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The Telford Borough Authority Meeting held this date was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairman Timothy Hagey with the following members in attendance: Thomas Taglang and Nelson Moll. Abram Diehl was absent. Also present were Borough Manager Mark D. Fournier, Recording Secretary Cathy Fried, Engineer Patrick DiGangi, and Public Works Director Donald Beck.
A Taglang / Moll motion carried unanimously (3-0) approving the February 7, 2008 and February 21, 2008 minutes.
COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE: none
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1. Indian Creek TMDL Update:
Telford Borough has received the "Draft" of "Siltation and Nutrients TMDL Development for the Indian Creek Watershed, Pennsylvania" from EPA that stipulates the limits for phosphorous and nitrogen based on a model of the stream. The in-stream target concentration is .04658 mg/l for phosphorous and 3.83 mg/l for nitrogen. The suggested implementation approach for phase I includes a comment period to EPA until April 6th. Phase II covers a time frame of June, 2008 to June, 2013 to look at interim limits based on the size of the wastewater treatment plant. Telford Borough Authority falls into the category of greater than 10,000 gallons per day. DEP is doing in-stream studies. DEP will issue the limits and will enforce the limits. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) collected the initial data. The EPA has suggested comments be made on these limits and there be only a phosphorous limit on these creeks and not a nitrogen limit. Thomas Taglang asked if these mandates mean more money has to be spent in order to comply. Engineer Patrick DiGangi feels Telford Borough Authority should comment if only to go on record concerning the cost to the Borough Authority and the burden it would cause for residents. Authorities in the area are hiring legal counsel with this specialty to develop their comments. Thomas Taglang asked if the TMDL's will improve the condition in the streams. DEP did not have a response. Patrick DiGangi further discussed the use of Membrane Bio-Reactors (MBR). TMDL results from the EPA being under court order due to the Clean Water Act of 1972. It was the consensus of the Authority that letters be sent to all legislators representing the affected areas.
A Taglang / Moll motion was carried unanimously (3-0) authorizing Manager Mark Fournier to hire Hall & Associates to develop and present comments for Telford Borough Authority.
2. Development Update:
Woodspring Meadows - This is the only active development. All water taps have been made within this development.
Delbar Tract - Revised plans have been received.
Erie Avenue - The Developer is tying up loose ends with regard to easements and dedication.
3. Return Sludge Pump Project Update:
The second pump has been installed and is operational. The third pump is to be installed March 31st. As the project nears completion there will be a change order due to some plumbing modifications that were necessary including installation of a new pressure reducing valve.
4. West Rockhill Township Service Discussion:
Representatives of West Rockhill Township will be attending the Authority Workshop on April 3rd. Items for discussion were itemized in a letter received from the township dated January 22, 2008.
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. Reliance Road Water Main Replacement - Nothing at this time.
3. Meetinghouse Road Water Extension - The installation of the 16" water main along Meetinghouse Road between State Road and Old State Road is complete and on line. The scope of the work included installation of 790' of pipe, one fire hydrant, three (3) water services, disinfection, de-chlorination, pressure testing and bacteria sampling. Final trench restoration and overlayment will be scheduled when weather and scheduling permit.
4. Woodspring Meadows Subdivision - The contractor, Reading Site, completed installation and
testing of the 8" water main in this subdivision. Our public works crew is now installing the 36 - ¾" services. Weather permitting, we will complete this project by Easter.
5. TBA / Sellersville Interconnect - We plan to begin construction of the 8" main extension between our system and Sellersville Borough along Clymer Avenue during the week of March 24th. Pipe work should be completed in approximately one week, weather and scheduling permitting. The meter pit will be installed this summer.
SEWER
1. Reliance Road Sewer - We continue to study the feasibility of transferring flows from Reliance Road to other mains in the system flowing to PWTA.
The Meetinghouse Road water extension has been completed. Water service has also been installed at the Blum property on Old State Road at both their rental property and the residence, should they decide to connect at a later date. Restoration will be completed in May. Letters were mailed to two (2) property owners on Clymer Road, by the Woodspring Development, to ask if they would like water service installed even though they may not want to be connected at the present time since Clymer Road will be repaved later this summer.
