WANAQUE VALLEY

REGIONAL SEWERAGE AUTHORITY

 

REGULAR MEETING

 

JANUARY 25, 2006

 

MINUTES

 

The WANAQUE VALLEY REGIONAL SEWERAGE AUTHORITY conducted a Regular Meeting, which commenced at 6:00 P.M., in the Wanaque Valley Regional Sewerage Authority Administration Building, Wanaque, New Jersey with Robert Hadley, Chairman, presiding.

     

 

ANNOUNCEMENT

Chairman Hadley read the following announcement:

 

            This is the Regular Meeting of the Wanaque Valley Regional Sewerage Authority.  In accordance with the Open Public Meeting Law, notices of the meeting were furnished to the respective Municipal Clerks of Ringwood, Wanaque and West Milford together with a request that an additional copy of the Notice be placed in each Municipal building.  Notices were also sent to the following newspapers:  the North Jersey Herald News, the Trends and the Record.  A copy of the notice will be filed with the minutes of this meeting.

 

ROLL CALL 

Commissioners Present:  Andrew Bolduc, Frank Covelli, Robert Hadley, Robert Moshman and Patrick Murray

 

Also Present:                     Richard Miller, Esq., Williams, Caliri, Miller & Otley

                                         Charles Ferraioli, Jr., Ferraioli, Wielkotz, Cerullo & Cuva   

                                         Lee T. Purcell, Jr., P.E., Lee T. Purcell Associates              

                                         Gregory White, Facilities Manager

                                         Margaret Maas, Recording Secretary

                                         Daniel Mahler, Wanaque borough council Liaison    

 

CORRESPONDENCE

The Chairman stated that if there were no comments or questions on any of the Correspondences, he would declare that they be placed on file.

                                   

MINUTES      

            Regular Meeting – December 28, 2005

The Chairman asked if anyone had any questions or comments on the Regular Meeting Minutes of December 28, 2005 as presented.  When there was no response the following motion was moved.

 

MOTION        Moved by Robert Moshman, 2nd by Patrick Murray to adopt a resolution accepting the Regular Meeting Minutes of December 28, 2005 as presented.

                        On Roll Call Commissioners Hadley, Moshman and Murray voted yes.             Commissioner Bolduc abstained.  Commissioners Covelli and Elcavage were   absent.

                                                                                                            MOTION CARRIED

 

Note:  Commissioner Covelli arrived and joined the meeting at this time.

REPORTS

            Facilities Manager

            Association of Environmental Authorities (AEA)

            Mr. White reported that last month we discussed the request from AEA for a contribution of $5,000.00 towards their legal battle against DEP with regards to the total phosphorus issue within the State of New Jersey.  Mr. White stated that there is correspondence in your folders relating to this issue.  Mr. White reported that he received an e-mail from Ellen Gulbinski today stating that the AEA is going to challenge the way DEP has skirted the rule making process and their attempts to avoid discovery in providing documents to attorneys with respect to the matter.

 

REPORTS

            Association of Environmental Authorities (AEA)

            Mr. White stated that it is up to this Authority to decide if we will contribute $5,000.00 or any other sum to the cause.  Mr. White stated that he did not feel that there was any urgency tonight to make a decision.  Mr. White stated that he did not know how the new administration in Trenton is going to react to the issue either.  Mr. White asked Mr. Purcell if he had heard anything.  Mr. Purcell stated that he believes that they may be silent for awhile but he believes that they are going to come right back.  Mr. White stated that we can table the matter.  Mr. White stated that nothing has been budget for this issue.

            Comm. Moshman asked what was the amount that we contributed to the Passaic River Basin Alliance.  Mr. White stated that it was around $3,900.00.  Comm. Moshman suggested that we contribute the balance of $1,200.00 to AEA and explain to them that we have contributed to this cause indirectly and can only afford this amount.  Mr. White clarified that while both issues deal with DEP they are two separate issues.  He stated that the Passaic River Basin Alliance issue relates to the Authorities within the Passaic River Basin and the phosphorus issue involves all the Authorities in the State.  Discussion followed.

            The outcome of the discussions was that we contribute $1,000.00 and explain where we are financially and that we want to support them as best we can and the following motion was moved.

 

MOTION        Moved by Robert Moshman, 2nd by Patrick Murray to adopt a resolution authorizing a contribution of $1,000.00 to the Association of Environmental Authorities towards their costs to fight NJDEP on the total phosphorus issue.

                        On Roll Call Commissioners Bolduc, Covelli, Hadley, Moshman and Murray voted yes.  Commissioner Elcavage was absent.

