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The Telford Borough Authority Meeting held this date was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Vice Chairman Abram Diehl with the following members in attendance: Tom Taglang and Nelson Moll. Timothy Hagey was absent. Also present were Borough Manager Mark D. Fournier, Recording Secretary Cathy Fried, Public Works Director Donald Beck, Solicitor Mark Weand, and Engineer Patrick DiGangi.
A Taglang / Moll motion carried unanimously (3-0) approving the April 3, 2008 and April 17, 2008 minutes.
COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE: none
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1. Award Bid for Sellersville Interconnect Meter Pit Project:
Engineer Patrick DiGangi reported the bid opening for the Sellersville Interconnect Meter Pit was held on May 6th. A. C. Miller Concrete Products, the sole bidder, submitted a bid of $49,900. Patrick DiGangi mentioned that the bid was greater than bids in the past and that A. C. Miller Concrete Products intends to submit a change order to deduct $4,780 from the bid for a net amount of $45,120.
A Taglang / Moll motion was passed unanimously ((3-0) to award the bid for the Sellersville Interconnect Meter Pit to A. C. Miller Concrete Products in the amount of $49,900.
A Moll / Taglang motion was carried unanimously (3-0) to process a change order to the contract in the amount of $4,780 that will adjust the cost of the project to $45,120.
2. Daniel & Carey Stevens Property Discussion:
Mark Fournier reported this will be a one lot sewer service involving a grinder pump on E. Summit Avenue through the Gwen Kratz Subdivision.
A Moll / Taglang motion was carried unanimously (3-0) approving the plan authorizing the proper officials to sign the planning module and the agreements to complete this project subject to approval of the Engineer, Solicitor, and Manager.
3. Andrew & Wendy Nase Sewer Extension:
This project will extend the sewer line off Dorchester Drive crossing Orchard Road. This service will be by gravity.
A Taglang / Moll motion was carried unanimously (3-0) approving the extension of sanitary sewer and authorizing the signing of necessary documents subject to approval by the Engineer, Solicitor and Manager.
4. TMDL Discussion:
Letters were mailed to various state and federal members of congress. Manager Mark Fournier reported he has received responses from State Senator Wonderling, and State Representatives Robert Godshall and Paul Clymer. He also reported there is a flurry of activity. A state task force has been formed concerning the total water and sewer infrastructure throughout Pennsylvania. The task force has until October to get their comments back to the governor's office. The purpose of the task force is a fact finding mission. DEP is doing outreach meetings in Montgomery County. It is asking citizens not to become part of a group as Telford Borough has. Abington has chosen not to join in the group.
5. West Rockhill Township Discussion:
Engineer Patrick DiGangi distributed copies of the Village of Almont, West Rockhill Township Water Service Study. He reviewed Section II of the report that itemized and described 10 different water service options. The options reviewed included the use of a booster station and water storage tank, a well with the backup of a booster pump station, connecting to the existing system with two (2) possible routes, and an interconnection with Sellersville. The Authority members discussed the various water service options, the feasibility of each option, and the cost estimates. It was the consensus of the Authority that a letter be drafted by Manager Mark Fournier and Authority Chairman Timothy Hagey to be sent to West Rockhill Township.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: Matter of Potential Litigation
The Authority entered into Executive Session at 6:20 p.m. to discuss a matter of potential litigation.
The Authority closed Executive Session at 6:27 p.m.
A Taglang / Moll motion was carried unanimously (3-0) authorizing Solicitor Mark Weand to proceed with the necessary steps to obtain payment from Robert C. Alderfer for outstanding invoices regarding Noble Oaks.
Payment of the bills and requisitions for the month of April in the amount of $328,356.45 was approved unanimously (3-0) by a Moll / Taglang motion.
A Taglang / Moll motion carried unanimously (3-0) authorizing the signing of the checks.
Thomas Taglang left the meeting at 7:18 p.m.
REPORTS:
TREASURER'S REPORT: accepted as presented
WATER DEPARTMENT REPORT:
AUTHORITY
•1. Wells - Daily maintenance and record keeping were performed. Samples were drawn and tested as required.
2. Well #6 - A minor leak has developed in one of the arsenic treatment tanks. The contractor will be replacing a gasket at one of the hatches. Hopefully this will solve the problem.
3. Reliance Road Water Main Replacement - N.P.W.A. has scheduled their main replacement along Reliance Road between Third Street and the R/R crossing to begin May 19th. We will schedule our main replacement to follow their completion date.
4. Meetinghouse Road Water Extension - We completed the trench restoration in April. We plan to complete the overlayment of Meetinghouse Road between State Road and Old State Road in West Rockhill Township during the week of May 12th.
