Valley Forge Sewer Authority
Meeting Minutes
Amended August 8, 2011
July 11, 2011
The Valley Forge Sewer Authority monthly meeting was held on Monday, July 11, 2011, at 7:00 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 were also in attendance.
Mr. Rodgers called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
Meeting Minutes
The June meeting minutes were presented to the Board. Mr. Vutz made a motion to approve the minutes. Mr. Rodgers 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 were no odor complaints for the month. Mr. Goldberg noted that there was a malfunction of a valve that resulted in exceeding the instantaneous maximum limit of chlorine of 1.6 mg/L. This was due to automatic chlorine metering valve malfunction and the limit was only exceeded by .06 mg/L. The problem was corrected quickly. He also noted that this malfunctioning piece of equipment was being decommissioned as part of the switchover to UV disinfection. He reported that the UV disinfection system was disinfecting 100% of the flow and that the staff was very helpful with the changeover.
Financial Report
Mr. Pinchok reviewed the combined statement of operations with the Board. He noted that the audit report stated the partner contribution reimbursement amount of $698,711. Mr. Hochwind made a motion to approve the 2010 audit reports. Mr. Vutz seconded the motion and the Board unanimously approved.
The Imprest Fund expenses presented equaled $82 and the A/P Invoices presented equaled $851,311 (this figure included the partner reimbursement). Ms. Randolph made a motion to pay these expenses as presented. Mr. Vutz seconded and the Board unanimously approved.
The requisitions presented equaled $331,944. Ms. Randolph made a motion to pay the requisitions presented. Mr. Vutz seconded and the Board unanimously approved.
The Debit Card purchases of $1,764 were then presented for payment. Mr. Hochwind made a motion to pay these expenses. Mr. Vutz seconded the motion and the Board unanimously approved.
Old Business
2010 Audit Report
The Board had no further questions with regards to the 2010 audit report that they had reviewed during the previous month.
2010 Engineer’s Report
The Board had no further questions with regards to the 2010 Engineer’s report and the report was then presented for approval. Mr. Vutz made a motion to approve the report. Ms. Randolph seconded the motion and the Board unanimously approved.
Chapter 94 Report
Mr. Goldberg reported that he had discussions with DEP and that there were no major comments. He noted that DEP will provide a written formal notification with minor comments. Mr. Goldberg distributed the Project Schedule Update to the Board.
Wawa and CVS Agreement
Mr. Pinchok reported that he submitted the invoices to Wawa and CVS for the overcharges billed to VFSA. He noted that when he receives payments from them, he will submit payment to Phoenixville borough and the debt will then be paid in full.
Major Pump Stations
Mr. Goldberg reported that there were still a few minor punch list items remaining and that the staff was currently working on. He noted that the stations were running well and that the uninterruptible power supply has been pretty successful.
Act 537 Plant Expansion Project
Mr. Goldberg reported that he has completed the review of design and has updated the Project Schedule with early finish and late finish dates. Mr. Lutter reported that of late there have been delays with major equipment deliveries and that is delaying the projection date of when actual construction will be completed. He also noted that Buchart-Horn estimates an 18-month construction period.
Ultra Violet (UV) Construction
Mr. Goldberg reported that he received a letter from the contractor for substantial completion. He noted that the project is sound and the system is running well. He reported that there is a normal amount of punch list items that will be completed within the next month.
Mr. Goldberg also reported that the chlorine system will be left intact, in the event of a major emergency; it could be used for disinfection with bleach.
New Business
Community Event Request
Mr. Reese reported that he had received a request for a donation from the Steel City Blues Society for their upcoming Phoenixville blues festival and inquired whether the VFSA would want to participate as a sponsor by donating money. Following a detailed discussion of the pros and cons of such a request, the Board declined the request for donation.
Miller Road Sewer Service
Mr. Goldberg reported that there are six homes with no current sewer extensions. He noted that there is one very aggressive household; however, the VFSA is very limited on what they can provide. He reported that a few meetings ago, engineering had given a rough estimate to build gravity sewers to be approximately $50,000. He also noted that East Pikeland Township and the residents are to hold a meeting to discuss the situation and costs further. He inquired as to the Board’s direction on whether VFSA should attend and participate in the meeting. The Board noted that this is strictly a township matter and suggested that the VFSA does not attend the initial meeting. The Board did add that if Mr. Goldberg and Mr. Pinchok wanted to attend the meeting and felt comfortable doing so, that they did not have any objections.
Other
Mr. Reese reviewed the scholarship events with the rest of the Board. He noted that Phoenixville School Board was to submit an apology letter to Mrs. Rogers and the VFSA for their miscommunication at the awards ceremony. It was reported that the VFSA has received thank you letters from both student recipients. It was decided that the Intergovernmental Committee will meet and discuss the requirements for the next scholarship awards.
Mr. Vutz reported that the Schuylkill Township Chief of Police inquired as to the possibility of a firing range location behind the VFSA. He noted that this would involve multiple municipalities with organized groups with supervision and the need for a small storage facility. The Board felt that since there are already several firing ranges locally available, it was suggested that he look into these locales further.
Staff Assignments
Adjournment
Mr. Reese adjourned the regular monthly meeting at 8:10 pm and the Board immediately entered into Executive Session.
Executive Session
Upon adjournment from executive session, Mr. Reese noted that the Board discussed legal matters. The executive session ended at 9:40 pm.