WANAQUE VALLEY
REGIONAL SEWERAGE AUTHORITY

 

MINUTES

 

Regular Meeting

March 26, 2008

 

 

The WANAQUE VALLEY REGIONAL SEWERAGE AUTHORITY conducted a Regular Meeting, which commenced act 6:05 p.m. in the Wanaque Valley Regional Sewerage Authority Administration Building, Wanaque New Jersey with Chairman, Covelli, presiding.

 

ANNOUNCEMENT

Mrs. Maas, Recording Secretary, read the following the announcement. 

 

This is the Regular Meeting of the Wanaque Valley Regional Sewerage Authority.  In accordance with the Open Public Meetings 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.

 

FLAG SALUTE

                The Chairman led the Salute to the flag.

 

ROLL CALL

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

Commissioners absent:       Thomas Bigger

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

                                    James Kelly, P.E., Boswell Engineering

                                    Virginia Forde, Risk Management Consultant, McCarthy Forde, LLC

                                                Gregory White, Facilities Manager

                                                Margaret Maas, Recording Secretary

 

REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA

                The Chairman asked if everyone has had a chance to review the consent agenda.  The Chairman stated if there were no deletions or amendments, that we would be voting on the Agenda later in the meeting.  The Chairman stated that as no one has offered any that he would move on to reports.

 

REPORTS

                Facilities Manager

                Noise and Odor Control Report – Update

Mr. White stated that he has ordered replacement media for all odor control units where the media has been exhausted. He stated the new media should be here early next week and as soon as it arrives it will be placed in the unit's so that we have fresh media for the warm weather.  Mr. White stated that we are also going to be changing carbon in all the carbon canisters on the vent pipes and manholes. He stated the work will be done within the next two weeks.

Alum Bid

Mr. White stated that the bids for Furnishing and Delivering Liquid Aluminum Sulfate Solution (Alum) were received and opened today, March 26, 2008.  Mr. White explained that we use the liquid Aluminum Sulfate Solution for phosphorus removal here at the plant, because we have a very stringent phosphorus limit in our permit. Mr. White stated that in the past we have always had two bidders and it was no different today, we had the same two bidders. Mr. White stated that the lowest bid received was from General Chemical at $330.00 per Dry Ton.  He stated that we are currently paying $233.00 per Dry Ton.    Mr. White stated that the bid packages have been sent to Mr. Carroll's office for review, and then will be forwarded to Mr. Miller's office for review also.

                Subsequently, Mr. White stated the above referenced low bid represents a $15,000 increase in annual alum costs.

Energy Efficiency Audit (EEA)

                Mr. White reported that P M K group, were authorized to perform an energy efficiency audit for us, had an engineer from their firm here on site this week. Mr. White reported that he did a very thorough evaluation of the facility and he will be forwarding the final report and recommendations to us within two to three weeks.

                Plant Flow, Operations and Revenue - Update

                Mr. White reported that the flow coming into the plant the last month and a half have been very high due to the wet weather and snow melt. He reported that the ground water conditions are high and the Wanaque Reservoir is at greater than 90% capacity, which equates to prime I & I conditions. 

                Mr. White stated that the plant is operating extremely well.  He stated that we have had to close the plant to truckers for a total of almost two weeks over the past months, because we cannot handle any additional flow, therefore, the revenues are likewise down. 

                Mr. White stated that his report was completed.

The Chairman asked if anyone had any questions for Mr. White

 

REPORTS

                Facilities Manager   Cont.

Commissioner Bolduc asked Mr. White if he had received a letter from Mrs. Schlagel, regarding some cleanout caps that are missing.  Mr. White stated that he did receive a letter regarding an address on Mullen Avenue that was missing a cleanout cap, but that was the only one mentioned in the letter. The cap was immediately replaced.  Commissioner Bolduc stated he believes there may be several similar situations.                 

                Accounting

                The Chairman stated there is no accounting report this evening, but he sees in his folder a letter that Mr. Ferraioli has sent to the Local Finance Board.  The chairman asked Mr. White if these numbers were in line with what was discussed at the previous meeting, which is the $2,500,000.00 in Revenue Bonds and $6,500,000.00 in Refunding Bonds.  Mr. White and Mr. Miller confirmed to the Chairman that those numbers were correct.

