WANAQUE BOROUGH
SEWERAGE AUTHORITY
Regular Meeting
February 13, 2007
The regular
meeting of the Wanaque Borough Sewerage Authority was held on February 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
DiMeglio
Reuter
Professionals Present:
Jim Cerullo, CPA
Jeffrey M. Kassover,
Esq.
William J. Kelly,
Mayor Dan Mahler
Penny Schlagel,
Office Mgr.
MINUTES:
The regular
meeting minutes of January 9, 2007 were presented. No corrections or deletions.
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.
5. PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
1. William Holt
8319
Mr. Holt read the following statement:
“I have come before this board to request that you review
and eliminate the $60.00 per year surcharge being charged to the Wanaque
Reserve homeowners.
I feel I understand how the $60.00 year fee came to be with
the simple concept that those that benefit should help burden the expense.
A problem with this simple concept is that it is not how
utilities base their standard fees.
Utilities charge all customers an equal rate regardless of it costing
more to service one customer over another.
The cost of normal service to the Wanaque Reserve
homeowners has to be significantly less than any other customer you have. Does this mean they should receive an
adjustment to their normal fees? Of course not?
That is not how utilities charge their customers.
On the other hand, should the Wanaque Reserve homeowners
have to pay a surcharge for the ongoing maintenance of selected items required
by a facility in its normal operation?
Of course not! That is not how utilities charge their customers
In following up on a statement made last meeting that no
other utility in
Again, I have come before this board to request your review
and eliminate the $60.00 per year surcharge being charged to the Wanaque Reserve
homeowners.”
Chairman Bolduc stated that the odor control system was
specifically designed for the residents of Wanaque Reserve. The developer, Pulte came to this board and
requested that an odor control system be installed.
Mr. Kassover then stated that the WBSA does not fall under
the category of a utility, so the PBU requirements would not apply to this
authority.
Nothing further was then said by Mr. Holt.
2. Ted Roberto
8101
Mr. Roberto stated that is was discussed at the regional
meeting to possibly hire an odor control expert, has this been done???
Cmsr. Covelli stated that the regional authority is looking
into this matter.
3. Paul Farrantino
8323
Mr. Farrantino asked the board if they would consider
having a private meeting together amongst themselves to even possibly consider
waiving the $60.00 fee.
Mr. Kassover replied that if there were more then three
members at a place at the same time, it would be declared a meeting.
Chairman Bolduc then stated that any commissioner at any
time during our meeting has the right to air their view on any subject we may
be discussing. However, at this time all
the commissioners agree that we cannot waive the $60.00 charge.
4. Mayor Dan Mahler:
Mr. Mahler stated that when the regional is dissolved there
would be at least a $45,000.00 savings.
It may be possible that authority may be able to consider waiving this
$60.00 charge if there are enough funds to be able to do so.
6. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Odor Control Account:
Cmsr. Covelli stated that he has been in touch with our
auditor, and we are going to have Mrs. Schlagel create a special account
entitled “Odor Control Maintenance Account” This account will be used for
depositing the extra $15.00 surcharge that each of the Wanaque Reserve
residents are paying. Funds deposited
into this account will be used for odor control purposes only.
All commissioners agreed.
2. WVRSA
Dissolution:
Mayor Mahler stated that the Borough passed an ordinance
for 2007 to dissolve the regional sewerage authority.
Cmsr. DiMeglio stated that he believed the regional already
had an ongoing lawsuit against Ringwood for Wastewater Management in the sum of
$13,000?
Mayor Mahler stated yes that is true and in the ordinance
the borough passed, this lawsuit would be dismissed if Ringwood agreed and it
would be deducted from the first $15,000. a year installment if they choose
this option. If they choose to have
their sewerage taken to our plant, then there is no $15,000.00 a year payment
for the next ten years.