                                                                                                            MOTION CARRIED

 

            Authority owned vehicle update

            Mr. White reported that last month he was authorized to prepare an auction of the Jeep Cheeroke owned by the Authority.  Mr. White reported that unfortunately he had to cancel the auction due to the fact that our back-up vehicle, 1987 pick-up truck, which we planned to use, is no longer road worthy.  Had we auctioned off the car it would have left us without a secondary vehicle available.  Mr. White reported that it was cancelled and noticed in the newspaper in a timely fashion.

            Pulte Update

            Mr. White reported that there will be a meeting scheduled in the coming weeks.  He stated that members in attendance should be Barbara Jaquett, Pulte, Tom Carroll, Wanaque Borough, Bill Kelly, Engineer from WBSA and Jim Kelly from Boswell Engineering, and himself.  Mr. White stated that anyone else that would like to attend would be welcome.  Mr. White stated that during that meeting we will hopefully finalize discussion on I & I remediation work that Pulte will perform for all entities.  Mr. White stated that also being discussed will be that we need some remediation work done on WVRSA manholes that lie within the Pulte development.  Mr. White reported that Mr. Purcell has issued a report on those manhole inspections last week and he stated that there is a letter in everyone’s folder.  Mr. White reported that Mr. Kelly from WBSA would also like Pulte to TV the sewer line that runs underneath the new bridge crossing at the corner.  Mr. White stated that he believes that Pulte will be asking the Authority to allow them to hook up seven (7) buildings to the treatment plant prior to the Contract I-25 contract completion date.  Mr. White stated that that will be our obligation with respect to the matter.  Comm. Hadley asked when the meeting will be held.  Mr. White stated that it has not been scheduled yet.  Comm. Hadley stated that he would like to attend that meeting and then he extended an invitation to the other Commissioners and asked Comm. Bolduc if any members of the WBSA would like to attend.

 

REPORTS

            Facilities Manager

            Odor Control

            Mr. White reported that we have not had an odor complaint since residents have moved into Building #8.  He stated that we have been running the portable deodorizing units when necessary and to date they seem to be very effective. 

            Capacity Assurance Report (CAP)

            Mr. White reported that he sent in our CAP Report for period: October 1st through December 31, 2005.  Mr. White reported that the result is that this Authority has a negative    200,000 gallons/per day capacity and the matter has gotten worse since he submitted that report. Mr. White repeated that the Authority has a negative 200,000 gallons/day available capacity.

            Flows into the Treatment Plant

            Mr. White stated that we have a full reservoir and saturated ground conditions.  He stated that the ground conditions are as such as we have had frequent rains, we have had snow melt and this Authority is consistently running at 1.5, 1.6 & 1.7 MGD everyday.  Mr. White stated that that corresponds to 700,000 gallons or more of infiltration each day.  Mr. White stated that it is not subsiding.  Mr. White reported that we are running all our treatment equipment at all times.  There is no down time – we are running all of our units 24 hours a day, every day.  Mr. White reported that we have our bypass pumps on standby at all times.  In the past we were able to put that pump away for periods of time.  Mr. White stated that now when we have even an average rainfall event, we have to be prepared to bypass.   Mr. White stated that the situation has just gotten worse.  He stated that we are at the point now when we think we may need to bypass, he has to have additional personnel on duty to perform that task.  Someone must monitor that pump at all times.  Mr. White stated that due to the high flows he can no longer schedule one man on a shift – there must be at least two.  Mr. White stated that we are now at the point where something must be done with the infiltration.  Mr. White stated that if we have a failure of a major piece of equipment we may be in trouble.

            Mr. White stated that he just wanted to notify everybody where we stand.  He stated that we are at a critical point now where we need to get this I & I work done as quickly as possible.  Mr. White stated that we do know of two problem manholes right down on the corner with severe infiltration, but we have to find where the rest of it is coming from.

            Proposed Lead Limitations Update

            Mr. White stated that we have been in a legal battle with NJDEP with regard to the proposed lead limitation contained in our final permit.  For Mr. Bolduc’s benefit, Mr. White explained that in our new permit from NJDEP we were given a lead limitation which was extremely stringent.  Mr. White stated that the Authority hired a Special Counsel to fight the matter with NJDEP and the matter has finally been resolved.  Mr. White stated that he is glad to announce that we prevailed in the issue.  Mr. White stated that there is a letter in everyone’s folder which states that the lead limitation has been stayed.  However we still must monitor and report the lead concentration in our effluent on a monthly basis.  He stated that the issue has been resolved in our favor.  He stated that Diane Alexander, Esq. handled the matter along with Dr. Najarian and Howard Litwack of Najarian Associates.  Mr. White stated that Najarian Associates and Ms. Alexander did an excellent job for the Authority.  Comm. Bolduc asked Mr. White how much that cost the Authority.  Mr. White stated approximately $10,000.00.  Comm. Hadley asked how that compared if we were required to comply with what they first stated we had to do.  Mr. White stated that to meet the new DEP limitations it would have cost us a lot more to either put in addition treatment equipment or if the Borough Water Department had to implement corrosion control within their system to remove the lead from the water before it got into us.  Comm. Bolduc asked for a further clarification- He stated that DEP wanted us to put in lead restrictions but the lead was really coming from other sources.  Mr. White stated that the lead comes from the drinking water and leaching of lead from the potable water pipes.  Comm. Bolduc asked if we proved that the lead was coming from other sources.   Mr. White stated that we proved that we weren’t impairing the Wanaque River with respect to lead and we also demonstrated that the lead may have been coming out of the Reservoir and into the Wanaque River.  Mr. White stated that the primary source coming into this plant is in the potable water.

