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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, Abram Diehl and Nelson Moll. Also present were Borough Manager Mark D. Fournier, Utility Billing Clerk Diane Windfelder, Engineer Patrick DiGangi, and Solicitor Mark Weand.
A Diehl / Taglang motion carried unanimously (4-0) approving the March 5, 2009 and the March 19, 2009 minutes as amended.
COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE: none
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1. Well #6 - Arsenic Discussion:
Engineer Patrick DiGangi reported Severn Trent Water Purification indicated that it will guarantee the life of the replacement media to 4 ½ years or 179 million gallons. Mr. DiGangi also indicated that he has not received a guarantee in writing from U. S. Filter Siemens as of yet.
2. Well #5 - Fence Update:
Manager Mark D. Fournier reported that he has spoken to Mr. Hendrick and Mr. Furlong and they will be removing the fence that is behind the well and relocating the fence from the area on the water main in the front of the property along the driveway.
3. Interzone Transfer Phase II Update:
Engineer Patrick DiGangi presented the design plans for replacement of a culvert pipe at Reliance Road and Washington Street. The pipe is 34 years old and will be replaced with an aluminized corrugated steel pipe with a 75 year life expectancy. A water main is located in this area and must be relocated. The intent is to lower the water line approximately 1 to 1 ½ feet. CKS recommends the work be awarded to Passerini & Sons, Inc. in the form of a change order. This work will include removal of some trees and a portion of a fence. This work may take approximately 1 week of additional time.
A Moll / Taglang motion carried unanimously (4-0) authorizing the change order for $41,775.00 to Passerini & Sons, Inc to replace the storm sewer culvert pipe, lower a water pipe 1 to 1 ½ feet, and restoration. The Borough will reimburse the Authority the sum of $22,720.00.
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. GIS Mapping - GIS Mapping of the water system continues as staff time allows.
3. Distribution System Repairs - On March 7th we repaired a cracked 6" main at 315 Northview Avenue. On 3/9, a ¾" service leak was repaired at 283 Reliance Square by the owner. On March 17th, a ¾" service leak at 355 W. Broad Street was repaired by the owner.
4. Well #6 - On March 10th we met with representatives for Severn Trent in regards to filter media replacement. On March 24th we met with the Tyler Pipe representative in regards to fitting corrosion on the arsenic treatment filter system.
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. Reliance Road Sewer Repairs - Our crew completed lateral replacements, c.o. installations and a manhole installation along Reliance Road between Third Street and the R/R crossing. We will be coordinating with Souderton Borough to complete road reconstruction in April and May.
4. 2008 R.O.W. Clearing Project - Nothing at this time.
5. 2009 Sanitary Sewer Diversion Project - As part of this project, the contractor must relocate our 12" water main at the intersection of Washington & Reliance. This work is planned for 3/31/09 and our crew will coordinate the main shut down, refill, purging of air, and restoration of service.
COLLECTION SYSTEM REPORT:
LIFT STATIONS:
Checked both lift stations daily, added bacteria three times a week in the South Lift Station.
Jay Hill, our sales representative for bacteria, asked me if he could try a new product in our North Lift Station at no cost to us. The new product is bacteria on a rope. It is designed to hang below the water level of the lift station and dissolve as needed to remove the grease. Jay expects a five pound block to last approximately 1 a month. We installed a five pound block on March 26 and are waiting to see what happens.
I had the grease pumped out of both lift stations.
MAINS:
I gathered data for CKS for the Chapter 94 Report and the I&I Abatement Report.
I located sewer laterals that are to be disconnected at the Univest building for the Reading Site Co.
I located the gravity line and the forced main at the South Lift Station for Greg Peak so he could dig test holes for the relocation of a storm sewer inlet for the Harleysville Savings Bank construction.
I wrapid sealed two manholes on Reliance Rd.
I relocated data loggers and e-mailed the data to T J Figaniak at CKS.
K&A tv'ed and jetted 4 laterals after I received a phone call concerning a sewer back up at 42 Indian Valley Lane. They all had root problems on our end of the lateral.
HOME INSPECTIONS:
Letters were sent to all residents north of the railroad tracks on the Bucks County side.
I made fourteen inspections during the month and discovered three violations, two vents and one sump pump that were directed to the sanitary sewer system.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Todd and I finished the renovations to the new filing room in the basement of Borough Hall.