Chairman Bolduc asked if anyone knew when Ringwood and
Mayor Mahler replied that he did know. However, Ringwood is waiting for
Cmsr. Covelli moved that:
WHEREAS, the Borough of Wanaque did on February 12, 2007 adopt
Ordinance #2-0-07 approving the dissolution of the Wanaque Valley Regional
Sewerage Authority (“WVRSA”) subject to the final approval by the Local Finance
Board of the Division of Government Services of the New Jersey Department of
Community Affairs; and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Wanaque did on February 12, 2007
adopt Resolution #38-0-07 approving an agreement with the Township of West
Milford pursuant to which this authority would, upon final dissolution of the
WVRSA make certain payments and render certain services to the Township of West
Milford and to assume all direct costs associated with the dissolution of the WVRSA,
as more fully set forth in said Resolution; and
WHEREAS, the Wanaque Borough Sewerage Authority has
reviewed and considered the foregoing Ordinance and Resolution and determined
that the payments and services to be rendered to the Township of West Milford
and the undertaking of the costs of the dissolution of the WVRSA as set forth
in said Resolution would be in the best interests of the Authority and of the
ratepayers of the Borough of Wanaque;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE WANAQUE BOROUGH SEWERAGE
AUTHORITY:
1. Resolution
#38-0-07 of the Borough of Wanaque, adopted by the Mayor and Council on
February 12, 2007, copy of which is annexed hereto, is hereby approved.
2. The Authority
agrees to be bound by the terms of said Resolution and to make the payments and
provide the services to the
3. The Authority
agrees to assume all direct costs associated with the dissolution of the WVRSA
as set forth in said Resolution.
4. This Resolution
shall be effective as of February 13, 2007 but is expressly subject to and
contingent upon the final dissolution of the WVRSA and the acquisition by the
Authority of the assets of the WVRSA,
seconded by Cmsr. Garland.
On roll call, all voted yes, and the chairman declared this
resolution adopted.
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Copy Machine:
Cmsr. DiMeglio stated to the board that he and Mrs.
Schlagel went to the office of Copy Cat to look at other machines that were not
so costly. Since they already had in
stock the machine we initially ordered, we came to an agreement whereby we
could purchase our initial machine at a cost of $3,995.00, plus we would
receive a one year full maintenance warranty.
The machine is scheduled to be delivered next week. Meanwhile, Mrs. Schlagel will be using the
WVRSA copy machine. Please note that
this is the machine that we were going to originally purchase for $7,000.00
8. PROFESSIONAL/COMMITTEE REPORTS:
1. William J. Kelly,
a.
Mr. Kelly stated that per his letter to the college on
January 10, 2007, the college has engaged the services Lyman Engineering to
prepare plans and specifications for the operation of the leach aid field
system. As a result of a survey, it was
discovered that the manhole that the leach aide discharges too is actually at a
reverse slope. Therefore, the meter
studying that the authority had done showed outstanding flows that we could not
account for. As such, the discharge
manhole will be re-constructed at a downward slope. Then the meter will be recalibrated and
installed. The plans to re-do the
manhole have been reviewed and they are acceptable.
The fee for monitoring the
meter from Goel Services has been re-negotiated and they have accepted the sum
of $2,125.00 instead of the initial
$4,250.00. Therefore, Mrs. Schlagel may
now release a check to Goel Services.
It was also noted that Mr. Kelly’s services
for this matter would be charged to the college for reimbursement.
b. Valley View at Wanaque:
Mr. Kelly stated that he has informed the developer that a den is not a bedroom. Also, the flows that were being used could be reduced because it
is an adult community. As such, we have
received a revised Treatment Works Application and it is now recommend that the
Authority endorse this application:
Cmsr. Covelli moved a resolution authorizing the Chairman,
Andrew R. Bolduc to endorse NJDEP Form WQM-003 Statement of Consent-Treatment
Works Application subject to the approval of the Wanaque Valley Regional
Sewerage Authority, seconded by Cmsr. Reuter.
On roll call, all voted yes, and the chairman declared this
resolution adopted.
c.
Mr. Kelly stated that he has received an application for
the review of four-unit condo. A letter
has been sent with his recommendations.
2. Jeffrey M.
Kassover, Esq.
Mr. Kassover stated that his office would be moving to
3. Jim Cerullo, CPA
a. 2006 WBSA Budget:
Mr. Cerullo stated that at our last meeting it was reported
that the Authority did make budget.
