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, Solicitor Mark E. Weand, Jr., and Greg Ede of Styer Associates. 

A Diehl / Moll motion carried unanimously (3-0) approving the April 7, 2009 minutes.

COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE:  none

 DISCUSSION ITEMS:

1.         Stream Bank Stabilization Project Update:

Mark Fournier reported that all easements have been received and have been executed by the property owners.  He also reported the notary fees incurred by Mrs. Kichline of Old State Road totaled $30 and she has asked that Telford Borough Authority reimburse her for this expense.  It was the consensus of the Authority that, in the interest of goodwill, a check be mailed to her to reimburse her for this expense.  A pre-bid meeting for this project will be held on June 18^th with the bid opening being held on June 25^th.  CKS Engineers, Inc. will present a recommendation to the Authority at the July 2^nd meeting.

2.         TMDL Update:

            Solicitor Mark Weand reported Attorney John Hall has been attempting to set up a sit-down meeting with PA DEP to discuss settlement.  A meeting has not been scheduled as of this date.  A conference call was held today in which Mark Weand did not participate.  Attorney John Hall contacted Mark Weand immediately after the call to apprise him of the content of the conference call.  Mr. Weand also reported the deadline of discovery has been extended from May 29^th to the end of June.  

3.         Interzone Transfer Phase II Update:

            Mark Fournier reported this project is going well.  The water pipeline has been relocated.  The contractors will be putting the finishing touches on the headwall.  There will be a change order forthcoming because of the extra pavement restoration.

4.         M&M Stone Quarry Update:

            Mark Weand reported that M&M Stone Quarry has filed a request to test pump Well #4 as part of discovery.  Mark Weand and Mark Fournier are working with Attorney Andrew Bellwoar to formulate a comprehensive response.

            Timothy Hagey questioned the accumulated cost of this case up to the present time.  Mark Fournier responded he will have an updated cost for the next Authority meeting.

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.   Well #6 - On April 7^th, Rod Springer, representing Siemens, examined the fittings used in the arsenic treatment installation provided by Siemens.  They determined that three fittings are leaking which they propose to replace.  After examining the fittings they removed, they plan to make a determination whether additional fitting may be faulty and need to be replaced.

4.   Distribution System Repairs - Our crew repaired a 10" valve in Washington Street near Reliance Road.

5.   Meter Reading - Quarterly reading of water meters was completed for the May billing cycle.

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.   2009 Sanitary Sewer Diversion Project - Main and manhole installation is complete.  Final restoration work has begun.  Also, due to the failure of the storm sewer culvert at Reliance Road and Washington Street, we must lower the 12" water main.  This work will be performed by Passerini & Sons, Inc. in concert with the culvert replacement.  Our crew will provide water main shut down and start up after the work is installed.

4.   Univest Bank - We coordinated the sewer lateral disconnection for the demolition work at the Univest site at Route 113 and Bethlehem Pike.

Mark Fournier reported a PennDot permit has been received for the work on Main Street and the paving of West Reliance Road should be completed by the end of June in conjunction with Souderton Borough.  The project will be completed at that time. 

COLLECTION SYSTEM REPORT:   

LIFT STATIONS

I checked daily add bacteria three (3) times a week at the South Lift Station.

I sprayed the walls of each lift station with liquid bacteria to remove the grease build up.

 I had the grease pumped out from the South Lift Station.

The bacteria on a rope is working well at the North Lift Station.  I think the powder application was not effective because there was not enough bacteria remaining after the station pumped down a couple times.  However, with the bacteria rope application there is always bacteria present.  It is also more cost efficient.  I was adding one pound three (3) times a week at $13.35 a pound a block cost $50.00 and we're going on five (5) weeks.  I'm going to put a block in the South Lift Station after the grease is pumped the next time. I do not expect it to last as long there because of the grease problem but I add four (4) pounds three (3) times a week.

HOME INSPECTIONS

Sixteen inspections were made during the month of April.  There were three violations that have all been repaired.

Second notice letters were mailed to those who failed to make appointments for inspection.

A mailing went out to residents on West Broad Street and N. Third Street

I did two Use &Occupancy inspections, 27 W. Madison Avenue and 162 W. Broad Street.

MAINS

We are continuing to jet mains on the Bucks County side of the Borough as part of preventative maintence program.

I download and e-mail data to CKS weekly from our Iscco data loggers.

We are gathering post data from the Summit Street job and pre-data for the work we schedule to do on N. Main Street.

I was called out 4/8/2009 for a sewer problem at 11 E. Summit Street.

I attended a seminar at the Crown Plaza at Valley Forge on program updates for our Issco data loggers.

I worked on a list of manholes that need to be inspected.

The public works crew replaced three manhole castings with bolt downs and I wrapid sealed them prior to basing in Reliance Road.

G P S

Todd and I shot 126 points (valves and hydrants) throughout the Borough.

M S 4

I gathered prices for inlet markers and designed an inspection form and attribute table for all the inlets in the Borough.

MISCELLANEOUS

I spent a week on vacation in Florida.

