WANAQUE BOROUGH

SEWERAGE AUTHORITY

 

Regular Meeting

October 10, 2006

 

          The regular meeting of the Wanaque Borough Sewerage Authority was held on October 10, 2006 at 579 Ringwood Avenue, Wanaque, New Jersey at 7:30 p.m.

 

          Chairman DiMeglio presided and read the following Sunshine Statement:

 

          “Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by mailing notice of this meeting to the Trends and Herald & News newspapers on March 27,

2006 stating therein that this meeting would be held at 579 Ringwood Avenue, Wanaque, New Jersey including agenda therefore, and a copy of this notice was posted in the Wanaque Municipal Building on September 27, 2006”.

 

ROLL CALL:

 

          On roll call, the following commissioners responded:

 

                                      Bolduc

                                      DiMeglio

                                      Garland

 

          Cmsr. Frank Covelli was absent.

 

          Professionals Present:

 

                             Charles Ferraioli, CPA    

                             Jeffrey M. Kassover,

                             William J. Kelly, Eng.

                             Penny Schlagel, Office Mgr.

                             C’man Dan Mahler

MINUTES:

 

          The regular meeting minutes of September 26, 2006 were presented.  No corrections or deletions.

Cmsr. Garland moved for the approval of the above-mentioned minutes, seconded by Cmsr. Bolduc.

 

          On roll call, all voted yes, and the chairman declared this set of minutes adopted.

 

PUBLIC DISCUSSION:

 

          Since no one from the public entered any discussion, the chairman closed this portion of the meeting.

 

6.  COMMUNICATIONS:

 

          1.  Ltr. from DEP

               Re:  Whistler Place Treatment Works Applications

 

          Mr. Kelly stated that the authority received their permit for this project and a copy of it should be sent to Mr. Carroll for his records.

          Mrs. Schlagel replied that she would send Mr. Carroll a copy.

 

7.  NEW BUSINESS:

 

          None

 

8.  UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

 

          1.  New Copy Machine

 

          Chrm. DiMeglio stated that last meeting we had asked Mrs. Schlagel to go and price out a less fancier copy machine.  She has done it and each of us has a price quote in our file tonight.

          Mrs. Schlagel stated that she had faxed Cmsr. Bolduc a copy upon receiving a new quote for his review for a Laser Jet 434 mfp series.

          Cmsr. Bolduc replied that he did review it.  He was also considering as to whether we could use the WVRSA machine, however they are way over on their copying allowance so that will not work for us.

 

          Cmsr. Bolduc moved a Resolution to purchase a new LaserJet 434 mfp series copy machine at a cost of $7,245.00 providing that sufficient funds are available seconded by Cmsr. Garland.

 

          On roll call, all voted yes, and the chairman declared this resolution adopted.

 

9.  PROFESSIONAL/COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

          1.  Charles Ferraioli, CPA

 

                   a.  Cash Flow

 

          Mr. Ferraioli stated that he does have some cash flow concerns.  When this year’s budget was prepared it was anticipated that we would have more Pulte users then what we have.  Mrs. Schlagel also informed me last week that Pulte was in arrears for $44,000.00

          Mrs. Schlagel replied that Pulte has now paid this amount.

          Mr. Kassover asked who issues the check for payment?

          Mrs. Schlagel replied that Pulte does.  However, we can have the Tax Dept. copy the next check that comes in from this development.

          Mr. Ferraioli stated that our next issue is our connection fee.  We were projecting at least $200,000. from the Candle Factory.  We are now going to be short on our user revenue of $100,000.  There will be no rate increase for next year.  However, September 28, 2007 the 1.5 million WVRSA note is due, and the cash must be there so that the WVRSA can pay it. 

 

          Discussion with regard to the WVRSA installing a holding tank at a cost of approximately $500,000.00.

          Chrm. DiMeglio stated that this will not help Pulte with the smell, it will just help the plant during heavy flow.

          Cmsr. Bolduc stated that the tank would be further away so it may be quieter for the residents at Pulte.

          Chrm. DiMeglio stated that $500.000.  has been put out for odor control, and it seems not to be working.

          Cmsr. Bolduc further stated that at the WVRSA meeting there was a committee from Pulte at the meeting who addressed the board with their complaints.  There have been numerous letters sent as well, which I am having Ms. Schlagel accumulate.

 

          2.  Jeffrey M. Kassover, Esq.

 

                   a. 918 Ringwood Ave

 

          Mr. Kassover stated that he has sent a letter to the owner advising him that we will seek collection enforcement in ten days.  To date, there has been no response from him.

 

                   b.  20 Decker Road

                        Re:  Release

 

          Mr. Kassover stated that the owner of this property would not sign the lease.  They should sign it; however, we cannot give legal advice.  This matter should be further discussed in closed session.

