Valley Forge Sewer Authority
Meeting Minutes
July 9, 2007
The Valley Forge Sewer Authority meeting was held on Monday, July 9, 2007, at 7:00 pm. The following people attended the meeting: Board members: Daniel Reese, William Hochwind, Michael Rodgers, Marilyn Randolph, Norman Vutz, and Charles Melle; Staff, Martin Goldberg; Consultant: Lawrence Lutter.
Several employees, as well as, Jock Rowe, the Teamsters Principal Officer attended the meeting.
Mr. Reese called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public Comment
Mr. Rowe addressed the Board with the following statements:
1. The minutes of the May 14 2007 meeting as presented on June 11 are not correct with regard to the removal of the General Manager title from the By-laws. It is my belief that Mr. Melle voted against this motion.
2. At last months' meeting on June 11 when Mr. Reese announced the result of the Board vote regarding the proposed broker change, he announced that the vote was 5 to 1. This is not correct. When Mr. Reese asked Mr. Hochwind for his vote, Mr. Hochwind stated: “I seconded the motion”. Mr. Hochwind did not vote aye or no. The vote results should be reported as being carried and not as 5-1.
3. The Authority has not granted the Union's request of May 17, 2007 for a meet and discuss regarding health care issues. On July 1, 2007 the Authority changed the broker who was responsible for the health care program. As of this date, the Union and employees have not been advised of whom to contact with benefit issues. The Union feels that this change was unwarranted and is not as Mr. Reese stated as being cost effective. How much have the Lawyers cost the ratepayers and how much has been paid in order to bring in his hand picked broker under the disguise of a fiduciary duty? Did Model cost any more money or provide inferior service? If so, please tell us. Also, contrary to the opinion provided to the board at last months meeting, the contract is specific with regard to meet and discuss requests.
4. It is my opinion that the way that Mr. Reese determines the amount of time that the public may make its comments is unreasonable under the Sunshine Act Section 710.1.1. I ask the Authority to consider a more reasonable time for public comment.
Last, on behalf of the members of Local 77, I would like to thank the Valley Forge Sewer Authority for their contribution to our scholarship fund and to Mr. Goldberg, our condolences on the loss of your Mother and Stepfather.
Mrs. Nelson stated that in response to the June 12 letter, several items were brought to light regarding requests and that there is an obligation to meet and discuss. She feels this letter denies this right and several requests have been made after the committee meeting, yet nothing has been received and reported that a grievance had been filed on June 1.
The Board directed her to discuss all issues with the management team.
Mr. Rowe stated that he feels issues being brought up are not being resolved in a timely manner and he would like to know when he will get a response from the statements made at tonight's meeting.
The Board thanked him for his comments and proceeded with the agenda.
Meeting Minutes
The June meeting minutes were presented to the Board for approval. Mr. Reese stated several items in the June meeting minutes needed to be corrected or clarified:
1. Under Public Comment – change the wording from “judicial” to “fudiciary”.
2. Under Personnel Committee – stated that the vote count was correct.
3. Under Other-Rate Reduction – change the word “give” to “target giving” and to add Mr. Pinchok's name together with Mr. Goldberg's.
Mr. Rodgers made a motion to approve the minutes with the above-mentioned corrections. Mr. Vutz seconded and the Board unanimously approved the minutes.
Reports
Operations Report
Mr. Goldberg reported that the Authority was in compliance with all permit requirements for the month of June and that there were no odor complaints for the month. He also stated that this was a record breaker for a six-month period with regards to odor control. Mr. Goldberg reported that the chlorine disinfection was under better control now and that one thickener would be shutdown this month for corrosion control and recoating. He noted a cooperative effort being made involving maintenance, engineering and staff.
Mr. Yuhas gave a slide presentation on the process involved when these tanks are cleaned and repaired. He provided an in-depth review of the tasks performed and the materials used for repair and recoating. He discussed corrosion issues and explained why this happens and the procedures taken to correct the problem. He reported on the redesign to update the ventilation system so as to be in accordance with the Act 537 Plan and stated that this procedure will also reduce corrosion issues. He noted that tanks are recoated every three years as a proactive measure, so that the projects remain minor resurfacing jobs and not major lengthy repairs. The Board thanked Mr. Yuhas for his informative presentation and expressed a job well done to all the participants involved.
Mr. Reese noted that the area occupied by Faggioli, specifically on the riverbank and in the river itself, has become littered with tires and debris. He instructed Mr. Goldberg to investigate the situation and take the necessary steps to get the area cleaned up as soon as possible.
