REGIONAL SEWERAGE AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 26, 2006
MINUTES
The WANAQUE VALLEY REGIONAL SEWERAGE AUTHORITY conducted a
Regular Meeting, which commenced at
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Hadley with a Salute to the Flag.
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
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Frank Covelli, Robert Hadley, Robert Moshman and Patrick Murray
Commissioners Absent: Andrew Bolduc, Joseph Elcavage
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
CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence
List for
The Chairman stated that if there were no comments or questions on any of the Correspondence, he would declare that they be placed on file.
MINUTES
Regular
Meeting –
The Chairman asked if anyone had any questions or comments
on the Regular Meeting Minutes of
MOTION Moved by Frank Covelli, 2nd by Robert Hadley to adopt a resolution accepting the Regular Meeting Minutes of February 22, 2006 as presented.
On Roll Call Commissioners Covelli, Hadley, Moshman and Murray voted yes.
Commissioners Bolduc and Elcavage were absent.
MOTION
CARRIED
Reorganization
Meeting –
The Chairman asked if anyone had any questions or comments
on the Reorganization Meeting Minutes of
MOTION Moved by Patrick Murray, 2nd by Robert Hadley to adopt a resolution accepting the Reorganization Meeting Minutes of February 22, 2006 as presented.
On Roll Call Commissioners Covelli, Hadley, Moshman and Murray voted yes.
Commissioners Bolduc and Elcavage were absent.
MOTION
CARRIED
REPORTS
Facilities
Manager
Capacity
Assurance Program (CAP)
Mr. White reported that he filed the CAP report for the period of January thru March 2006. Mr. White stated that the report reflected that we have a negative 113,000 gpd capacity at this facility. He stated that we are still in the negative mode and the reason for that is that January was the highest monthly flow average on record we have had here. Mr. White stated that that number factors into the 3-month average and it affected the results. However, Mr. White stated, when we jump down to March - where we had an extremely dry month - the flows receded quite a bit. Mr. White stated that he expects our capacity to get into the positive as we get into the next quarter.
Personnel
Policies Manual (PPM)
Mr. White
stated that he would like to have the amended PPM approved this evening. Mr. White reported that the Personnel
Committee met with the employees this afternoon, at approximately
MOTION Moved by Frank Covelli, 2nd by Patrick Murray to adopt a resolution approving
the amended WVRSA Personnel Policies Manual.
On Roll Call Commissioners Covelli, Hadley, Moshman and Murray voted yes.
Commissioners Bolduc and Elcavage were absent.
MOTION
CARRIED
Note: Commissioner
Bolduc arrived at
Inflow
and Infiltration Study
Mr. White
reported that the TVing and inspection program is about 95 – 97% completed.
They have a very small stretch of
Mr. White stated that with regard to the section of pipe on the corner that was found to be cracked and leaking severely; there is an initial determination by National Water Main that that pipe cannot be sliplined, that they are afraid that it will not withstand the rigorous cleaning that would be required. Mr. White reminded the Commissioners that that is an initial determination – the Engineers will review all the information and discuss the issue and come up with recommendations.
Updates from Last Month
Vehicle for Auction – Mr. White reported that Mr. Carroll has requested that we wait for the time being as he is going to have a large number of vehicles for auction coming up soon and he would prefer that we put our vehicle in that auction rather than separately.
Wanaque Web Site
Mr. White reported that there was a request to have our minutes included on the Wanaque Web Site. He stated that he spoke with Mr. Carroll, who stated that he would put him in touch with the Librarian, who is the Webmaster for Wanaque Borough and we will coordinate the matter at that time.
Pulte
Update
Mr. White reported that the only update he has with respect to the development is that we have had one odor complaint and we had a noise complaint today. Mr. White stated that he would be paying the lady that called in the complaint a visit Friday.
REPORTS
Facilities Manager Cont.
