REGIONAL SEWERAGE AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 31, 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, Joseph Elcavage, Robert Hadley, Robert Moshman and Patrick Murray
Commissioners Absent: Andrew Bolduc
Also Present: Christopher Erd, Esq., Williams, Caliri, Miller & Otley
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 Patrick Murray to adopt a resolution accepting the Regular Meeting Minutes of April 26, 2006 as presented.
On Roll Call Commissioners Covelli, Elcavage, Hadley, Moshman and Murray voted yes. Commissioner Bolduc was absent.
MOTION
CARRIED
REPORTS
Facilities
Manager
WVRSA Meeting Minutes
Mr. White reported that the WVRSA Meeting Minutes are now on the Wanaque Borough web site. He stated that we supplied the town Librarian, who is the web-master, with the minutes on floppy disk and they can now be viewed by anyone. Mr. White reported that we started with January 2006 and if there proves to be an interest we will go back further. Mr. White stated that in the future as soon as the minutes are approved, Mr. White reported that there will be a link for the WVRSA on the website and that he will be furnishing the Librarian with additional information on the Authority.
Vehicle Auction
Mr. White reported that Mr. Carroll requested that we hold off with auctioning our truck until the town is ready to hold their vehicle auction.
Facilities Manager Cont.
New Employee
Mr. White
stated that he has begun accepting applications and he will begin the
interviews and anticipates a new person being hired for the new fiscal year
beginning
Verizon Charges
Mr. White reported that we have been successful in having the tax portion removed from our telephone bill and Verizon has agreed to pay us a lump sum to partially cover the back taxes.
Annual NJDEP Inspection
Mr. White reported that the Authority had its annual inspection of the facility, this past month. Mr. White stated that he was pleased to announce that everything was fine, there were no deficiencies found and no comments made.
Septage Receipt
Mr. White reported that we continue to have an extreme heavy demand for our septage disposal program. Mr. White stated that his month he would not be surprised if we don’t realize $100,000.00 for the month, which is something he never thought we would see. Mr. White stated that we should exceed Mr. Ferraioli’s budget projection by $200,000.00 to $250,000.00 total for the year. Mr. White stated that it continues to be very strong, however, the down side is we are getting rid of a little more sludge and we are using more chemicals and electricity. Mr. White stated that things are going well.
Inflow & Infiltration (I&I)
Mr. White
reported that we received the report from Boswell Engineering on the I &I investigation. Mr. White stated that he copied all on just
the letter from Mr. Naninni, of Boswell Engineering, summarizing the TV
inspection. Mr. White stated that it is
a very good report. Mr. White stated
that there are 34 point repairs that need to be made, 7 grout repairs and 6 locations have
to be excavated and pipe sections replaced.
Mr. White stated that they are recommending one complete sewer
replacement on
Mr. White
stated that the estimate of I & I that would be removed, after the repair
of all these items, is approximately 60,000 GPD, which is pretty good and specified that number
does not include the repair of the problem we have at the
Mr. White reported that there will be a meeting of all parties shortly. At that meeting it will be decided how we will proceed with these repairs.
Flows
Mr. White responded to the Chairman’s question of how the flows were by stating that we were averaging about 900,000 GPD, which is a little above average. Mr. White reported that we are accepting flow from three of the new Pulte buildings at this time.
Mr. White stated that he had one new item that he would like to bring to the table.
Facility
Repaving
Mr. White stated that he would like to take a few of the commissioners on a short walk around the facility to witness the condition of the asphalt pavement. Mr. White invited Mr. Moshman, Mr. Elcavage and Mr. Hadley after the meeting. Mr. White stated that after all the construction work is done on the facility; he would like to have the entire facility milled and repaved. He would like to show them the state of the existing pavement and the need for the repaving. Mr. White stated that he is awaiting the estimate for this work from a contractor and he hopes to have it in hand by tomorrow. Mr. White stated that we may be able to utilize the Pulte paver since the paver has to come in and put a top coat on the Access Road. Mr. White stated that we may be able to take advantage of the price they quoted Pulte for their work.
REPORTS
Facilities Manager Cont
Pulte Updates
Mr. White reported that we are starting to get a few complaints from residents of the nearby buildings. He stated that we have received a few noise complaints and a few odor complaints. Mr. White stated that he is handling them; he stated that he plans on making appointments to go see the complainants as soon as he can.
