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The Telford Borough Authority meeting held this date was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Chairman Timothy Hagey with the following members in attendance: Nelson Moll and Thomas Taglang. Also present were Borough Manager Mark D. Fournier, Finance Director Daphne Hollowbush, Public Works Director Donald Beck, WWTF Supervisor Daniel Wurst, Engineer Patrick DiGangi, and Solicitor Mark E. Weand, Jr. Abram Diehl was absent from the meeting.
A Taglang / Moll motion carried unanimously (3-0) approving the October 15, 2009 minutes.
COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE: none
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1. Budget Approval:
Manager Fournier reported that the budget as presented last month had a surplus of $90,927 which is a declining budget since the unappropriated balance from prior year is carrying the budget. Increasing both the water and sewer rate $0.15 per thousand gallons would generate an additional $193,255 surplus; it will cost the average household approximately $18.00 per year. This increase does not address the depreciation issue discussed at last month's meeting. According to the audit, the depreciation for 2008 was $350,000. In order to cover this expense an average household would have to be assessed an additional $100 per year.
A Taglang / Moll motion approving a rate increase of $0.15 per thousand gallons for water to $3.00 per thousand gallons and $0.15 per thousand gallons for sewer to $4.75 per thousand gallons effective November 1, 2009 was unanimously approved (3-0). A Taglang / Moll motion approving the adoption of the budget amending account #06378371 to $895,328 and account #06364365 to $1,258,255 was unanimously approved (3-0).
TREASURER'S REPORT: accepted as presented.
WATER DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Water
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. Reliance Road Paving - On Tuesday, October 13th, we coordinated with Souderton Borough and installed the wearing course along Reliance Road between Third Street and the R/R crossing. This is a completed item.
4. N. Main Street Water - On 10/19/09 we completed the tie in of our new 8" DIP main to the existing 8" CIP main at N. Main Street & Church Avenue. During the week of 10/26/09 we installed the paving base course along the combined water and sewer trenches. The wearing course installation is deferred to spring 2010.
5. Well #6 - Replacement of the arsenic filter media was completed during the week of 10/26/09
6. CL2 Analyzers - Todd and Chris are installing CL2 Analyzers and sampling stations in our wells as required. At present they are working at Well #3.
7. Meter Reading - On October 21st the water meters were read for the November billing.
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 - All construction aspects for this project are complete except for the final wearing course installation. This item will be completed in spring 2010.
Public Works Director Donald Beck reported the 2010 Ford utility truck was delivered last week. It will be used by the highway department for water and sewer work. He also reported the base coat was installed on Main Street in conjunction with the water and sewer line replacement project.
COLLECTION SYSTEM REPORT:
LIFT STATIONS:
Lift stations are read daily; bacteria is checked on a weekly basis; and grease is removed on a monthly basis.
Preventative maintenance was done at both lift stations by R&R Pump. Pump #1 at the South Lift Station had a bad power cord due to the grease. The impeller was worn and the ware plate needed to be replaced. Total cost of repairs was quoted to be $2,780. The cost for a new Homa pump will be $3,920. Mark approved the purchase of a new pump.
The pumps at the North Lift Station looked like new. There was no adjustment needed. One pump has been in for about four years and the other one has been in for two years. Both pumps are made by Homa.
I met with Scott from West Generators about a generator for the North Lift Station. The North Lift Station is already wired for an emergency generator. This would allow us to use the Godwin pump at the South Lift Station and have both stations covered in an emergency.
HOME INSPECTIONS:
Home inspections are winding down for the year; 17 for the month of October with 3 violations. I still need to get into 3 homes to complete the routes for the year. I'm also working on a list of repairs that need to be done.
MAINS:
I downloaded our data loggers and e-mailed the data to CKS.
K&A TV'ed the new sewer line on Main Street for I&I during a rain event as well as the Reliance Road, County Line Road and Fourth Street slip lining job.
K&A also jetted Reliance Road at Lisa's Pizza as preventative maintenance because of the grease discharge and lack of flow.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Donald Beck and I attended a collection system workshop on TV'ing and cleaning in Whitpain Township.
I worked on the collection system budget.
K&A TV'ed the storm sewer for Donald Beck at Acorn Avenue and Reliance Road.