Ringwood
Board of Education (RBOE) Agreement
Mr. White reported that the Authority has an annual Agreement with the RBOE to operate their water and sewer facilities. We perform some laboratory testing for them. Mr. White stated that the current amount of the contract is $32,852.00 plus there are some Lab fees in addition to that. He stated that he needs to submit to the manager a new Agreement for the upcoming year, beginning July 1, 2006 and he would like to know if the Commissioners want to increase the cost of that Agreement and if so by how much. Mr. White reported that in his conversations with the manager, due to the difficulty they are having with their school budget, he has respectfully requested that there be no increase this year. Discussion followed. Mr. White stated that we have raised the amount every year by the percentage amount of the salary increase that the employees receive, which last year was 4%. Upon the conclusion of the discussions the following motion was moved.
MOTION Moved by Andrew Bolduc, 2nd by Robert Moshman to adopt a resolution authorizing a 4% increase, which is consistent with past practices.
On Roll Call Commissioners Bolduc, Covelli, Hadley, Moshman and Murray
voted yes. Commissioner Elcavage was absent.
MOTION
CARRIED
Roof Repair
Mr. White stated that roof repair has begun and that Mr. Purcell will report further during his portion of the meeting.
Septage
Receipts
Mr. White reported that in our liquid waste program, in the last week to 10 days we reached and/or exceeded our limitations here at the plant. He reported that we have a tremendous amount of trucks coming in. He stated that we are averaging about 30 – 35 trucks per day. Mr. White stated that we are making a tremendous amount of money, but we have also reached a point where it is taking a toll on the facility. Mr. White stated that he had to close the doors to the truckers for a 3-day weekend because the waste load was having an impact on the operation of the plant. Mr. White stated that we are at the point right now that if we want to generate the amount of revenue that we need to meet our budget projections we are going to have to put in a septage holding tank or some type of holding structure in place or we have to limit the number of trucks coming into the facility, which means we will not meet our budget projection by a considerable amount. Mr. White stated that we have reached that point - we have the demand; the truckers are coming in and we are exceeding the limitations for the plant and he expects that to continue into the future. Mr. White stated that the revenue comes with a price and now the Board has an important decision to make in the very near future. Mr. White stated that Mr. Purcell has additional information on holding tanks which he will report on later this evening.
Plant
Report
Mr. White stated that everything is moving along and everybody is doing a fine job.
Accounting
Outdated
Checks
Mr. Ferraioli stated that he had a resolution that was prepared by Mrs. Maas to cancel two
stale dated checks that need to be voided. Mr. Ferraioli stated that he believed everyone has copies of the resolution in their file folders. He then requested someone make that motion.
MOTION Moved by Robert Moshman, 2nd by Frank Covelli to adopt a resolution authorizing the cancellation of the following stale dated checks of the Authority
Payroll Account # 533000905 – Lakeland Bank – Check #2219 in the amount
of $7.32, Check # 2689 in the amount of $559.49 for a total amount of $566.81.
On Roll Call Commissioners Bolduc, Covelli, Hadley, Moshman and Murray
voted yes. Commissioner Elcavage was absent.
MOTION CARRIED
REPORTS
Accounting Cont.
Audit Report
Mr.
Ferraioli distributed copies of the Report and asked the Commissioners if they
had any questions they wanted answered.
Mr. Ferraioli stated that the Report as the State mandates it must be
presented as – is impossible to read even for him, but he would try if they so
wished. More importantly is the budget
and that is fine to date. Mr. Ferraioli
stated that lastly is the comments at the end of the report which he addressed
in order. The first comment related to
the fact that several of the vouchers did not contain claimant signatures. Mr. Ferraioli stated that he was aware that
some of them are next to impossible to get someone to sign off on them but our
comment is that we should try to get as many signatures as we can. Mr. Ferraioli stated that the second comment
is not really a part of the Audit Report but the IRS is starting to look at
governmental operations more and more and we are required to file Form 1099 to
our vendors annually. Mr. Ferraioli
stated that someone would be available to work with Mrs. Maas to determine who
is required to get one. The third
comment refers to the fact that any cash receipts must be deposited within
48hrs. Mr. White informed Mr. Ferraioli that we are
now delivering any and all checks received to the Bank of New York, Riverdale
Branch who then forwards them via Inter-office mail to the Corporate Offices in
Mr. Ferraioli stated that his report was concluded, that he would need to get signatures from Mr. Murray, Secretary of the Authority. Mr. Ferraioli stated that he had another meeting but if Mr. Purcell’s report was next on the Agenda he would stay for a while, should the Authority need financial direction regarding the proposed Sludge Holding Tank.