Timothy Hagey asked Donald Beck about the water system training session he presented on March 18th to the Telford Fire Company. Donald Beck felt it was a good session and he outlined the operation of the system.
COLLECTION SYSTEM REPORT:
LIFT STATIONS:
Read gauges daily and added bacteria as required. Had grease pumped out once for the month.
MAINS:
Gathered data for sewer line replacement between manholes 722 and 721-A.
Pulled lids during rain events looking for areas of I&I on Reliance between Spring House Lane and Acorn Avenue.
Plunged a sewer vent at 151 Ridge Avenue.
I called Burger King and O'Gradys requesting documentation that they are cleaning their grease traps on a regular basis. They both faxed me invoices showing that they are.
Met with CKS on the surcharging problem on Reliance Road and Washington Avenue.
I reported an SSO (sanitary sewer overflow) on Reliance Road to Paul Jardel at the DEP.
MONITORING AND MAPPING:
I updated my video index.
K&A tved Main Street on the Montgomery and Bucks Counties sides between Central Avenue and Reliance Road looking for the main source of I&I causing the manholes Reliance Road to dance.
HOME INSPECTIONS:
Two hundred letters were mailed to residents asking them to contact the office to make arrangements for me to check where their floor drains and sump pumps discharge into. Twenty six Second Notice letters were sent out as well. We still haven't heard from Mr. Sanders at 1 Lenape Lane concerning his lateral replacement. He was sent three letters.
MS4:
Don, I and the road crew attended a required training session on maintenance of outfalls and inlets.
MISCELLANEOUS:
I put together a printer table for Pam Coleman at Souderton Telford Main Streets office.
I picked up door prizes for the Montgomery Bucks Public Works Meeting in Hilltown.
I helped Altek Systems relocate the server in the billing department at Borough Hall.
Mark Fournier reported on home inspections being done for I/I. A problem has been discovered at a residence in the Borough. There is a broken sewer lateral involving the presence of raw sewage underneath this property owner's deck. The Authority concurred that it was time, after three (3) notices, to threaten water shut-off at this location on Lenape Lane in order to get this matter repaired. Donald Beck felt it is a borough issue and the building inspector may be better able to handle the issue.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT REPORT:
Operations
- Total flows for January was 29,123,000 gallons for an average daily flow of 1,004,241 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 January 2008 DMR.
- We had two reportable Storm Mode events on February 1-2 and February 13-14 (with a SSO at the plant head works). Details on these events were sent in your board packets.
- CKS finished and submitted our yearly Bio-Solids DMR to EPA as is required by our current Bio-Solids permit.
- We purchased a spare air bottle for our SCBA breathing apparatus we keep at the treatment plant. This was a budget item.
- Gary's Septic disposed of the grease from the South Lift Station in digester #2 at the plant.
Maintenance
- Sampey's fabricated a new 3-inch suction line out of stainless steel for our grit systems Gorman Rupp pump. The old line was made out of PVC and was cracked.
- K&A Services were in and flushed all the piping from the center of our oxidation ditch through both polymer mixing boxes to the center of both final clarifiers. Accumulated debris was cleaned out as required.
PWTA REPORT: no report
SOLICITOR'S REPORT:
1. WELLHEAD PROTECTION PROGRAM. Although there remains no Township contact, this program will continue to be referenced in the Solicitor's report by reason of the importance to the Authority.
2. WWTF. All operation and facility related aspects continue to be reviewed with the Manager and Engineer.
3. INFLOW AND INFILTRATION. The Authority's NPDES Permit has been reviewed to confirm the deadline dates for submitting the I&I Report to PA DEP. The reporting dates have been confirmed to be March 30, 2008 and September 30, 2008. The most recent draft report has been reviewed by the Manager and returned to the Engineer for finalization and timely filing.
4. HILLTOWN INTERCONNECT AGREEMENT. An Interconnect Agreement with the Hilltown Township Water and Sewer Authority remains pending.
5. RELIANCE ROAD SURCHARGE ISSUES. All aspects of the Reliance Road surcharge continue to be referenced with the Manager and Engineer to formulate remedial options.