Mark Fournier reported the effort continues to make a lot of home inspections and work on the GIS system.  Nelson Moll questioned the item listed in the report as "bacteria on a rope".  Mark Fournier explained that bacteria on a rope tends to dissolve at a slower rate than the powder and is therefore effective for a longer period of time in dissolving grease in our pump stations.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT REPORT:   

Operations

•·    Total effluent flows recorded for April was 21,806,000 gallons for an average daily flow of 726,900 gallons per day.

•·    We generated 96 tons of Bio-Solids in April.  We sent 24 tons to the landfill and 72 tons to the fields for disposal.

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

•·    There were no violations to report on our March 2009 DMR.

•·    Swartley Brothers, Inc. came in and replaced the polymer sensing unit for polymer system #1.  They also replaced the main wiring junction box and strut assembly for the chlorine contact tank equipment as needed.

•·      We replaced all the brushes on both final clarifier sweep arm assemblies.

•·      Gary's Septic hauled grease into the plant from our South Lift Station.  We disposed of the grease in our #2 Digester.

•·      We had to have Wheel's Automotive replace the brake lines on the plant pick-up truck.  They also inspected the plant's dump truck

•·      We started to use the cherry deodorizer around the plant as is necessary during warmer days.

Maintenance

•·    We installed three (3) new 2 ½" gate valves on the discharge side of the plant's three (3) utility water pumps.  This was done because the old valves showed signs of deterioration from years of service.

•·    We replaced both comminutor cutter assemblies and sent the old units back to JWC for an exchange program.  This was a budget item.  We also installed two (2) new motors on these units.  I would like to take this opportunity to recognize our WWTF staff for all their work that went into this project.  They did a great job of swapping out all the components and getting the system back up and running in a short amount of time.  Thank you for a job well done.

•·    We had Sampey's in and they fabricated and installed a new stainless steel tank drain assembly in our #2 Chlorine Contact Tank.  This equipment replaces an old steel assembly that was in a deteriorated condition due to age.  This job was completed as a budget item.

•·    We replaced the rubber grommet in the Love-Joy coupling on our Return Sludge Pump #2.

•·    We had Blower #2 go out of service due to a bearing problem.  We took the blower over to Sampey's to be rebuilt.

•·    We replaced the drive belt on the grit unit centrifuge unit as required.

Mark Fournier reported two (2) shafts have been replaced.  The remaining two (2) shafts are scheduled to be replaced within the next few weeks.

PWTA REPORT:  A report was received for the file.

SOLICITOR'S REPORT: 

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

2.      WWTF.  Operation aspects and facility related matters continue to be reviewed with the Manager and Engineer.  The oxidation ditch shaft has been received.  Installation is projected for May 11, 2009.

3.      INFLOW AND INFILTRATION.  The next I&I abatement plan semi-annual status report is due September 30, 2009.  Two meters are currently in place and being monitored for result inclusion in the next report.

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 is still ongoing.  The change order required by reason of a storm sewer failure at a crossing point has been approved by Telford Borough Council.  The water line relocation aspect will be assumed by the Authority.  Easement detail and other construction aspects have been reviewed with the Manager and Engineer during the course of this project.

6.      HILLTOWN PLAZA HOME DEPOT.  As previously referenced, the final recording occurred on March 26, 2009 with copies submitted to all involved parties.  Accordingly, this represents a completed item and will be deleted from further report.

7.      COVENTRY MEADOWS I.  There has been no recent developer contact with regard to a partial dedication of the sanitary sewer line in Keystone Drive to service residences with failed systems.  The Engineer will initiate a follow-up contact.

8.      COVENTRY MEADOWS II (METZGER TRACT).  There remains no update.  Service and Escrow Agreements have not been returned by developer's legal counsel.

9.      WISTERIA COURT (KONYK TRACT).  There remains nothing to report with regard to this John Garis nine lot subdivision along Clymer Avenue.

10.    VILLAGE AT ROSECLIFFE.  The Solicitor has reviewed an issue involving the location of laterals and vent stacks that may have been installed on adjacent lots to those lots they actually serve.  In this regard, the Solicitor has reviewed a Homeowners Association Declaration prepared for the Village at Rosecliffe by Knightland Properties, LP.  Said Declaration provides that the units (lots) are subject to easements in favor of the Authority.  Additional engineering work is being prepared for further clarification to the Solicitor and Manager.  Otherwise, a Grant & Bill of Sale and four Easement Agreements remain pending.

11.    WOODSPRING MEADOWS (STEINHAUER TRACT).  There is no building activity to report in this John Garis thirty-two (32) unit townhouse development along Clymer Avenue.

12.    HARLEYSVILLE SAVINGS BANK.  The Service and Escrow Agreements dated March 5, 2009 have been returned to the Solicitor in fully executed format.  Construction has not commenced as PennDOT issues require resolution.

13.    UNIVEST BANK, ROUTE 113.  The Service and Escrow Agreements have been completed by the Solicitor and submitted to Univest legal counsel for review.  By call on May 11, 2009, the Solicitor was advised that EDU calculations are currently under review by the Univest Engineer.  The buildings were razed without the requested notice to the Authority whereby sanitary sewer termination procedures by the Authority were accented.  Two Easements Agreements will be required.

