WANAQUE VALLEY
REGIONAL SEWERAGE AUTHORITY

MINUTES

Regular Meeting
March 25, 2009

The WANAQUE VALLEY REGIONAL SEWERAGE AUTHORITY conducted a Regular Meeting, which commence at 6:12 PM, in the Wanaque Valley Regional Sewerage Authority Administration Building, Wanaque, New Jersey with Chairman, Frank Covelli presiding.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Mrs. Maas, Recording Secretary 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 Herald News, the Trends and the Record. A copy of the Notice will be filed with the minutes of this meeting.

SALUTE TO THE FLAG

The Chairman led the Salute to the Flag.

ROLL CALL

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

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

James Kelly, P.E., Boswell Engineering

Gregory White, Facilities Manager

Margaret Maas, Recording Secretary

CORRESPONDENCE

The Chairman stated that everyone has in their folder a copy of the Correspondence List for the periods of 02-17-09 to 03-17-09. He asked if anyone had any corrections comments or questions regarding this list. Upon receiving no response he stated that the Correspondence List would be placed on file.

MINUTES REORGANIZATION MEETING MINUTES 02-25-09

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 02-25-09

The Chairman asked if everyone has had time to review the above stated minutes and asked if anyone had any corrections, comments or deletions. Upon receiving no response, The Chairman stated that he would entertain a motion accepting and adopting these meeting minutes.

MINUTES Cont.

MOTION Moved by Robert Moshman, 2nd by Andrew Bolduc to adopt a Resolution accepting and approving the February 25, 2009 Reorganization Minutes as presented.

The Chairman asked if there were any corrections, additions or deletions.

Upon hearing none the Chairman asked for all those in favor to signify so by saying Aye.

Commissioners Bolduc, Clark, Hadley, Moshman, Murray and Covelli all stated Aye.

MOTION CARRIED

MOTION Moved by Robert Hadley, 2nd by Patrick Murray to adopt a Resolution

accepting and approving the February 25, 2009 Regular Minutes as presented.

The Chairman asked if there were any corrections additions or deletions.

Upon hearing none the Chairman asked for all those in favor to signify so by saying Aye.

Commissioners Bolduc, Clark, Hadley, Moshman, Murray and Covelli all stated Aye.

MOTION CARRIED

MINUTES CLOSED SESSION MINUTES – 10-29-08

The Chairman stated that these minutes will be discussed during a Closed Session later this evening and there will be action taken upon them upon return to Open Session.

COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

The Chairman stated that at the Reorganization Meeting last month, he asked if anyone wished to change their services on the committees and that he had also asked Commissioner Clark to review last year's list and to insert his name wherever Commissioner Bigger's name was listed. Commissioner Clark stated that he had already done so and that had no problem with being appointed to those positions. The Chairman asked if there were any suggestions or changes to be made. Upon hearing none, the Chairman stated that the committee appointment list will be the same for fiscal year 2009 as it was for 2008 with the exception of Commissioner Clark replacing Commissioner Bigger. The Chairman asked that the new list be attached to the inside of each Commissioner’s folder. (Copy attached).

CONSENT AGENDA

The Chairman asked if there was anything to be added or deleted from the Consent Agenda. The Chairman stated that we will be addressing Resolutions #20-09 through 22-09.

Commissioner Bolduc asked, with regard to Resolution #22-09, did the Authority plan on taking action on this resolution this evening. There was discussion and it was decided that Resolution #22-09 was to be struck from the Consent Agenda, until a later date.

The Chairman stated that there will be reports on this item later this evening.

REPORTS

Facilities Manager

Monthly - Noise an Odor Control Report – Update

Mr. White reported that there has been new media placed in all the odor control units. He stated that we utilized our last service day with Purafil on Monday. Mr. White reported that the manufacturer, Purafil, sent a service representative from Georgia to look at all the units and to make any recommendations. Mr. White stated that they also performed air flow testing through the units and that all units tested out well. Mr. White reported that the service date was a part of our previous contract and if we had not used that day by the end of this month we would have lost it. Mr. White stated that the units are running fine.

PMK Energy Consultant – Update

Mr. White stated that he received a couple of updates today: the Greenhouse Gas Emission Evaluation has been completed. He stated that it is in the mail to us at this time.