I plowed snow for Gary while he was out because of knee surgery.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT REPORT:
Operations
· Total effluent flows recorded for March was 18,248,000 gallons for an average daily flow of 588,600 gallons per day.
· We generated 48 tons of Bio-Solids that were hauled to permitted fields for disposal.
· Checked stream and outfall area on a weekly basis.
· There were no violations to report on our February 2009 DMR.
· Swartley's came in and did various jobs around the plant. They did a total preventative maintenance cleaning on the main MCC panel and pump controller cabinets in the Return Sludge Building. This was addressed as a budget item. They also replaced various light bulbs that had burned out on the pole lamps around the plant. They also installed a programmable thermostat control on the electric heater in the garage. They also installed new main grounding wires to both the Control Building and the Return Sludge Building's main electrical systems as required.
· LRM, Inc. installed a new vacuum loss alarm on the chlorine system. In the event of a problem, it will alert us that without vacuum, our chlorine feed is in jeopardy and our disinfection actions could be compromised.
· Gary's Septic hauled grease into the plant from both our lift stations. We disposed of the grease in our #2 Digester.
· Chris Darrah completed a final inspection on the Return Sludge Pumps that had been installed by Derstine Company LLC last year. No problems were found and this should conclude the one year warranty agreement that is currently in effect.
Maintenance
· We installed a new set of wall mounted shelves for books and information binders in the Control Building's main operator's office.
· We replaced the drive chain on the Belt Filter Press's main roller drive assembly as required.
· We had Sampey's in and they fabricated and installed a new stainless steel tank drain assembly in our Chlorine Contact #1 Tank. This equipment replaces an old steel assembly that was in a deteriorating condition due to age. This job was completed as a budget item.
· We did a full service on the plant's loader. We changed oil, filters and antifreeze as required.
· We replaced the fresh water lines in the Return Sludge Building basement as required. We switched over the old copper lines that showed signs of corrosion to PVC for a longer life expectancy.
Personnel
· William McCue attended a four week class entitled Basic Math. This class will help him prepare for his wastewater exam.
PWTA REPORT: no report
Solicitor Mark Weand requested Abram Diehl to inquire about the terms of the settlement agreement between Hilltown Township Authority and Perkasie Borough Authority that resolved the pending litigation.
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. All facility-related aspects continue to be reviewed with the Manager and Engineer. Specifically, the oxidation ditch shaft will be installed following delivery, which is anticipated in early April.
3. INFLOW AND INFILTRATION. The CKS correspondence dated March 26, 2009, submitting a copy of the I&I abatement plan semi-annual status report for the period of August 2008 through January 2009, has been received and reviewed by the Solicitor.
4. HILLTOWN INTERCONNECT AGREEMENT. An Interconnect Agreement with the Hilltown Township Water and Sewer Authority remains pending.
5. INTERZONE TRANSFER PROJECT PHASE II (RELIANCE ROAD SURCHARGE). The construction phase of this project has commenced. A storm sewer failure at a crossing point has been discussed with the Manager. It was determined that a change order would be prepared with a back charge to the Borough.
6. HILLTOWN PLAZA HOME DEPOT. The requested supplemental escrow advance was received by the Authority on March 24, 2009. In compliance with request for expedited processing, personal recording of the easement agreements was initiated by the Solicitor with the Bucks County Recorder of Deeds on March 26, 2009. Recording costs were advanced notwithstanding the fact that the statement dated September 10, 2008 remains outstanding. Recorded copies were submitted to the manager, corporate counsel, and the Home Depot Mid-Atlantic Construction Administrator.
7. COVENTRY MEADOWS I. The Engineer is still pursuing a partial dedication of the sanitary sewer line in Keystone Drive to service residences with failed systems. The developer, although requesting dedication for the entire system, is in agreement and working on a checklist.
8. COVENTRY MEADOWS II (METZGER TRACT). There remains no contact from the developer's legal counsel. As referenced, the Service and Escrow Agreements prepared some time ago have not been returned.
9. WISTERIA COURT (KONYK TRACT). The Engineer's punch list remains outstanding. As noted, this development is a John Garis nine lot subdivision along Clymer Avenue.
