WANAQUE BOROUGH
SEWERAGE AUTHORITY MEETING
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
March 13, 2007
The regular meeting of the Wanaque Borough Sewerage
Authority was held on March 13, 2007 at
Chairman Bolduc 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 January 12, 2007 stating therein that this meeting would be held at
ROLL CALL:
On roll call, the
following Commissioners responded:
Bolduc
Covelli (arrived at 7:40 P.M.)
DiMeglio
Reuter
Professionals Present:
Charles Ferraioli, CPA (arrived at 8:00 P.M.)
Jeffrey M. Kassover, Esq.
William J. Kelly,
Penny Schlagel, Office Manager
MINUTES:
The
Re-organization Meeting Minutes of February 13, 2007 were presented. No corrections or deletions.
Cmsr. Reuter moved for the approval of the above-mentioned
minutes, seconded by Cmsr. Garland.
On roll call, all
voted yes, and the Chairman declared this set of minutes adopted.
The Regular Meeting Minutes of February 13, 2007 were
presented.
No corrections or deletions.
Cmsr. Garland moved for the approval of the above-mentioned
minutes, seconded by Cmsr. DiMeglio.
On roll call all voted yes and the Chairman declared this
Resolution adopted.
5. PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
1. Dave DiSilva
Mr. DiSilva stated that in an effort to figure out exactly
how the regional and local authority operate, he has reviewed both sets of
minutes. He is concerned that the
treatment plant is still sending out odors, which has nothing to do with this
Authority. Also, the residents of
Wanaque Reserve are being charged an additional $65.00 in maintenance fees for
odor control. This is not an equitable
distribution cost. It should be divided
amongst all the users in town. As such,
this Authority should know that I went to the Council Meeting last night, and
was advised to attend this meeting tonight to voice my concerns. Other towns do in fact split the cost
between all the residents in their town.
Thank You.
Since no one else entered any public discussion, the
Chairman declared Public Discussion closed.
Cmsr. Covelli arrived at 7:40 p.m.
6. COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Ltr. from Wm. J. Kelly,
Re: Restaurant Connection Fees
Mr. Kelly stated that he has submitted a memo to all
commissioners with regard to the flows that are currently used for determining
a connection fee for restaurants.
According to the State requirements, the Authority can charge up to 35
gallons per day per seat. There was a
concern by some Commissioners that by using this amount per seat per restaurant
for our connection fee that it might drive away future restaurants in the borough. Therefore, the Commission authorized a review
of the seating capacity and usage with some other local restaurants.
Findings: IlPalazzo Wanaque 133 seats -
933 gpd
Berta’s Wanaque 177 seats - 1,885. gpd
Monica’s Pompton Lkes
55 seats - 15.38 gpd
Thather McGee‘s
Pompton Lkes. 135 seats - 2,244. gpd
Riddles Pompton Lkes.
80 seats - 650. gpd
Mr. Kelly further stated that the gpd per seat vary very
much. The average would then be about 20
gallons per seat. The reason why some
the seating is so low is because all seating is not being utilized. The State standards are for full use of a
restaurant. Therefore, it is recommended
that the Authority use 20 to 25 gpd for calculating a connection fee.
Mr. Kassover stated that this Authority has every right to
establish a rate for restaurants based upon an analysis.
Cmsr. Covelli replied that the Authority should establish
this procedure now which is being applied evenly and uniformly rather then when
a new restaurant application is becoming before us.
Cmsr. Reuter asked if we knew what other towns charged?
Mr. Kassover replied that for
Mrs. Schlagel replied that our plant is a lot newer than
Pompton’s so we have more debt service then they have.
Chrm. Bolduc
asked Mr. Kelly if it is his recommendation that the Authority use 20 gpd?
Mr. Kelly replied that he is suggesting somewhere between
20 and 25. This decision is strictly up
to the commission.
Cmsr. Covelli stated that he suggests 20 gpd for the mom
and pop businesses, as they do not have a tracking of water usage like a Burger
King would.
Cmsr. Reuter stated that this proposal sounds like a good
idea, however since this issue has been being discussed over the course of last
year, he would like some more information.
