The Telford Borough Authority meeting held this date was called to order at 6:02 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, Public Works Director Donald Beck, Engineer Patrick DiGangi, and Solicitor Mark E. Weand, Jr.   

A Diehl / Moll motion carried unanimously (3-0) approving the August 20, 2009 minutes.

COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE:  none

 DISCUSSION ITEMS:

1.         Stream Bank Stabilization Update:

Engineer Patrick DiGangi reported this project is progressing well and on time. 

2.         TMDL Update:

            Mark Weand reported that Mark Fournier testified before the Science Advisory Board on September 9^th in Washington, DC.  The Science Advisory Board is comprised of 17 PhD's selected from across the entire United States.  Mark Fournier explained how the excessive cost of the equipment necessary to attempt to meet TMDL criteria will become a burden to every customer.  Mark Fournier further presented pictures of various locations along Indian Creek in an effort to demonstrate how the creek is impacted differently at each location due to the environment in that particular area.  The Science Advisory Board will make their recommendation within the next 90 days.

3.         M&M Stone Quarry Update:

            Mark Weand reported there has been no determination regarding the Pennsylvania Supreme Court appeal.  Regarding the federal litigation, Judge Perkin entered an order to allow a pump test of our Well #4.  Mark Weand and Attorney Andrew Bellwoar are in the process of drafting a letter that will request insurance coverage, a work plan and indemnification prior to any site access.

4.         Pipeline Relining Project Update:

            Patrick DiGangi reported the mains on County Line Road have been relined.  This project is progressing well.

5.         TEVA Update:

            Patrick DiGangi reported he has received the latest revised plans dated July 31, 2009 and that comments were issued dated August 27, 2009.  TEVA has also submitted a planning module.  Patrick DiGangi recommended conditional approval contingent on review and approval by the Manager, Solicitor and Engineer.  Solicitor Mark Weand reported this will involve fees to be paid by TEVA for 152 new EDU's and 19 prior EDU's. 

REPORTS:

TREASURER REPORT: accepted as presented

WATER DEPARTMENT REPORT:

1.   Wells - Daily maintenance and record keeping were performed.  Samples were dawn and tested as required.

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

3.   Well #7 - A new subtrol has been installed at Well #7 to replace the one damaged by lightning.

4.   Leak Detection - Nate Stauffer from FTC is conducting a leak survey of our distribution system.  To date he has located 1 - 6" main crack, 1 leak on the 4" domestic line to Home Depot, 2 service leaks in Coventry Meadows, and 3 fire hydrant valve seat leaks.

5.   Water Main Repairs - On August 21, we repaired a cracked 6" main at 325 Northview Avenue.  On August 25, Home Depot's contractor repaired a leak on their 4" / 2" domestic water line.  Also on August 25^th we removed an 8" bell gasket from a fire hydrant in Wynnefield Estates.  On 9/1, we turned off two leaking curb stops in Coventry Meadows.  These were all leaks located by FTC.

6.   Fire Hydrant Replacement - On 8/14/09 we replaced a fire hydrant at Indian Crest Middle School.  The old hydrant was damaged by the contractor removing portable classrooms and we billed the school district for the cost of a new fire hydrant and our labor to install it.

7.   North Main Street Water Main Replacement - On 9/9/09 we began installing a new 8" main between Church Avenue and Lenape Lane.

8.   Harleysville Savings Bank - The relocation of our 8" main along South County Line Road is complete.

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.   North Main Street Sewer Project - On 8/27 we completed installation of the 8" main, M.H.'s, and laterals.  After the 8" water main is installed, we will complete curb and sidewalk restoration and pave the cartway.

Public Works Director Donald Beck reported that leak detection has been completed.  No additional leaks have been reported since his written report dated September 9, 2009.  The North Main Street Water Main Replacement project is approximately 50% complete.  Regarding the Harleysville Savings Bank project, Telford Borough is responsible for mill out to the western curb line and re-surface.  It will be topped in the spring.

Authority Board member Abram Diehl asked when Reliance Road will be paved.  Donald Beck responded the road area to be paved is the responsibility of Souderton Borough.

COLLECTION SYSTEM REPORT:   

LIFT STATIONS:

I check both lift stations daily, check bacteria weekly, and remove the grease from the South Lift Station monthly.

Tony for LRM loaded the new alarm system program on my computer.

Pump #2 at the North Lift Station was down.  It was determined there was a loose wire to the starter.

I  mowed the grass at the South Lift Station.

HOME INSPECTIONS:

I inspected 38 homes during the month of August and found 3 violations.

I started to load inspection data on my computer.

MAINS:

Pipe relining of the mains is complete, lateral relining is scheduled to start the first week in September.

I wrappid sealed 4 manholes for the County Line sewer replacement.

I helped the public works crew flag on the sewer replacement job.

I marked out a PA One Call in Ryan Court for Verizon

MS4:

I'm continuing to gather inlet data and loading it in an attribute table format on my computer.

