Valley Forge Sewer Authority
Meeting Minutes
January 10, 2011
The Valley Forge Sewer Authority monthly meeting was held on Monday, January 10, 2011, at 7:30 pm. The following people attended the meeting: Board members: Daniel Reese, Michael Rodgers, Norman Vutz, William Hochwind and Marilyn Randolph; Staff: Len Pinchok and Martin Goldberg; Consultant: Lawrence Lutter.
Several employees also attended the meeting – Steve Yuhas, Mike Berish and Lloyd Knauer - , as well as, Tom Davis, a current resident of Schuylkill Township.
Public Comment
Mr. Davis addressed the Board with a request for permission to hook up to the VFSA sewer extension which is located 20 feet off of his property line. He stated that his tank system is eroding, his sump pump needs attention and basically his on-lot system is failing. Mr. Davis noted that he has received township approval and was also applying to DEP as well. The Board explained that VFSA would have to acquire a property easement, and the customer would have to pay tapping fees and administrative costs. Mr. Davis stated he understood the costs involved. He also noted that a 30 foot general utility easement already exists between his property and a neighbors’ property. A stormwater easement also exists that drains directly into the reservoir. Following a brief discussion on the request, the Board concurred to further discuss the details and costs later in the agenda.
Meeting Minutes
The December meeting minutes were presented to the Board. Mr. Rogers made a motion to approve and Ms. Randolph seconded. The Board approved the motion 4-1. Mr. Hochwind abstained from voting since he was absent from the December meeting.
Reports
Operations Report
Mr. Goldberg reported that the Authority was in compliance with all permit requirements for the month of December and that there were no odor complaints for the month. The Board inquired as to what checks and balances were currently in place at the plant. Mr. Goldberg explained that the lab does reports and tests, Buchart-Horn oversees the engineering, several tests are sent to an outside service and that the VFSA maintains high ethical standards. Mr. Lutter stated that the VFSA has a very good program currently in place and follows the best practices available.
Financial Report
Mr. Pinchok reviewed the combined statement of operations with the Board. He noted that the Revenue & TPO Budget to Actual report currently showed a surplus, but that there were still some invoices due in late January/early February that would partially deplete the surplus. He also stated that with both Funds 10 and 20, the year-to-date totals would fluctuate because of year end invoices. Mr. Pinchok explained that there were some under-expenses due to several items not yet purchased because of unavailability.
VFSA Meeting Minutes
January 10, 2011
Page 2
The A/P Invoices presented for payment equaled $151,385. Mr. Hochwind made a motion to pay these expenses. Mr. Rodgers seconded and the Board unanimously approved. The requisitions presented for payment equaled $459,267. Mr. Rodgers made a motion to pay the requisitions. Mr. Hochwind seconded and the Board unanimously approved payment.
The Imprest/Petty Cash expenses totaled $1,114 and the Debit Card purchases equaled $1,146. Mr. Hochwind made a motion to pay all the expenses presented for payment. Mr. Rodgers seconded and the Board unanimously approved.
New Business
Mr. Davis Property Hook-up Request
The Board discussed Mr. Davis’s request and determined what a fair share cost estimate would be for the easement and stub. However, Ms. Randolph expressed concern that those costs would be less than the decreased land value that will occur because of the presence of the public sewer easement. Following further discussion, Mr. Reese made a motion, based upon the information provided and the willingness of the tenant to provide the easement to VFSA, that the net costs to Mr. Davis would consist of the tapping and connection fees only to the stub. Ms. Randolph seconded the motion and the Board unanimously approved.
New Business
Miller Road Sewer Extension
Mr. Goldberg reported on the cost estimate for the extension to East Pikeland Township with the Board. He stated that he had supplied the township with the cost information and has not heard back from the township as yet. He noted that the township would have to discuss the costs with the homeowners and notify the VFSA of their decision. Mr. Goldberg will keep the Board apprised of the situation.
Major Pump Stations
Mr. Goldberg reported that punch list items are being completed and that the goal is to have the stations exactly right. He noted that there would be marginal improvements to overtime once the construction is completed. Mr. Berish informed the Board that the pumps are all running well and look good. The Board inquired about the neighborhood reactions to the pump stations and was pleased to know that the staff has good customer relations and talks to them routinely.
Act 537 Plant Expansion Project
Mr. Goldberg reported on the status of the permit approvals and reviewed the permit requirement summary sheet with the Board. He noted that the first three permits have already received approval and reported that good progress is being made on the rest of the permits. Mr. Lutter stated that Buchart-Horn is at 75-80% completion on documents and should be ready for bidding by the time zoning and building permits have been issued. The soil bearing and compaction testing are the responsibility of the contractor.
VFSA Meeting Minutes
January 10, 2011
Page 3
Act 537 Valley Creek Trunk Sewer Project
Mr. Goldberg stated that there was no action to report at this time. However, with regards to a related item, he noted that the Chapter 94 Report is typically submitted to DEP by March 31st and that the Board normally approves in the month of April. He informed the Board that DEP has submitted comments to the VFSA with regards to sewer issues, but that the comments were simple and straight forward. Mr. Goldberg stated that he has been in discussion with a DEP representative and was instructed to coordinate VFSA comments with partner comments. Mr. Goldberg also noted that Easttown Township was the only township to pass resolution to adopt the plan and that every single other township has not passed said resolution.
Ultra Violet (UV) Construction
Mr. Goldberg reported that the concrete work was still proceeding and that Buchart-Horn is on-site full time, taking samples and overseeing the project. He reported that the enclosure was ready to ship now and that the equipment will be ready to ship the first week of February 2011. The project is proceeding smoothly.
New Business
Other
Mr. Reese instructed the staff to check with Mr. Pompo about the legalities involved with a one-time scholarship promoting the sciences and with a goal to be made ready by the May graduation time table. He felt that it would provide a benefit of public awareness, as well as, give back to the community. Mr. Reese instructed the staff to research whether there is a proven process at the high schools and also whether Aqua would be interested in partnering with VFSA on the scholarship funding. The staff is to report their findings to the Board and also add to the February meeting agenda for further discussion.
Staff Assignments
Adjournment
Mr. Reese adjourned the regular monthly meeting at 9:25pm.