 

          3.  William J. Kelly, Eng.

 

                   a.  College Leach Meter:

 

          Mr. Kelly stated that he will need to request an extra $1,000.00 to monitor this meter as the cost from the metering company has gone up.

 

          Cmsr. Bolduc moved a resolution authorizing William J. Kelly to spend up to $6,000.00 for the monitoring of the meter (leach field) at the Passaic County Community College, seconded by Cmsr. Garland provided funds are available.

 

          On roll call, all voted yes, and the chairman declared this resolution adopted.

 

                   b.  1019 Ringwood Ave:

 

          Mr. Kelly stated that the developer would be putting in four units, so that would be additional four fees.

          Mrs. Schlagel stated that she has yet to hear from this developer.

          Mr. Kelly stated that since the owner will need to open up Ringwood Ave, it was recommended that he first contact the county to see if they will allow him to do.

          Cmsr. Bolduc stated that the owner should be contacted that our connection fee will be going up next year and that he may want to pay this year’s rate now.

          Mr. Kelly replied that he would advise the owner of this.

 

          c.  Candle Factory Sewer Connection:

 

          Mr. Kelly stated that presently the plans show that sewerage would be discharged on Fourth Ave and the Boulevard and then pumped up to an existing manhole.  Mr. Kostro feels that a gravity flow connection could be done by going done Fourth Ave to an existing manhole on Leonard Place.  The developer would prefer to go this route as well.  A new line would then be ran down Fourth Ave at no cost to the authority.  A lot of these properties on this street are connected all over as there is no sewer line that actually runs down Fourth Ave.  As such, this would be a great thing if we could do this gravity connection.

 

          d.  Water’s Edge Development

               Re:  Sewer Connection

                      Union Ave

 

          Mr. Kelly stated that this development is not in the Wastewater Management Plan.  Also, he has notified the developer that they must get approval from the state to have them included in the Wastewater Management Plan.  Mr. Kelly then further stated that he would help them anyway possible. 

 

          4.  Cmsr. Andrew R. Bolduc

               Re:  Infiltration Money

 

          Cmsr. Bolduc stated that after the metering is paid for from the Passaic County Community College, there will be about $9,000.00 left, is there any more work that could be done with these funds?

          Mr. Kelly stated that he never has received an accounting of funds spent, so he did not realize how much money was left.  However, he will go back and look to see what can be done with this remaining money.

          Cmsr. Bolduc asked Mr. Kelly to notify Mr. White of what we would like to use the remaining funds on with regard to the infiltration.

 

          5.   C’man Dan Mahler

               Re:  Candle Factory

 

          Chairman DiMeglio asked C’man Mahler what the status was on the Candle Factory property.

          C’man Mahler that there are financing issues, and the DEP is still looking at contamination that is on this site.

 

             Re:  Mountain Lake Estates:

 

          Chairman DiMeglio asked C’man Mahler if Kara Homes was still involved in this project, as Kara Homes has declared bankruptcy.

          C’man Mahler replied that they were partners with Rodriquez who owned the property.  There is presently a lawsuit between Kara and Rodriquez, so what the outcome will be, no one knows at this point.

 

          Re:  Dissolution of the WVRSA:

 

          Chairman DiMeglio asked C’man Mahler what was the status on dissolving the regional?

          C’man Mahler replied that West Milford has a meeting tomorrow night, so we will not know anything until after this meeting.

 

Re-opening of Public Discussion:

 

          1.  Ted Roberto

              8 101 Warren Hagstrom Way

 

          Mr. Roberto stated that he when he purchased his condo; he purchased the furthest one away because of the sewer plant.  The smell is not bad as long as your inside.  Many people are unhappy, because they love Pulte, but hate the sewer smell.  It was very disappointing going to the regional meeting to see how disconnected the board was with the operation of the regional.  Constructing a holding tank and moving it further away from the plant should have been done years ago.  Where were the engineers, and the planning, this tank should have been constructed before Pulte was built.  You have one man (Greg White) running the regional and that is not right.  How come he makes all the decisions.  There was a meeting at Pulte the other night out in the tent, and there were over 100 residents in attendance with regard to the noise and odors of the regional.  The mayor and council of this town are going to have their hands full.  The residents of Pulte are not happy.  The development itself is beautiful and it is the best thing that has ever happened to Wanaque.  Unfortunately, it has taken nine months to convince Mr. White that there is an odor and noise problem.  If the trucks are the cause of the odor, then get rid of the trucks!  Save your money! The money spent already has been wasted. 

          Chairman DiMeglio stated that we are the local authority, and this authority has no power to tell the regional how to run the plant.  The only thing you can do is keep going to the regional meetings and let them know how you feel.

          Cmsr. Bolduc stated that he also is a member of the regional and was just appointed this year.  One of the first things that was done by him was to ask the attorney for the regional to send Pulte a letter that they approved of the odor control system that was being installed. 

