The Telford Borough Authority meeting held this date was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Chairman Timothy Hagey with the following members in attendance:  Thomas Taglang and Nelson Moll.  Abram Diehl was absent from the meeting.  Also present were Borough Manager Mark D. Fournier, Recording Secretary Cathy Fried, Engineer Patrick DiGangi, and Solicitor Mark E. Weand, Jr. 

A Taglang / Moll motion carried unanimously (3-0) approving the November 5, 2009 and November 19, 2009 minutes as amended.

COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE:  none

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

1.         Martin Subdivision:

Manager Mark Fournier reported he has received a planning module application for the Martin Subdivision in Franconia Township requesting 8 EDU's.  It will be a three (3) home subdivision.  Engineer Patrick DiGangi has reviewed the application and recommends a will serve letter be issued.

A Moll / Taglang motion was carried unanimously (3-0) authorizing Manager Mark Fournier to issue a will serve letter.

 TREASURER'S 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.   Leaks - Nothing at this time.

4.   Well House Maintenance - We are in the process of preparing and painting the interior walls, floors and piping at our pump houses as needed.

5.   CL2 Analyzers - We have completed the installation of CL2 analyzers and sampling stations where needed at our wells.

6.   As-Built Drawings - I am in the process of developing sketch plans and gathering data for formal as-built drawings of completed projects from 2008 / 2009.

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.   I&I - We are reviewing videos and data sheets to determine where and how to make repairs within the collection system.

Manager Mark Fournier reported the public works crew has been doing regular maintenance and finalizing the GIS mapping of water and storm water systems.  There will be a right of way clearing contract for 2010.   

COLLECTION SYSTEM REPORT:   

LIFT STATIONS:

Lift stations are read daily.  Bacteria is checked weekly and the grease is removed monthly.

The new pump was delivered and will be installed.  The old pump will be used as a back-up should one go down.

MAINS:

I plunged a vent at 132 N. Third Street.

I moved the data loggers to collect post data on Reliance Road after the Pipeline Relining Project as well as Fourth Street and West Broad Street after that was relined. I e-mail data to CKS weekly.

I reviewed the videos of the Pipeline Relining Project with Chris Darrah of CKS, Mark and Don.

Don and I pulled manhole lids on County Line Road to get information for CKS to make as-builts of the line replacement. We also took a look at four manholes we are thinking about rehabbing by using the system we saw demonstrated in Macungie.

Mark and I attended a manhole rehabilitation seminar in Macungie put on by Sauereisen with the labor being supplied by SWERP, Inc.  SWERP, Inc. is the company that did the Pipeline Relining Project. It's a two coat system. After the manhole is cleaned either by sandblasting or pressure washing, they apply a cement type product using a rotating nozzle that is lowered up and down the manhole by using a tripod and winch.  The second coat is an epoxy paint that is applied in the same manner. Mark and I were both impressed and are considering trying it on a deteriorating manhole on County Line Road and three manholes on Reliance Road.

GIS:

Todd and I met with Chris Faino and updated our computers.

I spent a day collecting water points for Todd.

MS4:

The inspection of inlets is complete.  A total of 413 inlets were inspected and the data was e-mailed to CKS for installation on our GIS map. Data includes the type of grate (bike or standard), size, condition, type of inlet (c-top or m-top), wall condition, what it was made of (brick, precast or poured in place), depth from invert to top of grate, size of pipes, and what kind of pipe (reinforced concrete, plastic, ductile iron or corrugated metal). After that information is on the map we can connect the inlets showing which way the lines run.

MISCELLANEOUS:

I attended the EPWPCOA meeting in Reading and met with the representatives from Sauereisen.  Sauereisen is the company that put on that manhole demonstration in Macungie. I asked them if they would be interested in putting together something like that for us by using a couple of our manholes.  We could invite our Authority Board and Authorities in our area. They expressed an interest and are looking into doing something in the early spring.

I took water samples on two occasions to Forest Park for Todd.

I took one week of vacation.

Mark Fournier reported that he and Robert Kratz attended a sewer manhole rehabilitation seminar.  Robert Kratz is looking at four (4) manholes to be rehabbed.  He also suggested a manhole rehabilitation seminar be held in the spring wherein the Authority Board members and area authorities will be invited to attend.  The demonstration will be done by SWERP, Inc. which is the company that did the Pipeline Relining Project. 

Robert Kratz and Daniel Wurst attended the EPWPCOA meeting in Reading where Daniel Wurst received a pin for 25 years of service. 