Discussion ensued with regard to all the research that has
been done on this matter over the last six months.
Cmsr. Covelli moved a Resolution authorizing the Wanaque
Borough Sewerage Authority to use a 20 gpd per seat for determining a full
restaurant /bar connection fee, seconded by Cmsr. Garland.
On roll call, all voted yes, except for Cmsr. Reuter who
abstained, and then Chairman declared this Resolution adopted.
2. Ltr. from Greg
White
Re: Sewer Jet Vac & Bill for $300.79
Chrm. Bolduc stated that at our last meeting there was a
Memo from George Kostro with regard to the jet vac not being properly
maintained by the WVRSA. Mr. White has
now responded to this Memo. Mrs.
Schlagel have you given a copy of Mr. White’s response to Mr. Kostro, as Mr.
White is making accusations.
Mrs. Schlagel stated that Mr. Kostro is not going to
respond to Mr. White’s Memo as he was just reporting that the jet vac was not
being properly maintained.
Chrm. Bolduc replied that ever since this machine was
purchased it has been abused.
Mrs. Schlagel then stated that there is a $300.00 bill for
the replacement of a hose. Is this
Authority going to pay it, or should it be forwarded to the regional.
It was then the decision of the board that the local would
pay this bill as if the bill was forwarded to the regional; the local authority
would pay for it anyway.
Chrm. Bolduc then stated that he is more concerned that the
proper operating procedures for the utilization of this machine be followed by
both the borough and regional.
It was then concluded that Mrs. Schlagel would review the
logbook on a periodical basis.
Cmsr. Covelli replied that is should not be the
responsibility of Mrs. Schlagel to pull the book. The regional as well as the borough should
submit a copy monthly of the log book to Mrs. Schlagel.
All commissioners agreed to same.
***Mr.
Ferraioli arrived***
3. Ltr. from DEP
Re: Wastewater Management Plan
Held until Mr.
Kelly’s report.
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Mr. Kelly stated that as we all know there is a major leak
on the existing sewer pipe under the culvert on
Ms. Jaquett then thanked the board for letting her bring
this matter before the board on such short notice, as she would like to discuss
the two methods of repair and funding.
Mr. Kelly stated that he found the disc that National
Watermain submitted on the
Repair Scenarios
One is to remove and replace the first twenty feet of the
sewer line. This repair though carries
with it, the possibility that the line will continue to crumble and the pipe
will not be able to be replaced. This
repair would only replace a section of what is clearly a very old deteriorated
line. Pulte had obtained a bid of
$80,000. to attempt this repair.
The second scenario is to completely bypass the crumbling
sewer line by installing new pipe along the side of the culvert. This repair would eliminate the entire old
section of sewer pipe and replace it with a new line consists of cement lined
ductile iron pipe. Experts have told Pulte that due to the corrosive nature of
the effluent, deterioration of that type of pipe is inevitable.
Cmsr. DiMeglio asked Mr. Kelly how much the engineering
costs would be?
Mr. Kelly replied between $5,000. and $7,000.00.
Cmsr. Covelli stated that he has spoken to Mr. Carroll as
our Certified Purchasing Agent, and he feels that we cannot go out on an
emergency on this matter.
The pictures are over a year old, so obviously we knew
about this situation.
Mr. Kelly replied that it was not considered an emergency
for this Authority because Pulte was in the process of fixing the line. Once we found out that they can’t take care
of the problem, it does become our problem.
Cmsr. Covelli stated that Mr. Kelly is a good engineer, but
Mr. Carroll is the one who can tell us whether we are in legal authority to
determine this problem an emergency. It
is not the end of the world if we have to put out a bid package. It is a 10-day turn around process.
Mr. Kassover replied that an engineer has to prepare specs,
then complied into a bid book, advertising, etc.
Cmsr. Covelli stated that Mr. Carroll has everything on his
computer, so he would be ready to make them.
Ms. Jaquett stated that at first it was not an emergency
situation, but with all of our findings we just can’t slip line the line. What we thought would be a simple repair, has
now turned into a nightmare because if we attempted to repair the line and it
collapsed it would cause serious problems.