 

REPORTS

            Facilities Manager  Cont.

            Roof Repair Contract # I-30

            Mr. White reported that the Roof Repair Contract was executed and we are awaiting our window of opportunity to perform the work.

            Reorganization Meeting Date

            Mr. White stated that we need a date for the Reorganization Meeting and asked what the preference of the board was.  Discussion followed and it was decided that Wednesday, February 22, 2006 at 6:00 p. m. with the Regular February Meeting to follow immediately thereafter and the following motion was moved

 

MOTION        Moved by Patrick Murray, 2nd by Frank Covelli to adopt a resolution scheduling the Wanaque Valley Regional Sewerage Authority Reorganization Meeting on February 22, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. at the WVRSA Administration Building, 101 Highland Avenue, Wanaque, NJ, to be followed immediately by the Regular February Meeting. 

                        On Roll Call Commissioners Bolduc, Covelli, Hadley, Moshman and Murray voted yes.  Commissioner Elcavage was absent.

                                                                                                                        MOTION CARRIED

            Hiring of Additional Employee

            Mr. White reported that the Authority budgeted for the hiring of an additional employee; that funds for six months of salary and six months of benefits were put into this year’s budget.  Mr. White stated that he would like some direction from the Board as to whether he can start looking for an employee and/or interviewing prospective employees.  Mr. White stated that with the situation of the way the flows are coming in to the plant, we need another employee as quickly as possible.  Mr. White stated that rather than just hiring a mechanic as was anticipated; he would like to hire someone that is an all around individual that can perform maintenance as well as operational work for us.  Mr. White stated that way he could use him on shift work when needed or use him for mechanical work when needed.  Mr. White stated that he needs some direction as to whether he can proceed or not.  Discussion followed. 

            Comm. Bolduc asked,”How can you hire someone for just six months”.  Mr. Ferraioli stated that was not what was going to happen, that person hired would stay on. He explained that at that time we didn’t have funds  for a new employee for an entire year but now due to the revenue from the trucks, which is doing very well this year, it appears that we can now afford to do this.

Mr. White stated that he would like to add one more thing.  He stated with regard to the I&I coming in; it is also severely impacting our ability to accept liquid waste delivery.  Mr. White stated that we have had to close from 1 to 2 days each week due to high flows.  Mr. White stated that the I&I is impacting our ability to generate income.  There was additional discussion on I&I and plant flows. 

            The outcome of the discussion was the Board authorized Mr. White to begin interviews.

            Accounting

            Bond Reserve Fund Investment

            Mr. Ferraioli reported that we have a Bond Reserve Fund which we must keep at $1,400,000.00 dollars.  Mr. Ferraioli stated that a few years ago we went into a Guaranteed Investment Contract (GIC) with Wachovia Bank at 6%.  Mr. Ferraioli stated that since Wachovia cancelled the GIC, we have been keeping that $1.4 million in short term CD’s.  Mr. Ferraioli stated that he spoke with Mr. Bienfield of Hawkins, Delafield & Wood and discovered that there have been changes in the law since we were involved with a GIC and right now the best rate we could get, entering a GIC, is 4.5%. 

            Mr. Ferraioli stated that he is recommending that we keep the money in a money market and wait until the end of the month when the Federal Reserve meets again.  Mr. Ferraioli stated that he believes that they are again going to raise interest rates and at that time we should solicit CD rates for one year.  Mr. Ferraioli stated that the only exception is that we need to be able to access the interest at six months to pay our bills. 

            Mr. Ferraioli stated that his recommendation is to solicit for a one-year CD, as it doesn’t pay to go into a GIC at this time.  He also requested a resolution authorizing that.

 

REPORTS

            Accounting

            Bond Reserve Fund Investment Cont.

 

MOTION        Moved by Robert Moshman, 2nd by Andrew Bolduc to adopt a resolution accepting Mr. Ferraioli’s recommendation and authorize Mr. Ferraioli and Mr. Miller to solicit bids for the investment of the Bond Reserve Funds for the best interest rate for the Authority.

                        On Roll Call Commissioners Bolduc, Covelli, Hadley, Moshman and Murray voted yes.  Commissioner Elcavage was absent.

