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 Recording Secretary Cathy Fried, Engineer Patrick DiGangi, Solicitor Mark E. Weand Jr., and Public Works Director Donald Beck.  Borough Manager Mark D. Fournier was absent.  

Regarding the August 7, 2008 minutes, Timothy Hagey amended "when the level of water in the quarry goes down, the level of water in Well #4 goes down" to read "There is a direct correlation between the water level in the quarry to the water level in Well #4".    He also requested "industry" standards under Other Business be amended to "accounting" standards.  Solicitor Mark Weand requested the "water loss suit" be amended to read "water loss insurance suit".  A Diehl / Moll motion carried unanimously (3-0) approving the August 7, 2008 minutes as amended and the August 21, 2008 minutes.

COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE: none

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

1.         THP Water / Sewer Reimbursement Request Update:

Engineer Patrick P DiGangi reported that the Authority provided T. H. Properties with the information they requested for Providence I and Providence II.  Patrick DiGangi has not received certified construction costs from T. H. Properties for the service facilities in those developments.

2.         M&M Stone Update:

            Solicitor Mark Weand reported that he and Mark Fournier attended the oral argument session before a panel of Commonwealth Court judges on Thursday, September 11, 2008 in Harrisburg.   Solicitor Mark Weand feels there may be a decision in one (1) to three (3) months.  A discussion was held with DEP as to how to proceed if and when a favorable decision is reached. The motions to dismiss that were filed by all defendants in the Federal Court litigation are still pending.  Depositions have been scheduled in the water discharge permit appeal.  Manager Mark Fournier is to be deposed on October 14^th.  The Solicitor and Manager will attend the depositions of Sohan Garg and John Fabian that are scheduled for October 15^th at the DEP office in Norristown.  On September 16^th M&M filed a motion to extend the time frame for the depositions.  Mark Weand filed an Answer to the motion for extension.

            M&M Quarry has requested an inspection of the Moyer well on County Line Road.  An inspection has tentatively been scheduled for Monday, September 29^th.  Mr. Moyer previously contacted Mark Fournier about the possibility of connecting to public water service after experiencing a problem with his well.  At that time he felt it cost effective to connect to public water.  Mark Weand reported DEP has retained David Fennimore, P.G. of Earth Data, Inc. to be present at the inspection.  DEP will pay for the cost of these services.   

3.         Tapping Fee Study Update:

            Patrick DiGangi explained that an updated study will require a great deal of time and energy to fully research the information and present the conclusion to the Authority.  It was the consensus of the Authority that he proceed with whatever is necessary to complete the study.  It was also determined that this study should be updated on an annual basis.

REPORTS:

TREASURER 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 Project - Installation of a new 8" DIP water main along Reliance Road between Third Street and the CSX grade crossing is complete.  All customer services have been transferred to the new main from our old 4" CIP main which has been retired.

3.         TBA/Sellersville Interconnection - The meter pit / vault manufactured by A. C. Miller, Inc. was delivered and installed on 8/19/08 by our crew.  We are in the process of completing the pipe and valve work connecting the pit to the previously installed T and valve connections.  We plan to have the interconnection available for use in September.

4.         Main and Hydrant Flushing - This is a completed item.

5.         Maintenance of Mains - We repaired a 4" main break along South Main Street near Central Avenue.

6.         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.         Summit Avenue Sewer Main Project - Replacement of approximately 630' of 8" sewer main, manholes and laterals by our public works team is scheduled to begin on September 3^rd.  On Friday, August 29^th, we milled the water and sewer trench area along Summit Avenue between Main Street and School Lane.  A letter was delivered to the residents affected by our construction.  We hope to complete construction in October, followed by replacement of the water main.

Public Works Director Donald Beck reported that work began on the Summit Avenue Sewer Main Project on Tuesday, September 2^nd.  He also reported the Sellersville Interconnection is complete with the exception of topsoil and seeding.

COLLECTION SYSTEM REPORT: 

Lift Stations:

I checked bacteria daily and added bacteria 3 days a week.  I pumped out grease from both lift stations this month.

Mains:

K&A finished flushing the designated area of the system for the year.

Don and I checked the manholes on Meetinghouse Road for wear due to the effluent of Teva Pharmaceuticals. They are in the design stage of replacing their mains and pumping stations. We saw during our inspection some sign of deterioration of the manholes from their effluent.  We are suggesting they paint the manhole they discharge into and the next three manholes with epoxy paint according to our specifications as part of their upgrade of their system.

Home Inspections:

I made sixty one inspections during the month of August.  Three sump pump violations were found and four repairs were made.

Mapping & Monitoring:

I downloaded data weekly from m.h. 144 and e-mailed it to TJ at CKS.

I removed the data logger from m.h. 144 at the end of the month.