WASTEWATER TREATMENT REPORT:   

Operations

• Total effluent flow recorded for the month of November was 17,186,000 gallons for an average flow of 572,900 gallons per day.
• We generated 96 tons of Bio-Solids for disposal in the month of November.  We sent 24 tons to the field and 72 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 October 2009 DMR.
• Aquaticlab, Inc. came in and collected Effluent samples to complete phase two of our wet testing schedule.  This testing is a requirement for our NPDES permit renewal application.
• On November 17^th we had an official inspection by Paul Jardel from PA DEP.  He commented on how good the plant looks and was impressed by the quality of our Final Effluent.
• LRM, Inc. came in to complete our yearly calibrations and inspections on all the plant's flow meters and all the various lab equipment as required.
• LRM, Inc. rebuilt both of the plant's chlorine regulators as required.
• Gary's Septic delivered grease from our South Lift Station for disposal.
• We had K&A Services in to flush out all the pipes coming from the Oxidation Ditch through both Chemical Mixing Boxes and on to both of the plant's Final Clarifiers.  They also flushed out a portion of the plant's main Influent transmission line between the Grit Removal tanks and the Primary Clarifier Tanks.
• We had to replace our two (2) inch trash pump due to a mechanical problem.  We purchased the new pump through Daniel Beardsley, Ltd.
• We pumped down and cleaned out all the debris from Digester #2.  We are keeping this tank in reserve until it is needed as a digester or a possible storm surge storage tank.

Maintenance

• We replaced a mechanical flex coupling on our Polymer Unit #2 as required.
• We started to change oil and inspect all our outdoor equipment before the winter season comes upon us.

Personnel

• Bill McCue and I attended the November EPWPCOA meeting held at the Reading Wastewater Treatment Facility.  Don Beck and Bob Kratz were also in attendance at this event.

• At this time I would like to express my gratitude to all the staff and Authority members who have worked together this year and have helped make our facility the first class outfit we are.  We all take great pride in our facility and to the job we are given to protect our environment and to make our corner of the world a better place.  Thank you one and all on a job well done.

Mark Fournier reported Aquaticlab, Inc. collected effluent samples.  A trash pump had to be replaced.  The cost is being determined for replacement of the shaft in the oxidation ditch.  It appears that only the outside shaft needs to be replaced.

PWTA REPORT:  We received a written monthly report for the file.

SOLICITOR'S REPORT:  

1.     WELLHEAD PROTECTION PROGRAM.  There has been no Township contact. Accordingly, there is nothing to report. 

2.    WWTF.  All facility-related matters continue to be reviewed with the Manager and Engineer.  Specifically, the DEP Notice of Violation dated November 10, 2009 has been reviewed with approach formulated.  The DEP records will be personally inspected to determine if the propriety of the notice can be verified.

3.    INFLOW AND INFILTRATION.  As previously indicated, I & I reduction work will occur in the Spring/Summer of 2010.  CKS is currently working on the report for the period August 2009 to January 2010.  Submission to DEP is required by March 30, 2010. 

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

5.    COVENTRY MEADOWS I.  (A) A fully executed copy of the Grant & Bill of Sale for the Sanitary Sewer Facilities in the Keystone Drive area has been submitted to the Solicitor.  (B)  A copy of the Wachovia Agreement providing for a set-aside from the existing escrow account as signed by all parties has also been received.  This security is in lieu of a Maintenance Bond for the Dedicated Sanitary Sewer Facilities in the Keystone Drive area.  (C) On November 24, 2009 the Solicitor recorded two assignment of easement agreements with the Bucks County Recorder of Deeds in conjunction with the Keystone Drive dedications. 

6.    COVENTRY MEADOWS II (METZGER TRACT).  There continues to be no update in that the Service and Escrow Agreements have not been returned.

7.    WISTERIA COURT (KONYK TRACT).  There remains no report with regard to this John Garis nine lot subdivision along Clymer Avenue.

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

9.    HARLEYSVILLE SAVINGS BANK.  The construction phase is close to completion.  The necessary restoration may occur this winter.  Final legal detail will be attended to by the Solicitor. 

10.  UNIVEST BANK, ROUTE 113.  The Univest Bank segment is all but completed.  Easements and related detail will be determined at a later date by reason of retail and gasoline service station uses now proposed for the adjoining parcel.  This segment is being developed in conjunction with the Metro Development Company.

11.  COUNTY LINE ROAD W/S MAIN REPLACEMENT.  As previously reported, this project has been completed with the exception of restoration which will occur in the spring of 2010.  The as-built drawings have been completed.  Accordingly, this item will be deleted from further report pending any Solicitor contact.