6. HILLTOWN PLAZA HOME DEPOT. On February 21, 2008, the Solicitor received a call from Richard Koory, Esquire, attorney for Convention Center Plaza Associates. Receipt of the Grant & Bill of Sale and eight Utility Easement Agreements was acknowledged. An additional party was added to one of the Utility Easement Agreements by reason of information received from this call. Attorney Koory advised that he would attend to signature by his client and attempt to have Home Depot sign documents where required even though he did not represent this entity. Accordingly, there is some activity to report, but not document return.
7. COVENTRY MEADOWS I. By reason of recent site inspection with the Manager, it was confirmed that two houses are under construction with two foundations having been completed. Accordingly, this project remains under construction but not proceeding too rapidly.
8. COVENTRY MEADOWS II (METZGER TRACT). There remains no response from legal counsel for the developer with regard to the updated certified escrow amount submitted by the Solicitor.
9. RYAN COURT (ERIE AVENUE TRACT). Since last report, the Solicitor has conferred with the Manager, Engineer, and legal counsel for the developer to complete closeout requirements. A Grant & Bill of Sale for Facilities to be dedicated to the Borough and a Grant & Bill of Sale for Facilities to be dedicated to the Authority have been prepared and submitted to the Manager. A Deed of Dedication is required for the Ryan Court Roadway and a portion of Erie Avenue. These documents will be completed when the Solicitor receives the legal descriptions from the developer's engineer. Following a review of the as-built plans, it was determined that an easement agreement is also required for the facilities which cross Lot No. 32 to service Lot No. 31. Developer's legal counsel has been so advised with request for confirmation of title owner and parcel number.
10. WISTERIA COURT (KONYK TRACT). The Water and Sanitary Sewer Facilities have been completed. In addition to the one existing residence, one house and one foundation have been completed in this John Garis nine lot subdivision.
11. VILLAGE AT ROSECLIFFE. Construction continues. This development is not built out. Authority required agreements will be prepared by the Solicitor at the appropriate time.
12. WOODSPRING MEADOWS (STEINHAUER TRACT). The sanitary sewer facilities have been installed. Some but not all have been tested. The water line which has been charged is currently being disinfected. Testing will occur next week. Thirty-four taps are required.
13. SUBURBAN EQUITIES III, LLC. There continues to be no contact or activity with regard to this proposed development.
14. CALVARY CHURCH. The Dedication and Easement Agreements were submitted to Calvary Church by the Manager on February 14, 2008. The Manager will check on status. Upon submission, Bucks County recording will be undertaken by the Solicitor for project closeout.
15. 2008 BUDGET. Budget aspects continue to be discussed with the Manager as various projects and issues arise.
16. SELLERSVILLE WATER INTERCONNECT. The interconnect facilities which are to be located behind the curb will be installed at this time. The vault will be completed at a later date.
17. WELL NO. 4. (A) On February 29, 2008, M&M Stone Co. filed an appeal with the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania from the Opinion and Order entered by the Environmental Hearing Board upholding the position of DEP and TBA. Although DEP is automatically a party to the Commonwealth Court Appeal, the Solicitor must file a Notice of Intervention to formally participate. Initial court notifications have already been received. All efforts will be coordinated with the legal counsel for DEP. (B) In the United States District Court suit filed by M&M Stone Co., the Solicitor participated in a telephone conference call with Magistrate Judge Perkin and the attorneys for all parties on February 12, 2008. Basically, all attorneys indicated little to no prospect of resolution. Defendants advised that they intend to file supplemental Motions to Dismiss which would include the Opinion and Order entered by Judge Bernard A. Labuskes on January 31, 2008 in the EHB Appeal. The proceedings in this litigation are projected to be protracted. (C) There has been no further activity in the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas litigation. It is projected that there will be none for some time since Complaint filing is not required until demanded by defendants.
18. ARSENIC REMEDIATION. (A) Well No. 6. There remains no activity on the backwash water permit by DEP. (B) Well No. 4. CKS is still working on the design component.
