WEST HANOVER TOWNSHIP WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY

7901 JONESTOWN ROAD, HARRISBURG, PA  17112

TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2005, 6 P.M.

WORKSHOP MEETING

 

 

CALL TO ORDER

 

        Chairman Millard called the workshop to order at 6 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

ROLL CALL

 

        Stephen L. Millard, Chairman

        Donald L. Steinmeier, Vice Chairman

        Kenneth L. Tyndale, Secretary/Treasurer

        Robert R. Jones

        William A. LaDieu

 

VERMITECH COMPOSTING PROCESS

 

        Shaun Ankers of Vermitech was present to discuss the Vermitech sludge process with the members and to answer any questions that might arise.

        Mr. Millard called the members’ attention to the spreadsheet prepared by Mr. Shope.  He added that Mr. Shope and Mr. Ankers met and came to an agreement regarding the numbers shown on the spreadsheet. 

        Mr. Millard stated that he, along with Mr. LaDieu, and Mr. Tyndale, visited the Granville treatment plant to observe the Vermitech composting at that facility.  All of the Authority members have now visited the Granville facility to observe the process firsthand.

        A lengthy discussion ensued as to whether or not this process could work for West Hanover Township and the costs involved.  Some of the highlights included:

 

·       It was agreed that if the project went forward, the Authority should purchase eight (8) beds and that a building should be constructed to handle the initial start-up.

·       It was agreed that the facility should be constructed in such a way that additions could be easily made to the building as the need for additional beds occurred.

·       It was agreed that a rate sensitivity analysis should be conducted to determine if the sewer rates would have to be increased in light of the project.

·       It was agreed that information regarding the Vermitech process should be communicated to ratepayers whether it was done through a public meeting or a newsletter.

·       Mr. Shope stated that he read an announcement that DEP was offering Growing Greener Grants and that the application had to be submitted by July.  It was agreed to move forward with applying for a Growing Greener Grant.

·       It was agreed that Mr. Jones and Mr. Yost would approach the local legislators, namely Ron Marsico and Jeff Piccola, to determine if they had access to any grant that might be available to the Authority.

·       Vermitech has requested that the Authority sign a Letter of Intent to move forward with the project.

 

Mr. LaDieu moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to authorize the Chairman to sign the Letter of Intent upon final review by the Authority’s solicitor.  The motion was unanimously approved.

Mr. Tyndale moved, seconded by Mr. Steinmeier, to authorize Mr. Jones, Mr. Yost, and Mr. Shope to represent the Authority in searching for financing and grants.  The motion was approved.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

        The workshop adjourned at 7 p.m.

 

                                                                                      Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                      Gail A. Martin

                                                                                      Recording Secretary