Engineering
Mr. Purcell distributed copies of his Agenda and Engineering Report to everyone. He stated that he would move right to item #5
Septage Holding Tank
Mr. Purcell stated that he asked the contractor to give us a quotation to build a 30,000 gallon septage holding tank with the receiving areas and drains. Mr. Purcell stated that his price for that is $471,663.00. Mr. Purcell reported that Mr. White called him on Monday and asked if we could get quotations from the contractor if that 30,000 gallon tank was increased to 50,000 gallons. Mr. Purcell stated that he immediately asked the contractor for a price for that alternative and he said he couldn’t get back to us until early next week.
Mr. Purcell stated that on the last page of this report he took his quotation of $471,663.00 and did a pro-ration to bring it up to the 50,000 gallon system and he stated that it appears him that a 50,000 gallon system would cost $556,001.00. Mr. Purcell emphasized that that number was not the contractor’s number but a number his firm came up with.
Mr. Purcell stated that they are the two numbers that we are looking at for the construction cost of the Septage Holding tanks, that would be build in the back part of the plant that we looked at last month.
Mr. Purcell stated that the question was asked of him last month – “What would the engineering cost be to complete the design, prepare the change order documents and negotiate with contractor to bring back to the Authority a Change Order package”. Mr. Purcell stated that their cost to do that is $26,400.00. Mr. Purcell stated that he has prepared a letter to the Chairman, which he distributed copies to all the Commissioners, regarding his proposal which is based upon the estimated hours that would have to go into preparing this Change Order.
Mr. Purcell stated that this letter shows 115 hours of engineering – he stated that we have already spent 35 hours. Mr. Purcell explained that the difference between a 30,000 gallon system and a 50,000 gallon system is small increase in the benefits you get. Therefore, the Authority has to make a decision – Do you want to put in a Septage Receiving System and if you do – do you want it to be 30,000 gallons or 50,000.00gallons. He stated that they do not want to do any engineering until we are sure. Mr. Purcell stated that the cost to do a change order would be the same for the 30,000 gallon or for the 50,000 gallon system. But we are not saying that we would do both a 30,000 and a 50,000 gallon systems for the one price. Mr. Purcell stated that once you make the decision - you only need to tell us what you want us to do and we will do it and get it done quickly. Mr. Purcell summarized that the numbers we are talking about are$471,663.00 plus $26,400.00 or $556,00l.00 plus $26,400.00.
REPORTS
Engineering
Septage Holding Tank Cont.
Mr. Purcell stated that it is still doable within the Contract that Stone Hill has with the Authority. Mr. Purcell stated that they are looking to be finish by November.
Commissioner Covelli asked Mr. Purcell for his opinion as to whether we should be building a 50,000 gallon as opposed to a 30,000 gallon system. Do you feel that we do not need such a large system? Mr. Purcell stated that engineering wise there is no difference. Mr. Purcell explained that last week the Authority received over 100,000 gallons of septage in a six-hour period. That caused a shock load to the treatment plant. If you had a septage holding facility where you are able to bleed it in, the plant would receive that 100,000 over a 24 hour period. Mr. Purcell stated that he does not feel that the Authority should have any larger than 50,000 gallons.
Mr. White stated that it would also give us a little bit more storage room in the event that we have high flows for whatever reason then we can hold the material rather than shut down the plant to the haulers. Mr. White stated that with a holding tank we can certainly accommodate the current demand. He stated that with the demand we are currently seeing we could be generating at least $90,000.00 a month in revenue without any problems. Mr. White stated that he feels that the structure would pay for itself in a short period of time.