                                                                                                                        MOTION CARRIED

           

            Audit Letter

            Mr. Ferraioli stated that he had the Audit Letter that must be signed by the Secretary of the Authority, Mr. Murray.  Mr. Ferraioli stated that this letter must accompany the Audit Report to Trenton.  Mr. Ferraioli stated that his report was concluded.

            Engineering

            Mr. Purcell stated that he had an Agenda and two reports which he proceeded to distribute to everyone.  He addressed the items on his agenda in order.

  1.       Engineering Report Cont. 1-25 Upgrade to Treatment Plant

            Mr. Purcell went over the following report with the Commissioners.

            1)         Septage Receiving Facility –

                        The building foundation walls were poured and backfilled

                        The underground electrical conduit was roughed in

                        They built temporary enclosure for masonry block superstructure

                        The Masonry block has been delivered for the septage receiving area

                        They poured the concrete pad for the odor control unit

            2)         Influent Pumping Station –

                        The existing walls have been completely cored for new conduit and piping

            3)         Grit Chambers and Grit Chemical/Building –

                        Poured the concrete pad for the odor control unit

                        They replaced the decorative stone around the odor control unit concrete pad

                        The miscellaneous electrical conduit and wire pulls are ongoing within the Grit/Chemical Building

                        The Masonry block for the Grit Chamber superstructure has been delivered.  Mr. Purcell stated that now the work will be moving along -                                          weather related

            4)         Aeration Basins No. 1-3 –

                        No work this month

            5)         Final Clarifiers –

                        No work this month

            6)         Tertiary Building

                        No work this month

            7)         Sludge Building

                         No work this month

            8)         Treatment Module

                        Poured footing walls at the bottom of the stairs

            9)         Grit Container Ramp

                        All concrete pours are completed and concrete has been rubbed and finished

                        Guide posts and rails have been installed

          10)         Site Work

                        Manholes No 1 and 2 have been constructed

                        Saw cut pavement and test pits have been completed

                        PVC carrier pipes (4 – 3” dia.) between Manholes No. 1 and 2 have been installed and backfilled.

                        Installation of carrier pipes (3 – 3” dia.) is presently in progress

                        Set castings on Manhole No. 7 as well as two (2) cleanouts.  Rough grading has been performed in pavement restoration area.       

 

REPORTS

            Engineering

            Engineering Report Cont. 1-25 Upgrade to Treatment Plant Cont.

  1.       11)       Shop Drawing Review and Processing

                        Aluminum baffle plates

                        Coatings

                        Septage Compactor Motor and Re-submittal

                        Spare Air Blower Assembly

                        Dissolved Oxygen Analyzer System

                        Platforms and Railings – Final Clarifiers

                        Roof Exhaust Systems

                        Instrumentation – SCADA Systems

                        Mr. Purcell stated that these are all on schedule and in keeping with the contract.

            Mr. White added that the Odor Control Units should be on site next week and operational within two or three weeks. Mr. Purcell stated that due to a request of the Authority – the work on the Odor Control Unit was accelerated.  Mr. Purcell stated that the contractor is attempting to achieve that goal.  He also stated that in order for it to be effective, some treatment buildings will have to be closed. Mr. White added that in order to allow them to finish the curing of the concrete for the septage area; we are going to have to shut down the receipt of the disposal of waste for several days to allow them to finish the construction work and the curing of the concrete.  Therefore, we will be losing revenue for several days or possibly a week.  Mr. White stated that there is nothing else we can do so when it gets near he will notify the Haulers that the plant will be closed.

            Mr. Purcell stated that the Contractor feels that he will be completed well before the contract completion date.  Mr. Purcell stated that that is weather dependent.  Mr. Purcell stated that was the end of the report on progress. 

            Mr. Purcell reported that he was notified today that the microscreens are in fabrication.

Mr. Purcell asked if there were any questions.

            Comm. Bolduc stated that earlier Mr. Purcell had reported that the Odor Control Unit work is being accelerated.  He asked if it was correct that they are going to be delivered next week.  Mr. Purcell explained that it was agreed at the Pre-construction meeting, that the contractor would schedule early completion for the Odor Control Units because of the sensitivity.  Comm. Bolduc asked if there was any input from Pulte regarding this system.  Did they review the plans?  Mr. Miller stated that they were offered in writing, specifically to furnish them with the plans so their engineer could review them and they did not accept the offer.  Comm. Bolduc asked if we had sent them a letter indicating all of that.  Mr. Miller stated yes.  Mr. White stated that they also reviewed the plans and specifications at the outset and they did not specifically review the Odor Control Unit component, but they did review the entire project plans and specifications.  Comm. Bolduc suggested that a letter memorializing that the Odor Control Units are about to be installed and that based upon their silence, they are accepting what is being installed.  After further discussion Mr. Miller stated that he would send a follow-up letter to them, informing them of what is about to take place. 

