WANAQUE BOROUGH

SEWERAGE AUTHORITY

 

MINUTES

 

Regular Meeting

May 8, 2007

 

          The regular meeting of the Wanaque Borough Sewerage Authority was held on May 8, 2007 at 579 Ringwood Avenue, Wanaque, New Jersey.

 

          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 579 Ringwood Avenue, Wanaque, New Jersey, and a copy of this notice was posted in the Wanaque Municipal Building on January 12, 2007.”

 

ROLL CALL:

 

          On roll call, the following Commissioners responded:

 

                                      Bolduc

                                      Covelli (arrived at 7:38 P.M.)

                                      DiMeglio

                                      Garland

                                     

          Cmsr. Mark Reuter was absent.

 

          Professionals Present:

 

                                      Jeffrey M. Kassover, Esq.

                                      William J. Kelly, Eng.

                                      Penny Schlagel, Office Manager

 

MINUTES:

 

          The regular meeting minutes of April 10, 2007 were presented.  There were no corrections or deletions.

 

          Cmsr. DiMeglio moved for the approval of the above-mentioned Minutes seconded by Cmsr. Bolduc.

 

          On roll call, all voted yes except for Cmsr. Garland who abstained, and then 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:

 

          None

 

7.  NEW BUSINESS:

 

          1.  Memo from George Kostro, Sup.

               Re:  Jet Vac

 

          Chairman Bolduc stated that Mr. Kostro is expressing his concern with regard to the jet vac being utilized for storm drain maintenance. 

          Mr. Kelly stated that the jet vac is capable of cleaning sanitary sewers and storm drains.  Some of the storm drains throughout the borough were repaired, so they were not meeting the same diameter in size as the existing storm drain.  As a result, when the jet vac was used in these lines it would get stuck and the hose would have to be cut.  Therefore, Mr. Kostro is recommending that the jet vac not be used for these lines.

          All Commissioners agreed that the jet vac should not be used for the storm drains that have been repaired.

 

          ***Cmsr. Frank Covelli arrived.***

         

          2.  Generator Repair Quote:

               Re:  Union Court Pump Station

 

          Chairman Bolduc stated that he has spoken with Mr. Kostro.  Mr. Kostro feels that the generator is unsafe to use at this moment, as it is leaking fuel.  Mr. Kostro has obtained a quote from R& J Control who services our generators once a year.

          Mr. Kelly stated that the quote price from R&J to repair this generator is reasonable.  A quote had to be obtained immediately due to the fact that it is used as an emergency generator.   R& J originally had a maintenance contract with this Authority, which was terminated by Cmsr. Longo, as the cost was about $300.00 per month. However, if the Union Court Pump Station were upgraded because of the Water’s Edge project to a three phase, a new generator would need to be purchased.

 

          Cmsr. Garland moved a Resolution authorizing the sum of $2,405.00 to R&J Control, Inc. for the repair of the generator that is used for the Union Court Pump Station for emergency purposes, seconded by Cmsr. DiMeglio.

 

          It was then noted by Cmsr. Garland that the quote submitted stated that the generator is stored at 579 Ringwood Ave and not at 19 Fox Den Road.  Said quote shall be changed to reflect “located at 19 Fox Den Road.”

 

          On roll call, all voted yes, and the Chairman declared this Resolution adopted.

 

8.  UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

 

          1.  Union Court Pump Station:

               Re:  Alarm System

 

          Mr. Kelly stated that he just received proposals for a Dial Up System, and would like time to review them so that he could report his findings at our next meeting.

 

          All Commissioners agreed.

