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The Telford Borough Authority Meeting held this date was called to order at 6:07 p.m. by Solicitor Mark E. Weand, Jr. with the following members in attendance: Timothy Hagey, Abram Diehl, Nelson Moll and Thomas Taglang (left meeting at 7:53 p.m.). Also present were Borough Manager Mark D. Fournier, Recording Secretary Cathy Fried, Engineer Patrick DiGangi, and Public Works Director Donald Beck.
Nelson Moll nominated Timothy Hagey as Chairman.
There being no other nominations, the nominations were closed and unanimously approved (4-0) by a Diehl / Moll motion.
Nelson Moll nominated Abram Diehl as Vice Chairman.
There being no other nominations, the nominations were closed and unanimously approved (4-0) by a Moll / Taglang motion.
Abram Diehl nominated Thomas Taglang as Secretary.
There being no other nominations, the nominations were closed and unanimously approved (4-0) by a Diehl / Taglang motion.
Abram Diehl nominated Nelson Moll as Treasurer.
There being no other nominations, the nominations were closed and unanimously approved (4-0) by a Hagey / Moll motion.
The Authority Solicitor relinquished the chair to the newly re-elected Chairman Timothy Hagey.
A Taglang / Moll motion carried unanimously (4-0) reappointing Timoney, Knox, LLP, Mark E. Weand, Jr. representing, as Solicitor for the year 2008.
A Diehl / Taglang motion carried unanimously (4-0) reappointing CKS Engineers, Inc., Patrick P. DiGangi representing, as Engineer for the year 2008.
A Taglang / Moll motion carried unanimously (4-0) designating Union National Bank & Trust Company of Souderton, and First Savings of Perkasie as depositories for Authority funds; and directing the Manager to invest funds on hand at the best available rates locally.
A Diehl / Taglang motion carried unanimously (4-0) authorizing the Manager to advertise for bids for goods and services, as needed, during 2008.
A Moll / Taglang motion carried unanimously (4-0) authorizing to allow Telford Borough to borrow funds from Telford Borough Authority during calendar year 2008.
A Diehl / Taglang motion carried unanimously (4-0) approving the December 6, 2007 minutes.
COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE: none
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1. Award Bids for Sewer Pipes, Fittings, and Cleanout Boxes:
A Taglang / Moll motion carried unanimously (4-0) authorizing Manager Mark Fournier to award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder as outlined on the 2008 Bid Recap.
2. Award Bids for Water Pipes, Valves, and Fittings:
Moll / Taglang motion carried unanimously (4-0) authorizing Manager Mark Fournier to award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder as outlined on the 2008 Bid Recap.
3. Return Sludge Pump Project Update:
Engineer Patrick DiGangi reported he has received shop drawings on the project. Pumps have been ordered and should be delivered shortly. A pre-construction meeting was held on January 3rd and construction will probably begin the third week of February. The project should take approximately 4 weeks.
4. Franconia Township Planning Module Component 3M (Earlington Area) Discussion:
Patrick DiGangi is reviewing the Planning Module which includes two issues. The first issue involves the portion of flows in the planning documents that represent the Earlington, Salford and Salford-Tylersport areas. The 3M updates their Act 537. The second issue is the flow factor of gallons per day per edu.
A Taglang / Diehl motion carried unanimously (4-0) authorizing Manager Mark Fournier to sign the Planning Module Component 3M upon approval of Engineer Patrick DiGangi.
REPORTS:
TREASURER'S REPORT: accepted as presented
WATER DEPARTMENT REPORT:
WATER
1. Wells - Daily maintenance and record keeping were performed. Samples were drawn and tested as required.
2. Third Street Water Main - We are in the process of developing an as-built design of the water main construction that was installed during 2007.
3. Leaks - On 12/13 our crew repaired a cracked 6" main at 214 W. Broad Street. On 12/22 we repaired a cracked 4" main at 408 S. Main Street. On 1/ 3/08, we discovered and repaired a cracked 8" main at 325 N. Third Street.
SEWER
1. Reliance Road Sewer - We received a design from CKS to reroute a portion of the flows in Reliance Road to the S. Hamilton Street main during high flow conditions. This will be installed by our crew in the near future. Study is on-going pertaining to rerouting flows generated in Green Meadows. A possible location is at the intersection of Reliance Road and Spring House Lane.
2. Third Street Sewer Main - An as-built drawing of the sewer main construction in Third Street installed last summer is being developed jointly with the water main as-built.