            Mr. Purcell then stated that the next item on his agenda is the roof replacement.

  2.       Contract I-30 Administration Building Roof Replacement

            Mr. Purcell reported that the Preconstruction Meeting will be scheduled in March of 2006.  Mr. Purcell stated that we already have the contractor, so we can go forward with that.

  3.       Memorandum on Inspection of Interceptor Sewer Manholes within Pulte Development

            Mr. Purcell stated that he prepared a Memorandum, which we discussed earlier regarding the Interceptor Manhole intersection on the Pulte property and the need for rehabilitation of a significant amount of I & I.  Mr. Purcell stated that he feels that there is a base flow of 50,000 gallons per day that could be cured if the remediation took place.  Mr. Purcell stated that we have to make every effort to let Pulte know how important this whole I & I program is.  Mr. Purcell stated that he believes that they will be coming to us very shortly looking to hook up the second building and we have to have the space to take that flow.  Mr. White stated that he feels that Pulte will react quickly to resolve this matter.             

 

REPORTS

           

            Engineering

   4.      WVRSA Wastewater Management Plan (WWMP)

            Mr. Purcell reported that he issued a proposal letter to the Authority at the November meeting, regarding the WWMP and the need to get that work authorized.  Mr. Purcell stated that it was complicated by the lack of response by Ringwood Borough to participate in prior work that was done -financial support and the financial support for the work that needs to be done.  Mr. Purcell stated that he issued the report in two parts;  the first report shows what the cost would be if Wanaque had to foot the bill alone and the second way was to have Ringwood pay their share of the cost of responding the DEP‘s questions. 

            Mr. Purcell stated with Ringwood being silent, this project has been held in abeyance and it really should go forward.  Mr. Purcell stated that DEP has noticed everyone in the state that if you are beyond six (6) years in an existing WWMP it is antiquated and you must have a new one. 

            Mr. Purcell stated that it has gone further than that since the November meeting.  He reported that the DEP has now denied the Authority’s WWMP.  Mr. Purcell reported that the Authority really needs to meet with the State.  He stated that if Ringwood is out and it is Wanaque alone, we need to prepare an application on a DEP Application Form to meet with the DEP in a Pre-Application conference.  Mr. Purcell stated that this is something new – this 17 page application, “Request for Pre-Application Meeting”.     Mr. Purcell stated that he is prepared to go forward with that application.  Mr. Purcell stated that he believes that by May NJDEP is going to become very strong again with the regulation changes they wanted in December.  Mr. Purcell stated that he should be authorized to proceed with that WWMP for $28,500.00.  Mr. Purcell stated that it is really a new plan, but it is taking everything we have bringing it up to the current standards that DEP wants.  He stated that it will require input from the Borough of Wanaque in a significant way.  Mr. Purcell stated that there will have to be several ordinances prepared and executed by the Borough of Wanaque, in order for this plan to be complete. 

            Mr. Purcell stated that it was his understanding from the last meeting we had that a letter was sent to Ringwood requesting their financial support for the prior studies and for the current studies.  He stated that the letter was to invite them to attend this meeting and inform them that if no word was received that we would proceed without them.

            Mr. Miller confirmed Mr. Purcell’s statement that this has been a long process and that it went back as far as 2004.  Mr. Miller stated that based on last month’s meeting a letter was sent to the Ringwood Mayor and Council inviting them to attend or send a representative to this meeting tonight and it was anticipated that this Authority would act tonight to proceed without Ringwood if we didn’t hear from them.  Comm. Murray reported that he had spoken with one of the Councilmen and he told him that he had received a copy of the letter and that he was going to e-mail the Borough Manager asking him to get an answer down to us, as to whether there would be representation at our meeting. 

            Mr. Murray also stated that the Councilman told him that they (Ringwood Borough) had a meeting scheduled with the local Authority representatives for tomorrow evening.    Both Comm. Bolduc and Covelli stated that they were not having a meeting with Ringwood. 

            Comm. Bolduc asked what was the time period covered by the $12,632.50 request.  Mr. Purcell stated that he couldn’t recall what the exact period was because there was a significant period of time where Pulte was paying for the WWMP work and he believes that this is for the period of time after that.  Mr. Purcell went over the breakdown of the cost for upcoming work detailing the amounts for Wanaque alone and for Wanaque and Ringwood together. 