                Engineering

                Mr. Kelly stated that as you may recall at the last meeting the Authority authorized us to proceed with the Supplemental Aeration for the Oxidation Ditch process. Mr. Kelly stated that that is now in the works and at the next meeting he will be giving you a report on the progress and that he would be asking for authorization to advertise for bids on the project.  Mr. Kelly stated that hopefully we will receive the bids shortly thereafter.  We will then review those bids and come up with a recommendation for the Authority.

                Mr. Kelly reported that he is giving some thought to the tree plantings and the project seems to be evolving at this point. He stated he has several thoughts on the matter, which he will be happy to discuss when the topic is addressed.

                April Meeting Date

The Chairman stated that with regard to Mr. Kelly’s report he is concerned with the date of the next meeting of the Authority as he will be out of town on the 4th Wednesday of April, which is spring break for the kids and asked for discussion on moving the meeting date.

                Mr. Kelly expressed his concern that the meeting be held in April because at that meeting he would be asking for authorization to advertise for bids for the Supplemental Aeration Project, with said bids to be submitted in mid-May and hopefully be awarded at the May meeting.

                Mr. White suggested either the 16th of April or the 30th.  Mr. Kelly suggested that the Board could move a motion to authorize Mr. White, Mr. Carroll and Mr. Miller to proceed with the Bid process for the Supplemental Aeration Project before the actual meeting.  Discussion followed.  The outcome of the discussion was that the April meeting date would be moved to the 30th and that Mrs. Parrinello be advised to advertise that change.

 

MOTION               Moved by Robert Hadley, 2nd by Patrick Murray to adopt Resolution # 33-08 to authorize Mr. White, Facilities Manager, Thomas Carroll, Certified Public Purchasing Agent, Richard Miller, Counsel and William Kelly, Engineer to proceed with the Bid Process for the Supplemental Aeration Project, at their earliest convenience.

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

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

                                were no Nays or Abstentions.  Commissioner Bigger was absent.

                                                                                                                                                MOTION CARRIED

 

The Chairman asked if anyone had any questions or comments on Mr. Kelley's report. Upon hearing none he stated that he would move on to the Legal Report.

                Legal

                Mr. Miller stated that with regard to the Borough of Ringwood litigation; he spoke with Richard Clemak, Borough Counsel, today and he stated that the check was put in the mail today.  Mr. Miller stated that when the check has been received and cleared he will dismiss the lawsuit.

 

The Chairman asked if anyone had any questions or comments on Mr. Miller’s report.  Upon hearing none he stated that he would move on to the Risk Management Consultant Report.

                Risk Management Consultant

                The Chairman introduced Virginia Forde, of McCarthy Forde, LLC.  Ms. Ford stated that she doesn’t get to spend much time here, which should be taken as a complement to this Authority, because you handle the issues in an appropriate manner.  Therefore, we do not see a lot of claims; we don't see a lot of lawsuits that shouldn't have happened because of improper procedures.  Ms. Forde stated that as a Risk Manager that is very gratifying to have that kind of a client.

                Ms. Forde thanked the Authority for her reappointment. She stated she has one project in the works which is the exploration of a Section 125 Plan for your employees.  Ms. Forde stated that she has gotten information from two potential vendors and is the awaiting information from a third one. Ms. Ford stated that she preferred not to comment until she has all three plans in hand.  She went on to explain the concept of a 125 Plan.

                Discussion ensued on the structure of a 125 Plan and its advantages and disadvantages.

 

REPORTS

                Risk Management Consultant Cont.

                 Ms. Forde stated that she will be back as soon as she has the third quote to do a comparison for the Commissioners and then a presentation for the employees.  She also stated that she would be back in the fall to do another safety committee presentation.  Ms. Forde commended the Commissioners and Mr. White on the safety record of the Authority. She stated the Authority’s accident frequency is very gratifying to see that people are paying attention to the programs that are presented to them.

                Ms. Forde stated that her report was completed. The Chairman asked if anyone had any questions on Ms. Forde’s report.  Upon hearing none he moved on to Old Business.

 

OLD BUSINESS

                Committee Appointments  

                Chairman Covelli stated that in everyone's folders this evening is listing of Appointed Committee member, which was held over from the Reorganization Meeting last month.  The Chairman asked if everyone has had an opportunity to review the list.  He stated that he believed that it shows everyone to be in the same positions as last year, with the addition of Mr. Bigger replacing Mr. Elcavage in the positions he held. The Chairman asked if there was anyone that wished to change, add, delete or amend this list.  

