Valley Forge Sewer Authority
Meeting Minutes
May 12, 2008
The Valley Forge Sewer Authority meeting was held on Monday, May 12, 2008, at 7:00 pm. The following people attended the meeting: Board members: Daniel Reese, Charles Melle, Marilyn Randolph, Norman Vutz, and William Hochwind; Staff, Leonard Pinchok and Martin Goldberg; Consultant: Lawrence Lutter.
Rick Taylor, Lloyd Knauer, and Steve Yuhas also attended the meeting.
Mr. Reese called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public Comment
Mr. Pinchok expressed his sincere appreciation to the Board for their attention regarding his son's accident.
Meeting Minutes
The April meeting minutes were presented to the Board for approval. Ms. Randolph made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Mr. Melle 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 April and that there were three odor complaints for the month. He stated that internal improvements have been made and that potential odor sources are being monitored in the operation building. He reviewed the improvements with the Board and reported that the neighbors generally seem pleased with the efforts being made. He also reported that the automated chlorine analyzer had been replaced and that more testing will occur during the next month. The Board thanked him for his report.
Financial Report
Mr. Pinchok presented the April combined statement of operations to the Board. He reported that the increase was due to customer rental incomes and the 2 nd quarter partner contributions. There were also three payrolls during the month. Mr. Pinchok reviewed the budget to actual summary with the Board and reported that there were no surprises in either Fund 10 or Fund 20 for the month. The Board had no further questions.
The A/P invoices presented for payment equaled $229,411. Mr. Hochwind made a motion to pay these invoices. Mr. Vutz seconded and the Board unanimously approved.
The single requisition presented for payment equaled $4,994. Mr. Vutz made a motion to pay the expense. Mr. Melle seconded and the Board unanimously approved.
The Imprest/Petty Cash Fund presented for payment equaled $824. Mr. Hochwind made a motion to pay the expenses. Mr. Vutz seconded and the Board unanimously approved.
The Debit Card purchases presented for payment equaled $124. Mr. Vutz made a motion to pay these expenses. Mr. Melle seconded and the Board unanimously approved.
Mr. Pinchok also reviewed the Payroll Account report with the Board.
Regional Act 537 Plan
Mr. Goldberg reported on the status of the Regional Act 537 Plan. He stated that he met with DEP a couple of weeks ago to review and discuss the comments. He reported that DEP notified the VFSA that the 8 individual communities the Authority serves need to present a “needs analysis” and that DEP wants to meet with all 8 communities. The Authority expressed surprise and was astounded by these comments. Mr. Goldberg reported that a memo has been sent to DEP detailing what the VFSA perceived what happened at said meeting and also requested some date options on when DEP would be available for this meeting and what the agenda would entail. Mr. Goldberg is currently awaiting DEP's response to the memo. He also reported that the pump upgrades are also being delayed because of the additional DEP requirements. Following discussion of these events, the Board instructed the staff to check with PMAA and other regional plans to determine what the PA rules are and whether others are experiencing these setbacks.
Committees
Operations and Construction Committee
Mr. Goldberg reported that the committee met on April 10th and discussed the design upgrade of the major pump stations, overview of the infrastructure progress on the aeration system and review of the project for the #3 clarifier cover. Mr. Goldberg stated that the cover has been researched, determined to be a good idea and recommends moving forward on the design specs, with bidding by July 2008. The committee also discussed the Act 537 progress and schedule and reviewed the engineering work study. The Board instructed the staff to move forward on the cover and to work on the other committee meeting dates.
New Business
2007 Trucked Waste Study
Mr. Pinchok distributed the trucked waste analysis report to the Board. He reviewed the report with the Board and explained how this is an additional source to reduce operating expenses. Mr. Pinchok referenced increased pricing for sludge, while able to maintain residential sources and cutting out a large percentage of solids. Following discussion of the benefits, the Board instructed the staff to continue with the program and expressed appreciation of a job well done.
Other
Write-off Request
Mr. Pinchok requested a write-off for a new customer, Cephalon in the amount of $328.77. He explained that there had been a miscommunication between companies.
Following a brief discussion, Mr. Hochwind made a motion to approve the write-off request. Mr. Vutz seconded and the Board unanimously approved.
Old Business
2007 Audit Report
Mr. Pinchok reviewed the highlights of the 2007 Audit report with the Board, including the profit and balance sheets. The Board agreed to wait to approve at the June meeting.
2007 Chapter 94 Report
Mr. Goldberg reviewed the basics last month and reported that the report has already been submitted to DEP. He reported that the Authority will be reaching 95% capacity within five years. Mr. Vutz made a motion to approve the Chapter 94 Report. Ms. Randolph seconded and the Board unanimously approved.
Cutler Development Update
Mr. Goldberg reported that this is still in a “hold-do nothing” stage and that the Authority is still waiting on East Pikeland Township to amend their Act 537 Plan. He also stated that the VFSA never received a copy of the letter the developer claims was sent and is to contact the township supervisor to find out how the developer would have a copy and what exactly is happening. The Board requested township Board members to research this incident further.
Other
Cell Tower Update
Mr. Goldberg reported that Mary Bird, Schuylkill Township Supervisor and an additional person are to meet with the cell tower personnel at the end of the week. He also stated that a representative from VFSA will also be in attendance.
Internship Update
Mr. Pinchok reported that the VFSA is on the list as an interested party for this internship but noted that the project is in its' infancy stage at this time.
Staff Assignments
1.) Need to sign off on MetLife.
2.) Contact PMAA-verify DEP/537 obstacles.
3.) DEP and Partner meeting set-up.
4.) Add 2007 Audit Report to June agenda.
5.) Update flow / EDU chart.
Adjournment
Mr. Reese adjourned the monthly meeting at 9:18 p.m.