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: Abram Diehl and Nelson Moll.  Thomas Taglang was absent.  Also present were Borough Manager Mark D. Fournier, Recording Secretary Cathy Fried, Public Works Director Donald Beck, Engineer Joseph Nolan, Auditor Gregory Ede of Styer Associates, and Solicitor Mark Weand.

A Diehl / Moll motion carried unanimously (3-0) approving the June 19, 2008 minutes.

COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE: none

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

1.         2007 Audit Review by Styer Associates:

Gregory Ede of Styer Associates reviewed the balance sheet information of the 2007 Telford Borough Authority audit.  Mr. Ede commented it is a very strong balance sheet.  The operating expenses were down from the previous year.  Chairman Timothy Hagey questioned the average age of pipes.  Public Works Director Donald Beck responded that pipes on Main Street have been is use for almost 100 years.  Mark Fournier commented there are other pipes that were laid in the 1920's and 1930's.  Timothy Hagey presented the question because depreciation, as listed in the audit, is calculated using a 50 year schedule.  He did not feel 50 years is representative of the life of the pipes.  Gregory Ede responded he will look into the feasibility of using a longer-term depreciation schedule.

2.         TMDL Discussion:

            Mark Fournier reported the last e-mail he received from Attorney John Hall indicated the TMDL for phosphorous has been mandated and the limit is expected to be met.  He is attempting to have EPA answer some technical questions being asked by the group attorney, John Hall.  He would like a response as to whether or not to file a notice of intent to sue.  Mark Fournier commented this is a big step.  Solicitor Mark Weand's opinion is to proceed with the notice of intent.  He feels that Telford Borough Authority has no choice.  He also explained a citizen's suit is an interested party suit.  He also asked if Mark Fournier is aware of any other entity(s) that are entertaining the possibility of joining this effort.  Mark Fournier responded he is not aware of where other entities stand on this matter.  Timothy Hagey requested Mark Fournier contact other entities and inform the Authority Board of his findings at the next workshop meeting on August 7^th.  Mark Weand also said there have been no quotes as to the expense involved.

3.         M&M Stone Case Update:

            Mark Fournier, Donald Beck and Engineer Joseph Nolan have scheduled a meeting next week with M&M Stone Quarry regarding water and sewer service for their proposed development next to the closed quarry.  Timothy Hagey questioned if Mark Weand will be attending the meeting.  It was the general consensus of the Authority Board that Mark Weand attend the meeting even though it will basically be a meeting between engineers.  M&M is getting ready to submit preliminary plans to West Rockhill Township for formal review.  Mark Weand reported that M&M's appeal to Commonwealth Court is still pending.  Commonwealth Court has now determined it will hear oral argument that will take place in September.  The suit in federal court is still pending with motions to dismiss the suit having been filed.  The litigation in Bucks County is also still pending. 

4.         THP Water / Sewer Reimbursement Request:

             Mark Fournier reported he has been contacted by T. H. Properties regarding reimbursement for properties that connected to the sewer lines installed at Providence II.  Jim Jaquette and CKS Engineers, Inc. are working on the calculations and have contacted a PMAA attorney as to what properties are subject to reimbursement.  Timothy Hagey asked Mark Fournier to provide a schematic.  Mark Fournier responded Patrick DiGangi of CKS Engineers, Inc. would provide this information.

REPORTS:

TREASURER'S REPORT:  accepted as presented

Mark Fournier commented shut-off notices will be posted tomorrow.  He feels there are more shut-off notices this quarter than prior billings.  Timothy Hagey questioned whether the current economic conditions may affect the number of shut-off notices.   

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 Project - During the month of July, we have been installing a new 8" DIP water main along Reliance Road between Third Street and the CSX grade crossing.  This main will replace the existing 4" CIP.  To date our public works crew has installed approximately 450' of the 790' run.  We expect to complete construction by mid August.

3.   TBA/Sellersville Interconnection - We received notice that the meter pit ordered from A. C. Miller will be complete by August 8^th.  We will schedule delivery and installation for late August.

4.   Main and Hydrant Flushing - We plan to complete this item by August 8th.

5.   Hydrant Maintenance & Replacement - During the month of July our crew maintained hydrants at various locations to facilitate ease of operation and to eliminate leakage during flow conditions.  Additionally a fire hydrant at School Lane and Central Avenue was replaced due to a traffic accident.

6.   Maintenance of Mains - Last month our public works team repaired end of main blow off valves located at Township Line Road in Telford Borough and also Northview Road in Hilltown Township.