I gathered the data CKS needed for their I/I Abatement report.

Todd and I met with Chris Faino at CKS to download the GIS programs on our laptop computers. The sewer system is 95% complete and we are now concentrating on the water end which is about 75% complete. We found that we need to upgrade Todd's computer now and upgrade mine in 2009 to accommodate the new program. We also need to purchase another license and upgrade the one we have.

Miscellaneous:

I helped the public works crew repair a water main break on Main Street.

I also made some repairs at the Souderton Telford Main Streets.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT REPORT:   

Operations

• Total effluent flows recorded for July was 13,600,000 gallons for an average daily flow of 437,500 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 July 2008 DMR.
• Gary's Septic cleaned the grease from both of our Lift Stations and pumped off the contents into Digester #2 for disposal.
• We completed all the required testing for the DMRQA08 study and submitted all the necessary data to environmental Resources to be graded for accuracy.
• We pumped out the sludge from Digesters #3, 4 and cleaned the grit and rags accumulated on the floors and on the air diffusers.

Maintenance

• Swartley's Electric was in to start the replacement and improvements to the damaged MCC control panel and emergency generator radiator exhaust fan breaker as was recommended last year by Barry Bailey after the Electrical Room fire.
• Todd Mathe replaced the time clock mechanism on the plant's water softener unit.  Thank you for helping us with your time and knowledge on softener units.
• LRM was in to replace parts on the plant's Roto-Meter unit that helps control the rate of flow of chlorine gas used in our disinfection process.  They also rebuilt and changed the discharge piping configuration of our Sodium Biosulfite pumps that we use for de-chlorination of our Final Effluent before we discharge to the stream.
• We replaced the radiator and all the hoses and fan belt on our "4" Godwin portable pump.
• We replaced all four hydraulic oil lines that operate the front bucket on the plant's case loader.
• We had Sampey's make up additional support braces and shroud coverings for the plant's blower enclosures.  We installed them to assist in the air flow circulation as needed to control the temperatures in each blower unit.

Personnel

• Brett Bishop's last day of work for the summer was August 20, 2008.  We thank him for his hard work and dedication at the plant this year and wish him well in his upcoming sophomore year at Gwynedd Mercy College.

PWTA REPORT: written

SOLICITOR'S REPORT:

•1.              WELLHEAD PROTECTION PROGRAM.  There remains no Township contact.  This item, however, will continue to be referenced by reason of the importance of the Wellhead Protection Program to the Authority.

•2.              WWTF.  Operation submissions and facility related aspects continue to be reviewed with the Manager and Engineer. 

•3.              INFLOW AND INFILTRATION.  The draft report has been completed by CKS.  Following Manager review, submission will be made by the September 30, 2008 timeline.

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

•5.              RELIANCE ROAD SURCHARGE ISSUES.  A proposed design for interceptor modification has been reviewed with the Manager and Engineer.  CKS will finalize this plan for review with the Manager and Public Works Director prior to submission to the Authority.

•6.              HILLTOWN PLAZA HOME DEPOT.  The Grant & Bill of Sale and the two Utility Easement Agreements were revised by the Solicitor and resubmitted to Home Depot.  These documents have been returned by Home Depot in fully executed form under cover letter dated September 9, 2008.  Thereafter, the Manager requested a supplemental escrow advance to cover outstanding obligation and projected filing fees.  Pending receipt of payment, it is recommended that the Authority complete execution of the documents in hand to facilitate recording at the appropriate time.

•7.              COVENTRY MEADOWS I.  Although building activity continues, there is no update since last report.

•8.              COVENTRY MEADOWS II (METZGER TRACT).  There remains no contact.  The revised Agreements have not been returned by developer's legal counsel.

•9.              RYAN COURT (ERIE AVENUE TRACT).  The Roadway Deed of Dedication has been submitted to the Manager.  The Solicitor has just received submissions from Mark Herrmann pertaining to the Utility Easement Agreement over Lot 32 and a Deed of Dedication for a portion of Welker Street.  This material must be reviewed with the Manager and Engineer.

•10.           WISTERIA COURT (KONYK TRACT).  There is nothing to report on this John Garis nine lot subdivision along Clymer Avenue.

•11.           VILLAGE AT ROSECLIFFE.  The Solicitor participated in a site inspection with the Manager to determine that the last few units are being completed.  A final punch list will be prepared this fall when all of the units are done.

•12.           WOODSPRING MEADOWS (STEINHAUER TRACT).  As previously referenced, the service facilities have been completed.  Upon completion of construction, a final punch list will be prepared.

•13.           DELBAR TRACT SUBDIVISION.  A punch list inspection is required for the Church Road construction which has been completed. The Roadway Dedication will be prepared by the Solicitor upon issuance of PennDOT approval.

