WANAQUE BOROUGH
SEWERAGE AUTHORITY
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
September 11, 2007
The regular
meeting of the Wanaque Borough Sewerage Authority was held on September 11,
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 newspaper on
February 22, 2007, stating therein that this meeting would be held at
ROLL CALL:
On roll call, the
following commissioners responded:
Bolduc
DiMeglio
Reuter
Cmsr. Frank Covelli and Joseph Garland were absent.
Professionals Present:
Jeffrey M. Kassover, Esq.
William J. Kelly,
Penny Schlagel, Office Manager
MINUTES:
The regular
meeting minutes of July 27, 2007 were presented. No corrections or deletions were noted.
Cmsr. Reuter moved for the approval of the above-mentioned Minutes
seconded by Cmsr. DiMeglio.
On roll call all voted yes and the Chairman declared this
set of minutes adopted.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
1. Wm. Holt
8101
Mr. Holt stated that he was unable to attend last months
meeting, but had heard that this Authority had suspended the odor control
charge.
Chairman Bolduc replied that was absolutely correct.
Mr. Holt then stated that he felt the board had not
listened to the residents that have appeared here. From the onset, the residents had felt that
the surcharge was not proper. No other
pubic utility charges this type of charge.
After checking with the Board of Public Utilities they do not allow this
type of surcharge. After bringing this
to your boards attention, the only response we received was a full-page letter
from your attorney indicating that you are not a public utility. We know you are an authority and are not held
to the same rules and regulations that a public utility has to follow.
The Board of Public Utilities states that the commission is
to ensure the provision of safe, adequate and proper utility regulated service
at reasonable rates while enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of
This board has not listened to the residents that have come
before them. There are three numbers
that need to be discussed: $60.00, $5.00
and $640.00. The $60.00 is the odor
control charge that is charged just to the Wanaque Reserve residents. The $5.00 charge represents the cost every
single resident in this town would have to pay if the $60.00 charge was
terminated to Wanaque Reserve residents.
The residents who would have to pay the additional $5.00 would find
paying this charge unthinkable because it does not benefit them. The $640.00 represents a saving in our
taxes. Without the Wanaque Reserve
residents, every home in this town would of been charged an extra $640.00 in
their taxes. Now, what do the Wanaque
Reserve residents get for these savings, a surcharge that will hang over our
heads? Suspending the charge is not the
right thing to do; the board should have eliminated it completely. Tonight, I am here as an individual, not as a
committee member, and am just expressing my opinion. Again, I am very disappointed in this board.
Chairman Bolduc replied that despite Mr. Holt’s
dissertation, the board has considered all of the arguments over a number of
months. This board represents the entire
town, not just one section. The decision
was made with the understanding that we must represent the interests of the
entire borough. We have acted in a
reasonable and responsible matter. This
matter has been addressed and voted on, and there is not a basis at this time
to change our position. Thank you.
6. COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Ltr. from Jeffrey M. Kassover, Esq.
Re: Odor Control Charge Formal Resolution
Mr. Kassover stated that at our last meeting he was asked
to prepare a formal resolution with regard to this matter:
Chairman Bolduc stated that he has reviewed the formal
resolution that Mr. Kassover has drafted and has no problem with it. It is very well written.
Cmsr. Reuter and DiMeglio agreed as well.
Cmsr. Reuter moved that:
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Developer’s Agreement between and
among the Authority, the Wanaque Valley Regional Sewerage Authority (“WVRSA”)
and Pulte Communities, NJ Limited Partnership (the “Developer”), the Developer,
for itself and for the condominium association to be established by the
Developer for its development now known as Wanaque Reserve, agreed to pay the
Authority a sewer service surcharge in the amount of $15.00 per quarter for
each condominium unit for which a certificate of occupancy has been issued by
the Borough of Wanaque, the purpose of which was to cover the cost to maintain the
odor control system to be installed in the WVRSA’s treatment plant at the
request of the Developer; and
WHEREAS, such surcharge is permitted under the Authority’s
Rules and Regulations and is now being billed to and being paid by the
condominium association in addition to the regular sewer service charge; and
WHEREAS, the Authority has determined that any reduction or
elimination of the surcharge would have to be offset by a general increase in
the Authority’s sewer service charges to all of its customers or by a reduction
in the WVRSA’s service charges to the Authority; and
WHEREAS, the Authority had declined to increase its sewer
service charges to its customers in order to eliminate the surcharge; and
WHEREAS, the WVRSA, by Resolution adopted July 16, 2007,
increased its fees for the treatment of septic waste and, based upon a
determination that the additional revenue from such increase would likely cover
the cost of the maintenance of the odor control system in the treatment plant,
agreed to eliminate from the calculation of its service charges to the
Authority those costs and expenses relating to the odor control system, subject
to the right to resume the inclusion of such costs and expenses in the event of
a material reduction in such revenues; and
WHEREAS, based upon the foregoing, the Authority has
determined that the suspension of the quarterly surcharge can be accomplished
without affecting the financial condition of the Authority;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE WANAQUE BOROUGH
SEWERAGE AUTHORITY:
1. The Authority
hereby suspends the $15.00 per condominium unit quarterly surcharge presently
included in the Authority’s billing to Wanaque Reserve Condominium Association.
2. The suspension of the surcharge shall be effective as of
August 1, 2007.
3. The suspension of
the surcharge may be rescinded and the surcharge reinstated if the WVRSA shall
resume the inclusion of odor control system maintenance expenses in its service
charges to the Authority.