 

          2.  Restaurant Connection Fee Resolution:

 

          Cmsr. Covelli moved that:

 

          WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40:14A-8 of the New Jersey Sewerage Authorities Law permits an Authority, for purposes of establishing service charges and connection fees, to establish classes of users and requires the rates and charges to be uniform within each such class; and

          WHEREAS, Section 11, Subsection I of the Rules and Regulations of the Wanaque Borough Sewerage Authority sets forth a Schedule of Equivalent Dwelling Units applicable to certain classes of users, for the purposes of calculating the sewer connection fees and sewer service charges payable by users in the designated classes; and

          WHEREAS, Subsection 6 of the Schedule of Equivalent Dwelling Units establishes a class designated as “Restaurant, Tavern, Soda Fountain”, and;

          WHEREAS, under Subsection 6, such establishment is assigned one Equivalent Dwelling Unit and may be charged on that basis or on the basis of 100% of water usage, whichever is greater; and

          WHEREAS, in the opinion of the Authority’s consulting engineer, the estimated flow of water attributable to a full use restaurant, tavern or soda fountain would be between 20-25 gallons per day for each patron/customer seat therein, and that for purposes of determining the connection fee for new connections the number of Equivalent Dwelling Units attributable to such establishment should be based upon such estimated flow, and the Authority desires to amend the Schedule accordingly;

          NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE WANAQUE BOROUGH SEWERAGE AUTHORITY:

          1.  For the purposes of determining sewer connection fees for new connections to the Authority’s system by a full use restaurant, tavern or soda fountain, the Authority hereby established a figure of 20 gallons per day for each customer/patron seat for such establishment.

          2.  Sewer service charges for such establishments shall continue to be billed according at 100% of actual water use or one Equivalent Dwelling Unit, whichever is greater.

          3.  This Resolution shall take effect on April 10, 2007.

 

          seconded by Cmsr. Garland.

 

          On roll call all voted yes and the Chairman declared this Resolution adopted.

 

          3.  Enclosure for the Roger Ave Pump Station:

 

          Mrs. Schlagel stated that Mr. Kostro has inquired as to whether the Authority was going to get some type of enclosure for the panel box at this pump station.

          Mr. Kelly replied that he did receive a quote for a traffic control box.  It was about $4,000.00 to $5,000.00.  However, the Building Inspector wanted building permits and footings and we never pursued this matter any further. There is a burlap cover over the panel box at present.

          Chairman Bolduc asked what would happen if we just leave this cover on it?

          Mr. Kelly replied nothing.  However, if the men need to work on the box there is no shelter from inclement weather.

 

9.  PROFESSIONAL/COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

          1.  Jeffrey M. Kassover, Esq.

 

                   a.  Pulte Contribution for W. Hagstrom Blvd.

 

          Mr. Kassover stated that Mr. McNamara has sent him a draft agreement.  Pulte’s position is that they will contribute half of cost towards the new sewer line but it would not exceed $50,0000.  However, the Chairman and myself had a different impression.  Pulte was going to contribute $50,000. no matter what the cost was.  When this was discussed with Mr. McNamara, he said Pulte said no, they will only pay for half the cost of the work up to $50,000.00.  It was then agreed that the money sitting in the infiltration fund would not be used towards this expense.  Also, Pulte has agreed that once the contract is signed, whatever there half of the cost is, this Authority would receive their half of the funds.  As of this afternoon, the agreement is still being worked on. 

          Also, in this agreement it states that the regional’s’ engineer would be inspecting the sewer line.  Is this true?

          Mr. Kelly replied no, he would be the responsible party.

          Mr. Kassover then stated that the regional’s attorney had comments as well on this draft agreement.

          Mr. Kassover stated that he would handle this issue tomorrow with Mr. McNamara.

          Cmsr. Covelli stated that when Ms. Jacquett was here an offer of $40,000. was made to contribute towards the installation of this new line.

He in turn then made a counter offer up to 50% or $50,000. whichever was greater, Pulte would contribute.

          Mr. Kassover replied he remembers this discussion, and he thought that Ms. Jacquett was going back to her board to ask for $50,000. and that she did not for see a problem. 