Commissioner Moshman stated that this appears to be a useful thing and that it will pay for itself over the years but that he has one question – Do we have the time to wait upon deciding this issue. Are we awaiting an imminent contribution from Pulte on this - are they considering this now. Mr. White asked Commissioner Covelli if he would like to answer that question. Commissioner Covelli stated that it is being discussed informally at this point. Chairman Hadley asked do we have the luxury of putting off this decision for another month or must we move as quickly as possible. Mr. Purcell stated that he thinks we can wait one month and still get it in the works in time for the contractor to fit it into his construction schedule, before he is gone from the site. Mr. Purcell stated that it would be prudent during this month to get the engineering to a point where we could just go to the contractor. He stated that there might be something to consider in allowing him to go forward at some level to get prepared so that when you say go to contract - we are ready to go instead of having to wait another month. The Chairman stated that one problem is that we do not know where the revenue is coming from to do this.
Mr.
Ferraioli stated that he sees four options available. The first is would be letting Pulte pay for
it in total. The second one is that we
sell bonds, which he stated that he cannot recommend that because it is not big
enough. He stated the third one is, and
he doesn’t recommend that either, is we have our Bond
Reserve Fund, at $1,400,000.00 which we could replace with a Surety Bond which
would probably cost us $100,000.00 to do.
Mr. Ferraioli stated that the last one, which will probably be the way
we will have to go, is make the presentation to the WBSA and see if they will
fund it. Mr. Ferraioli stated that the
only problem he sees with that is, besides using the Pulte money here for our
project, we are also using the Pulte money for WBSA projects. Mr. Ferraioli
stated that there is also some line work on
Commissioner Bolduc stated that it is impossible for us to make a decision without knowing numbers, without knowing how much this is going to cost, without knowing how much Pulte is going to contribute - if any contribution is coming from their end, without knowing what the cost of our other projects are. He stated that there are too many unknowns at this time. Mr. Ferraioli stated that he agrees, that he is not asking the Regional to come up with a decision that must come from the Local Authority, but if we have to come up with funds that seems to be the best way, if we cannot get Pulte to do the funding.
REPORTS
Engineering
Septage Holding Tank Cont.
Commissioner Bolduc state that they could bring those numbers to the table so Mr. Ferraioli could figure out what our projects will cost. He stated that they would have a better idea in 2 ½ weeks when the Local has their meeting.
Mr. Purcell stated that as soon as he receives the cost proposal, on the 50,000 gallon tank, from Stone Hill Contracting, he will let Mr. White know.
Chairman Hadley asked if it is possible at this time to authorize the engineer to go ahead with the engineering, as we all seem to be in agreement and we know we have to do it.
Commissioner Covelli stated that he had one question. He stated that first he wanted to comment that Commissioner Moshman did a good job of laying out the facts and that he also thinks this is worthwhile. He asked Mr. Purcell if he feels that the pricing on this Change Order route is cost effective or should we be also looking at bidding this separately, in his opinion.
Mr. Purcell stated that in his opinion going the route of public bidding would cause a different level of engineering design because you would need to have a full blown bidding document, where as a lot of the work is encumbered here - Pulte already knows what that is from this treatment plant document. Mr. Purcell stated that there is a layer of engineering that you do not have to have number one. Number two you do not have to have the expense and timing of public bidding. Mr. Purcell stated that if we were to go the public bidding route, we would loose time and we would never get the facility built as quickly as we could through the Change Order process. Mr. Purcell stated that in his mind, engineering wise, the Change Order process if it is available and if the price is within in that $550,000 range, he thinks that it is the right route to go.
Commissioner Murray asked if he thinks that the contractor sees this as a way of realizing a greater profit than he was able to from the original contract. Mr. Purcell responded that he did not believe that. He stated that the $471,663 is a fair price for the project, it is not the cheapest but it is a fair price. The $550,000 price is a pro-rated price not a final accurate number. There was discussion on the type of construction needed for this project. At the conclusion of the discussions, the Chairman asked for the consensus on whether to have Mr. Purcell proceed with the preliminary engineering.
Commissioner Bolduc stated that he feels like Commissioner Covelli that he would like to put it off for one more month, as there are too many unknown variables to make a valid decision on at this time. Discussion continued relating to the different components of this project including electrical, excavating and concrete costs.
Commissioner Covelli asked Mr. Purcell to provide him with the costs for the concrete – the cost per yard; the cost for the paving and curbing – could they be broken out and reported separately; the fencing cost and excavation, backfill & disposal excess costs. Mr. Purcell stated that he would be happy to provide those numbers and when he received the proposed costs for the 50,500 gallon system, he will forward them to Mr. White.