Ultraviolet Disinfection Unit #4
Mr. White reported that the replacement of that unit was part of the Pulte Upgrade work. He stated that it was put out on a separate bid contract and was awarded to Sunlight Systems. Mr. White reported that that work has finally been completed. He stated that the bill is in house and it will forwarded to the WBSA for payment.
Association of Environmental Authorities(AEA)
Mr. White stated that there is a letter in everyone’s folder. Mr. White stated that the AEA is asking for a $500.00 contribution from all members, to allow them to battle NJDEP on several regulatory issues. Mr. White stated that several months ago they had requested funds. At that time we had approved sending them $1,000.00, but the money was never sent. Mr. White stated that we had informed them that we would contribute up to $1,000.00, at that time.
Mr. White then asked if all were still in agreement, we will send them a check for $500.00. Everyone agreed and Mr. White stated that he would see that the check goes out.
Plant Report
Mr. White reported that we have our good days and some bad days. Chairman Hadley stated that it sounds like you need that septage holding tank. Mr. White stated that if we continue to accept the volume of septage that we have been getting for the last two – three months, yes, we will need it. Mr. White stated that we have no way of knowing how many trucks will be here on any given day. It may be ten or it may be forty, we have no way of predicting. Mr. White stated that we are making more money than we ever thought we would, but there are down sides to it also. Mr. White stated that his report was concluded.
Commissioner Elcavage asked Mr. White where the Authority purchased its gasoline. Mr. White stated from the town. Mr. White stated that the town has a fuel depot and if there is any need for fuel out of the area then we have a credit card.
Accounting
Mr. White reported that Mr. Ferraioli had no report.
Engineering
Mr. Purcell distributed copies of his Agenda and proceeded to go over it in detail.
I. Engineering Report – Cont. I-25- Upgrades
to the WPCF
Mr. Purcell reported that the overall project completion is about 40%. Mr. Purcell reported that the Contractors target date is sometime in November 2006, the contract completion date is February 2007. Mr. Purcell stated that he will be finished somewhere within those dates.
1. Septage Receiving Facility
No work this month.
2) Influent Pumping Station
New Control Panels were delivered.
3) Grit Chambers and
No work this month
4) Aeration Basins Nos. 1-3
New Control Panels were delivered.
5) Final Clarifiers
Work on the new platforms is in progress
6)
The roof over Microstrainers #3 & #4 was removed
Existing Microstrainer #3 and control panel were removed
New Microstrainer 33 and control panel were installed. Work is in progress
Manufacturer’s start-up is scheduled for Monday June 5th
Control panels for three (3) remaining Microstrainers were delivered
New Control panels for NPW pumps were installed but not energized because
Pumps have not been installed.
REPORTS
Engineering
Engineering Report – Cont. I-25- Upgrades to the WPCF Cont.
7)
No work this month.
8) Treatment Module
New Control Panels for Aeration tank #4 were delivered
9) Grit Container Ramp
Ramp has been placed in service.
10) Site Work
No work this month
11) Shop Drawing Review and Processing
Microstrainer Replacement Plan
Fiber Optic Cable and Connectors
Software for SCADA System
Mr. Purcell stated that by Labor Day all four microstrainers should be operational. He stated that the second is scheduled to be delivered in June. Mr. Purcell stated that he is very pleased with the progress that is being made. He stated that is the extent of his report on the Contract I-25 – Upgrades.
II. Contract – I-30 – Replacement of the
1) Work on the
2) Work on the roof for the Electric room of the Grit/Chemical Building is complete.
III Inspection of Interceptor sewer –
We do not know what the status of that is; we are awaiting the report from Pulte’s Engineer.
IV LTPA Proposal – WMP – Response to NJDEP’s Letter Dated September 20, 2005 and to Prepare a New Application
Mr. Purcell stated that he has issued a
proposal to the Authority on the WMP. He
stated that we gave it to the Authority both Wanaque alone and then Wanaque
with Ringwood. Mr. Purcell stated that Mr. White has
forwarded a letter to
V Letter Report on Septage Holding Tank
1) Scope of Work including conceptual drawings was submitted to Stone Hill Contracting on March 15, 2006 (tank capacity 30,000 gal.). Stone Hill has given our office a quotation of $471,663.