                Commissioner Moshman requested, in the absence of Tom Bigger, that the Chairman place Mr. Bigger on the Personnel Committee and remove him from the same.  The Chairman asked if anyone had any problem with the chang.  Upon receiving none, the Chairman  stated that the Personnel Committee would now consist of Patrick Murray, as Chairman; with Frank Covelli and Thomas Bigger as Committee Members and with Andrew Bolduc as an Alternate Member.  

                The Chairman then asked Commissioner Moshman if he would consent to having his name added to the Safety Committee.  Commissioner Moshman agreed.  The Chairman stated that this would now be made a permanent part of the records.

 

NEW BUSINESS

                The Chairman asked if there was anything to be discussed under New Business.  Upon receiving no response, the Chairman stated he would open the meeting to the public for their comments and questions

 

PUBLIC PORTION

                The Chairman stated that anyone wishing to address this board to please step up to the microphone and identify themselves for the record.

                Paul Farrantino, 8323 Warrens Way, Wanaque.  Mr. Farrantino stated that as you know we have had some Good Neighbor Meetings and at the last one there was an agreement that we would try to get the landscaping project under way by April.  Mr. Farrantino stated so far he did not see anything on the table that is leading us to that point that we can do this by April. Therefore we're wondering where we are at. Mr. Farrantino stated that Mr. Kelly, during his report mentioned something about it, but asked if someone could elaborate upon this. 

                Discussion followed on what has transpired since the last meeting regarding the landscape/tree issue and the size of the trees.  Also; discussion followed concerning the location of proposed tree plantings and the Authority’s concerns regarding plant security

                William Holt – 8319 Warrens Way - Mr. Holt asked, for his clarification and understanding of what was just said - that the Authority is going to put together a layout of potential trees and then review it with the Homeowners Committee; when is that going to happen.  The Chairman stated possibly next month. Mr. Holt stated that probably they would not be planted this year.  Mr. Holt stated he can say based upon the way he has seen things move that next month there will be something - some sort of delay etc. and the trees will not be planted this year. Mr. Holt stated that to quote one gentleman that spoke before you comment “if you wanted this to happen it would”.  Mr. Holt stated that he is not confident that this will happen this spring as we have been looking forward to.  He stated this sounds like there's still much confusion on who's doing what.   Discussion continued regarding the tree plantings and landscape issue.

 

The Chairman asked if there was anyone else that wish to address this Board.  Upon hearing no response he asked for a motion to close the public portion.

 

MOTION               Moved by Robert Hadley, 2nd by Andrew Bolduc to adopt a resolution authorizing closing of the public portion of this meeting.

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

                                Commissioners Bolduc, Hadley, Moshman, Murray and Covelli all stated Aye. There were no Nays or Abstentions.  Commissioner Bigger was absent.

                                                                                                                                                MOTION CARRIED

 

 

CONSENT AGENDA

                The Chairman stated that he needed a motion to accept the Consent Agenda. 

 

MOTION               Moved Andrew Bolduc, 2nd by Robert Hadley to adopt a resolution adopting and approving all items on the Consent Agenda containing the following Resolutions.

                                No. 28-08 – Correspondence – 02-21-08 – 03-18-08

                                   29-08 – February 26, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes

                                                -  February 26, 2008 Reorganization Meeting Minutes

                                      30-08 - Vouchers – M-10754 – M-10811

                                                     NOTE:  Payment subject to availability of funds

                                       31-08 – Alum Bid Award – subject to Mr. Carroll’s and Mr. Miller’s approval

                                   32-08 – Committee Appointments

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

                                voted yes.  Commissioner Bigger was absent.

                                                                                                                                                MOTION CARRIED

 

                The Chairman asked if there was any other business to come before this Board.  He stated that hearing none he would entertain a motion to adjourn this meeting.

 

MOTION               Moved by Patrick Murray, 2nd by Andrew Bolduc to adopt a resolution to adjourn

                                this meeting.

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

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

                                were no Nays or Abstentions.  Commissioner Bigger was absent.

                                                                                                                                                MOTION CARRIED

 

The meeting was adjourned at 6:58 PM.

 

Minutes respectfully submitted by,

Margaret M. Maas, Recording Secretary