The Pipeline Relining Project is complete. The engineer is developing a punch list for that project. Manager Fournier reported he and Robert Kratz attended a manhole rehabbing seminar sponsored by SWERP, Inc. We will probably utilize this process in the future where it is cost effective.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT REPORT:
Operations
- Total effluent flows recorded for the month of October was 23,510,000 gallons for an average flow of 758,400 gallons per day.
- We generated 72 tons of Bio-Solids for disposal in the month of October. We sent 48 tons to the field and 24 tons to the landfill to accomplish this task.
- Checked stream and outfall area on a weekly basis.
- There were no violations to report on our September 2009 DMR.
- We had one storm mode incident that also had a significant SSO event on October 24, 2009. Details of these events were distributed in your Authority Board Packets.
- We had Altek in to install an external hard drive on our plant computer. This will allow us to automatically backup critical data every day and store it in the event that our computer would develop problems or ultimately crash. This was considered a security issue to be addressed.
- We loaned our portable sampler to Souderton WWTP to use in their collection system as they requested.
- We assisted the Road Crew with traffic control duties and checked Lift Stations for Bob Kratz as required. We also did some water testing for the Water Department on various samples from Well #6 after the Arsenic media was changed.
Maintenance
- We reinstalled Blower #3 and put it back in operation. Sampeys had to replace a bearing that had failed.
- We disassembled the Secondary Waste Sludge Pump #1 and discovered a small ball had been pulled into the pump and had damaged one of the plunger discs. We went down to Penn Valley Pumps and purchased additional parts and rebuilt the pump as required. We reinstalled the pump and it is working well at the present time.
- We continue to work on painting the fiberglass railings around the digester area and the primary settling tank area as time and weather allows.
Personnel
- I attended a one day seminar put on by All-Max Software at the Ephrata Borough Hall.
- Bill McCue, as part of his homework assignment for his wastewater class, has recently taken plant tours at the Souderton and Pennridge Wastewater Treatment facilities. We would like to recognize them for their support with this project.
Daniel Wurst explained that PA DEP levied a violation against the Authority for failure to submit two DMR reports on time within the past year. When the validity of this violation was questioned, it was determined that it was not in the past year, but within the past 48 months which is their statute of limitation. It was the consensus of the Board for management to make every attempt to correct these violations. Mr. Wurst further explained that PA DEP would like all municipalities to file their DMR's electronically. However, filing in this way is not conducive to filing supplemental reports such as storm mode events, and he questions whether EPA will receive the forms if submitted electronically. However, to avoid being penalized, he will process the DMR's electronically.
He also reported that PA DEP's latest inspection of the plant was very favorable.
PWTA REPORT: We received a written monthly report for the file.
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.
3. INFLOW AND INFILTRATION. Meters continue to be deployed where required. A considerable amount of I&I work is projected for the Spring/Summer timeframe in 2010. Basically, laterals will be replaced in three locations comprising Carousel Drive, Indian Valley Lane and Main Street from Ridge to Fulton. Sixty (60) laterals are projected for replacement.
4. HILLTOWN INTERCONNECT AGREEMENT. An Interconnect Agreement with the Hilltown Township Water and Sewer Authority remains pending.
5. COVENTRY MEADOWS I. (A) The Grant & Bill of Sale for the Sanitary Sewer Facilities in the Keystone Drive area has been signed by all parties and returned to the Manager. Subsequently, the Solicitor at the request of the Developer revised Exhibit A. The revision will be initialed by all parties prior to replacement. (B) The Solicitor has been involved in communication pertaining to the Maintenance Bond for the Dedicated Sanitary Sewer Facilities in the Keystone Drive area. An Agreement prepared by Wachovia providing for a set-aside from the existing escrow account has been reviewed by the Solicitor and approved for signature by the Manager. (C) Two easements are required in conjunction with the Keystone Drive dedications. The legal descriptions have been submitted with the accuracy confirmed by the Engineer. Since DeLuca Enterprises, Inc. does not have title ownership of the parcels in question, assignment of easement agreements will be prepared by the Solicitor.
6. COVENTRY MEADOWS II (METZGER TRACT). There is no update to report. As previously referenced, the Service and Escrow Agreements have not been returned.
7. WISTERIA COURT (KONYK TRACT). There is nothing to report with regard to this John Garis nine lot subdivision along Clymer Avenue.