The cost is also another factor, now that the entire line has to be
replaced.
Cmsr. Covelli stated that he also feels that the second
scienario is the best way to go. In the
future if this line had to be accessed, it would not be in the roadway.
Chrm. Bolduc replied that we have no choice, the second
scenario is the best way to go.
Hopefully, we can proceed in a quick manner.
Mr. Kassover stated that Mr. Carroll’s input is important
of course, however the commission can make the determination that this is an
emergency situation.
Chrm. Bolduc stated that since it is going to cost
$110,000. excluding engineering and Pulte is going to give us 40,000. and there is $30,000. left in the
infiltration fund, that only gives us $70,000.
where are we going to come up with the rest money Mr. Ferraioli?
Mr. Ferraioli replied that we did not budget for this
project. There may be money in
December. Financial matters will be
discussed later under my report.
Cmsr. Covelli stated to Ms. Jaquett that Pulte has more
then went above and beyond. He knows
that Pulte is offering $40,000. and our Office Manager has submitted a report
that no co’s have been issued over a month, so we are asking at a really bad
time, but would Pulte consider paying 50% of the cost but it would be capped at
$50,000.
Ms. Jaquett replied that she would absolutely bring this
offer back to her operation team.
Chrm. Bolduc stated that in all due respect we have been
told for the last year that Pulte was to repair and pay for the repairing of
this line and it was going to be done soon.
Ms. Jaquett replied that was Pulte’s intention. What we thought was going to be a $20,000.
repair turned out to be something more major.
It was not until recently we were told that we should not even attempt
to slip line the line. We were right
about to have a pre-construction meeting with the company who was going to
perform the slip line work and the people who said sure we can do this repair
were all fired because the company management said no way would they attempt
it. After contacting two other
contractors, they both told us the same thing.
If they attempt to slip line there is a strong chance the rest of the
line is going to collapse, so you better have your backup permits in
place. Therefore, we will not risk
it.
Cmsr. Covelli stated that for the record because of Ms.
Jaquett’s reputation, he believes in her 100%.
Cmsr. Reuter moved a resolution authorizing Tom Carroll to
make a determination whether it is an emergency within the meaning of the Local
Public Contract’s Law with regard to the Highland Ave sewer main break as well
as having William J. Kelly prepare the plans for 800 feet of by-pass sewer
line, seconded by Cmsr. Covelli.
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Chairman declared this
resolution adopted.
2. $60.00 Odor
Control Charge:
Chrm. Bolduc stated that with regard to this matter he has
spoken to each commissioner individually prior to this meeting tonight. We all agree that given the current financial
circumstances that this Authority faces we cannot dispense with this charge at
this time. If there were a change in
circumstances that would warrant re-visiting this issue, we would absolutely do
so.
We have listened to all the
presentations that everyone gave, but under the circumstances we cannot elevate
this charge at this time.
All commissioners verbally concurred with Chrm. Bolduc.
Cmsr. Covelli suggested that the Authority’s attorney,
Jeffrey M. Kassover draft a legal opinion on this subject matter so that it
will be available to the public. Many
statements have been made such as we do not have the right to charge this
charge to just a certain group residents per the utility board, etc. and the
record needs to be set straight. This
letter will then be on file for anyone in the public.
8. NEW BUSINESS:
Ms. Schlagel stated that the Police Dept. has moved around
there
offices and all alarms will
be running through their computers. Our
station alarm is not on a dial up system, nor are the water department’s. These
lines are called lease lines. Therefore, our alarm system has to be
changed. Roger Ave Station was set up
with a dial up, so that station is okay.
However, Mr. Kostro and myself have been working on getting quotes on
how much it will cost to change over to a dial up system. Hopefully, next month we will have them. As soon, as I receive them, I will forward
them to Mr. Kelly. It will probably
cost around $2,000.
Cmsr. Covelli asked Mr. Kelly if there was any other type
of alarm line we could use in today’s technology such as wireless, radio
frequency, as it is his belief that water tanks have all been converted to
radio frequencies and there is no monthly charge.