          Cmsr. Covelli replied no, it was agreed up to $50,000.00 or 50% in case the job came in lower than what we anticipate. 

          Mr. Kassover replied that he misunderstood.

          Cmsr. Covelli then asked as to what comments the regional’s attorney had?

          Mr. Kassover replied that in the agreement it states that Pulte shall be responsible for the overseeing of this sewer project.  Mr. Miller then wrote that the regional engineer should have authority to inspect the sewer line and grant or deny final approval, as well as being copied on all correspondences regarding this matter.  This is not a regional project.  In the beginning of the agreement it clearly states “that this project is a local project and the local is responsible for obtaining all permits and approvals. 

         

          It was then concluded that Mr. Kassover would contact Mr. McNamara tomorrow to continue to work on the agreement with regard to the cost of payment for the line being installed on W. Hagstrom Blvd. as well as other minor changes.

                  

          b.  W. Hagstrom Blvd. Sewer Repair:

 

          Mr. Kassover stated that at the last meeting he reported that the Authority must obtain a letter from our Purchasing Agent agreeing that this repair is an emergency repair.  It is the decision of this commission to determine an emergency situation and they in turn notify the Purchasing Agent.  A letter has been prepared by the Chairman stating to Mr. Carroll that per the Local Public Contracts Law that the Authority has declared W. Hagstrom Blvd. Sewer Repair an emergency.  As such, the Authority would be obtaining quotes without going for public bidding.

          Cmsr. Covelli replied that a Resolution should be passed so that it is on the record that the Chairman has the full backing and support of this commission.

 

          Cmsr. DiMeglio moved a Resolution authorizing that a letter be sent to Tom Carroll, (Public Purchasing Agent) advising that the Authority has determined that the sewer line on W. Hagstrom Blvd. is in danger of collapsing and leaking very badly.  As such, there will be no public bidding, as emergency repairs must be done immediately, seconded by Cmsr. Garland.

 

          On roll call all voted yes and the Chairman declared this Resolution adopted.

 

          Cmsr. Covelli then stated that this line in its current condition contributed greatly to having the sewer plant bypass for three days due to the nor'easter of April 15, 2007

 

          2. William J. Kelly, Eng.

 

          a   Bids for W. Hagstrom Blvd.

 

          Summary of Bid Proposals:

 

          Montana  Construction Co.                          $94,000.00

          F. Semeraro Construction                             144,431.00

          Falcon Excavating, Inc.                                170,432.00

          Mike Fitzpatrick & Son, Inc.                        262,760.00

          Carner Bros.                                                276,733.00

 

          Mr. Kelly stated that upon reviewing all the bid proposals received, he is recommending Montana Construction in the amount of $94,000.00.  After reviewing all the work Montana has performed over the last five years as well as there references, they are highly recommended and come within the estimated amount of money it will cost to replace this line.  The other contractors came in very much higher.  Probably because they did not want to do the job.

 

          Cmsr. DiMeglio moved a Resolution authorizing Montana Construction Co. to replace the sewer line located on W. Hagstrom Blvd. at a cost of $94,000.00, seconded by Cmsr. Garland.

 

          On roll call all voted yes except for Cmsr. Covelli who abstained as he does not have any financial interest or gain from the company but does work for an insurance company who does do the bonding for Montana Construction.  The Chairman then declared this Resolution adopted.

 

          Mr. Kelly then stated that that after the bids were sent out he was told that he would have to meet soil conversation requirements as well.  This means that black mesh fencing would have to be installed.  This will be an additional expense, which the contractor (Montana) will be able to perform.

 

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:

                   Voucher 68 through 80

                   Auto Debit (health benefits)                 $642,932.00

                   Payroll & Processing                               7,027.40

                                                                             __________

 

                                                                             $649,960.31

 

    ***Voucher 69 shall be paid in installments, as funds become available.***

 

          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 $649,960.31 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 requisitions, 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. DiMeglio 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, Chrm.