Mr. White stated that he was promised an e-mail report but that his computer was down and he was unable to receive that report.

Mr. White stated that with regard to the Energy Co-Op, there is a two page Email update report in everyone's folder this evening. Mr. White stated that the entities that are confirmed, not interested and those that have not yet responded. Mr. White then read the list aloud.

Members Confirmed Not Interested No Response as of 3/12/09

Borough of Wanaque Wanaque Boro Sewerage Auth. Pompton Lakes MUA

West Milford MUA Borough of Ramsey West Milford Twp.

Haledon Borough Wantage Twp Prospect Park Boro

City of Garfield Borough of Saddle River

Andover Township Byrams Twp

Bernards Twp

REPORTS

Facilities Manager

PMK Energy Consultant – Update

Energy Co-Op, Cont.

The Chairman stated in recapping it appears that we have secured five entities that have stated their interest and if we include the Wanaque Borough Sewerage Authority the East Orange Water Commission and the City of East Orange, which would bring us up to eight. The Chairman stated that he feels that we need a follow-up contact for those that have not responded, in particular Pompton Lakes MUA. Mr. White stated that he would speak with Mr. Garner tomorrow regarding this. The Chairman asked the Commissioners from the Township of West Milford if they could reach out to their Township Commissioners to see if we could get them on board also.

Mr. White stated that he recommended to Mr. Garner, the client manager at Birdsall Service Group, that he contact the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission, would be a major user of the electric and natural gas.

The Chairman asked if there was a time frame, in which we must get this program up and running. Mr. White said he did not know, nor is he aware of any time frame connected here.

Geothermal Feasibility Study

Mr. White stated that there is a report in everyone's folder regarding the Geothermal Feasibility Study. Mr. White stated that there is a proposal that states the need for a test well to be drilled; it would be 300 ft to 500 ft deep and there are data recordings to be taken at various depths within the ground. Mr. White stated that, based upon their findings, they will determine whether the system would be feasible. Mr. White stated that they have provided a proposal with a fixed fee of $18,000.00 to drill this test well. Mr. White stated that this proposal was received a month ago and is up before the Board now for discussion on where and how to proceed from here.

The Chairman asked if the cost of this would fall into the Federal Stimulus Funds we have requested. Mr. Kelly, of Boswell Engineering, stated that he was not sure because it falls into the category of a study. The Chairman asked if this well can be used for anything else. Mr. White stated no, as per last sentence on the first page of this report. There was additional discussion on this topic and the outcome was that the proposal be tabled until the next meeting of the Authority. The Chairman directed Mr. Kelly to add/include this proposal in the project requested for the Federal Stimulus funds.

REPORTS

Facilities Manager

C P R Recertification

Mr. White reported that our two-year Certification for the employees, who were certified for Heartsaver First-Aid course which includes adult and infant CPR, expires next month. Mr. White stated that he would like to get approval from the Board to have the employees recertified. Mr. White stated that the certification is performed by professionals from Chilton Memorial Hospital. Mr. White stated that they come here and perform this certification right here in this room. Mr. White stated that we usually ask if members of Wanaque Borough or the Wanaque Borough Sewerage Authority or any other interested parties would like to join us. Mr. White stated that the cost of the Recertification is $75.00 per student and it is for a two-year Certification. Mr. White stated that this course also includes instruction and recertification for the A E D unit. Commissioner Bolduc commented that as we do have that unit, it wouldn’t do anyone any good unless we have the people available certified and knowledgeable in using it.

Mr. White stated that this is also available to any of the members of the Board of this Authority that would wish to take the course and that Chairman Covelli took the course the last time we offered it. Mr. White stated that we usually have 12 students taking the course, which at $75.00 each or approximately $900.00. Mr. White stated that there is money in our budget, training line-item to cover this cost and any students outside the Authority would be paying their own way. After additional discussion the following motion was moved.

MOTION Moved by Harry Clark, 2^nd by Patrick Murray to adopt a Resolution

authorizing Mr. White make the necessary arrangements to hold

the C P R Recertification course and approving the funding.

The Chairman asked that all those in favor to signify so by saying Aye.

Commissioners Bolduc, Clark, Hadley, Moshman, Murray and Covelli

all stated Aye.