7.   GIS Mapping - GIS Mapping of the water system continues as staff time allows.

SEWER

1.   Collection System -See collection system operator's report.

2.   GIS Mapping - GIS Mapping of the Sewer System continues as staff time allows.

3.   Maintenance of Sewer Mains - During July work sessions were held to plan and discuss the scope and procedure for bidding purposes for those sewer mains earmarked for trenchless technology.

4.   Summit Avenue Sewer Main Project - We anticipate project start up in early September.

 Public Works Director Donald Beck reported the Reliance Road project will begin next week.  He also reported the main and hydrant flushing is almost complete. 

COLLECTION SYSTEM REPORT:

LIFT STATIONS:

Read daily and bacteria added 3 times a week greased removed every 5 weeks.

MAINS:

I meet with Mark and Don about the slip lining project for East Reliance Road, South County Line Road, and North Fourth Street.

I met with Maureen and Nick from CKS concerning the clearing easement project.

HOME INSPECTIONS:

I inspected 28 homes during the month of July for a total of 188 for the year.

Six (6) violations were found totaling 24 for the year, of which 13 have been corrected.

MAPPING AND MONITORING:

Todd and I set aside three days to shoot the remaining manholes in the townships. Other than the ones CKS shot when they were staking out the easement clearing job, we still have approximately 30 to 40 manholes to shoot along the Reliance Road interceptor scheduled to be cleared next year.

MISCELLANEOUS:

I helped Todd read water meters.

I was on vacation for 2 weeks.

Mark Fournier reported the blockage at Assou's Bistro was not a grease trap problem.  A grease trap is in place within this restaurant.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT REPORT:

Operations

•·    Total effluent flows recorded for June was 17,400,000 gallons for an average daily flow of 600,000 gallons per day.

•·    We generated 48 tons of Bio-Solids for land application.  We generated 24 tons of Bio-Solids that were sent to the Grows Landfill (due to rags and grit content).

•·    Checked stream and outfall area on a weekly basis.

•·    There were no violations to report on our June 2008 DMR.

•·    Gary's Septic cleaned the grease from our South Lift Station and pumped off the contents into Digester #2 for disposal.

•·    Franconia Township has made the appropriate repairs to their Strawberry Fields Mag-Meter and we are accurately recording flows again at the present time.

•·    We pumped out the sludge from Digesters #1, 2 and cleaned the grit and rags accumulated on the floors and on the air diffusers.  Gary Yoder's crew assisted on this job.  Thank you for a job well done.

•·   Rob Ruth's crew came in and laid down blacktop in designated areas around the treatment plant.  Thanks to him and his crew for doing a fine job.

•·    We completed all the required Sludge Cake testing requirements for 2008 and sent copies of all the results to the appropriate parties necessary.

Maintenance

•·    Swartley's Electric was in to replace a burned out transformer for blower #2 and installed new blower enclosure high temperature alarms on all four blowers at the treatment plant.

•·    We coated the Return Building, Control Building and Blower Building roofs with paint as required.

•·    Moyer & Son came in and completed their yearly inspection and cleaning of the plant's boiler.

•·    We pumped out both Final Clarifiers and Polymer Mixing boxes and inspected all equipment as necessary.  We needed to replace the bottom gasket on Final Clarifier #2 which we did immediately and put both tanks back in service.

•·    We reinstalled Utility Water Pump #2 that had come back from being overhauled up at Bearings & Drives Unltd.  We had assistance with installing the new mechanical seal from Sealing Specialties.

Personnel

•·    On July 1, 2008 I attended a computer class sponsored by Penn State that covered treatment plant operators using Excel and Word programs in their assigned duties on a daily basis.  The class was held at DelVal College.

•·    I have been sitting in on the latest round of interviews with potential new candidates for the position of Wastewater Treatment Facility Worker with Mark Fournier and Don Beck.

Mark Fournier reported he is still in the process of settling who pays what from the fire at the Wastewater Treatment Facility.  Replacement equipment has been ordered.  The project will begin mid-August.  The cost of up-grades will be the responsibility of Telford Borough Authority with the remainder being paid by the insurance companies.  The upgrades are being done to prevent the potential for this happening again.  He further reported the oxidation ditch has not been repaired as of this date.  There is question as to how repairs are to made at this time because of the possibility of replacing this equipment to attain TMDLs.