8. VILLAGE AT ROSECLIFFE. (A) The Grant & Bill of Sale for Water and Sanitary Sewer Facilities as completed by the Solicitor has been dated October 13, 2009 and signed by all parties. (B) The three Easement Agreements as prepared by the Solicitor were recorded on November 5, 2009 with the Bucks County Recorder of Deeds. Copies of the recorded Easement Agreements were submitted to the Manager and Knightland Properties for record retention. (C) The required 24 month Maintenance Bond has been posted and approved by the Solicitor. Accordingly, this represents a completed item from the legal perspective and will be deleted from further report.
9. WOODSPRING MEADOWS (STEINHAUER TRACT). There is not much in the way of activity to report with regard to this John Garis thirty-two (32) unit townhouse development along Clymer Avenue.
10. HARLEYSVILLE SAVINGS BANK. The construction phase continues to move along well. No legal aspects have been referenced since last report.
11. UNIVEST BANK, ROUTE 113. Construction of the bank facility continues. Authority service aspects have been completed. Easement Agreements will be prepared by the Solicitor at the appropriate time.
12. COUNTY LINE ROAD W/S MAIN REPLACEMENT. This project has been completed with the exception of restoration which will occur in the spring of 2010.
13. BUDGET. The 2010 Budget as prepared by the Manager was reviewed with the Authority at meeting on November 5, 2009. At said meeting, rate increases for water and sanitary sewer service were also addressed.
14. SELLERSVILLE WATER INTERCONNECT. An Interconnect Agreement remains pending with the Solicitor.
15. WELL NO. 4 LITIGATION. (A) Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has not rendered a decision on the M&M Petition for Allowance of Appeal as filed on January 5, 2009. (B) United States District Court. M&M Stone Co. has filed an Appeal with the Third Circuit from the Order dated September 30, 2009 entered by District Judge James Knoll Gardner dismissing all parties and all counts as requested in Preliminary Objections. (C) Bucks County Litigation. The Bucks County litigation remains pending, however, it is uncertain if this suit now has any merit in view of the Opinion and Order of the Federal Court which based its decision on the merits rather than jurisdiction. (D) Temporary Discharge Approval. There apparently has been no appeal by M&M Stone Co. from the Order entered by Judge Bernard A. Labuskes, Jr. on September 17, 2009 confirming DEP's rescission of the temporary discharge permit. Accordingly, this item will be deleted from further report unless referenced at a later date.
16. ARSENIC REMEDIATION. The arsenic remediation design for Well No. 4 has been completed by CKS and awaits implementation.
17. SOUTH SEWERAGE LIFT STATION. There is no update with regard to the exchange of flows by gravity which would eliminate two existing lift stations. Development of the former school district property remains pending.
18. GIS MAPPING. CKS made a GIS presentation at the last Authority workshop meeting. Basically, the sanitary sewer portion is completed. The water portion is approximately 85 to 90 percent complete.
19. WEST ROCKHILL TOWNSHIP PROPOSALS. (A) A report has been submitted on the joint meeting where Almont service was discussed. (B) The Solicitor has no current information on the consideration status of the West Rockhill Township requests for PWTA participation.
20. TEVA. The Service and Escrow Agreements have been completed by the Solicitor and signed by the Authority. Following submission to TEVA, it was indicated that the escrow for the pumping station segment would be deferred. Accordingly, the Escrow Agreement will be revised to provide an escrow for Phase I - Force Main and an escrow for Phase II - Pumping Station.
21. TMDLs. (A) The Solicitor continues to review extensive submissions pertaining to all TMDL aspects. (B) There has been no submission from the Science Advisory Board subsequent to last report. As indicated, the SAB has 90 days within which to submit written comments to the EPA/TMDL initiates. (C) Notice of Reassignment. On October 15, 2009, the Acting Chairman and Chief Judge of the Environmental Hearing Board entered an Order transferring the Environmental Hearing Board Appeal primary handling from Judge Miller to Judge Krancer. (D) In Person Status Conference. Subsequently, Judge Michael L. Krancer entered an Order on November 5, 2009 scheduling an in-person status conference for November 16, 2009 at the EHB Courtroom in Norristown. Following contact with Hall & Associates, the Solicitor was advised that a document would be prepared for the Judge Krancer conference outlining pending requests to DEP, providing an SAB Status Report review, and delineating the established legal precedent.