5. Woodspring Meadows Subdivision - Nothing at this time.
6. TBA / Sellersville Interconnect - We completed trench restoration for this project in April. A bid opening for the proposed meter pit will be held on May 6th.
7. Trench Restoration - During the month of April, our crew completed trench restoration at various main repair sites throughout the system.
SEWER
1. Collection System -See collection system operator's report.
2. Reliance Road Sewer - Nothing at this time.
GENERAL
1. Third Street Overlayment - We will be installing the wearing course along Third Street between Penn Avenue and Reliance Road during the week of May 12th. This is a shared project with Telford Borough.
2. Water System Worker - Chris Haddon began working at this position in April. He is progressing very well.
Public Works Director Donald Beck reported the paving of Third Street has been completed. The public works crew will move to overlay Meetinghouse Road between State Road and Old State Road when weather permits.
COLLECTION SYSTEM REPORT:
LIFT STATIONS:
I checked lift stations daily and add bacteria three (3) times a week.
Due to the amount of grease in the South Lift Station I don't know if it is cost efficient and effective to add the amount of bacteria as I am. The cost of bacteria is up to over $13.00 a pound and I was using 20 pounds a week. After I clean the grease out this next time I'm going to cut back to 15 pounds a week and see what happens. I will cut back at the North Lift Station from five (5) pounds a week to three (3) pounds a week.
Over the last month Dan and I have been grabbing samples from the lateral at the Souderton Square Plaza. Seven out of the twelve samples were over the limit of 100 milligrams per liter for grease allowed by our ordinance. (Results enclosed).
MAINS:
K&A is continuing to jet the system as part of our preventative maintenance program.
I marked out PA One calls at Landis Supermarket and Harley Davidson Dealership
We loaned the grinder pump to a resident of Providence I, 933 Aspen Circle.
Pulled and photocopied easement agreements and maps for the easement clearing of the interceptor line.
Checked on a proposed shed and were its located on our sewer easement near the North lift station.
I wrapid sealed four (4) manholes on Third Street between Penn Avenue and Reliance Road.
I'm back to doing manhole inspections on the new manholes in the Interzone Transfer and continuing in the townships.
HOME INSPECTIONS:
Twenty seven inspections for the month, three violations and four repairs bringing the total for the year to ninety six inspections, fourteen violations, with six repairs having been made. We heard from Mrs. Sanders at 1 Lenape Lane and she has scheduled I.T. Landes to repair the lateral in two (2) weeks.
MISCELLANEOUS:
I helped Dan and Bill put the new roller in the belt press and used the crane truck to set the comminuter and clean the grit basket at the STP.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT REPORT:
Operations
•· Total effluent flow for April was 18,666,000 gallons for an average daily flow of 622,200 gallons per day.
•· We generated 72 tons of bio-solids for land application.
•· Checked stream and outfall area on a weekly basis.
•· There were no violations to report on our March 2008 DMR.
•· We had a DEP inspection at the plant on 4/1/08. There were no violations or concerns found and the inspection went well.
•· We received our new Biosolids permit (PAG080006) which took effect on 4/1/08 and covers us until 3/31/13.
•· We are assisting Bob Kratz with grease and oil sampling at the restaurants that are located in the Hilltown Shopping Center. We are trying to determine their impact on the current grease problems we are experiencing out at our South Lift Station.
•· We were able to help out Maiden Creek WWTP recently when they had a major breakdown on their oxidation ditch. We loaned them two pillow-block bearings we had in stock that they needed to make repairs. They ordered two new bearings through BDU Corp. that were sent to us to restock our supply. This took about one week.
•· We are working with CKS to develop an Emergency Preparedness Plan for the treatment plant. This is one of the requirements in our current NPDES permit.
Maintenance
•· We replaced a "10" inch tension roller on our belt press.
•· We took comminutor #2 offline and had Sampey's replace all four cutter rack bearings as required. We put the unit back in service when this work was completed.
•· Normal preventative maintenance is being completed as time allows.
Personnel
•· I had the opportunity to sit in with Mark Fournier and Don Beck on all the interview sessions with the perspective job candidates for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Worker position currently open at our facility.
Manager Mark Fournier reported the position of Wastewater Treatment Worker is still open. The position was offered to an applicant who decided not to make an employment change at this time. He will decide whether to re-advertise or to review the applications previously received.
PWTA REPORT: no report
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. The I&I Report to DEP was completed by CKS and filed on March 12, 2008. Project initiatives continue to be addressed with the Manager and Engineer. In the interim, CKS is working on the report due September 30, 2008.
4. HILLTOWN INTERCONNECT AGREEMENT. An Interconnect Agreement with the Hilltown Township Water and Sewer Authority remains pending.