MOTION CARRIED

Ringwood Borough – James Drive Sewerage Treatment Plant – RFP

Mr. White stated that we have a written request from Deputy Borough Manager, Scott Heck, with regard to exploring the possibility of shared services between the WVRSA and the Borough of Ringwood with regard to the operation of the James Drive Sewerage Treatment Plant. Mr. White stated that he has prepared an initial proposal which was sent home to all the Commissioners in their pre meeting package.

REPORTS

Facilities Manager

Ringwood Borough – James Drive Sewerage Treatment Plant – RFP Cont.

Mr. White asked the Board if they would like to discuss this matter now or would they prefer to address it in Closed Session. Mr. White stated that he also had additional copies, for reference, here this evening. The consensus of the Board was that it be held until Closed Session, along with the West Milford proposal.

Revenue

Mr. White reported that the truck activity has picked up quite a bit with the good weather, but we're still lagging behind last year's revenue. Mr. White stated that the plant is running extremely well. He stated that he had a few minor problems but everything is function well.

Personnel Committee

Mr. White stated that he has received a request from the employee's for a meeting with the Personnel Committee, regarding several items. Mr. White reported that this Authority is required to start complying with the N.J. Paid Family Leave Act. Mr. White stated that he has drafted an initial section to our Personnel Policy Manual regarding this Act. Mr. White stated that Mr. Miller has not yet had the opportunity to review this document. He stated that as soon as this document is approved; the committee members will be contacted to set up a meeting. Mr. White stated that this needs to be ready by July 1, 2009.

Accounting

The Chairman stated that there is nothing to report from the Auditor other than what Mr. Miller will report on during his portion of the meeting.

Engineering

Mr. Kelly of Boswell Engineering reported that the submission of our project was made on March 2, 2009. He stated that the next step was for the financial application form, which was a package to be submitted by Bond Counsel, which originally had to be submitted by March 23, 2009. Mr. Kelly stated that the state has revised that submittal date to the end of April, because of other situations and the back up due to the fact that they were so inundated with applications.

Mr. Kelly stated that while that process is going on we have what we understand to be is a final proposal of a 50% Grant and a 50% Loan.

Mr. Miller reported that this afternoon he had a conversation with Congressman Roe to get an update on the Grant Status. Congressman Roe stated, as of last Friday, it was still undecided; but he believed to it would not be any greater than a 50% Grant. Mr. Kelly concurred with the information Mr. Miller had received from Congressman Roe and agreed that it is still pending. He stated we're in a wait-and-see position, but he does not believe we will have to wait too long for an answer; New Jersey wants to get its money. Mr. Kelly stated with all that in mind; we are ready.

REPORTS

Engineering Cont.

Mr. Kelly stated that he would like, at this time, to summarize the project. He had with him a visual depiction of the treatment plant with the improvements indicated by different colored markings, which he went over in detail for the Commissioners and the public.

The items Mr. Kelly identified and described were:

1) Septage Receiving Facility - moved to the southwest corner of the property

2) Roll -off Area - for grit storage

3) Aeration system improvement

4) Sludge Loading Area improvement

5) Improvement to the old access road area of the facility

6) Milling and repaving of the facility

7) Safety painting – to eliminate slippage – Clarifier decking

8) UV Disinfection System- replacement of units 1 and 2

9) Security issues - new lighting and six security cameras to be installed

and tied into the Scada system to properly monitor the facility

10) Lighting Upgrade - energy conservation and security

11) Oil-Water Separator- replacement

12) Inclusion of a new hydraulic grinder for the Influent Pumping Station

13) Scada System - The Scada system will take us to the next step in facilitating future plant operation.

The Chairman stated that he would like noted that another part of the Security issue that has not been mentioned yet is the changing of all the doorframes and the installation of doors that are lockable in order to secure the buildings whether manned or unmanned.

Mr. Kelly stated that there will also be work to be done at the Haskell Pump station;

1) installation of a new grinder system

2) installation of an aluminum access hatch

3) the installation of a security camera, which will also be tied into the Scada

system

Mr. Kelly stated that here at the facility there is a chemical storage tank near the Influent building that has not been used for a long time that will be removed. Mr. Kelly stated that we will also be receiving some additional spare parts for the UV system and for the grinder.

REPORTS

Engineering Cont.