At this time Mr. Ferraioli excused himself to attend another meeting.
Mr. Purcell then proceeded to return to the top of his Agenda.
1) Contract I-25 Upgrades to the WPCF – Mr. Purcell stated that he will address the Upgrades in a moment.
2) Contract
I-30 – Replacement of the
A) The removal of the stone from the roof has taken place; the contractor has brought in his material, he is starting to tack down his installation and will be doing the spray coating next week. The job should be completed by the end of next week.
Mr. Purcell stated that his office checked with the Roofing Company and was assured
that the less costly change order to repair the roof is fully warranted for 20 years, and he was directed to do that work, which is the decision the Authority wanted to take, providing that the roof was warranted. So the Change Order for $3,200.00 is what was implemented.
REPORTS
3) Inspection of Interceptor Sewer –
Mr. Purcell stated that he has not heard anything other than what Mr. White reported tonight. Mr. Purcell stated that he does not think that it will be an inexpensive repair.
Mr. Purcell stated that Pulte is obligated to do it. Mr. Purcell stated that it is the Local’s line, but it has a major effect on the Regional Authority. Mr. Purcell stated that he will keep on top of that and report back to the Authority if he hears anything.
4) WVRSA Wastewater Management Plan (WWMP)
Mr. Purcell stated that the WWMP has been on the table for a long time. Mr. Purcell suggested that one thought may be if the Authority were to authorize us to prepare the application for a Pre-application conference. He stated that in that document only say that Wanaque Borough is going to be in the project. He suggests that we should put that in front of the DEP and also say why Wanaque Borough is the only one in the project. He stated that the State then can do one of two things; one – we will not meet with you because it is not a complete application or we will meet with you but we want Ringwood Borough to be in it and then if we meet with the State and Ringwood is required to be part of it by the State, then the Authority can say – We would like Ringwood Borough to be in it but they must finance their share. Discussion ensued. Commissioner Bolduc asked if we went that route would that not be an extra expense for this Authority. Mr. Purcell responded no - as the Authority needs to be on record with the State, on their tracking system that the Authority is trying to meet with them on the WWMP that this Authority has to prepare. Mr. Purcell stated their (the State’s) procedure requires this Pre-application conference.
Mr. Purcell stated that should this get turned around and Ringwood gets brought back into the WWMP – we are not going to do another Pre-Application Conference – we will already have had it.
Mr. Miller asked to join in the conversation. He reported that on March 21, he had written another letter to Ringwood Borough, informing them that we had been reorganized and that the Mr. Hadley was the Chairman again. Mr. Miller reported that the Chairman had reported that a meeting had been held with two of our Commissioners and our Engineer and at that meeting that they had presented them with all the pertinent information regarding the history of the WWMP requirement and the understanding we have as to the their requirements to pay their share of the costs. Mr. Miller reported that he enclosed a WVRSA invoice for the amount owed and informed them that we are prepared to wait 30 days for a response to the payment of the amount currently owed. Mr. Miller reported that he also informed them that should it not be paid, legal action has been authorized and while we hope it is not necessary but we remain firm in our position.
Mr. Miller stated that the 30 days expired on April 21st. Mr. Miller reported that in the interim, Mr. White did have a meeting with the Ringwood Business Administrator, Ken Hetrick on this subject.
Mr. White reported that he had a 15 minute conversation where we both discussed the need for the WWMP, the regulations/rules. Mr. White reported that Mr. Hetrick now clearly understands the need to submit this document. Mr. White stated that they discussed the past history – the meeting with the State, w here Ringwood had representatives present. Mr. White stated that he feels that he clearly understands the situation. Mr. White emphasized that neither Ringwood Borough nor the WVRSA could afford to pay legal fees to collect a $12,000.00 claim. Mr. White stated that Mr. Hetrick agreed but said that all he could do was to bring it to the attention of the people that make the decisions. Mr. White stated that he made no commitment what so ever. Mr. White informed them that Mr. Miller has been authorized to take legal action should it become necessary.