12.   BUDGET.  The 2010 Budget has been completed by the Manager.  Rate increases for water and sanitary sewer service were approved at the last Authority meeting.  The Manager will revise the rate resolution to incorporate these revisions. 

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

14.  WELL NO. 4 LITIGATION.  (A) Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.  On December 8, 2009, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania entered an Order denying the M&M Stone Co. Petition for Allowance of Appeal and Application to Supplement with newly discovered evidence.  A copy has been provided to the Manager.  (B) United States District Court. A briefing and scheduling order was entered by the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit on December 3, 2009.  The brief of M&M Stone Co. is due on or before January 12, 2010.  Appellees' briefs are due thirty days from date of service of the M&M Stone Co. brief.  Any reply brief must be filed within 14 days thereafter. (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. 

15.  ARSENIC REMEDIATION.  As previously referenced, the arsenic remediation design for Well No. 4 has been completed by CKS and awaits implementation. 

16.  SOUTH SEWERAGE LIFT STATION.  Development of the former school district property remains pending.  Accordingly, there is no update with regard to the exchange of flows by gravity which would eliminate two existing lift stations. 

17.  GIS MAPPING.  As to the basic building block, the sanitary sewer portion is approximately 98% complete and the water portion approximately 85% complete.  This project does represent, however, a work in progress.  

18.  WEST ROCKHILL TOWNSHIP PROPOSALS.  There is no update to report.

19. TEVA.  The Service and Escrow Agreements were signed by the Authority at the last meeting.  Following submission to TEVA, the Escrow Agreement was revised to provide for an escrow for Phase I - Force Main and an escrow for Phase II - Pumping Station.  The Solicitor has received a recent call from Stephen Buck, Esquire, legal counsel for TEVA, indicating that PNC, the proposed escrow agent, has some issues with the Escrow Agreement as drafted.  The Solicitor indicated that reasonable revision not affecting the substance of the Escrow Agreement would not prove problematic.

20.  TMDLs.  (A)  The Solicitor continues to review Hall & Associates' submissions pertaining to TMDL issues.  (B)  The Solicitor attended an in-person status conference with Judge Michal L. Krancer and all participating attorneys on November 5, 2009 at the EHB Courtroom in Norristown.  The judge indicated that a stay of the proceedings would be beneficial to all parties.  A follow-up conference call scheduled for December 11, 2009 has been canceled by Judge Krancer.  The position of DEP must be determined by the Solicitor. 

21.  LUTHERAN COMMUNITY AT TELFORD.  Legal counsel for the Lutheran Community has been contacted by the Solicitor to reference information required for the Borough and Authority Agreements.  The Preliminary/Final Development Plan has not been resubmitted.  Escrow figures have not been formulated.  The Solicitor will initiate agreement drafting for completion upon receipt of all required information. 

22.  TAPPING FEE CALCULATION.  The Engineer continues to work on a new format for water and sanitary sewer use regulation.  A draft will be reviewed by the Manager and Solicitor prior to submission to the Authority.  The existing Telford Borough Ordinance will also require revision.

23.  WELL NO. 6.  The specifications for backwash disposal to the sanitary sewer system have been completed.  The plans are in draft form.  The permit has been prepared.  This represents a priority project to complete for bid as soon as possible.

24.  GROUND WATER RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT.  Since the topic of well development was postponed until the June 2010 Authority meeting, this item will continue to be referenced by the Solicitor on this report.

25.  2010 RIGHT OF WAY CLEARING PROJECT.  The Authority staff work product prepared for CKS survey work was reviewed at recent meeting with the Manager and Engineer.  The project compromises approximately 11,000 feet.  This item will continue to be referenced as a pending project. 

26.  SLUDGE HAULING PROJECT.  All required contract documents have been signed and returned by Synagro Central, LLC.  Submission has been made to the Engineer by the Manager. 

27.  MUNICIPAL UTILITY ALLIANCE.  Since electricity purchase was approved by the Authority at last meeting, this item will be deleted from further report.  

Coventry Meadows I - The easements agreements have been recorded in Bucks County.

Well #4 - Mark Weand is hopeful the sit-down meeting with PA DEP will be held sometime in January, 2010.  He suggests that Telford Borough Authority initiate the meeting in writing to request this meeting be scheduled.

TEVA Pharmaceutical - Mark Weand reported he prepared the agreements and they were delivered the next day.  Mark Fournier reported TEVA may not be moving forward with this project as soon as previously anticipated.

TMDL's - Judge Krancer entered an order putting a stay of the proceedings at the state level.  The court will not move forward on the issue of jurisdiction.

Lutheran Community at Telford - The agreements are pending with Mark Weand.  He has received the information but does not have the plans and escrow figures. 

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