            Mr. Miller stated, that in answer to Comm. Bolduc’s question, that in checking his records that in 2004 there is a letter from Purcell Associates which describes the  for engineering services on this assignment.  The letter stated that from February 2004 to September 2004 the cost is $22,645.00.  Mr. Miller stated that approximately 50% of this work effort benefits the Borough of Wanaque and the balance benefits the Borough of Ringwood.  Mr. Miller detailed the amount further to show how the final number was reached.  Mr. Miller stated that in October 2004 he wrote to the Manager of Ringwood asking for that money.                                                                                                                    

           

RFEPORTS

            Engineering Cont.,

            WVRSA Wastewater Management Plan (WWMP)

            Comm. Covelli stated that he appreciated Mr. Purcell’s review and comments and Mr. Miller’s input, but he has to say that he thinks that he would give them one more chance in terms of there has been a change in the council there and a change in the Mayor and for the first time we got a call from the Administrator.  Comm. Covelli stated with that new combination there may be hope for a positive response.  Comm. Covelli stated that he can appreciate Mr. Purcell’s interest in moving this forward he thinks we should give them one more month’s time to respond and table it to next month.  Mr. Purcell stated that if it is authorized at the February meeting that he would try to get it done within a few weeks, as it should be there well before May.  Mr. Purcell stated that what we are discussing is not the WWMP document it is the Request for a Pre-Application Meeting.

            Comm. Covelli stated that there is still the factor that NJDEP recognizes Ringwood as part of the Regional and expects to see their documentation as a part of our filing.  Mr. White added that we also have to include West Milford’s plan in ours, but West Milford has reported back to us that they will do the engineering and that they will have it ready for Mr. Purcell to simply attach their document to ours.  After additional discussion Comm. Covelli suggested that should this Authority find themselves next month in the same position that we are in tonight, that a letter should be sent to NJDEP informing them that while we are moving forward in preparing the Application for  a Request for a Pre-Application Meeting, the Regional WWMP, would like to apprise them that the document that we will be forwarding to them will contain only documentation from the Borough of Wanaque and the Township of West Milford, with a copy of that letter to Ringwood Borough.          Mr. Purcell stated that the Application for a Request for a Pre-Application Meeting will also set that mode and the letter can be attached to it - stating that we cannot do what you have requested because . . . . 

            Comm. Moshman stated that for the last year and a half at every one of our meetings we have spent at least one-half an hour discussing this subject which is a half an hour more that they have spent for a year and a half and he stated that he resented it.  He stated that we are spending all this time planning it and we are responsible for filing the plan.  Comm. Moshman stated that he feels that the approach should be; we are filing a plan with you in it and we are going to bill you and we are going to sue you for that money, unless we hear from you that you are doing your own.  And if we don’t hear from you, we are taking your silence to mean that you agree to pay us.    The Chairman stated that he had no problem with that and asked if any of the other Commissioners did.  When there was no negative response it was agreed to authorize Mr. Miller to send that letter and he and Comm. Murray will continue to try to get a meeting with the Mayor in the meantime. 

            Comm. Covelli stated that he would like to see included in the letter that this Authority has been mandated by NJDEP to file this and that they must have an answer to us by a date certain and stating that they will do one of the three following choices: a) to complete their own plan, b) they are going to authorizes us to do it or c) we will proceed to do it and they will be hearing from us legally and that we are going to pursue them. 

            Mr. Purcell stated that he had one last item to report on and referred everyone to the last handout which is a response letter. (Copy attached)

            Conversion of the Existing Phosphorus Reactor to a Septage Holding Tank

            Mr. Purcell stated that he has a two page letter, which is a Preliminary Order of Magnitude Cost Analysis for converting the existing Phosphorous Reactor to a septage holding tank.  He stated that the first step in the process is to secure NJDEP’s approval to permanently off-line a facility designed for Phosphorous removal for the permitted design flow of 1.25 MGD.

            Mr. Purcell stated that assuming NJDEP approves changing the use; he had a list of six steps that must be taken, which were enumerated in the attached letter.  Mr. Purcell went over

each of the six items.  Mr. Purcell stated that the Preliminary Order of Magnitude Cost Estimate for this conversion ranges from $310,000 to $530,000. 

            Mr. Purcell recommended that the Authority consider the construction of a new, properly sized, septage holding tank west of the influent pumping station which has a Preliminary Order of Magnitude Cost Estimate of between $245,000 and $380,000.

 

REPORTS

            Engineering

            Conversion of the Existing Phosphorus Reactor to a Septage Holding Tank Cont.

            Mr. Purcell suggested that as we have Stone Hill Contractors on site, you authorize us to talk with them in a preliminary way, informally, about what it would cost for them to renovate the Phosphorus reactor or build a new tank on the basis of a Change Order to their contract. 

            Comm. Covelli thanked Mr. Purcell for the preparation of this document.  There was discussion on the possible location of a new tank and Mr. White’s desire to keep the Phosphorus reactor available to him should we need to incorporate it into the flow train of the Authority.  There was discussion of whether the suggested location of a new tank would be in an environmentally sensitive area and if it would be necessary to get NJDEP approval. 