Mr. Kelly stated that the cost of the project is $2,000,000.00. Mr. Kelly stated that the issue with the aerators is something that we should discuss. He stated that Mr. White needs to be able to increase the DO in each of the basins, in order to comply with the parameters of our permit. Mr. Kelly stated that originally we had included this in the project, but we soon realized that we could not wait for the project to start in order to get this portion completed in time to realize its effectiveness. Mr. Kelly stated that we have since requested, the DEP to move forward with this portion of the project. He stated that if we waited for the entire project to be approved and funded, do to the amount of applications that have been presented, we probably would not get the attention this project needs.

Commissioner Bolduc asked what would be the down side of waiting.

Mr. Kelly stated that is basically a time constraint, we need to be able to go out for bids and secure permits; as we need this improvement operational for the months of July and August. He stated that if we do not there's a chance that Mr. White will not be able to meet the parameters of his Permit and this Authority could be subjected to fines.

Commissioner Bolduc asked if we did all of those improvements, would it make it possible to do away with a night crew and just function with an alarm system. Mr. Kelly stated possibly yes, but that would be a subject of discussion for Mr. White and the Commissioners to address. Mr. Kelly stated that regardless of that, this Authority will still end up with a state of the art facility.

The Chairman thanked Mr. Kelly for shepherding us through this, from concept to ready to go. The Chairman stated that one of the things that we need to decide tonight is the issue of the Supplemental Aeration. He stated that we are at the point tonight where we need to decide whether to get this done now or wait yet another year The Chairman stated that his concern is - are we being too optimistic in believing that we are going to get 50% of our entire project funded. He stated he is concerned that the State my not approve the entire project, that they may deny certain portions of it and asked Mr. Kelly what his opinion was on this matter. Mr. Kelly stated that if the State were to chop away at this project the items that he could see them removing would be the Geothermal Well, the road repair and the grinder for the Influent pump station. Mr. Kelly stated that his personal belief is that we are in good shape. He stated that we are shovel ready, unlike some of the other projects that have been presented to the State, and he believes that all of the elements are good to go.

REPORTS

Engineering Cont.

Commissioner Moshman asked if there was a cost from fines issued for failure to comply with our NJPED Permit. Mr. Kelly stated that yes there could be fines in connection with failure to comply with the DO parameter.

Commissioner Bolduc complemented Mr. Kelly on his presentation and on the drawing of the facility and the detailing of the project.

The Chairman stated that he feels that the overall feeling of the Board is that we believe the project to be intact. The Chairman stated that should the pre-award approval come from the State, regarding the supplemental aeration work and the funding has been put into place, that the Board authorize Mr. Miller, himself, Mr. White and Mr. Kelly to proceed, between the meetings, to go to bid for the supplemental aeration portion of the project, if that should become a reality.

MOTION Moved by Andrew Bolduc, 2^nd by Harry Clark to adopt a Resolution authorizing The Chairman, Mr. Miller, Mr. White and Mr. Kelly to advertise for Bid, the supplemental aeration work, should the Authority be notified by the State that said work has been pre-approved for funding.

On Roll Call Commissioners Bolduc, Clark, Hadley, Moshman, Murray and Covelli all voted yes.

MOTION CARRIED

Mr. Kelly stated that his report was completed. The Chairman asked if anyone had any additional questions for Mr. Kelly. Upon hearing none he moved on to Old Business

OLD BUSINESS

The Chairman asked if there was anything to be addressed under Old Business. Upon hearing no response, the Chairman stated he would move on to New Business.

NEW BUSINESS

The Chairman asked if there was anything to be addressed under New Business.

Upon hearing no response, the Chairman stated that he realized that he skipped over the Legal Report and asked Mr. Miller for his report this time.

REPORTS

Legal

Bond Sale

Mr. Miller reported that he had met with Mr. Ferraioli and Mr. Bienfield, our Bond Counsel and that he was happy to report that the Authority got an A+ Standard and Poor's rating. Mr. Miller stated that it appears that we will be able to go forward with both issues. Mr. Miller stated that hopefully they will be selling those bonds early next week, unless something drastic happens with the rates, we will be able to sell both the refinancing and the project bonds.

Mr. Miller stated that if we are able to go through with both Bond Issues plus get the Federal Stimulus Funds; the loan aspect of the program will be taken care of out of other funds available. Mr. Miller stated that Mr. Ferraioli is working on this with Mr. Bienfield. Mr. Miller stated that our Bond Sales do not require amortization; it is a deferred amortization program. Mr. Miller stated that we will have the funds on hand to pay the loan without having to raise the sewer rates.