          Mr. Roberto replied that an outside firm should be hired to see where the problem is.  The money spent on this odor control system has been wasted  $500,000. is ridiculous.  Mr. Roberto further stated that he was a member of the council and was opposed to the creation of the regional to begin with. Cmsr. Garland can verify I did oppose the regional. 

          Cmsr. Garland replied that is correct.  We were out voted.

          C’man Mahler stated that we now have two new members from Wanaque sitting on the regional board. 

          Cmsr. Bolduc stated that he is the newest member on the regional board, and has been very vocal on many issues with regard to the regional. 

 

We are only two votes, and until the regional is dissolved, we will continue to be out voted. Wanaque has already done a resolution to dissolve the regional.  Ringwood and West Milford must now do the same, and it has to be done all in the same year.  Even if Wanaque were to take over the regional, we will still be facing the same issue. 

          Mr. Roberto stated that no work should be done until it is determined exactly where the smell is coming from, whether it is the trucks or the plant.  No holding tank should be put in because there is an infiltration problem.  We are getting charged $60.00 more per year than any other resident for odor control, and there is no control of this odor.  The odor is coming from the plant, lets face it.

          Cmsr. Garland stated Cmsr. Bolduc even attempted to get a new engineer in the regional, and he was out voted.  Wanaque also always held the chairman position, and this year when they had re-elections, there was an even vote, and Wanaque stepped down, which was not right in my opinion.

          Mr. Roberto then stated that Mr. White runs everything, and that is not right.  It seems that whatever he says, goes.  Mr. White initially said there was no odor or noise, and now he is starting to realize that there is.

Everyone is to blame.  Putting in a tank and putting it further south should of been done years ago when it was in the planning stage.  A clubhouse is being built as we speak.  This clubhouse is very close to the plant.  Can you imagine what is going to happen when this clubhouse opens and people go there to attend functions?  The entire development is going to be here.  We sent a committee to the regional meeting.  That committee represents all of us that live at Pulte.  Furthermore, people are complaining about how late the trucks are coming into the plant. 

          The commission then thanked Mr. Roberto for his comments. 

          Cmsr. Bolduc further stated that all these comments that were made tonight, should be stated to the regional, as this authority has no control over the regional. 

          Mr. Roberto stated that representatives have complained to the regional, but to no avail.

         

         

 

                                      RESOLUTION

 

REQUISITION REQUESTING FROM THE REVENUE FUND TO THE OPERATING FUND BY THE WANAQUE BOROUGH SEWERAGE AUTHORITY PURSUANT TO THE SECTION OF THE BOND RESOLUTION ENTITLED “RESOLUTION” PROVIDES FOR THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS OF THE WANAQUE BOROUGH SEWERAGE AUTHORITY IN OCTOBER, 1987 AS AMENDED OR SUPPLEMENTED THEREAFTER.

         

          1.  Requisition is hereby made by the authority to the trustee for funds from the revenue fund established under a resolution to be transferred to the credit of a special account in the name of the authority to be paid to the persons, firms or corporations in the amount of $212,199.64 and for the purposes setforth herein on the attached “Exhibit A”.

 

                   a.  The authority has incurred the obligations in the stated amounts and that each item thereof was properly incurred in the operating, maintaining or repairing the system and has not been paid.

 

                   b.  There has not been filed with or served upon the corporation named in such requisition, or if any such lien, attachment or claim has been released and discharged by the authority.

 

          On roll call, all voted yes, and the chairman declared this resolution adopted.

 

CLOSED SESSION:

 

          Cmsr. Garland moved that:

 

          WHEREAS, Section 8 of the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, PO 195, (N.J.S.A. 10:4-1) permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting in certain circumstances and;

          WHEREAS, the Public Body is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist.

 

          NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Commissioners of the Wanaque Borough Sewerage Authority, County of Passaic, State of New Jersey as follows:

         

          1.  The public shall be excluded from discussion of action upon the hereinafter subject matter.

          2.  The general nature of the subject matter to be discussed is as follows:

                             Possible Litigation

         

          3.  The commissioners shall release and disclose to the general public the discussion and action taken o the subject matter of the above-mentioned Closed Session when the reasons for discussing and acting on the matter in Closed Session no longer exists, but no later than one month of the Commissioners arriving at a final decision on the specific subject matter, seconded by Cmsr. Bolduc.

 

RESULTS OF CLOSED SESSION:

 

          20 Decker Road:

 

          The commissioners authorized Mr. Kassover to contact the owner advising them that he can not give out any legal advise, and that the owner must seek his own legal counsel.

 

11.  ADJOURNMENT:

 

          Cmsr. Bolduc moved for the adjournment of this meeting, seconded by Cmsr, Garland.

         

          On roll call, all voted yes, and the chairman declared this meeting adjourned.

 

______________________________

John DiMeglio, Chairman