            The outcome of the discussions was that Mr. Purcell requested the Authority to authorize him to meet, on a preliminary basis, with Stone Hill Contractor (SHC) and ask them to consider what their cost would be for converting the Phosphorus reactor or building a new holding tank as a change order to their contract.  Mr. Purcell stated that he would like authorization of an amount not to exceed $5,000. to explore this with SHC and that the $5,000. would be applied against the cost of the Change Order, were that be the way chosen to go. 

            Comm. Bolduc stated that before we start spending our money he would like to see what the reaction of Pulte is.  Mr. White stated that he would address that at the upcoming meeting that he spoke about earlier.  Mr. White suggested that Comm. Covelli or another Commissioner be present at that meeting.  Mr. White stated that Mr. Carroll would be joining him in attending the meeting.  Chairman Hadley and Commissioner Covelli stated that they would like to attend that meeting.

            There was further discussion of the need to move as quickly as possible on this and it was decided that depending on the reaction of Pulte, that LTPA be authorized for up to $5,000. to approach SHC with the prospect of creating a change order for the construction of a new holding tank and the following motion was moved.

 

MOTION        Moved by Robert Moshman, 2nd by Patrick Murray to adopt a resolution authorizing Lee T. Purcell Associates to approach Stone Hill Contractors to consider creating a change order for the construction of a new septage holding tank conditioned upon the response and/or interest of Pulte and that there be an allocation of funds not to exceed $5,000. for this inquiry.

                        On Roll Call Commissioners Bolduc, Covelli, Hadley, Moshman and Murray voted yes.  Commissioner Elcavage was absent.

                                                                                                                        MOTION CARRIED

 

Mr. Purcell stated that his report was completed.

            Legal

            Wanaque Planning Board

            Mr. Miller reported everyone should have a copy of the Resolution that we received from the Wanaque Planning Board on the Sub-Division approval from the Borough of Wanaque.  Mr. Miller stated that unfortunately we received today a letter from the County of Passaic Planning Board stating that they found some errors in the calculations in Pulte’s plan that was submitted to the County and that need to be redone by Boswell.  Mr. Miller stated that once that is done and we can go before the county Planning Board.  Mr. Miller stated that this has to do with the exchange of the road property and the exchange of the other piece of property that prompted our need for a sub-division.  Mr. Miller reported that we are doing the work but Pulte is paying.  He stated that his firm is billing Pulte directly.  Mr. Miller stated that this should all be done within the next month or two.

 

RFEPORTS

            Legal Cont.

            Reorganization Meeting – Pay to Play Issue

            Mr. Miller reported that the Authority has two alternatives; of going with the “Fair and Open Proposal Awards”, where you solicit proposals from professionals that deals with non-bid professional agreements that are anticipated to exceed $17,500. over the period of one year or to go with the “Non Fair Open Award”.  Mr. Miller stated that in this case it would apply to himself, Mr. Purcell and Mr. Ferraioli.  In the case of the Non Fair Open Award the Authority would request certifications that we made no disqualifying contributions in the past twelve months.  He stated that in this case any 2005 contributions are safe that it would refer only to what has been contributed in the last 60 days or since January 1st, when the new law went into effect.  That certification would state that we made no disqualifying contributions and certify that we would not make such contributions during the course of the year. Mr. Miller stated that there is a form of certification and that he has been in discussion with Mr. Carroll both in terms of the forms that would be used and should you choose to go with the Fair and Open Proposal there is a manner in which we would advertise.  Mr. Miller stated that what we would do is not a bid proposal; you would advertise for a proposal containing things such as; experience and reputation in the field, knowledge of the agency, the substance of matter to be addressed by the agency, availability to accommodate meetings of the agency, compensation and other factors that should be considered.  Mr. Miller stated that those are some of the criteria that you would request   be in the proposal.  Mr. Miller stated that you would advertise for General Counsel, Engineer and Auditor.  Mr. Miller stated that there are two options and it is up to the Authority to choose which way to go.  Mr. Miller stated that the entities that you would have to deal with regarding disqualifying contributions would be any contributions made to political committees or candidates in Ringwood Borough, Wanaque Borough, West Milford Township or the County of Passaic.  Mr. Miller stated that the Authority should choose which route you are going to take tonight as the next meeting is the Reorganization Meeting and if you expect to appoint professionals at that time you would have to have these certifications at least 10 days in advance of the meeting or you would have to advertise for and solicit proposals.  Mr. Miller stated that he would work with Mr. Carroll, who is knowledgeable in this area.

            The Chairman asked what the pleasure of the Board was.  Discussion ensued.  The outcome of those discussions was that the Authority would go with the Fair and Open Proposal Award and that Mr. Miller be authorized to work with Mr. Carroll on preparing the Request for

Proposals.

 

MOTION        Moved by Frank Covelli, 2nd by Andrew Bolduc to adopt a resolution authorizing that the Authority choose to proceed with the Fair and Open Proposal Award format to be in compliance with the Pay to Play legislation and that Mr. Miller be authorized to work with Mr. Carroll on preparing the Request for Proposals.