The Wastewater Treatment  Plant Report for the month of June included comments from Superintendent Daniel Wurst recognizing William Mattson for his efforts during the vacations of Daniel Wurst and summer help Brett Bishop.  Mark Fournier commented on the combined efforts of himself and Sewer Collection Foreman Robert Kratz to ensure William Mattson's safety and the smooth operation of the treatment facility during this time.  Mark Fournier will convey to William Mattson the Authority Board's appreciation for his had work and dedication.  Donald Beck also commended the Wastewater Treatment Facility staff because they work without getting the normal weekends off due to being short staffed.

 PWTA REPORT:  A report was received for the file.

Abram Diehl commented things are quiet and attendance at the monthly meeting is less during the summer months. 

SOLICITOR'S REPORT:

1.      WELLHEAD PROTECTION PROGRAM.  There remains nothing to report by reason of lack of Township contact.

2.      WWTF.  All facility related aspects continue to be reviewed with the Manager and Engineer.  Operation submissions are reviewed on receipt. 

3.      INFLOW AND INFILTRATION.  Abatement initiatives will be reported to DEP by September 30, 2008.  In the interim, CKS continues to compile data.

4.      HILLTOWN INTERCONNECT AGREEMENT.  An Interconnect Agreement with the Hilltown Township Water and Sewer Authority remains pending. 

5.      RELIANCE ROAD SURCHARGE ISSUES.  This issue continues under review with the Manager and Engineer.  CKS is currently collecting I&I data to identify problem areas on the Montgomery County side south of Reliance Road.  Concurrently, CKS is working on design for interceptor modification. 

6.      HILLTOWN PLAZA HOME DEPOT.  As previously reported, the Hilltown Plaza Agreements have been recorded.  The Home Depot Agreements remain under review with its legal counsel. The Solicitor is currently in dialogue with regard to requested agreement modifications.  The documents will be revised and resubmitted when agreement is reached on terms and language.

7.      COVENTRY MEADOWS I.  The developer continues building activity at a modest pace.  Four to five units are currently in some phase of activity.

8.    COVENTRY MEADOWS II (METZGER TRACT).  The revised Agreements as submitted to  developer's legal counsel on April 30, 2008 have not been returned.

9.     RYAN COURT (ERIE AVENUE TRACT).  The Roadway Deed of Dedication for Ryan Court and accompanying Realty Transfer Tax Affidavit have been prepared by the Solicitor and submitted to the Manager on July 8, 2008.  There remain no submissions with regard to the Utility Easement over Lot 32 and a Deed of Dedication for a portion of Welker Street.

10.    WISTERIA COURT (KONYK TRACT).  CKS is checking on the water and sanitary sewer improvements which have been constructed in this John Garis nine lot subdivision along Clymer Avenue.  Several homes have been connected.  A final punch list will be prepared when all improvements are in.

11.    VILLAGE AT ROSECLIFFE.  The developer is completing the last units.  CKS has issued an informal punch list.  Closeout documents will be prepared by the Solicitor at project completion.

12.    WOODSPRING MEADOWS (STEINHAUER TRACT).  The water and sanitary sewer facilities in this 32 townhouse unit development by John Garis along Clymer Avenue have been completed.  A final punch list will be prepared when construction is completed.

13.    DELBAR TRACT SUBDIVISION.  Construction pertaining to Parcel No. 2 storm sewer system and the Church Road widening has been completed.  Some plantings are required.  CKS will prepare a punch list.  The Roadway Dedication Agreement will be recorded by the Solicitor upon issuance of PennDOT approval.

14.    LANDIS SUPERMARKET.  The construction phase of this land development project has commenced.  Issues continue to be coordinated with the Manager and Engineer.  Specific directive for legal agreements would pertain to the Authority service requirements.

15.    2008 BUDGET.  Budget issues continue to be discussed periodically with the Manager as different situations arise.

16.    SELLERSVILLE WATER INTERCONNECT.  The meter pit is scheduled for delivery and installation on August 19, 2008.  Supplemental documentation will be reviewed by the Solicitor as required.

17.    WELL NO. 4.  (A) Commonwealth Court Appeal.  As previously represented, all Briefs in this Commonwealth Court Appeal by M&M have been filed.  Argument has been fixed for September 11, 2008 before a panel of judges sitting in Harrisburg.  The Solicitor and Manager will attend along with Assistant Regional Counsel for DEP.  (B) United States District Court.  The Motions to Dismiss filed by all party defendants remain pending with the court.  The Solicitor has reviewed material provided by Moyer, Goode and Clemens in response to subpoenas issued pertaining to the Moyer well on County Line Road.  M&M has also issued Interrogatories and Request for Production of Documents directed to the Authority.  The Manager and Solicitor have formulated responses in coordination with Sienna, Bellwoar & McAndrew, LLP. (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 Solicitor attended the depositions of Benjamin Greeley and Jennifer Fields on July 10, 2008.  Request for the depositions of the Manager and Sohan Garg has been deferred pending possible settlement stipulation.  The initial Settlement Stipulation as drafted by M&M was not acceptable to legal counsel for DEP and TBA.  Revision is currently under consideration by M&M.            (E) Water Loss Insurance.  No information has been received with regard to the substance of resolution of the federal litigation involving the issue of water loss insurance coverage for M&M Stone Co. 

