Valley Forge Sewer Authority
Meeting Minutes
July 14, 2008
The Valley Forge Sewer Authority monthly meeting was held on Monday, July 14, 2008, at 7:00 pm. The following people attended the meeting: Board members: Charles Melle, Marilyn Randolph, Norman Vutz, and William Hochwind; Staff, Leonard Pinchok and Martin Goldberg; Consultant: Lawrence Lutter.
Rick Taylor, Lloyd Knauer, Steve Yuhas and Tina Nelson were in attendance as well.
Mr. Melle called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public Comment
Mrs. Nelson reported that the union had contacted Mr. Pinchok and Mr. Goldberg to begin the negotiations process as the current contract expires on December 31, 2008.
She stated that the union is to draft the first proposal within the next two weeks.
Meeting Minutes
The June meeting minutes were presented for approval. Mr. Hochwind made a motion to amend the June minutes as follows: change wording from borough to township, make right-to-know sentence new paragraph, change contract award motion seconded to be Mr. Rogers and change effluent costs to read commodity costs. Ms. Randolph seconded the amendments and the Board unanimously approved changes upon verification with the staff and recorder. Ms. Randolph made a motion to approve the minutes with changes. Mr. Vutz seconded and the Board unanimously approved.
Reports
Operations Report
Mr. Goldberg reported that the Authority was in compliance with all permit requirements for the month of June and that there was one odor complaint. Mr. Hochwind inquired on committee material about a company that provides equipment at no cost, providing that the equipment is shut down at peak hours, and the savings split with them. Mr. Goldberg explained that the process is still in the early discussion stage at this time. It was noted however, that if a load curtailment is called for and the Authority cannot comply, no monies would be lost, however they would lose the savings.
Financial Report
Mr. Pinchok presented the June combined statement of operations to the Board. He reported that it was a pretty quiet month overall and that the budget was still a little behind on trucked waste. He reviewed the Fund 10 and Fund 20 accounts with the Board, as well as, the payroll account. The Board had no further questions and thanked Mr. Pinchok for his report.
The A/P invoices presented for payment equaled $823,205. Mr. Hochwind made a motion to pay these invoices. Mr. Vutz seconded and the Board unanimously approved.
The requisition presented for payment equaled $1,941. Mr. Vutz made a motion to pay the requisition. Mr. Hochwind seconded and the Board unanimously approved payment.
The Imprest/Petty Cash Fund presented equaled $911. Mr. Vutz made a motion to pay the expenses. Mr. Melle seconded and the Board unanimously approved.
The Debit Card purchases presented equaled $578. Mr. Vutz made a motion to pay these expenses. Ms. Randolph seconded and the Board unanimously approved.
Regional Act 537 Plan
Mr. Goldberg reported on the status of the Regional Act 537 Plan. He stated that he got approval from DEP of the meeting minutes that provide a roadmap of what is required from the communities to get the 537 Plan approved. He reported that the townships have been forwarded a copy of this correspondence, which provides a checklist of assignments and suggested completion dates of the tasks involved. The Board noted that Willistown and Charlestown Townships had been omitted from the mailing list and instructed Mr. Goldberg to promptly provide them with copies.
Mr. Goldberg also reported that the Pump Station expansion design was 90% complete and that he had received verbal approval from DEP for the final 10%. He felt that Buchart-Horne could move forward with the rest of the design without written DEP approval. Ms. Randolph made a motion to proceed with the design completion. Mr. Vutz seconded the motion and the Board unanimously approved.
2007 Engineers Annual Report
Mr. Lutter reported on the status of the 2007 Engineer's Annual Report to the Board. He reviewed the action letter submitted to the staff with the Board, summarizing the salient recommendations of the report. The Board discussed energy conservation and wanted to research solar power again. Mr. Goldberg is to review proposals in two weeks and check back in early fall with conceptual costs ideas. He reported that the staff is also currently reviewing the load curtailment program for generators to participate in. The Board concurred to defer approval until the August meeting with a full Board in attendance.
New Business
Weir Covers for Secondary Clarifier # 3 Contract
Mr. Goldberg reviewed the steps taken and the companies visited to preview available cover options. He reported that Mr. Yuhas did a good job in compiling the bid package in-house and recommended the low bidder be awarded the contract to install the covers. Mr. Vutz made a motion to award the low bidder, Eastern Environmental Contractors, Inc. the weir cover installation contract. Ms. Randolph seconded and the Board unanimously approved the contract award.
Odor Expert Visit
Mr. Goldberg presented the resume of Robert Bowker, who is a national expert on wastewater treatment plant odors, to the Board and notified them of his upcoming visit the week of the August monthly meeting. He reported that the scheduling for him was included in the budget and that Mr. Bowker will be available at the meeting to answer questions from the public during public comment. The staff is to notify the neighbors of the upcoming visit and felt that Mr. Bowker will provide a small presentation at the meeting. Mr. Goldberg also stated that the other five partners could use his services, at their costs, later in the week to visit their pump station sites and provide his expert advice concerning odor issues. Mr. Lutter stated that Mr. Bowker will be a sub-consultant under the Buchart-Horne contract on the expansion project.
Old Business
Other
Mr. Melle inquired whether the month-old article regarding fertilizer usage was becoming an issue for the Authority. Mr. Pinchok stated that he had met with Synegro and was told there was no problem with permits and not a worry at this time.
Executive Session
The Board entered into executive session at 8:12pm to discuss manager reviews.
Mr. Melle reconvened the monthly meeting at 8:15pm and stated that the Board discussed manager performance reviews to be moved to next month.
Staff Assignments
1.) Verify amendments to June meeting minutes.
2.) Add Willistown and Charlestown Townships to mailing list of needs analysis letter.
3.) Include 2007 Engineers Report to August agenda.
4.) Public notice regarding odor expert visit.
5.) Forward bio-solids article to Mr. Hochwind.
6.) Memo to townships reminding importance of Act 537 timetable.
Adjournment
Mr. Melle adjourned the regular monthly meeting at 8:18pm.