However, there was a mistake in the 4th Quarter Billing. As such, the Authority did NOT make
budget. Usually the Authority could make
up the shortfall by sewer connections coming in. However, we do not know how many connection
fees we will receive. The Authority may
have to look at a rate adjustment.
Cmsr. Reuter asked how this happened?
Mr. Cerullo stated that at least $100,000. was spent on
improvements that were not budgeted for such as the odor control, design work
for
Chrm. Bolduc then stated that the Pulte sales have slowed
down considerably which will hurt the Authority’s quarterly billing.
Cmsr. DiMeglio stated that the Authority would be receiving
connection fees for Valleyview.
Mayor Mahler replied that is correct. $825.00 for 86 units, and the other 20 will
be at the current connection fee rate.
Cmsr. Reuter asked if we are going to have a cash flow
shortage for 2007?
Chrm. Bolduc replied that the regional has borrowed 1.5
million dollars. This money can be used
towards any shortfall that we may face.
Mr. Cerullo replied this is correct. These funds will cover any cash flow
shortage, but from a revenue expense point, we could still have a deficit at
the end of this year.
Cmsr. Reuter asked Mrs. Schlagel if there were any
outstanding projects that yet have to be paid for?
Mrs. Schlagel replied yes, Whistler Place Project.
Chrm. Bolduc stated that the regional is looking into
getting a holding tank, which could cost $500.000. This would help the regional plant operation
during heavy flows, plus generate some additional revenue. Also, it may help the odor issue. However, at this time, we can’t afford this
tank due to our financial condition.
b. Restaurant
Connection Fee Calculations:
Cmsr. Covelli asked Mr. Kelly what was the status on the
restaurant calculations?
Mr. Kelly replied that he has sent out several
questionnaires and is awaiting their reply.
Hopefully, we will have some feedback by our next meeting.
Chrm. Bolduc also stated that any new developer that comes
in we offer a payment plan for their connection fee so that it is affordable no
matter what the fee may be.
4. Andrew R. Bolduc,
Chairman
a. Sewer Jet Vac
Damage:
Chairman Bolduc stated that everyone has received tonight a
memo from George Kostro, Sup. with regard to damage that a regional employee
did to the jet vac. (See Attached) It should also be noted that a few weeks ago
the Borough of Wanaque paid $2,000. for a new hose that they had broken while
cleaning out storm drains. Last year
this Authority spent over $8,000. on repairs to the jet vac as it was not
cleaned properly when it was used by a
regional employee. Everyone was then
re-trained on the specifics of this machine so another incident like this would
not happen again.
Cmsr. Covelli moved a resolution authorizing a letter be
sent to the regional as to why this damage occurred to the jet vac, and what
course of action will be done so that this does not happen again, seconded by
Cmsr. Reuter.
Cmsr. Covelli suggested that a written response be
required.
On roll call, all voted yes, and the chairman declared this
resolution adopted.
b. Computer:
Chrm. Bolduc stated that our computer connection over to
the borough has not worked since last June.
As such, Mrs. Schlagel has not been able to access any accounts. Mr. Carroll has been attempting to correct
it, but has had no success. Therefore,
we now need to hire our computer consultant to fix this problem.
Cmsr. Covelli moved a resolution authorizing Mrs. Schlagel
to contact Jim Hurowitz and have him fix the computer connection that is linked
to the Borough of Wanaque at a cost not to exceed $500.00, seconded by Cmsr.
Garland.
On roll call, all voted yes and the chairman declared this
resolution adopted.
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, Covelli:
Voucher 20 through 35 (auto debit-health benefits) $638,046.37
Payroll & Processing 4,808.16
__________
TOTAL:
$642,854.53
It was then noted that Voucher 21 (WVRSA 1st Quarter
Treatment Charge) would 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 $642,854.53 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. Reuter
moved for the adjournment of this meeting, seconded by Cmsr. DiMeglio.
On roll call, all voted yes, and the chairman declared this
meeting adjourned.
_______________________________
Andrew R. Bolduc, Chairman