Valley Forge Sewer Authority
Meeting Minutes
March 8, 2010
The Valley Forge Sewer Authority monthly meeting was held on Monday, March 8, 2010, at 7:30 pm. The following people attended the meeting: Board members: Daniel Reese, Charles Melle, William Hochwind, Michael Rodgers, and Marilyn Randolph; Staff: Len Pinchok and Martin Goldberg; Consultant: Lawrence Lutter.
Lloyd Knauer and Steve Yuhas were also in attendance.
Mr. Reese called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public Comment
Mr. Knauer nominated a long-time employee for the Eastern Section Water Environment Federation and asked for the Board’s support. The Board stated that they would be happy to represent the employee nomination.
Meeting Minutes
The February meeting minutes were presented for approval. Mr. Hochwind requested that two minor word changes be made and made a motion to approve the minutes. Ms. Randolph seconded the motion 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 February and that there were no odor complaints for the month. He also thanked the staff for doing a great job with all the snowstorms and keeping the facility operational and accessible.
Financial Report
Mr. Pinchok reviewed the combined statement of operations with the Board and noted that the Partners’ contributions were registered in the bank account. He also reported that the final loan payment had been made and that the loan is now paid in full. He reviewed both the Revenue and Treatment Plant funds and stated that he didn’t anticipate many changes. Upon review of Funds 10 and 20, it was reported that the septic dump had been down slightly due to the two feet of snow that had hit the area and that residential had been difficult to get to. However, Mr. Pinchok noted that the septic dump currently has already rebounded back to normal levels.
Mr. Pinchok presented the A/P Invoices for payment equaled $189,140. Ms. Randolph made a motion to pay the expenses. Mr. Melle seconded and the Board unanimously approved payment.
The requisitions presented for payment equaled $13,834. Mr. Rogers made a motion to pay the expenses. Mr. Melle seconded and the Board unanimously approved payment.
The Imprest Fund expenses of $154, the Petty Cash expense of $18 and the Debit card purchases of $141 were then presented for payment. Ms. Randolph made a motion to pay the expenses presented. Mr. Rodgers seconded and the Board unanimously approved.
New Business
Landscaping Contract
Mr. Pinchok presented the bid tabulation sheet for the Grounds keeping services contract to the Board for their review. He reported that the low bidder was the current contractor and that the Authority is pleased with their work. Following a brief discussion, Mr. Rodgers made a motion to award the contract to the low bidder, Sycamore Landscaping. Mr. Melle seconded the motion and the Board unanimously approved the award.
Other
It was brought to the Board’s attention that the Schuylkill township meeting held on March 3, 2010 made the front page of The Phoenix newspaper dated March 6, 2010 with regards to the settlement offer proposed by City Switch and the Schuylkill Township Board of Supervisors unanimous vote to reject it. The article reported that the meeting was “standing room only” as many concerned residents attended the meeting and that the Zoning Hearing Board is to make a final decision on the tower on March 10, 2010. It was also noted that abc.com has a video of the meeting on its website.
Old Business
Major Pump Stations Upgrade Project
Mr. Goldberg reported they are still in the shop drawing phase and that the drawings were looking good and the contractor very responsive. He reported that the project is on schedule and that some minor electrical work would be done this coming week.
Act 537 Plant Expansion Project
Mr. Goldberg reported that the draft of the executive summary of the report was reviewed last month and that the executive summary of the report had been finalized. He stated that the executive summary has been sent out to the partner managers and that he has requested a meeting with the partners to discuss the report. The meeting has been scheduled for March 12, 2010, with the agenda to discuss the report and answer any questions that may arise. He reported that the report will be up for voting in front of the Joint Board.
Act 537 Wilson Road Project
Mr. Goldberg reported that the Wilson Road pump station project is being refurbished in the same manner as VFSA’s major pump stations and that the capacity is also being increased. He noted that the issue is the severe disagreement over the cost sharing of the Wilson Road project and he reviewed the events leading up to the present situation. He stated that the VFSA feels that the request to deviate from the cost sharing that was in the PADEP approved Act 537 Plan for the Wilson Road station is not in accordance with the
Valley Creek Trunk Sewer (VCTS) Agreement and that the VFSA is comfortable with defending their position to an arbitrator as provided for in the Agreement. It was noted
that the Act 537 Plan cost sharing proportions were agreed upon and approved in 2009 and the latest cost sharing proposed does not agree with the PADEP-approved Act 537 Plan.
Mr. Goldberg stated that there is a meeting of the VCTS partners on Friday and that he would meet at the Adhoc committee level to discuss Friday’s meeting. The Board instructed Mr. Goldberg to report his findings at next month’s regular monthly meeting. It was recommended that the staff attend the work session meeting and all were in agreement to hold the Joint Board meeting shortly thereafter.
Weekend Trucked Waste
Mr. Pinchok reported that his findings of the legal ruling on trucked waste policy in the Rules and Regulations state that as long as categorical, it is legal to do. Following a discussion by the Board, Mr. Reese made a motion to incorporate the proper wording to the Rules and Regulations book. Mr. Rodgers seconded and the motion passed 4-1.
City Switch Landscape Restoration
Mr. Pinchok reported that City Switch personnel came out to the property to investigate and is submitting an insurance claim to Miller Brothers. He reported he is currently awaiting their response to the claim.
Other
Mr. Lutter reported that the Delaware River Basin approved the project on March 3, 2010 and that he will check with DEP on when VFSA will receive their approval. He reported that once all approvals have been received the project will proceed to bid.
Mr. Pinchok reported that the auditors will be on-site next week.
Staff Assignments
1.) Mr. Knauer to draft letter for nomination.
2.) Check into cosmetic landscaping at pump stations.
3.) Contact Mary Bird regarding City Switch.
4.) Do research on Verizon.
5.) Schedule meeting for Adhoc committee.
Adjournment
Mr. Reese adjourned the regular monthly meeting at 9:35pm.