Abram Diehl questioned the designation of the two lines as indicated on the graphs now being distributed for each well. Don Beck explained the lines indicate the emergency level and the cut-off level.
Thomas Taglang questioned who determines the method of backfill when work is being done in an area outside Telford Borough. Donald Beck explained Telford makes that determination as part of their standard specifications and that the engineer verifies the material and proper compaction of the trench.
COLLECTION REPORT:
LIFT STATIONS:
Checked and added bacteria daily.
MAINS:
Cleaned Burger King Line from m.h. 149-1-3 to South Lift Station.
Tv'ed Third Street sewer line replacement.
Gathered information on the South Lift Station for CKS in regards to surcharge problem on Reliance Road.
HOME INSPECTIONS:
Sent letters out to residents who hadn't notified us that their repairs were made.
Six letters were sent out and we received three calls for reinspections
I addressed envelopes for home inspections to go out this spring.
MONITORING & MAPPING:
Downloaded data from Isco loggers and e-mailed to TJ at CKS weekly .
Helped Scott mark out sewer lines at Landis Market.
Todd and I shot GPS points through the township areas.
MISCELLANEOUS:
I attended an EPA meeting in Philadelphia with Mark .
I did two U&O inspections
I met with Scott from West Generator about the wet stacking problem we are having on the emergency generator at the shop.
Nelson Moll questioned if it is necessary to add bacteria on a daily basis at the pump stations. Mark Fournier responded the waste is checked daily and that bacteria is added once or twice a week as needed.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT REPORT:
Operations
- Total flows for November was 29,585,000 gallons for an average daily flow of 954,400 gallons per day.
- We generated 48 tons of bio-solids for land application.
- Checked stream and outfall area on a weekly basis.
- There were no violations to report on our November 2007 DMR.
- We had one storm mode incident to report to DEP in December. Details of this event are included in your Authority packet.
- LRM Inc. was in to rebuild one of our Chlorine regulators that needed to be serviced.
- We experienced an electrical fire in our motor control panel in the main control building on the night of December 12th. Thanks to the help of staff and outside contractors we were able to get power restored quickly and no violations were experienced during the event. All equipment damaged has been put back in service and ongoing work will be forthcoming to upgrade the electrical panels to minimize damage in case of an event happening in the future.
- K&A Services came in and flushed out the return building/chlorine contact tank drain line.
- BDU Corporation delivered our rebuilt oxidation ditch gear drive unit.
Maintenance
- We finished changing oil and greased all the plant's outside equipment for the upcoming winter season.
Personnel
- I attended a class at the Upper Saucon fire station on December 17th put on by Penn State entitled "Writing: Back to the Basics". This gave me credit hours for my sewer and water licenses.
- Brett Bishop has been coming in over his winter break from college to help out with various tasks at the plant. Thank you for a job well done.
Mark Fournier reported we are awaiting a report from the insurance carrier, and a price quote from the electrical contractor and engineer. There may be some items that may need to be upgraded to prevent further damage. However, these upgrades may not be fully covered by insurance.
PWTA REPORT:
Abram Diehl reported he was not able to attend the December meeting.
SOLICITOR'S REPORT:
1. WELLHEAD PROTECTION PROGRAM. There remains no township contact. Since this program remains of importance to the Authority, it will continue to be referenced in the Solicitor's report.
2. WWTF. All operation and facility related aspects continue to be reviewed with the Manager and Engineer.
3. INFLOW AND INFILTRATION. Since last report, the monitors have been relocated. Field data continues to be collected for incorporation into the next status report to DEP which is due February 2008.
4. HILLTOWN INTERCONNECT AGREEMENT. An Interconnect Agreement with the Hilltown Township Water and Sewer Authority remains pending.
5. INTERZONE TRANSFER. As referenced, the contractor has completed the punch list items. CKS has the base maps and will complete the as-built plans.
6. HILLTOWN PLAZA HOME DEPOT. On November 16, 2007, the Solicitor submitted the Grant and Bill of Sale of Water and Wastewater Service Facilities and eight Easement Agreements to William E. Benner, Esquire to obtain the required signatures. To date, there has been no response.
7. WYNNEFIELD ESTATES. Following completion of closeout detail, the Manager released the Grant and Bill of Sale on October 15, 2007 for the developer's signature.
8. COVENTRY MEADOWS I. As previously referenced, the housing unit on Lot 25 has been completed and connected. There has been no further construction. DeLuca, however, is apparently in the process of selling off the approved lots for construction by another developer. Although substantial work has been done on easement clearing, one hydrant remains buried.