Mr. Miller stated that before we institute legal action he would like to get some guidance from DEP as to whether we can or cannot go forward without Ringwood. If we cannot then when and if we take legal action we can include the future costs and not have to do it again and incur duplicate costs.
Commissioner Bolduc asked how long it would take to prepare this application for a Pre-application Conference. Mr. Purcell went over what the document entailed. Mr. Purcell stated that we cannot establish a meeting via phone. They need us to put it into their tracking system.
REPORTS
Engineering
4) WVRSA Wastewater Management Plan (WWMP) Cont.
Mr. Purcell stated that once the State gets the application it would take two months for them to establish a meeting.
Mr. Miller asked if Mr. White were to write to them and put forth the very narrow issue would they respond. Mr. Purcell stated that he believes that they would not.
Mr. Purcell stated that to do this document only for Wanaque – and if we are forced to bring Ringwood into it later there is no more cost to do that other than the total cost to bring them into the WWMP, a budget of about $5,000.00 will get us into this planning process, including that meeting and attendance at it and a report back as a result of it.
Commissioner
Moshman stated that there is a new situation that will no doubt have an effect
on the WWMP. He stated that we have a
letter from the West Milford MUA which is the third part of the problem. Commissioner Moshman stated that West Milford
has not filed its own plan because there are two major reasons that they cannot
– one it would cost them three to four hundred thousand dollars to do all the
studies required to do their WWMP and the other problem is they had an existing
plan with receiving areas in the event they had to sewer any of many lakes up
there that could go bad and the NJDEP has disallowed all of those receiving
areas. Therefore, they have no place to
put anything – they cannot do a plan on this type of regime. Commissioner Moshman reported that they have
sent a letter to NJDEP that is in our packet.
He commented that he does not know what that will do to us – whether we
have to start planning for West Milford and do we have to start doing $300,000
to $400,000 worth of studies in
MOTION Moved by Frank Covelli, 2nd by Robert to adopt a resolution authorizing the Facilities Manager, the Attorney and the Engineer to draft a comprehensive letter to NJDEP that says the Authority needs some direction.
On Roll Call Commissioners Bolduc, Covelli, Hadley, Moshman and Murray voted yes. Commissioner Elcavage was absent.
MOTION
CARRIED
Mr. Purcell asked if he could return to the Engineering Report – Item #1 on his Agenda.
Engineering Report Cont. 1-25 Upgrade to Treatment Plant Cont.
1) Septage Receiving Facility
A) The roof has been completed
B) The Odor Control Unit is on line.
C) The Concrete floor has been poured
D) The main doors have been hung, installed without glass and the installation of hardware is in progress.
2) Influent Pumping Station
A) The Odor Control Unit is on line
3) Grit Chambers and
A) The installation of Chemical feed Pumps is completed and the manufacturer’s start-up is to be scheduled for next month.
B) The roof has been completed.
C) The Odor Control Unit is on line.
D) The Alum tanks were cleaned.
4) Aeration Basins Nos. 1 – 3
A) New Start/stop and emergency stop buttons were installed n the Aerator Control Panels.
5) Final Clarifiers
A) Work has commenced on the new platforms.
REPORTS
Engineering
Engineering Report Cont. 1-25 Upgrade to Treatment Plant Cont.
6) Tertiary building
A) Installed temporary electric services to isolate Microstrainer Control Panels
B) Energized water heater.
C) Completed demolition of roof mounted over HVAC Units and Ducts.
D) Installed doors Nos. 201 and 203 without glass or hardware.
E) Removed roof membrane and insulation, etc., over microstrainers #3 and #4
Microstrainer first unit should be on site within the next several weeks. Mr. Purcell stated that that is a $200,000 to $250,000 piece of hardware that is going to come in on a skid.
7)
No work this month.
8) Treatment Module
A) Demolishment has been completed on the stairs at Aeration Tank #4.
9) Grit Container Ramp
A) Ramp has been placed in service. Some paving has to be done.
10) Site Work
A) Installed decorative gravel at various locations.
B) Re-established lawn at various locations.