18.    ARSENIC REMEDIATION.  The electrical component of the design has just been received by CKS.  It will be reviewed and the work product of CKS to date will be finalized.

19.    M&M LAND DEVELOPMENT.  On July 22, 2008, the Solicitor attended a meeting to discuss proposed residential development of the site adjoining the M&M Quarry operation.  Those in attendance included the Manager, Engineer, Public Works Director, Brian Carpenter, M&M Engineers, and a representative of the W.B. Homes.  All potential aspects were discussed including line looping, well site, pump station, modules, and Township requirements.  Plans with review deposits were requested but not yet received.

20.    NOBLE OAKS.  The Solicitor has been successful in obtaining payment of the outstanding obligation from Robert C. Alderfer.  This payment will permit the Manager to complete all closeout detail.  Accordingly, this item will be deleted from further report.

21.    SOUTH SEWERAGE LIFT STATION.  This proposed rerouting of flow is tied into the Souderton development plans for the area which are not complete at this time.  Specifically, this references the sale and development of Souderton Area School District property on both sides of County Line Road.

22.    GIS MAPPING.  A considerable amount of field work is being done to complete GIS maps for the water and sanitary sewer systems.

23.    SOUTH TANK REPAINTING PROJECT.  CKS is to determine when the final touch up work will be completed.

24.    ELECTRIC ROOM FIRE.  An insurance check has been received by the Manager.  Swartley Brothers will initiate the replacement and upgrade work..

25.    WEST ROCKHILL TOWNSHIP PROPOSALS.  There remains no response from the West Rockhill Township Supervisors to The Village of Almont Water Service Study, as prepared by CKS. 

26.    TEVA.  The TEVA expansion project continues under review with the Manager and Engineer.  CKS is reviewing the land development plan.  It is projected that the water supply will continue to be private with additional wells being added to the existing system.  Additional sanitary sewer EDUs, however, will be required. 

27.    NASE AGREEMENT.  The revised Sanitary Sewer Service Agreement has been signed by the property owners and returned to the Manager with all required fees.

28.    STEVENS AGREEMENT.  As previously reported, the force main connection to this residential property situate 318 E. Summit Street has been completed.  Accordingly, this item will be deleted from further report.

29.    HARLEYSVILLE SAVINGS BANK.  The Land Development Plan pertaining to the construction of a bank facility at 41 N. County Line Road continues to be reviewed with the Manager and Engineer.  Sanitary sewer and storm sewer facilities conflict.  This requires resolution by plan revision.  Service, Escrow and Easement Agreements remain pending with the Solicitor.

30.    TMDLs.  Extensive email submissions have been received and reviewed by the Solicitor.  Cost estimates have been referenced.  Issues pertaining to the extent of continued participation by TBA represent ongoing discussion with the Manager.

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 Don Beck and Dan Wurst regarding hiring of staff at the Wastewater Treatment Facility.

•·    Coordinated the insurance claim processing regarding the WWTF fire repairs.

•·    Met with Timoney, Knox, LLP and our Engineers to review the THP reimbursement request.

•·    Met with our Engineers and staff regarding our proposed Right of Way Clearing Project.

•·    Coordinated a meeting with M&M Stone, staff, our Engineers, and attorney regarding a proposed development regarding water and sewer service.

•·    Met with Don Beck and Robert Kratz regarding our Sewer Lining Project.

•·    Coordinated a meeting with staff and DEP to assist the department with an Infrastructure Gap Analysis Survey.

•·    Met with the Engineer and Public Works Director of another community to compare pump station and sewer collection system operation and maintenance.

OTHER BUSINESS:  none

Payment of the bills and requisitions for the month of June in the amount of $184,576.57 was approved unanimously (3-0) by a Moll / Diehl motion.

A Diehl / Moll motion carried unanimously (3-0) authorizing the signing of the checks.

The meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m. by a Moll / Diehl motion.

Respectfully submitted,

Mark D. Fournier

Manager