•14.           LANDIS SUPERMARKET.  Since this land development project is not situate within the Borough, legal agreements would pertain only to the Authority service requirements.  Coordination is maintained, however, for aspects that do affect the Borough and Authority.

•15.           2008 BUDGET.  Budget issues continue to be considered with the Manager.

•16.           SELLERSVILLE WATER INTERCONNECT.  The Solicitor participated in a site inspection with the Manager.  The meter pit has been installed and the physical interconnection has been completed by the Authority staff personnel.

•1.              WELL NO. 4.  (A) Commonwealth Court Appeal.  The Solicitor and Manager attended Oral Argument conducted before a panel of Commonwealth judges sitting in Harrisburg on September 11, 2008.  It is believed that the position of DEP/TBA was well received by the court.  Following the proceedings, the Solicitor and Manager met with Assistant Regional Counsel for DEP and the Chief Counsel for DEP who was in attendance.  Assuming a favorable decision, next step implementation procedures were discussed.  (B) United States District Court. The Motions to Dismiss filed by all party defendants remain pending with the court.  Responses to Interrogatories and Request for Production of Documents have been processed by the Solicitor. (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 Settlement Stipulation drafted by counsel for M&M has been rejected by DEP and TBA.  The Manager has been scheduled for depositions on October 14, 2008 at the law office of Timoney Knox, LLP.  The depositions of Sohan Garg and John Fabian have been scheduled for October 15, 2008 at the DEP Southeast Regional Office.  (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. 

•2.              ARSENIC REMEDIATION.  The electrical component of the design will be reviewed and finalized by CKS. 

•3.              M&M LAND DEVELOPMENT.  There has been no contact since the all party meeting on July 22, 2008 where plans with review deposits were requested.

•4.              SOUTH SEWERAGE LIFT STATION.  The School District is now working with several developers for the sale of property on both sides of County Line Road.  The proposed rerouting of flow is tied into this sale and subsequent development.

•5.              GIS MAPPING.  A new computer has been purchased.  A second will be purchased at budget time.  The field work for the sanitary sewer system appears to be approximately 98% completed.  More work is required for the water mapping portion.

•6.              SOUTH TANK REPAINTING PROJECT.  The touch-up work has not been completed by the contractor.  A contact will be initiated by CKS.

•7.              ELECTRIC ROOM FIRE.  The Electric Room switchover work has basically been completed by Swartley Brothers without incident.

•8.              WEST ROCKHILL TOWNSHIP PROPOSALS.  West Rockhill Township has provided no response to the Village of Almont Water Service Study, as prepared by CKS. 

•9.              TEVA.  The TEVA expansion project has been reviewed recently with the Manager and Engineer.  CKS comments on the land development plan have been reviewed by the Solicitor.  EDU cost evaluation has been referenced to the engineer.

•10.           NASE AGREEMENT.  Agreements require submission to the Solicitor.  Apparently the work has not yet commenced.

•11.           HARLEYSVILLE SAVINGS BANK.  Service, Escrow and Easement Agreements are required for this bank facility construction at 41 N. County Line Road.  Revised plans apparently have not been submitted to CKS.

•12.           TMDLs.  The Solicitor continues to receive and review extensive email submissions.  The Solicitor filed an appeal with the Environmental Hearing Board on August 28, 2008.  Copies of all documentation have been submitted to Hall Associates.  The Solicitor has initiated coordination contact with Steven Hann, Esquire, and Craig Lambeth, Esquire.

•13.           LUTHERAN COMMUNITY AT TELFORD.  The Manager and Engineer conducted a preconstruction meeting on September 2, 2008.  Plans are to be submitted along with escrow deposits for review by the Authority and Borough.  Approximately 100 units are projected.  All legal aspects will be attended to by the Solicitor as they arise.

•14.           SANITARY SEWER RELINING PROJECT.  This project will be bid.  The Manager intends one contract for all required work.

Solicitor Mark Weand has received the Home Depot agreements which have been fully executed by

Home Depot.  A letter has been sent to Home Depot requesting an additional escrow fund deposit to pay the current bills and projected filing fees. 

A Moll / Diehl motion was carried unanimously (3-0) authorizing the appropriate officers to sign the Home Depot agreements comprising the Grant and Bill of Sale and two (2) Utility Easement Agreements.

Mark Weand reported there has been no response from West Rockhill Township regarding the Village of Almont study prepared by Engineer Patrick DiGangi. 

Mark Weand reported that he filed an Appeal with the Environmental Hearing Board on August 28, 2008 pertaining to the DEP TMDL determination.  Hall & Associates intends to attempt to have further action on the appeal postponed pending a meeting with DEP in Harrisburg to determine if peer review can be initiated. 

The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. by a Diehl / Moll motion.

Respectfully submitted,

Cathy Fried

Recording Secretary