5. RELIANCE ROAD SURCHARGE ISSUES. Although efforts are being made to remove the I&I in the affected area, no resolution has been reached. CKS is still studying the problem and attempting to find an answer.
6. HILLTOWN PLAZA HOME DEPOT. The Grant & Bill of Sale and Utility Easement Agreements have not been returned. The Solicitor will initiate a follow-up contact.
7. COVENTRY MEADOWS I. Although some construction continues, there remains little activity to report.
8. COVENTRY MEADOWS II (METZGER TRACT). The revised cost estimate providing credit for construction in Coventry Meadows I was submitted to the Solicitor by CKS. The Water and Sanitary Sewer Service Agreement and Developer's Escrow Agreement were revised in accordance with the submission. The revised Agreements were submitted to developer's legal counsel on April 30, 2008. There has been no response.
9. RYAN COURT (ERIE AVENUE TRACT). On April 22, 2008, the Solicitor attended a meeting with the Manager, Engineer, developer, legal counsel for developer, and developer's engineer to address all project closeout requirements. With regard to the Borough, a Deed of Dedication is required for the Ryan Court roadway, and a portion of Welker Street. For the Authority, a Utility Easement Agreement is required over Lot 32 for the service provided to Lot 31. Appropriate documentation will be prepared by the Solicitor upon receipt of requested information.
10. WISTERIA COURT (KONYK TRACT). There remains nothing to report. Construction continues. Authority facilities have been installed.
11. VILLAGE AT ROSECLIFFE. This development has not been completed. Easement and Dedication Agreements will be prepared at the appropriate time.
12. WOODSPRING MEADOWS (STEINHAUER TRACT). Escrow Release No. 3 as validated by CKS has been received and reviewed by the Solicitor. The remaining escrow balance is $121,968.56.
13. SUBURBAN EQUITIES III, LLC. Since there has been no contact for some time, this item will be deleted from further report pending resumption of activity.
14. CALVARY CHURCH. With Bucks County Easement recording on March 27, 2008, the Authority legal requirements for this expansion project were completed. Accordingly, this item will be deleted from further report.
15. DELBAR TRACT SUBDIVISION. Five Agreements pertaining to the Borough have been prepared by the Solicitor in conjunction with this subdivision project. One Agreement representing a 10 foot expansion of existing utility easement was prepared on behalf of the Authority. Submission to legal counsel for the owner will occur in the next day or two.
16. LANDIS SUPERMARKET. The land development review as prepared by the engineer for the Landis Supermarket expansion project has been received by the Solicitor. The proposed improvements along County Line Road include an office building, a bank, and a fueling station. Approximately 6 EDUs will be required. The owner will receive credit for two existing EDUs.
17. 2008 BUDGET. Budget aspects continue to be discussed with the Manager as various projects and issues arise.
18. SELLERSVILLE WATER INTERCONNECT. The bid opening for the purchase and delivery of the Clymer Avenue water main interconnection meter pit was held on May 6, 2008. The bid tabulation prepared by CKS has been reviewed by the Solicitor. Following award to A.C. Miller Concrete Products, the lowest bidder, a change order for price reduction will be presented for conformance with an earlier estimate provided to the Authority.
19. WELL NO. 4. (A) Commonwealth Court Appeal. M&M Stone Co. filed its Brief and the Reproduced Record on May 5, 2008. The documents were received by the Solicitor on May 7, 2008. Briefs by DEP and TBA are due 30 days following service. Since M&M has 15 days thereafter to file a responsive Brief, it is projected that the June term of the court for oral argument will be missed. It is therefore projected that the court will hear oral argument in September, October, or November with a possible decision by year end. (B) United States District Court. As previously reported, all party defendants filed Motions to Dismiss with a joint Supplemental Brief having been submitted to the court following the Opinion of Environmental Hearing Board. To date, there has been no activity by the court on the pending motions. (C) Bucks County Litigation. There has been no activity. It is projected that there will be no activity until there is a determination in the pending federal suit. (D) Temporary Discharge Approval. The Temporary Discharge Approval issued by DEP on December 11, 2006 and subsequently rescinded on March 8, 2007 remains pending before the Environmental Hearing Board. Although deemed moot by the Environmental Hearing Board Opinion rendered on January 31, 2008, Appellant M&M Stone Co. has served a Request for Production of Documents on DEP and TBA. The Authority's response was submitted on April 16, 2008. The Department's response was submitted on April 29, 2008. (E) Water Loss Insurance. The issue of water loss insurance coverage for M&M Stone Co. is currently subject to federal litigation involving its agent, an intermediary, and the insurance carrier. It would appear that a policy for water pollution rather than water loss was issued. The certificate sent to the Department apparently attested in error that the policy covered water loss. The actual policy itself apparently was not reviewed with reliance based solely upon the erroneous certificate.