11) Shop Drawing Review and Processing
A) Reviewed Seal Water Systems – Resubmittal
B) Garage Doors
C) Non Potable Water Pumping Units
D) Instrumentation Control Work – Scada System.
Mr. Purcell reported that overall the project is 30% complete. He reported that we are about 95% completed in the ground. The above ground work is mostly mechanical and equipment, so it will go quickly once they start to come in. The shop drawings are over 90% complete. Mr. Purcell stated that we are making very good progress with the contract.
Mr. White stated that the odor control units were placed in service late last week so they are on line and functioning.
Mr. Purcell stated that his report was complete and the Chairman asked for the Legal report.
Legal
Pulte – Letter RE: Odor Control System
Mr. Miller stated that as he was directed to last month, he has written a letter to Pulte on the Odor Control System, referencing Mr. White’s original letter, stating that not having heard anything that their engineers concur that this is a state of the art system and will be effective. Mr. Miller stated that we have gotten no response to that letter but this is about as far as we can go towards putting them in a position that we are assuming that they are agreeing with us.
Land Exchange
Mr. Miller
stated that we have gotten all the approvals as reported last month and that
Ringwood
WWMP
Mr. Miller stated that we have already covered that earlier.
Ethics Committee Opinion requested from the NJ Dept. of Community Affairs
Mr. Miller reported that we, the Authority, had asked for an opinion from the Ethics Committee with regard to the two gentlemen from the local Authority sitting on the Regional Authority Board. Mr. Miller stated that they rejected our request because it was submitted by the Authority and not by the individuals. Mr. Miller stated that he has since submitted their personal requests
Mr. Miller reported that a response was received today by Comm. Covelli. When asked Mr. Bolduc stated that he had not been home so he was unaware if he had gotten one. Mr. Miller stated that he was going to assume that the response will be identical as the request was identical.
REPORTS
Legal
Ethics Committee Opinion requested from the NJ Dept. of Community Affairs Cont.
Mr. Miller asked Commissioner Covelli, as it was a personal request and the response came to him, did he have a problem sharing the response with the other Authority members. Commissioner Covelli said that he did not and distributed copies to the Commissioners.
Mr. Miller stated that the gist of the response is that the two positions are not inconsistent, but they do hedge on page 2 to some extent where they stated that matters of the Local that will directly impact the Regional and where matters of the Regional will directly impact the Local or when they go into closed session to discuss a disputed matter that they should exclude themselves of that.
Mr. Miller stated that what is being said here is that Commissioners Bolduc and Covelli should exercise good judgment when they feel that their membership on both Authorities will influence both their judgments; that they probably should excuse themselves and refrain from voting on those specific issues. Mr. Miller stated that was the response that the positions were not inconsistent. Mr. Miller asked if there was anyone that wished to discuss this and when there was no response he stated that his report was completed.
Commissioner Moshman stated that hopefully we will never have a dispute and will continue on as one big happy family.
Vouchers
RE: Vouchers M-9714 thru M-9763 - FY ‘06
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"
Commissioner Covelli stated that he signed the vouchers and that before he makes the motion approving them he had a few questions.
The first voucher he questioned was Stewart Industries. Mr. White explained that was the copier company. Commissioner Covelli’s question pertained to the statement on the bill that the number of copies were above allowance. Mrs. Maas explained that in the original contract it was estimated we would use 3,000 copies per quarter, but due to the heavy usage of the machine by both the Regional and the Local we exceeded our estimate and were charged accordingly.
The next question he had was on the Version bill; that we are being charged for NJ sales tax and are supposedly tax exempt. Commissioner Covelli stated that he was not sure what could be done, but could someone look into it. Mr. White stated that he would have Mrs. Parrinello handle that.
The last question he had related to the Boston Mutual Life - Long Term Disability (LTD) voucher, there is one employee that has a lower limit than everybody else. Mr. White stated that he believed that it was an employee that is on LTD. Mrs. Maas stated that no it was she that was the employee that had less insurance and that was because she had passed the age of 65 and at age 65 the insurance amount for anyone drops.
Commissioner Covelli then moved the following motion.