10. VILLAGE AT ROSECLIFFE. Quantity data is required for the preparation of a Grant & Bill of Sale for the Water and Sanitary Sewer Service Facilities. Four Easement Agreements have been prepared by the Solicitor and will be finalized upon direction from the Manager.
11. WOODSPRING MEADOWS (STEINHAUER TRACT). Building activity is proceeding slowly in this thirty-two (32) unit townhouse development by John Garis along Clymer Avenue.
12. HARLEYSVILLE SAVINGS BANK. As reported, the preconstruction conference was conducted on February 27, 2009. Subsequently, the construction phase has commenced. The Solicitor is not aware of the status of the Service and Escrow Agreements, which were completed and submitted to the Manager for execution.
13. UNIVEST BANK, ROUTE 113. The Service and Escrow Agreements are pending with the Solicitor. Two new Easement Agreements will also be required. Extinguishment of the two existing easements is required. Additional information is necessary for the preparation of these documents.
14. DELBAR TRACT SUBDIVISION. The Roadway Deed of Dedication, as prepared by the Solicitor, has not been returned for recording. An executed copy of the Grant & Bill of Sale for Sidewalk, Curb, Stormwater Facilities and Other Improvements has not been submitted to the Solicitor for record retention.
15. LANDIS SUPERMARKET. This project remains under review with the Manager and Engineer. As referenced, the water and sanitary sewer line on the Telford side of County Line Road in the vicinity of the Landis Supermarket will be replaced. Detail on the proposed service line to the Landis site is being addressed by the Engineer. Agreements will be prepared by the Solicitor when all aspects have been finalized.
16. BUDGET. Budgetary aspects continue to be referenced with the Manager and Engineer.
17. SELLERSVILLE WATER INTERCONNECT. An Interconnect Agreement remains pending with the Solicitor.
18. WELL NO. 4 LITIGATION. (A) Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. There remains no court determination on the Petition for Allowance of Appeal filed by M&M Stone Co. on January 5, 2009. (B) United States District Court. (i) There remains no court determination on the Motions to Dismiss the Amended Complaint filed by the party defendants. (ii) There remains no response to the Solicitor's request to legal counsel for M&M for report on Moyer Well evaluation conducted on September 29, 2008. (iii) There has been no further activity pertaining to a Blum Well inspection following the issuance of subpoena on September 21, 2008. (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 hearing on this M&M Stone Co. Appeal has been scheduled for April 20, 2009 by the Environmental Hearing Board to be held at the DEP Southeast Regional Office in Norristown. On April 14, 2009, the Manager and Solicitor are scheduled to meet with DEP counsel, Craig Lambeth, Esquire, for hearing preparation. In compliance with Board order, the Solicitor filed a pre-hearing memorandum on behalf of the Authority on March 12, 2009. DEP filed its pre-hearing memorandum on March 16, 2009. On March 31, 2009, M&M Stone Co. filed an answer to each pre-hearing memorandum with the Environmental Hearing Board. A list of proposed witnesses and exhibits was attached. The Board has set aside three days for the hearing.
19. ARSENIC REMEDIATION. Implementation of the arsenic remediation design for Well No. 4 as prepared by CKS remains pending.
20. M&M LAND DEVELOPMENT. There continues to be no contact from M&M following review meeting on July 22, 2008.
21. SOUTH SEWERAGE LIFT STATION. The exchange of flows by gravity to eliminate two existing lift stations remains a desired objective which continues to be addressed by the Manager. .
22. GIS MAPPING. Data continues to be collected by CKS and Authority personnel for GIS mapping completion. The water system mapping still requires completion.
23. WEST ROCKHILL TOWNSHIP PROPOSALS. By correspondence dated March 13, 2009, the Solicitor submitted a response to the PWTA request for input on the West Rockhill Township membership proposal. This communication was discussed at the PWTA board meeting on March 23, 2009. On March 26, 2009, the Solicitor conferred with PWTA Solicitor Joseph Bagley, Esquire, to discuss all pertinent detail and provide personal insight on the Authority's position. A response on behalf of PWTA was received by the Solicitor on March 30, 2009, indicating that a list of issues and questions was being formulated for discussion if the membership request proceeds to the next stage.
24. TEVA. There remains no response to the Engineer's correspondence dated February 16, 2009 declining proposal of well acquisition for offset of sanitary sewer EDU payment.
