projects with the Authority.
Ken Tyndale. Mr. Tyndale had no comments.
Don Steinmeier. Mr. Steinmeier had no comments.
Steve Millard. Mr. Millard had no comments.
Authority Office. Mr. Millard stated that the Township was in the process of developing a plan for the refurbishing and addition to the Township Office. He asked whether the Sewer Authority was interested in relocating its office to the Township building. Following a brief discussion, it was agreed by consensus that the Authority was not interested in relocating. Mr. Rimer will be advised of the Authority’s decision.
Gary Dunsworth. Mr. Millard stated that he spoke with Mr. Dunsworth regarding the fact that he had missed three consecutive meetings. Due to his work schedule, Mr. Dunsworth can no longer participate in the Authority meetings on a regular basis and told Mr. Millard that he would resign. Mr. Millard added that the Board of Supervisors had no yet received his resignation.
Manager. Mr. Salisbury provided a written report (a copy is attached to the Minutes).
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. Tyndale, to adjourn the meeting. The motion was unanimously approved. The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail A. Martin
Recording Secretary