                        On Roll Call Commissioners Bolduc, Covelli, Hadley, Moshman and Murray Voted yes.  Commissioner Elcavage was absent.

                                                                                                                        MOTION CARRIED

 

Mr. Miller stated that his report was completed

            Vouchers

            Comm. Covelli stated that he would like to go on the record that he is very appreciative of the Bill List and the description of items that was added.  Mrs. Maas stated that job was done by Mrs. Parrinello.  He stated that he would like to go on record in thanking her for that.

            Comm. Covelli stated that with that said he had some questions.  He asked if we had two copiers and Mrs. Maas responded yes.  Comm. Covelli asked Mr. White about a charge for an emergency generator and he wanted to know if that was to rent or buy the generator.  Mr. White explained that that was our service contract charge for our emergency generators.  Comm. Covelli questioned the bill for Honeywell.  He asked if that related to the air conditioning as we have a brand new boiler.  Mr. White explained that again it was a quarterly payment for the service contract which covers both.   Comm. Covelli questioned Mr. Purcell’s bill for Manhole Inspection and Mr. Miller’s bill for legal fee’s and asked if they were passed on to Pulte.  Mr. White stated yes they were.

 

REPORTS

            Vouchers Cont.

 

RE:       Vouchers M-9581 thru M-9619 - FY ‘06

                                                  M-9620 – FY ‘05

 

RESOLUTION – Read by Title

 

"RESOLUTION REQUISITIONING FROM THE REVENUE FUND TO THE REVOLVING FUND BY THE WANAQUE VALLEY REGIONAL SEWERAGE AUTHORITY ("AUTHORITY") PURSUANT TO SECTION 506 OF THE BOND RESOLUTION ENTITLED "RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS OF THE WANAQUE VALLEY REGIONAL SEWERAGE AUTHORITY AND FOR THE RIGHTS OF THE HOLDERS THEREOF, AND AUTHORIZING $12,500,000.00 PRINCIPAL AMOUNT THEREOF ("RESOLUTION") ADOPTED BY THE AUTHORITY ON AUGUST 26, 1987, AS AMENDED OR SUPPLEMENTED THEREAFTER"

 

MOTION        Moved by Frank Covelli, 2nd by Robert Moshman to adopt a resolution to approve payment of Vouchers M-9581 thru M-9619 for FY '06 and Voucher #9620 – FY ‘05 all payments to be subject to availability of funds                                                                   

                        On Roll Call Commissioners Bolduc, Covelli, Hadley, Moshman and Murray voted yes. Commissioner Elcavage was absent.

                                                                                                            MOTION CARRIED

 

OLD BUSINESS

            The Chairman asked if there was anything to discuss under Old Business.  When there was no response he stated that he would move on to New business.

 

NEW BUSINESS

            Comm. Moshman stated that he would like to welcome Mr. Bolduc to our Authority.  The other Commissioners seconded Comm. Moshman’s welcome.

 

PUBLIC PORTION

            The Chairman opened the floor to anyone that wished to address the Board.

            Daniel Mahler, Liaison to the Wanaque Mayor and Council.  Mr. Mahler asked, with regard to the access road; was Pulte giving the entire road to the Authority.  Mr. Miller stated he believes that it begins approximately where their gate house will be.  Mr. Miller also stated that the WVRSA is going to dedicate the entire road to the town that is the part of Highland Avenue up to the point where it turns off to come in here.  From that point on it will be long to Pulte and from the turn off will belong to the Authority. 

            Victor Calabrese, Resident of Haskell.  Mr. Calabrese stated that he has one question on this Wastewater Management Plan.  He stated that he heard a lot of discussion on different ways to approach Ringwood’s not responding to us.  Mr. Calabrese wanted to know why doesn’t a representative of this Authority go to their Public Meeting and demand an answer.  He feels that we should put the cards on the table and tell them that they will be in trouble with the DEP unless they cooperate.  Discussion followed.

 

MOTION        Moved by Patrick Murray, 2nd by Robert Moshman to adopt a resolution to close

                        the Public Portion of the meeting.

                        On Roll Call Commissioners Bolduc, Covelli, Hadley, Moshman and Murray

                        voted yes.  Commissioner Elcavage was absent.

                                                                                                                        MOTION CARRIED

 

 

ADJOURN

 

MOTION        Moved by Frank Covelli, 2nd by Robert Moshman to adopt a resolution to adjourn this meeting.

                        On Roll Call Commissioners Bolduc, Covelli, Hadley, Moshman and Murray voted yes. Commissioner Elcavage was absent.

 

                                                                                                                        MOTION CARRIED

The meeting was concluded at 8:00 P.M.

 

 

Minutes respectively submitted by,

Margaret M. Maas, Recording Secretary