25. TMDLs. (A) The Manager and Solicitor attended the deposition of Thomas M. Henry, former EPA official, conducted at the Telford Municipal Office on March 10, 2009. (B) Following request for extension of initial Scheduling Order, the Environmental Hearing Board entered an order on March 20, 2009 extending the deadline for completion of discovery to May 29, 2009. Said order also rescheduled the hearing on jurisdiction from May 4-6 to June 29 to July 2, 2009. (B) On March 30, 2009, DEP filed a Motion to Dismiss with the Environmental Hearing Board raising the issue of the timeliness of the Telford Authority appeal.
26. LUTHERAN COMMUNITY AT TELFORD. The Manager has been advised by the Lutheran Community that the proposed expansion onto the former Delbar parcel will be deferred to a later date to be determined. The internal modification of existent facilities as planned will continue. Unfortunately, the significant EDU purchase will not materialize in a foreseeable time.
27. SANITARY SEWER RELINING PROJECT. The bid documents for the sanitary sewer relining project remain pending with CKS.
28. ROW CLEARING PROJECT. This project has basically been completed with some spring restoration required.
29. STREAM BANK STABILIZATION. On March 13, 2009, the Solicitor completed the four Easement Agreements required for the stream bank stabilization project. The Easement Agreements were submitted to the Manager on the same date. Property owner contact for signature is required. Recording will be initiated by the Solicitor immediately on receipt of the fully executed Easement Agreements.
30. TAPPING FEE CALCULATION. The Sanitary Sewer System Tapping Fee and the Water System Tapping Fee calculations have been completed by CKS. Formal determination of the charge remains pending with the Authority. Sewer use ordinances and resolutions require completion by the Solicitor, Manager and Engineer.
31. 2008 AUDIT. The Solicitor has been requested by Styer Associates to provide an opinion pertaining to the audit of the 2008 financial statements of the Telford Borough Authority. Directional guidelines have been considered. All pending Telford Borough Authority matters have been reviewed for requested compliance. The Solicitor's opinion dated March 27, 2009 has been submitted to Styer Associates as requested.
Solicitor Mark Weand requested the Authority to approve a billing rate of $170.00 per hour for court appearances in the M&M Stone Co. EHB appeal.
A Taglang / Moll motion carried unanimously (4-0) authorizing a billing rate of $170.00 per hour for court appearances in the EHB appeal.
ENGINEER'S REPORT: we received a written monthly report for the file.
A Taglang / Diehl motion carried unanimously (4-0) authorizing the Engineer and Manager to move forward with the bidding of the Sanitary Sewer Relining Project.
A Moll / Diehl motion carried unanimously (4-0) authorizing the Engineer and Manager to move forward with the bidding of the Stream Bank Stabilization Project.
MANAGER'S REPORT:
· Met with the Authority Engineer and Solicitor to coordinate various project reviews and construction projects.
· Coordinate plan reviews of various projects needing water and sewer service.
· Visited an Authority Arsenic Treatment System in Solebury to discuss media replacement and operations of the facility.
· Held the deposition of Thomas Henry-EPA regarding TMDL litigation.
· Coordinated a plan review of the TEVA project with Donald Beck and Patrick DiGangi, P.E.
· Met with farmer regarding potential use of Well #5 property.
· Met with CMX Engineers to discuss Right of Way widths for the PennDot handicap ramp project along Main Street and Church Road.
· Attended the Pennsylvania Rural Water Association Annual Conference in State College, PA.
Manager Mark D. Fournier reported that the Lutheran Home is moving forward with Phase I of their project. The development of the Delbar parcel segment however is on hold.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Manager Mark D. Fournier reported that Mr. Radcliff at 2980 State Road has been
complaining about having problems with his well. Mr. Conway from DRBC talked to Mr. Radcliff and has given the Authority verbal notice to connect Mr. Radcliff to public water since it is thought that Well #7 is affecting his well. Mr. Fournier indicated that problems with the well existed when Donald Beck formerly resided at this property. Mr. Fournier indicated that Authority staff is looking into the situation and will provide a report to the Board.
Payment of bills and requisitions for the month of March in the amount of $153,579.04 was approved unanimously (4-0) by a Moll / Diehl motion.
The meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m. by a Moll / Diehl motion.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas J. Taglang
Secretary
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