Mr. Kelly replied that he would attempt to see if he could
get some quotes.
Mrs. Schlagel replied that Mr. Kostro had his lines
switched over today to dial up.
Cmsr. Covelli moved a resolution authorizing the sum of up
to $3,000.00 for a new alarm line for the Union Court Pump Station, seconded by
Cmsr. Garland.
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Chairman declared this
resolution adopted.
9. PROFESSIONAL/COMMITTEE REPORTS:
a. William J. Kelly, Engineer
1.
Wastewater Management Plan
Mr. Kelly stated that each municipality, Ringwood, Wanaque
and
The state also now has additional requirements that will
require special attention.
There is really no emergency to update our plan unless a
big development came in and the state wanted it updated. However, there is one project that is coming
in which is Valleyview at Wanaque. We
don’t know if the state will review their sewer extension permit and approve it
because our plan is 10 yrs. old. If they
do approve it, then there will be no immediate rush. Then we could meet with the state and find
out what we need to do in order to finalize our plan. Until we hear if the state accepts the
Valleyview application, there is no immediate action we need to take at this
time.
Chrm. Bolduc stated that if Mr. Kelly needs any help, he is
sure that Mr. White would happily do so.
Cmsr. Garland moved a resolution authorizing William J.
Kelly,
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Chairman declared this
resolution adopted.
Mr. Kelly stated that there would be a pre-construction
meeting on March 20, 2007. Mr. Kelly
stated that bids were already accepted, and he was not even informed they went
out. Therefore, he did not review the
bid documents. If there are any change
orders now, it will cost additional money because he was not able to review the
original bid specs and make any changes that were deemed necessary. Mr. Kelly then stated that he was very
disappointed that he was excluded.
b. Jeffrey M.
Kassover, Esq.
1. Audit
Report:
Mr. Kassover stated that he submitted his audit report letter
on February 16, 2007 to Mr. Ferraioli.
c. Charles
Ferraioli, CPA
1. Finances
of the WBSA:
Mr. Ferraioli stated that everyone has received tonight a
copy analysis of our 1997 Bonds. (See
Attached) These were issued at a five
and a quarter interest rate. Our call
feature is on December 7, 2007. We could
call these bonds in if interest rates don’t go up. If we hit the peak and the Federal Reserve
actually starts cutting rates again, we would see even bigger savings. These savings are after all expenses,
including professionals would be $260,000.00 in all. This year you would see a savings of $20,000.
2008 you would see about $17,000. etc.
First though we would need approval from the Local Finance
Board. They will approve a re-funding if
there is a net present savings of 3%.
Our savings on the date of this analysis was 7.32%, we are well over the
3%. We have some time until we have to
begin. Our total debt is paid off in
2021. Since our list of capital projects
are beginning to grow and our source of funding continues to decline, we should
take advantage of this refunding as well as bonding for new construction since
we have to prepare all the same paperwork for refunding our initial bonds. The new bonds would then be wrapped into our
existing debt. The refunding sale will
lower our debt service and we can then afford to do our capital projects and
our annual debt service will not increase due to refinancing the original
bonds.
Mr. Ferraioli further stated that the commission does not
need to make a decision tonight, but does suggest that Mr. Kelly prepare a list
of what capital projects need to be done in the next few years.
All Commissioners agreed to have Mr. Kelly prepare same.
10 FINANCE REPORT:
Cmsr. Garland
moved a Resolution to approve the following bills for payment when the funds of
the Authority are sufficient to meet them, seconded by Cmsr. DiMeglio:
Voucher 37 through 50 in the amount of $17,393.71
(The Authority has insufficient funds for
Voucher 36
(WVRSA) for the amount of $34,403.88.)
Payroll and Processing:
4,701.06
__________
TOTAL:
$24,094,77
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Chairman declared this
Resolution adopted.
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 $22,094.77 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, and maintaining 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.
ADJOURNMENT:
Cmsr. Covelli
moved for the adjournment of this meeting, seconded by Cmsr. Garland.
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Chairman declared this
meeting adjourned.
_____________________________________
Andrew R. Bolduc, Chairman