22. LUTHERAN COMMUNITY AT TELFORD. The second presentation to the Telford Borough Planning Commission occurred on October 21, 2009. Thereafter, the Preliminary/Final Development Plan was presented to Telford Borough Council for approval on November 2, 2009. Accordingly, the different segments of Phase I will proceed. The Solicitor will prepare Development and Escrow Agreements for the Borough and Service and Escrow Agreements for the Authority.
23. SANITARY SEWER RELINING PROJECT. The post construction video has been completed. CKS will prepare a punch list if required. Otherwise, the project is done and will be deleted from further report.
24. STREAM BANK STABILIZATION. Since the project has been completed in a complimentary manner and the contractor paid, this item will be deleted from further report.
25. TAPPING FEE CALCULATION. A new format for water and sanitary sewer use regulation has been completed by the Engineer in draft. The draft will be reviewed with the Manager and Solicitor for refinement prior to submission to the Authority. The Telford Borough Ordinance will also be revised.
26. WELL NO. 6. (A) The media has been replaced by Severn Trent. (B) The Engineer has completed in draft form the plans and specifications for backwash disposal to the sanitary sewer system. Contract documents are currently being prepared. The bid will include the purchase of Endress-Hauser meters.
27. GROUND WATER RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT. This project was discussed at last Authority meeting with determination that investigation into additional well development would be deferred until next year.
28. 2010 RIGHT OF WAY CLEARING PROJECT. The Authority staff will identify the areas in question. CKS will do the survey work.
29. SLUDGE HAULING PROJECT. The contract was awarded to Synagro Central, LLC on November 5, 2009 by the Authority. The Notice of Intent to Award was submitted by the Engineer on November 6, 2009. Required documents were referenced. The Solicitor will continue review to assure legal compliance with all aspects.
30. MUNICIPAL UTILITY ALLIANCE. Prior to discussion and approval of electricity purchase by the Authority at last meeting, the Solicitor reviewed all document submissions for reference with the Manager.
In addition to his written report, Mr. Weand reported the Deed of Dedication of the sewer lines on Keystone Drive and the Grant and Bill of Sale and Easements for Coventry Meadows I have been completed and signed. The agreements for TEVA have been revised and are ready for signature. He also reported that in regard to the TMDL's, Judge Krancer has a totally different attitude toward the case and is pushing for a stay of proceedings. He feels no decision in this case would be best for both parties.
ENGINEER'S REPORT: We received a written monthly report for the file.
In addition to his report, Mr. DiGangi reported SWERP, Inc. has completed the Pipeline Relining Project. When asked about the project, he responded that the laterals are lined up to the 90˚ bend on both sides but the bend is not relined. He indicated he would recommend this process again on deep lines such as Reliance Road where it is cost effective. However, on shallow lines, it would be easier and better to dig and install T liners. He also reported that the arsenic media replacement project at Well #6 is complete and the levels are now non-detect. In regard to the Univest Bank project in Hilltown Township, there is a meeting today to discuss an extension of the current project which will probably require new agreements.
MANAGER'S REPORT:
•· Met with the Authority Engineer and Solicitor to coordinate various project reviews and construction projects.
•· Coordinated a meeting with our engineer and staff to prepare sludge hauling contract bid documents.
•· Conducted an inspection of the Sanitary Sewer Relining Project.
•· Conducted inspections of the Stream Bank Stabilization Project.
•· Reviewed and selected a Rapid Notification System for our customers as required by DEP.
•· Met with the Solicitor to coordinate dedication documents for Coventry
Meadows I and Village at Rosecliffe.
•· Attended the Fall Conference of the Southeast Section of AWWA in West Chester.
•· Held a bid opening for our Sludge Hauling Contract.
•· Budget preparation.
In addition to his written report, Mr. Fournier indicated the office is collecting data for the rapid notification system to be implemented next year. The questionnaires were sent with the November billing and the response has been very good.
A Taglang / Moll motion was unanimously (3-0) approved to authorize the expense list in the amount of $524,124.74 and the signing of the checks.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 a.m. by a Taglang / Hagey motion.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas Taglang
Secretary
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