Financial Report
Mr. Goldberg reviewed the budget to actual summary with the Board. He reported that the funds were doing well and were showing a surplus in the budget. He also reported that it was a standard month for Funds 10 and 20. With a better handle on the odor control, the chemical numbers were back in line with the budget. He reported that it was a good month for revenue of the septic dump even with a tank down and that solids cost were also lower. The Nextel telephone minutes are being reviewed for cost effectiveness and Ms. Randolph requested a list of the employees' Nextel phone numbers.
Mr. Hochwind requested holding all township reimbursement checks until Mr. Pinchok could review them, as well as, the payment to Rittenbaugh for due diligence research.
The A/P invoices presented for payment equaled $952,265. Mr. Reese made a motion to pay the invoices as presented, except for the following: to hold the partners' payments until Mr. Pinchok can recheck and to hold the Rittenbaugh payment until next month's meeting, so that the scope of the project can be researched. Mr. Rodgers seconded and the Board unanimously approved.
The two requisitions presented for payment equaled $3,580. Mr. Rodgers made a motion to pay these requisitions. Mr. Hochwind seconded and the Board unanimously approved.
The Imprest Fund/Petty Cash Fund presented for payment equaled $559. Mr. Hochwind made a motion to pay the expenses. Mr. Reese seconded and the Board unanimously approved.
The Debit Card purchases were not presented for payment and it was noted that there will be two months' worth of Debit card purchases at the next monthly meeting.
Mr. Goldberg also reviewed the Payroll Account report with the Board.
Act 537 Plan
Mr. Goldberg reported on the status of the Regional Act 537 Plan. He stated that all eight townships have approved and passed their resolutions. He also recommended that the Authority approve their resolution as well. He reported that Buchart-Horne did a quick review of the resolution and that the Authority is on schedule to submit to DEP for review. Ms. Randolph made a motion to adopt the resolution #2007-01. Mr. Rodgers seconded the motion and the Board unanimously approved.
Committee Reports
Operations & Construction Committee
Mr. Rodgers reported on the Operations and Construction committee meeting. He stated that the committee reviewed the copy of the proposal and recommended that Buchart-Horne be allowed to bid on the pump station upgrades. Mr. Rodgers, Mr. Vutz and Mr. Hochwind approved of the proposal submitted. Mr. Rodgers made a motion to award the proposal contract to Buchart-Horne. Mr. Hochwind seconded and the Board unanimously approved the motion.
Old Business
Other
Mr. Reese inquired whether there was anything noted in the bids that required the work to be documented (i.e. do they pay taxes on employees, pay payroll taxes, etc). Following a brief discussion, the Board instructed that Mr. Pinchok research the provisions of the contracts on a time-permitting basis. It was noted that vendors are required to submit a certificate of insurance before beginning any project, regardless of the size of the job. The Board also expressed an interest in what rights the Authority has to verify whether all parties involved are on the “up and up”.
New Business
Biosolids Handling Contract
Mr. Goldberg reported that there was lots of interest and questions about the biosolids handling contract, but on bid day – only one bid had been received. Mr. Goldberg recommended that the award be given to the lone bidder, who has had the contract the past seven years and the fact that there is a 6-7% decrease in the costs. Following a brief discussion, Mr. Hochwind made a motion to award the contract to Synagro Central, LLC. Mr. Vutz seconded and the Board unanimously approved the motion.
West Pikeland Act 537
Mr. Goldberg reported that the engineer from West Pikeland Township had contacted the Authority by letter requesting the purchase of 100,000 gallons per day of treatment capacity. Upon further review, the Board stated that the treatment plant agreement provision of by-laws does not permit such a purchase. The Board instructed Mr. Goldberg to compose a letter of response back to West Pikeland Township to explain why the Authority cannot accept their request.
Other
Mr. Melle stated that he had seen a couple of articles in The Phoenix newspaper about negative press claims that biosolids used as fertilizer were causing illnesses in the area and wondered what were the risks involved. The Board noted that no one has proven any health concerns and thereby cannot verify health risks. It was also reported that DEP regulates this procedure and was confident that the agency strictly monitors.
Executive Session
The Board entered into Executive Session at 8:55 pm.
Mr. Reese reconvened the monthly meeting at 9:35 pm and reported that the Board had discussed labor issues.
Staff Assignments
1.) Investigate river trash near Faggioli area.
2.) Investigate Rittenbaugh invoice, as well as, a technical review and report findings at next month's meeting.
3.) Research proportion of Easttown check and review all checks before releasing.
4.) Review policy regarding legalities of contractor's employees.
5.) Prepare two months of Debit expenses to be presented at next month's meeting.
6.) Review cell phone bills.
7.) Provide testimonial to Jock Rowe in response to public comment.
8.) Submit response letter to West Pikeland engineer.
Adjournment
Mr. Reese adjourned the regular monthly meeting at 9:37 pm.