9. COVENTRY MEADOWS II (METZGER TRACT). There has been no response from legal counsel for the developer to the Solicitor's correspondence advising that the maintenance bond period would not be reduced and reimbursement waiver would not be deleted. The Engineer is in the process of recalculating the initial escrow amount to determine what credit should be applied for the work done at the Coventry Meadows I development.
10. FIRST SERVICE BANK. The Solicitor's final statement for legal services pertaining to this project was submitted on November 7, 2007. Upon payment, the escrow fund will be released. This represents the only requirement for project closeout with the exception of final maintenance bond inspection in two years.
11. RYAN COURT (ERIE AVENUE TRACT). Some punch list items still require completion. The propane gas line has been relocated. Agreement has been reached on boundary marker placement. Quantity data is being prepared by the Engineer for Solicitor preparation of a Grant and Bill of Sale. Easement agreement requirements are being addressed. A coordinated effort is being made by the Manager, Engineer and Solicitor to close out this project.
12. WISTERIA COURT (KONYK TRACT). As previously referenced, the water and sanitary sewer service facilities have been connected. The only punch list item was to winterize the system.
13. VILLAGE AT ROSECLIFFE. CKS has prepared an interim punch list with very little having been completed. The facilities must be winterized. Dedication and Easement Agreements remain pending development completion.
14. WOODSPRING MEADOWS (STEINHAUER TRACT). The Service and Escrow Agreements as prepared by the Solicitor have been returned by the developer along with all required payments. The developer intends to start the sanitary sewer construction in two to three weeks followed by water line installation.
15. HARRY F. KRATZ SUBDIVISION. This project is completed. Security for maintenance has been received. The Grant and Bill of Sale requires execution.
16. SUBURBAN EQUITIES III, LLC. There remains no contact. It would appear that this project will be on hold for some time.
17. CALVARY CHURCH. The as-builts are still required for the Calvary Church segment of this project. The Engineer will initiate a follow-up contact. Dedication and Easement Agreements as prepared by the Solicitor will be retained by the Manager pending Calvary Church compliance with closeout requirements.
18. 2008 BUDGET. The 2008 Budget as prepared by the Manager has been approved and adopted by the Authority. The Solicitor will continue to discuss various projects and respective line items with the Manager.
19. SELLERSVILLE WATER INTERCONNECT. The Manager is scheduled to meet with the Sellersville Manager in two weeks to discuss all project aspects which are currently on hold for construction start in Spring 2008.
20. WELL NO. 4. (A) On November 12, 2007, Appellant M&M Stone Co. filed a motion for leave to file a Post-Hearing Sur Reply Brief. Response by Telford Borough Authority, Intervenor, was filed on November 15, 2007. The DEP Response was filed on November 16, 2007. On November 19, 2007, the Environmental Hearing Board granted the Request to File a Sur Reply Brief. Subsequently, the Brief has been received and reviewed by the Solicitor. A decision, however, has not been rendered by the Environmental Hearing Board. It is projected that an Opinion and Order will not be entered for three months. (B) On November 14, 2007, M&M Stone Co. filed suit in the United States District Court against DEP, TBA, SSM, and DRBC alleging civil rights violation and state law tort claims. Individual participants including the Manager were also named. The matter was immediately referred to the Authority's insurance carrier which has designated the law firm of Sienna, Bellwoar and McAndrew, LLP to provide a defense. An Entry of Appearance has been filed. A Motion to Dismiss has been prepared for filing. A Rule 11 letter is to be submitted to the Plaintiff. Since filing, the Solicitor has attended to all coordination and document submission. (C) On November 14, 2007, M&M Stone Co. filed a Summons in Civil Action with the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas. The Writ of Summons has been served on the Authority. Sienna, Bellwoar and McAndrew, LLP will also be providing a defense to this proceeding which was basically filed to preserve state court jurisdiction and toll the statute of limits. Again, immediate contact and submission was initiated by the Solicitor.
21. ARSENIC REMEDIATION. (A) Well No. 6. Punch list items have been completed by the contractor. The Authority, however, is waiting for submission of as-builts. Basically, the physical work has been completed. Issuance of a backwash water permit is still pending. (B) Well No. 4. The design of the arsenic remediation equipment for this well is 85% to 90% complete. The plans have been reviewed, but bid for this project will be deferred pending resolution of the M&M Stone Co. Appeal.