2) Stone Hill Contracting Co., Inc. gave our office a quotation of $627,012 for a Septage Holding Tank having a capacity of 50,000 gallons on May 31, 2006. Upon you authorization, we will prepare final drawings for this work so that the contractor can finalize his quotation, after which the authority can authorize this work to be completed by the contractor.
Mr. Purcell discussed the pros and cons of the Septage Holding Tank system and it is his
His conclusion that this is a project that is necessary and that the Change Order process is the most cost effective and time is running out to get this project underway and completed before the Contractor completes his current work and departs the facility.
To move forward under the normal bidding process it will take six months longer to get that operational. Mr. Purcell stated that he does think that their price is a little high and needs to be looked at in depth.
Commissioner Moshman stated that he thinks the Change Order should be done now as he doesn’t feel that Pulte will come forth with any additional funds. He stated that he believes that we should move immediately. Commissioner Moshman stated that he does not believe that Pulte is a viable source of additional of funds because they are selling their units beautifully and they do not need any additional incentive to sell them.
REPORTS
Engineering
V Letter Report on Septage Holding Tank Cont.
Commissioner Moshman stated that he feels that the increase from the 30,000 to the 50,000 for an additional $150,000 is well worth it; as that represents approximately one and a half months of revenue from the septage receipts. Commissioner Moshman concluded by stating that he is in favor of taking advantage of this window of opportunity.
Commissioner Elcavage stated that he would like to move a motion to approve Lee T. Purcell proceeding with the finalizing of the Specifications and move to complete this Change Order.
There was further discussion on the price – is it reasonable – can we pay for it – is there any way we can reduce the cost? Mr. White stated that Mr. Ferraioli will have to be the one to answer those questions. Mr. White stated that he believes that the unit will pay for itself in its entirety in two to three years.
Commissioner Elcavage asked what the proposed location of the new tank was and Mr. White stated that he would point it out when they go for the walk around the plant later this evening.
Mr. White stated that the one thing he would like to do, if we approve this tonight or next month, is sit down with Mr. Purcell, Jimmy Demitriou and John Black to fine tune the plans and specs of the facility as he has not spent a great deal of time going over them. Mr. White stated that he would like to take a much closer look at the design and the structure before we put it into its final design phase.
Mr. Purcell stated that he issued a proposal to the Authority to change the design which will incorporate whatever Mr. White requires in it and to negotiate the Change Order with the Contractor. Mr. Purcell stated that he would hope to be able to negotiate the price down to around $600,000.00.
Mr. Purcell was asked what the Engineering Cost for this project would be. Mr. Purcell responded that at the last meeting he presented a letter to the Chairman stating the Engineering Cost for either the 30,000 gallon or the 50,000 gallon Septage Holding Tank would be $24,600.00.
Commissioner Covelli explained his understanding of where Pulte is at, with regard to the overall funds that they had set aside to be used by the “Borough of Wanaque”, which includes Wanaque Borough, WBSA and WVRSA. Commissioner Covelli stated that he feels that the approach that is needed here is that while everyone is very appreciative to what has been disbursed to date to the benefit of Wanaque, but this project is designed to impact specifically Wanaque Reserve (WR), by making it more aesthetically acceptable and moving the objectionable trucks from dumping within the proximity of the WR Buildings by having them dump further back on the property. Therefore, this is a benefit to them; it does not benefit any other residents of the Borough of Wanaque and should not fall in the previous category of benefits given to the Borough of Wanaque.
There was discussion on whether there were items listed in the Specs that could be removed and handled separately such as: the concrete, the excavation, the disposal of the dirt and the fencing among others. The reasoning being that by removing these items and/or having them done separately it would lower the overall cost for the project. Another item discussed was the possibility of having Pulte helping us by arranging to have their contractors provide us with certain items at the prices they charged Pulte.
Commissioner Covelli stated that in summation, we haven’t finished securing all of our financial options, nor have we have we finished securing our ability to reduce this price, and therefore, he stated he is not in a position to vote on this.
Commissioner Elcavage stated that he would like to get the advice of our professionals; the accountant, the engineer and the lawyer, with regard to our ability to move forward with this proposed Change Order.