The effective date of this Resolution shall be July 17,
2007, seconded by Cmsr. DiMeglio.
On roll call all voted yes and the Chairman declared this
resolution adopted.
2. Ltr. from WVRSA
Re: Smell of Sewerage
Receive &
File
3. Ltr. from Jeffrey
M. Kassover, Esq.
Re: Bond Counsel
Mr. Kassover stated that he is not sure if the Authority
appointed bond counsel at our Re-organization Meeting.
Mrs. Schlagel replied that she was sure the board did.
Mr. Kassover stated that since we do not have a copy of
these minutes on hand tonight, he suggests that the board pass a Resolution
anyway.
Cmsr. DiMeglio moved a Resolution appointing the firm of
Hawkins, Delafield and Wood as Bond Counsel, seconded by Cmsr. Reuter.
On roll call all voted yes and the Chairman declared this
resolution adopted.
4. Ltr. from
NJUA-JIF
Re: Resolution
for renewal of membership
Cmsr. DiMeglio moved a resolution for the renewal of membership
in the New Jersey Utility Authorities Joint Insurance Fund, seconded by Cmsr.
Reuter. (See attached Resolutions.)
On roll call all voted yes and the Chairman declared this
resolution adopted.
5. Ltr. from Aleksandar Milic
Re: 119-121 Meadowbrook
Chairman Bolduc stated that this matter would be carried
over to our next meeting as we are awaiting a return phone call from the
Building Inspector, Jeff Brusco.
7. NEW
BUSINESS: None
8. UNFINISHED
BUSINESS: None
9. PROFESSIONAL/COMMITTEE REPORTS:
1. William J. Kelly,
a.
Mr. Kelly stated that the sewer portion of this project is
now completed. However, there were three
change-orders;
1. Added manholes at
each intersection for future connections: $22,520.00;
2. Where connections
were being made to the existing sewer lines, the lines were too shallow: Lines lowered due to shallow depth: $14,213.00;
3.
Cmsr. DiMeglio moved a resolution authorizing three (3)
change-orders on the above-mentioned change-orders with regard to the Whistler Place
Sewer Project, which equal the amount of $40, 233.00.
On roll call all voted yes and the Chairman declared this
Resolution adopted.
b. Valleyview at
Wanaque Project:
Mr. Kelly stated that the sewer work for this project has
now been completed. The only work left
is on site, and that is not the responsibility of this Authority.
c. Union Court Pump
Station:
Mr. Kelly stated that on August 6th we had a defective pump. We had Pumping Services come in and perform
the work. Due to deterioration of the
railings, we needed to replace this pump with our spare pump that we had on
hand. The previous pump lasted seven
years. It should have lasted longer
though. There is a lot of sand with
silt, etc. that is causing a lot of wear and tear on the pump. Once the
On the Priority List that was created, it is second on our
list. This station has a single-phase
power now, and someday we may need to expand the capacity. The cost to switch to a three phase was very
expensive. The Authority received a
quote for $30,000. about three to five years ago. There is a new Variable Speed Pump System on
the market which research and costs would have to be investigated.
Therefore, we need to evaluate our options.
All commissioners agreed to have Mr. Kelly research this
matter further.
Also, Gayle Corp. has submitted a Voucher for the amount of
$1,825.00. This bill represents payment
for the dial up system at
d. Future
Anticipated Construction Projects for the WBSA:
Mr. Kelly stated that Mr. Ferraioli has asked him to put
our construction projects in order as to priority of those that needed to be
done first. (See Attached)
e.
Re: Sewer Smell:
Mr. Kelly stated that there were a lot of complaints about
the smell of sewerage on the new line that was installed. We had vents put in, but unfortunately, where
the vents were located the odor came right out the vent pipe towards the
buildings. We have since put charcoal
canisters in the vents, and they seem to be working great.
Chairman Bolduc had then stated that he thought we had
these canisters in the old manholes.
Mr. Kelly replied we did, but not in the vents. Now that they are in the vents, they are doing
their job.
2. Jeffrey M.
Kassover, Esq.
Mr. Kassover stated that he had nothing further to report.
3. Penny Schlagel, Office Manager
a,
Mrs. Schlagel stated that the Authority received the
insurance check for the damage that was sustained last year to the gate at this
station. As such, she would now
recommend that the gate be repaired.
Mr. Kelly replied that he agrees, the gate should be
repaired.
Mrs. Schlagel then stated that she would notify the gate
company as well as Mr. Kostro of this repair.
10. FINANCIAL REPORT:
Cmsr. DiMeglio
moved a resolution to approve the following bills for payment when the funds of
the Authority are sufficient to meet them:
August: Voucher
108 through 119
Auto Debit (Health) $ 18,423.03
Payroll& Processing 4,693.60
___________
TOTAL: $ 23,116.23
September: Voucher
120 through 131
Auto Debit (Health) $634,374.64
Payroll & Processing: 4,687.60
___________
TOTAL: $639,062.24
RESOLUTION
AUGUST
RESOLUTION 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
OCTOBER, 1987 AS AMENDED OR SUPPLEMENTED THEREAFTER.
1. The Authority
hereby makes requisition 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 $23,116.63 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.
RESOLUTION
SEPTEMBER
RESOLUTION 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 ON
OCTOBER, 1987 AS AMENDED OR SUPPLEMENTED THEREAFTER.
1. The Authority
hereby makes requisition 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 $639,062.24 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. Reuter.
On roll call, all voted yes and the Chairman declared this
meeting adjourned.
_____________________________
Andrew R. Bolduc, Chrm.