Valley Forge Sewer Authority
Meeting Minutes
April 14, 2008
The Valley Forge Sewer Authority meeting was held on Monday, April 14, 2008, at 7:00 pm. The following people attended the meeting: Board members: Charles Melle, Marilyn Randolph, Norman Vutz, William Hochwind, and Michael Rodgers; Staff, Leonard Pinchok and Martin Goldberg; Consultant: Lawrence Lutter.
Rick Taylor, Lloyd Knauer, and Mike Berish also attended the meeting.
Mr. Melle called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public Comment
There were no comments made.
Meeting Minutes
The March meeting minutes were presented to the Board for approval. Mr. Rogers made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Mr. Vutz seconded and the Board unanimously approved.
Seminar
Preventative Maintenance
Master mechanic, Mr. Berish provided the Board with an informative presentation on preventative maintenance. He explained in detail how to optimize use of the equipment, as well as, steps taken to maximize cost effective service life and to minimize expensive repairs. He detailed the routine maintenance functions performed on all equipment and also reviewed inspections, equipment rotation and record keeping functions. Mr. Berish explained the annual lab oil analysis and how these results are used to determine potential problems. He reported that all pump stations and motors are scheduled for maintenance on a quarterly basis and that schedule is working well. The Board thanked Mr. Berish for his preventative maintenance presentation.
Reports
Operations Report
Mr. Goldberg reported that the Authority was in compliance with all permit requirements for the month of March and that there was one odor complaint for the month. He stated that he was excited about the optimization of the chlorination disinfection system which is very close to completion. Mr. Goldberg also informed the Board that three pumps with good seals can maintain equipment rotation. The Board thanked him for his report.
Financial Report
Mr. Pinchok presented the March combined statement of operations to the Board. He reported that the numbers were normal for a non-billing month. He also reported that the Capital Improvement Fund had increased and that both Funds were showing a surplus. The trucked waste numbers were a little behind and he is currently reviewing why.
The A/P invoices presented for payment equaled $210,418. Mr. Vutz made a motion to pay the invoices. Mr. Hochwind seconded and the Board unanimously approved.
The Treatment Plant Construction Fund requisition presented for payment equaled $6,750. Mr. Rodgers made a motion to pay the requisition. Mr. Vutz seconded and the Board unanimously approved.
The Imprest/Petty Cash Fund presented for payment equaled $626. Mr. Rodgers made a motion to pay the expenses. Mr. Vutz seconded and the Board unanimously approved.
The Debit Card purchases presented for payment equaled $753. Mr. Vutz made a motion to pay these expenses. Mr. Rodgers seconded and the Board unanimously approved.
Mr. Pinchok also reviewed the Payroll Account report with the Board and reported that overtime was a little higher due to the 3 rd shift dewatering process.
Act 537 Plan
Mr. Goldberg reported on the status of the Regional Act 537 Plan. He stated that he is currently waiting for DEP to schedule a meeting with the VFSA. He also stated that he reviewed the memo regarding the EDU schedule comparing increased projection versus actual increases. Mr. Goldberg stated that the growth is occurring more slowly than projected and that the time schedule delay should not greatly impact meeting capacity needs. The Board thanked him for the status report and requested any update on DEP.
Committees
Operations and Construction Committee
Mr. Goldberg reported on the committee review of the Wilson Road – Act 537 Plan resolution. He stated that the committee recommends passing the resolution to proceed. Mr. Rodgers made a motion to approve the resolution. Mr. Vutz seconded and the Board unanimously approved. He also reported that upon consulting with the staff and Buchart-Horne regarding preliminary design and DEP recommendations for the upgrade changes, the committee recommends proceeding with the upgrades to include emergency pumps and to have 2 pumps and one additional pump at all stations. This will change the plan to conform to DEP recommendations and will only be a change order to Buchart-Horne. Mr. Hochwind made a motion to approve the changes to the Plan following DEP recommendations. Ms. Randolph seconded and the Board unanimously approved.
Administrative and Finance Committee
Mr. Pinchok distributed and reviewed the 2007 Draft Audit reports with the Board. He discussed the balance sheet, 2007 revenue fund financial information, and the treatment plant operations including the profit and loss statement for the partners. He requested that the Board review further and provide any feedback by the end of the month.
Old Business
Wireless Tower Update
Mr. Pinchok reported on the latest update he has on the wireless tower proposal. It has been determined that Norfolk Southern Railroad wants to erect a 195' tower. They also would prefer that VFSA meet with PECO regarding the power lines and also have the land surveyed. The railroad representative was informed that the Authority expects them to follow all ordinances and that at least one Board member be represented at all meetings. It has been determined that the railroad has not yet approached Schuylkill Township with their proposal. The Board instructed Mr. Pinchok to keep them informed.
Other
Committee Meeting Dates
Mr. Pinchok stated that the Operations and Construction committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 17 th at 6:30 pm. The Administration and Finance committee meeting is tentatively scheduled for April 30 th .
Bank Check Update
Mr. Pinchok verified with the bank the procedures currently in place and followed. The bank will never remove a stop payment once it is issued. Any person on the signature cards can sign the checks. The bank carries stale dating for a four month period. The VFSA will stamp all checks with a 90 day period of expiration.
Staff Assignments
1.) Set up definite date for Administrative & Finance committee.
2.) Breakdown budget to actual statements.
Adjournment
Mr. Melle adjourned the monthly meeting at 8:30 p.m.