14.    DELBAR TRACT SUBDIVISION.  The Grant & Bill of Sale has been submitted to the Solicitor for record retention.  The Roadway Deed of Dedication as submitted to the Solicitor was recorded on May 7, 2009 with the Bucks County Recorder.  Recorded copies have been submitted to the Manager and developer/owner.  Accordingly, this represents a completed project and will be deleted from further report.

15.       LANDIS SUPERMARKET.  There is nothing to report with regard to the proposed replacement of the water and sanitary sewer line on the Telford side of County Line Road.  Agreements will be prepared by the Solicitor when required and as the pertinent information is provided.

16.    BUDGET.  Budget related matters continue to be discussed with the Manager for Solicitor input.

17.   SELLERSVILLE WATER INTERCONNECT.  An Interconnect Agreement remains pending with the Solicitor.

18.    WELL NO. 4 LITIGATION.  (A) Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.  The Petition for Allowance of Appeal filed by M&M Stone Co. on January 5, 2009 remains with the Supreme Court without determination at this time.  (B) United States District Court. The Motions to Dismiss the Amended Complaint filed by the defendants remains pending without determination by the District Court. (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 was conducted before Judge Labuskes at the DEP Southeast Regional Office in Norristown on May 7, 2009.  The Solicitor attended the hearing along with the Manager who was called as a witness to present testimony.  Jennifer Fields and Sohan Garg provided testimony on behalf of DEP.  No witnesses were called by the Appellant.  Based on judicial comment in an opinion proceeding the hearing, it is projected that a favorable decision will be received.

19.    ARSENIC REMEDIATION.  The arsenic remediation design for Well No. 4 as prepared by CKS awaits implementation.

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 Manager continues to address with Souderton the exchange of flows by gravity to eliminate two existing lift stations.

22.    GIS MAPPING.  CKS and Authority personnel continue to collect data for GIS water system mapping which is currently 80% complete.  The sanitary sewer mapping has been completed.

23.    WEST ROCKHILL TOWNSHIP PROPOSALS.  The Solicitor has received no comment subsequent to the PWTA response dated March 30, 2009 indicating that a list of issues and questions was being formulated for discussion.

24.    TEVA.  The Manager and Engineer have calculated that 19 EDUs are required on existing usage.  TEVA will require 25 EDUs with regard to Phase I of the construction project.  Service and Escrow Agreements will be prepared by the Solicitor when the project goes to construction.

25.    TMDLs.  (A)  On May 8, 2009, the Solicitor and Manager attended the depositions of Jennifer Fields (DEP), Dr. Rahed El Ferhan (Bechtel Group), Dr. Mike Paul (Tetra Tech), and Alan Everett (DEP) at the DEP Southeast Regional Office, Norristown.  Thereafter, request was made to DEP counsel to assist in scheduling a resolution meeting with the upper echelon DEP officials.  (B) On May 14, 2009, the Solicitor and Manager are scheduled to attend additional depositions at the DEP South Central Office, Harrisburg.  (C) The hearings on the jurisdiction and timeliness issues remain pending.  (D) Extensive email submissions pertaining to all TMDL aspects are reviewed by the Solicitor on receipt for continued participation.

26.    LUTHERAN COMMUNITY AT TELFORD.  The development of the Delbar parcel which would have required the purchase of numerous EDUs remains on hold.  Internal modification of existent facilities continues.

27.    SANITARY SEWER RELINING PROJECT.  The bid documents for the sanitary sewer relining project have been completed by CKS with five sets having been submitted to prospective bidders to date.  A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for May 14, 2009.  Bid opening is projected for May 19, 2009 with recommendation for bid award to the Authority at its May 21, 2009 meeting.

28.    ROW CLEARING PROJECT.  This project has been completed.  Final payment has been made by the Authority.

29.    STREAM BANK STABILIZATION.  The bid documents have been completed by CKS.  Distribution will be made when the four Easement Agreements have been signed.  To date, two easements have been signed.  Obviously, no bid date has been scheduled at this point.

30.    TAPPING FEE CALCULATION.  On April 16, 2009, the Solicitor participated in a meeting with the Manager and Engineer at the CKS office to review all material on hand pertaining to water and sanitary sewer use regulation. The Engineer is currently working on developing this format following which the current Telford Borough Ordinance will be revised.

31.    2008 AUDIT.  Since the Solicitor's opinion pertaining to the 2008 Audit of the Telford Borough Authority has been provided, this item will be deleted from further report.

32.    2009 CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT.  CKS has started the 2009 CCR report which is due for submission by July 1, 2009. 

33.    WELL NO. 6 FITTINGS.  Issues pertaining to replacement of fittings at Well No. 6 have been discussed with the Manager and Engineer.  The extent of replacement remains subject to determination.  The manufacturer/supplier intends to comply with warranty commitments.

Mark Weand reported the Harleysville Savings Bank service and escrow agreements have been returned.  The Univest service and escrow agreements have been completed and have been forwarded to the attorney of Univest but have not been returned as of today's date.

ENGINEER'S REPORT:  We received a written monthly report for the file.