19. FRANCONIA TOWNSHIP SEWER SERVICE/SALFORD TOWNSHIP. The Solicitor has received DEP review correspondence to Salford Township approving the Act 537 Official Plan Revision Special Study Tylersport Area as prepared by BCM Engineers, Inc. dated August 17, 2006. The Solicitor has also received DEP review correspondence to Franconia Township approving the Earlington Village Sewer System Extension as prepared by SC Engineers in December of 2006. Conveyance to the TBA wastewater treatment facility has been noted.
20. H&K QUARRY WATER SUPPLY WELL. A well assessment remains pending.
21. M&M LAND DEVELOPMENT. There is nothing to report on the proposed residential development on the site adjoining the M&M Quarry operation.
22. ELECTRONIC ASSEMBLY CO. Since Electronic Assembly Co. intends to relocate whereby the proposed expansion will not occur, this item will be deleted from further report.
23. NOBLE OAKS. The four Easement Agreements requiring Montgomery County recording have been returned by Michael Evans and Robert C. Alderfer. Recording will be undertaken by the Solicitor following execution by the Borough and Authority Officials. The Grant & Bill of Sale of Water and Wastewater Service Facilities has also been returned by legal counsel for Robert C. Alderfer. Easement recording should provide closeout for this project.
24. SOUTH SEWERAGE LIFT STATION. There continues to be no contact with regard to this proposed rerouting of flow.
25. WELL NO. 7. The construction of the Meetinghouse Road extension to resolve the Blum Well issue has been completed. Testing will occur this week. The tap will be made next week.
26. RETURN SLUDGE PUMP REPLACEMENT. This project which was awarded November 15, 2007 calling for the installation of three pumps has not yet started. Approximately six days of work are required.
27. GIS MAPPING. Maps are to be provided by CKS for wall posting showing the location of water and sanitary sewer lines. The sanitary sewer map has been completed. The water map remains in progress. In the interim, GIS mapping continues for total system update.
28. CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT. The Engineer is currently working on the 2008 Report which will be completed and distributed to all customers by July 1, 2008.
29. 2007 AUDIT. The Solicitor has been requested by Styer Associates to provide an opinion pertaining to the audit of the 2007 Financial Statements of the Telford Borough Authority. Directional guidelines have been considered. All pending Telford Borough Authority matters are being reviewed for request compliance.
30. SOUTH TANK REPAINTING PROJECT. A one year anniversary date inspection is required by the contractor at its cost. The tank must be drawn down for the inspection. CKS will provide contractor notification.
31. ELECTRIC ROOM FIRE. The question of insurance coverage has been discussed at recent meeting with the Manager and Engineer. Two policies are at issue, one for fire insurance and the second for equipment. The proposal of Swartley Bros. Engineers, Inc. has been reviewed.
ENGINEER'S REPORT: We received a monthly
Engineer Patrick DiGangi reported that work on the design of the building and mechanical components for Well #4 is approximately 95% complete. Electrical design is being worked on. The design should be completed by the end of April.
MANAGER'S REPORT:
•· Met with the Authority Engineer and Solicitor to coordinate various project reviews and construction projects.
•· Met with various engineers / owners regarding sewer and water service to serve their proposed properties.
•· Met with the engineer and public works director / foreman to coordinate I/I repair work and investigation of the I/I problems along Main Street / Reliance Road area.
•· Coordinate plan reviews of various projects needing water and sewer service.
Thomas Taglang mentioned he is sorry to learn that Scott Nice will be leaving. Mark Fournier responded that Scott has been approached by another Authority that offered greater opportunity with an increase in salary. He wishes Scott success in this endeavor. Public Works Director Donald Beck reported that with this loss, the work staff is being stretched thin. There is cross training in process to maintain appropriate coverage at all times.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Mark Fournier distributed a letter from Hilltown Township regarding the new application and fee schedule resolution for a road opening permit. He indicated that he intended to talk to the Township as this wasn't very practical for the Authority to work with.
Payment of the bills and requisitions for the month of February in the amount of $208,164.13 was approved unanimously (3-0) by a Taglang / Moll motion.
A Taglang / Moll motion carried unanimously (3-0) authorizing the signing of the checks.
The meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m. by a Taglang / Moll motion.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas Taglang
Secretary
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