MOTION Moved by Frank Covelli, 2nd by Patrick Murray to adopt a resolution to approve payment of Vouchers M-9714 thru M-9763 for FY '06, all payments to be subject to availability of funds.
On Roll Call Commissioners Bolduc, Covelli, Hadley and Murray voted yes. Commissioner Elcavage was absent.
MOTION CARRIED
OLD BUSINESS
Appointment – Consulting Engineer for FY 2006
Commissioner Covelli asked in interest of brevity and the absence of one Commissioner would the Board like to carry this to next month. The Chairman asked for a consensus
of the Board.
Commissioner Moshman stated that he would prefer to act on it now. He stated that we have had three very credible presentations to judge on and having had some experience with T & M Engineering, which left a bad taste in his mouth, and that he felt that their presentation showed that they did not have enough of an understanding about this facility. Commissioner Moshman stated that he felt that Lee T. Purcell’s history here and his undertaking of the current project makes him a natural for continuing in his current capacity as the primary engineer. Commissioner Moshman stated that while Boswell Engineering is a fine firm;he feels that they would be a good firm to have as an alternate. In conclusion Commissioner Moshman stated that he feels that Lee T. Purcell should be appointed Consulting Engineer for this year and that Boswell Engineering should be made alternate Consultant Engineer.
Commissioner Covelli stated that he would like the rest of this discussion to be in Closed Session as he has a few issues he would like to discuss.
Mr. White suggested that we complete the balance of the Agenda before going into Closed Session and the Chairman agreed.
NEW BUSINESS
The Chairman asked if there was anything to report under New Business.
May
Meeting Date
Mr. White
informed the Chairman that he is unable to be present on the date scheduled for
the May meeting –
Mr. Miller stated for the information of the new Commissioners that it has proven that Mr. White should be present to answer any questions that come up with relation to the plant and therefore it would be advisable to reschedule the meeting when he would be available.
After
discussion it was decided to reschedule the meeting to
MOTION Moved by Patrick Murray, 2nd by Robert Moshman to adopt a resolution to cancel the scheduled May meeting date and to reschedule the meeting to May 31, 2006 at
On Roll Call Commissioners Bolduc, Covelli, Hadley, Moshman and Murray voted yes. Commissioner Elcavage was absent.
MOTION
CARRIED
PUBLIC PORTION
The Chairman stated that as there was no one present in the audience he would not open the meeting to the public.
CLOSED SESSION
Mr. Miller stated that a Closed Session has been requested for the purposes of discussing the appointment of Consulting Engineer for FY 2006. There may be formal action taken this evening upon the return to Open session.
MOTION Moved by Patrick Murray, 2nd by Robert Hadley to adopt a resolution to authorize going into Closed Session for the purpose of discussing the appointment of Consulting Engineer to the Authority for FY and that there may be formal action taken this evening upon returning to Open Session.
On Roll Call Commissioners Bolduc, Covelli, Elcavage, Hadley and Murray
voted yes. Commissioner Moshman was absent.
MOTION CARRIED
Closed Session commenced at
MOTION Moved by Frank Covelli, 2nd by Patrick Murray to adopt a resolution to
authorize returning to Open Session.
On Roll Call Commissioners Bolduc, Covelli, Hadley, Moshman and Murray
voted yes. Commissioner Elcavage was absent.
MOTION
CARRIED
Upon returning to Open Session, Mr. Purcell was invited to return to the meeting and the following motion was moved.
MOTION Moved by Frank Covelli, 2nd by Robert Moshman to adopt a resolution appointing
Lee T. Purcell Associates as Consulting Engineer and appointing Boswell Engineering as Alternate Engineer for Fiscal Year 2006 to the Authority and stating that any new projects going forth from this day forward shall be given to both, Lee T. Purcell Associates and Boswell Engineering, to submit proposals for consideration by this Authority, on a per project basis.
On Roll Call Commissioners Bolduc, Covelli, Hadley, Moshman and Murray all voted yes. Commissioner Elcavage was absent.
MOTION
CARRIED
ADJOURN
MOTION Moved by Frank Covelli, 2nd by Patrick Murray 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 8:20 P.M.
Minutes respectively submitted by,
Margaret M. Maas, Recording Secretary