MISCELLANEOUS:

I took one week of vacation.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT REPORT: 

Operations

• Total effluent flows recorded for the month of August was 23,635,000 gallons for an average flow of 762,400 gallons per day.
• We generated 48 tons of Bio-Solids for landfill disposal and 24 tons of Bio-Solids for field disposal in the month of August. 
• Checked stream and outfall area on a weekly basis.
• There were no violations to report on our July 2009 DMR.
• We had one storm mode event to report on August 2, 2009.  During this event, Franconia Township exceeded its proportionate share of the plant's peak hourly flow.  We are still waiting for an official response from Franconia Township in regard to how they plan on reducing excess flows from their collection system during storm events.  Details of this event were distributed in your board packets.
• Aquaticlab, Inc. came in to collect Final Effluent samples to start the first round of Wet Testing.  This is part of the requirements that Telford Borough must complete to renew its current NPDES permit.
• Gary's Septic pumped out grease from our South Lift Station and deposited it in Digester #2 for disposal.
• We completed the required testing on our Bio-Solids and sent the appropriate paperwork to Waste Management to recertify our Sludge Cake for the upcoming year.  We are also working with CKS Engineers on putting an application packet together that will give us the ability to bring our sludge cake to their new North Landfill location as required.
• Altek, Inc. came in to install a phone modem in the plant's computer.  This will allow us to use the Sensaphone 2000 program currently being used at both our lift stations.

Maintenance

• Our staff emptied Digesters #1 and #3 and cleaned out the rags and grit that had accumulated on the floor and over the air diffusers.  No problems were found at the present time.
• We painted the interior walls and ceiling in the Bio Sulfite Building.
• We had Sampey's fabricate a new stainless steel rod to operate the gate valve located between digesters #1 and #2.  We reinstalled all the components before we put the digesters back in service.
• We installed a new gear box and motor assembly on the Belt Filter Press discharge conveyer unit as required.  We had Swartley Brothers wire up the new motor and replace some flex conduit and fittings as required.  Our crew did a fantastic job by doing most of the work in-house, thus saving money for the Authority.
• Swartley Brothers came in and replaced the hour meters for the plant's Raw Pump control panel as required.
• We had to take our Jet-Vac pump offline and sent it out to Tyson's to be rebuilt.  The work to be completed will include new bearings, seals and a new power cord.

Personnel

• Nick Windfelder finished up his summertime hours with the Borough on August 26, 2009.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for a job well done and wish him well in his upcoming junior year of High School.
• I would like to extend an invitation to the Board at this time to stop down at the plant whether together officially or individually to see some of the work we accomplished this summer.  We would enjoy showing you around and would value your feedback on the plant's appearance and operations.  Hope to see you soon.

PWTA REPORT:   received monthly report

Abram Diehl reported the Administration & Finance meeting on August 24^th dealt with the reconciling of everyone's EDU's.

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.  The draft I&I Abatement Plan Semi-Annual Status Report for the period February 2009 through July 2009 has been prepared by CKS and submitted to the Manager for review.  The Report will then be finalized and submitted to DEP by September 30, 2009.

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 project has been completed.  The final payment to the contractor has been made.  The project is now in the maintenance period.

6.      COVENTRY MEADOWS I.  (A) The punch list has been completed.  The as-builts have been received.  After the maintenance security is posted dedication will be accepted.  The Engineer will submit quantity take-offs to the Solicitor for preparation of a Grant and Bill of Sale.  (B) Two Easement Agreements are required.  The Engineer will provide legal descriptions and plot plans for document preparation.  (C) The Manager will notify adjacent property owners on Keystone Drive with failed systems that connection to the sanitary sewer line can be implemented.

7.      COVENTRY MEADOWS II (METZGER TRACT).  There remains no update as the Service and Escrow Agreements submitted by the Solicitor have not been returned by Developer's legal counsel.

8.      WISTERIA COURT (KONYK TRACT).  Construction continues in this John Garis nine lot subdivision along Clymer Avenue with nothing specific to report.

9.      VILLAGE AT ROSECLIFFE.  Just a few punch list items require completion by the Developer.  As-builts have been received.  The Engineer will provide the Solicitor with the information required for preparation of Dedication and Easement Agreements.

10.    WOODSPRING MEADOWS (STEINHAUER TRACT).  As previously referenced, construction continues in this John Garis thirty-two (32) unit townhouse development along Clymer Avenue.  There remains nothing specific to report.

11.    HARLEYSVILLE SAVINGS BANK.  The water line has been relocated and tested.  The contractor is in the process of site work completion.  The legal aspects have been completed so it is now just a matter of facility construction.

12.    UNIVEST BANK, ROUTE 113.  Construction of the bank facility has commenced.  Legal aspects have been completed with the exception of Easement Agreement preparation which will be undertaken when additional information is provided.

13.    COUNTY LINE ROAD W/S MAIN REPLACEMENT.  The cross trench lateral connection to the Landis Supermarket has been completed.  Additional work will be implemented as the site development plan materializes.

14.    BUDGET.  Budget aspects continue to be discussed with the Manager and Engineer especially with regard to water related projects.   

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

16.    WELL NO. 4 LITIGATION.  (A) Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.  A decision on the M&M Petition for Allowance of Appeal filed with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court on January 5, 2009 remains pending.  (B) United States District Court. (i) The Court has not ruled on the Motions to Dismiss the Amended Complaint as filed by all party defendants.  (ii) Subsequent to the issuance of the July 20, 2009 Order by Judge Henry S. Perkin permitting a pump test of Well No. 4 by M&M, a request for a preliminary site inspection has been received.  The Solicitor is coordinating a response with the carrier's attorney to assure that certain conditions such as insurance and a work plan are requested prior to any site contact.  W. David Fennimore, P.G. has provided comments on the technical aspects of the protocol.  A submission to M&M will be initiated shortly.   (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 Appeal was conducted on May 7, 2009.  Thereafter, Post-Hearing Briefs were filed by DEP and TBA on July 6, 2009.  Since last report, M&M's Reply Brief was filed on August 4, 2009 and DEP/TBA Sur Reply submissions were filed on August 31, 2009.   Copies have been provided to the Manager.  Accordingly, the Appeal is ready for determination by Judge Labuskes.