20. ARSENIC REMEDIATION. (A) Well No. 6. There remains no activity by DEP on the backwash water permit. (B) Well No. 4. As indicated, the mechanical design component is basically completed. Implementation is being deferred pending determination of the Commonwealth Court Appeal.
21. H&K QUARRY WATER SUPPLY WELL. A report prepared by Earth Data dated May 8, 2008 designated Work Plan for Ground Water Resource Development has been received by the Authority. The report concludes that well sites on the H&K Quarry property do not appear to be able to generate the extent of water production required for public water supply.
22. M&M LAND DEVELOPMENT. There is nothing to report on the proposed residential development on the site adjoining the M&M Quarry operation.
23. NOBLE OAKS. The four Utility Easement Agreements were recorded by the Solicitor with the Montgomery County Recorder of Deeds on April 9, 2008. The original Easement Agreements with the official recording cover page attached to each document were submitted to the Manager for record retention.
24. SOUTH SEWERAGE LIFT STATION. There continues to be no contact with regard to this proposed rerouting of flow.
25. WELL NO. 7. The Meetinghouse Road extension has been completed. The road overlay is to be applied this week. Accordingly, this item will be deleted from further report.
26. RETURN SLUDGE PUMP REPLACEMENT. The replacement project has been completed without further reference to the Solicitor except for informational purposes. Accordingly, this item will be deleted from further report.
27. GIS MAPPING. At recent CKS meeting, the GIS water and sanitary sewer maps were delivered to the Manager for staff review.
28. CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT. CKS is in the process of completing the 2008 Consumer Confidence Report which will be distributed to all customers by July 1, 2008.
29. SOUTH TANK REPAINTING PROJECT. The one year anniversary date inspection has been completed by the contractor. Only a few touch up items are necessary.
30. ELECTRIC ROOM FIRE. An all party meeting may be required to address the issue of insurance coverage. The Engineer continues to confer with the consultant retained by the Authority to provide report on damage and replacement requirements. Apparently, the insurance company questions the extent of the proposed/designated work.
31. WEST ROCKHILL TOWNSHIP PROPOSALS. The Engineer has reviewed service options and cost estimates with the Manager and Solicitor. The options will be refined for review by the Authority prior to submission to the West Rockhill Township officials.
32. NASE AGREEMENT. The Solicitor has prepared a Sanitary Sewer Service Agreement for the Nase property located at Orchard Road and Dorchester Drive. One sanitary sewer EDU will be required to service this single family residence.
33. STEVENS AGREEMENT. The Solicitor is in the process of preparing an escrow Agreement to guaranty the work for the proposed force main connection to residential property situate 318 E. Summit Ave.
Solicitor Mark Weand reported M&M Stone Quarry filed their brief earlier this month. The Telford Borough Authority brief is due by the end of this month. Commonwealth Court has requested all parties to appear and argue orally. Mark Weand further stated there may be a decision from Commonwealth Court by the end of the year. Federal litigation is still pending. There has been no activity with regard to the Bucks County litigation. Solicitor Mark Weand indicated there is a question regarding water loss insurance. DEP required that M&M Stone Quarry have this coverage. However, while a certificate of insurance was received by DEP, DEP did not receive the actual insurance policy. If it is decided this situation is the result of negligence by the agent or intermediary, either party may be required to indemnify M&M Stone Quarry through their insurance and make Telford Borough Authority whole. The matter of cause will be determined by Commonwealth Court.
ENGINEER'S REPORT:
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.
•· Conducted interviews of candidates for our vacant position of wastewater treatment facility worker.
•· Held a meeting with staff and our engineer regarding providing water / sewer service to West Rockhill Township.
•· Met with H & K Quarries regarding a potential well development in West Rockhill Township.
•· Met with our hydrogeologists regarding general well development in West Rockhill Township.
•· Toured a membrane filtration wastewater treatment facility in Lewes, DE.
•· Attended an AWWA Spring Meeting regarding water operations in West Chester.
•· Held a meeting with the developers of Landis Supermarket and our engineer / staff regarding their proposed project.
•· Met with our Engineer to diagnose a problem with our oxidation ditch drive shaft units.
•· Attended the PMAA Spring Management meeting in Hershey.
Manager Mark Fournier attended the PMAA Spring Management Conference in Hershey, PA. He spoke with Steve Hann, PMAA Solicitor and John Broscius, PMAA Deputy Director regarding TMDL's and franchise fees pertaining to water and sewer service in another community. They are not aware of any authority charging franchise fees and will seek an opinion from their solicitor.
OTHER BUSINESS: none
The meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m. by a Moll / Diehl motion.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas Taglang
Secretary
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