The Chairman and Mr. Miller gave a further explanation of the process that he along with Mr. Kelly, Mr. Ferraioli and Mr. Bienfield have been working on to enable this Authority to move forward with this project, secure the funding via the Federal Stimulus program, and have there be no residual costs to the rate payers.

Mr. Miller reported that Bond Counsel has requested, of the Local Finance Board, an extension of time for completing the refinancing, due to the state of the economy. He stated that they have granted us an additional year, should it be necessary.

Mr. Miller stated that his report was completed

PUBLIC PORTION

The Chairman stated that anyone wishing to address this Board please come forward and identify themselves for the record.

John Di Meglio – Resident of Wanaque. Mr. Di Meglio asked, with regard to this project, what will happen if we do not get the Federal Stimulus funds, where is the money coming from to complete the project. The Chairman informed Mr. Di Meglio we would use the money that we get from selling the Bonds, which was the original plan. Mr. Di Meglio asked the Chairman what was the estimated cost of this project. He was informed to $2,000,000.00.

The Chairman asked if there was anyone else that wishes to address the Board. Upon hearing no response, he asked for a motion to close the Public Portion.

PUBLIC PORTION Cont.

MOTION Moved by Robert Hadley, 2^nd by Harry Clark to adopt a Resolution

authorizing closing the Public Portion of this meeting.

The Chairman asked for all those in favor to signify so by saying Aye.

Commissioners Bolduc, Clark, Hadley, Moshman, Murray and Covelli all stated Aye.

MOTION CARRIED

CONSENT AGENDA

The Chairman stated that at this time we will vote on the Consent Agenda, which consists of: Resolution # 20-09 - Voucher Payments. The Chairman stated that Commissioner Bolduc has reviewed the Vouchers, Commissioners Hadley and Murray have signed the checks and that everything is in order. The Chairman stated that Resolutions #21-09 and #22-09 have been removed from the Consent Agenda.

MOTION Moved by Robert Moshman. 2^nd by Robert Hadley to adopt Resolution # 20-09 Vouchers – M-11282 – M-11328 Fiscal Year’09 and authorize payment.

On Roll Call Commissioners Bolduc, Clark, Hadley, Moshman, Murray and Covelli all voted yes.

MOTION CARRIED

CLOSED SESSION

The Chairman asked for a motion to go into Closed Session for the purpose of contract negotiations with Ringwood and West Milford. The Chairman also stated that Mr. Kelly would not be needed in the Closed Session and would be excused .

MOTION Moved by Harry Clark , 2^nd by Andrew Bolduc to adopt a Resolution

authorizing going into Closed Session for the purpose of contract negotiations with Ringwood and West Milford.

It is believed there will be action taken upon the return to Open Session .

The Chairman asked for all those in favor to signify so by saying Aye .

Commissioners Bolduc, Clark , Hadley , Moshman, Murray and Covelli

all stated Aye .

MOTION CARRIED

Closed Session commenced at 7:30 PM and was concluded at 8:30 PM with the following motion .

MOTION Moved by Robert Hadley, 2^nd by Robert Moshman to adopt a Resolution to return to Open Session.

The Chairman asked Roll those in favor to signify so by saying Aye .

Commissioners Bolduc, Clark, Hadley , Moshman, Murray and Covelli

all stated Aye.

MOTION CARRIED

OPEN SESSION

The Chairman stated we are about to return to Open Session it is 8:30 PM and all that were present before are present still .

Ringwood Borough – James Drive Sewerage Treatment Plant – RFP

The Chairman asked, based on our discussions, is there any action to be taken with respect to the Borough of Ringwood’s request for the WVRSA to operate and maintain the James Drive Treatment Plant.

MOTION Moved by Robert Moshman, 2^nd by Harry Clark to adopt a Resolution

authorizing Mr. White to submit a proposal to Ringwood Borough for the operation and maintenance of the James Drive Treatment Plant at a cost of $27,000.00. The contract will provide that the plant contain remote monitoring, and also the Lab Work, Sludge Disposal and structured Maintenance Fees and will be for the term of one (1) year.