22. FRANCONIA TOWNSHIP SEWER SERVICE/SALFORD TOWNSHIP. (A) The Solicitor has no update on the new Franconia Treatment Facility. (B) The planning modules pertaining to Country Crossing at Salford and Country View at Salford have been reviewed at recent meeting with the Engineer and Manager. The Engineer has prepared a comprehensive capacity summary and schematic flow chart which will be reviewed at the Authority meeting this evening. It is projected that the Authority Manager will sign-off with a CKS note of GPD/EDU at 330 not 262.5.
23. H&K QUARRY WATER SUPPLY WELL. A well assessment remains pending.
24. M&M LAND DEVELOPMENT. There is nothing to report on the proposed residential development on the site adjoining the M&M Quarry operation.
25. ELECTRONIC ASSEMBLY CO. Since Engineer review comments have not been addressed, a review extension until June 1, 2008 has been obtained.
26. NOBLE OAKS. The Grant and Bill of Sale and four Easement Agreements as prepared by the Solicitor have been forwarded to the law office for Michael J. Evans following request. His attorney is also in the process of preparing a deed for Lot No. 1. Accordingly, all documents remain with developer's legal counsel for execution and submission to the Authority.
27. SOUTH SEWERAGE LIFT STATION. There is nothing more to report at this time with regard to the proposed rerouting of flow.
28. WELL NO. 7. The as-builts have been revised by CKS. They will be submitted to the Public Works Director for review and refinement. The Manager has provided a status report to DRBC with regard to resolution reached on the Blum Well. The CKS survey for projected line extension remains pending. Cost estimates have been prepared by the Public Works Director, and reviewed with the Authority.
29. RETURN SLUDGE PUMP REPLACEMENT. The Authority made bid award at stated meeting on November 15, 2007. The contract documents were signed by the Manager on December 5, 2007. The Solicitor has reviewed and approved bonding and insurance requirement compliance.
Solicitor Mark Weand highlighted a few items from his report.
Regarding the Coventry Meadows II development, he reported he has submitted the revised escrow amount to Attorney Kimberly Freimuth but has not had a response as of this date.
Regarding the M&M Appeal involving Well #4, Mark Weand reported there is no projection as to when a decision will be made and handed down. With regard to the federal litigation, a Motion to Dismiss was filed on January 5th by Attorney Andrew Bellwoar. Mark Weand also reported there has been no activity regarding the Bucks County action.
ENGINEER'S REPORT:
Engineer Patrick DiGangi reported Woodspring Meadows (formerly Steinhauer Tract) has recently begun construction of the sanitary sewer system. He also presented preliminary land development plans for property at 521 Cowpath Road. These preliminary plans have been developed to request an easement to cross the Telford Borough Authority easement, which would be for limited use as a walking trail.
MANAGER'S REPORT:
•· Met with the Authority Engineer and Solicitor to coordinate various project reviews and construction projects.
•· Met with an engineer regarding the proposed Landis Supermarket commercial expansion.
•· Met with various engineers regarding sewer and water service to serve their proposed properties.
•· Attended a meeting in Philadelphia with EPA to discuss future TMDL rates for the Indian Creek.
•· Coordinated meetings with insurance adjustors, contractors and staff with regard to an electrical fire / repairs at the WWTF.
•· Met with the West Rockhill Township Manager to discuss sewer service to the Lawn Avenue / Ridge Road area.
Manager Mark Fournier reported he has received preliminary land development plans for the expansion of Landis Supermarket and has met with the engineer. These plans include a bank, fuel islands and an office building.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Mark Fournier reported he had a meeting with Brenda Oelschlager of Buxmont Living. Buxmont Living is a local publication that features a community in the centerfold. The Winter issue featured Perkasie; the Spring issue will feature Telford. Ms. Oelschlager asked if Telford Borough Authority would like to purchase advertising space to promote the Authority and to help the general public be more aware of what the Authority offers to its residents. It was the consensus of the Authority to place a quarter page ad in upcoming issues.
Mark Fournier reported the letter and sample bill were mailed to sewer and water customers. There have been less than 10 telephone calls responding to the letter. The comments received indicate customers did not feel it necessary to change to quarterly billing because of a few customers who found it difficult to budget for semi-annual billing. Given the choice, they would prefer to have two billing periods per year rather than four billing periods per year.
Payment of the bills and requisitions for the month of December in the amount of $282,370.73 was approved unanimously (4-0) by a Moll / Diehl motion.
A Diehl / Moll motion carried unanimously (4-0) authorizing the signing of the checks.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas Taglang
Secretary
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