Commissioner Elcavage stated that he would withdraw his previous request for a motion.
Commissioner Moshman stated his understanding of the proposed motion and then stated his objections to waiting until next month.
REPORTS
Engineering
Letter Report on Septage Holding Tank Cont.
Commissioner Covelli stated that he would like to have the meeting go into Closed Session as we are now discussing contract negotiation issues. Everyone agreed and the following motion was moved.
MOTION Moved by Frank Covelli, 2nd by Robert Moshman to adopt a resolution authorizing going into Closed Session for contract negotiations with regard to the
Upgrade of the WPCF.
On Roll Call Commissioners Covelli, Elcavage, Hadley, Moshman and Murray voted yes. Commissioner Bolduc was absent.
MOTION CARRIED
Closed Session commenced at
MOTION Moved by Frank Covelli, 2nd by Joseph Elcavage to adopt a resolution to return to Open Session.
On Roll Call Commissioners Covelli, Elcavage, Hadley, Moshman and Murray
voted yes. Commissioner Bolduc was absent.
MOTION
CARRIED
Mr. Purcell stated that everything relating to the Upgrade of the WPCF is put on hold until the June meeting. He stated that he would like to continue with his Agenda.
Wanaque
Borough Sewerage Authority (WBSA) – WQM-003 - Whistler Place Project
Mr. Purcell reported that his firm has prepared a modification to the Whistler Place Sewer Lines at the request of Bill Kelly, WBSA Engineer. Mr. Purcell stated that his firm prepared the contract plans and specifications and that he had given them to Mr. Kelly today. Mr. Purcell stated that Mr. Kelly now has to prepare a TWA Application for NJDEP, a Soil Erosion Permit Application and a third application that is for a Stream Encroachment Permit.
Mr. Purcell reported that Mr. Kelly requested that he sign off on those documents. Mr. Purcell stated that he endorsed and sealed them. Mr. Purcell stated that it also requires the endorsement of the treatment plant – the Authority; as it is the place where the waste generated in that pipe will come. Mr. Purcell stated that Mr. Kelly provided him with a
hand-written resolution this afternoon, which authorizes the Authority to approve this plan, so he can file the TWA with the State, with the concurrence and endorsement of the Wanaque Valley Regional Sewerage Authority. Discussion ensued and at the conclusion of the discussion the following Resolution was moved.
MOTION Moved by Frank Covelli, 2nd by Patrick Murray to adopt a resolution authorizing
Robert Hadley, Chairman of the Wanaque Valley Regional Sewerage Authority to endorse the Whistler Placed Area Sewer Project – NJDEP Form WQM-003-Statement of Consent Form (copy attached).
On Roll Call Commissioners Covelli, Elcavage, Hadley, Moshman and Murray
voted yes. Commissioner Bolduc was absent.
MOTION
CARRIED
NJDEP
Mr. Purcell
reported that NJDEP held a TMDL information meeting for the
Mr. Purcell explained that in the Passaic River Basin which runs down to Dundee Dam, where the tidal water comes in, the State of New Jersey is trying to classify all the Points of Discharge and determine what the pound loading should be at each Point of Discharge for each permit for all the parameters they consider important.
REPORTS
Engineering
NJDEP Cont.
Mr. Purcell
reported that the new Commissioner of NJDEP, Lisa Jackson, interjected the
concept that there has to be a cost benefit analysis done with this. Mr. Purcell stated that they said they were
ready, within the Department, to issue the TMDLs (Total Maximum Daily Discharge
Limits) at different points of treatments.
Mr. Purcell stated that WVRSA is up at the high end of the line, Wanaque
Reservoir is right across the street and Dundee Dam is down at the very low end
of the
Mr. Purcell suggested that the Authority should write a letter to NJDEP stating that we are aware of the TMDL studies and the briefing of those studies. Mr. Purcell stated that everyone has a stake in this, this Authority, Pompton Lakes, Wayne Township, Rockaway Valley everything within the whole basin, but it is not only the treatment works people. He stated that before DEP is allowed to come out with their Point Loadings and Discharges, there has to be an investigation made for a detailed analysis by an accounting type of firm; that says what the fair distribution is in terms of capital for each of these Points of Discharge, and should include all of the water purveyors. Mr. Purcell stated that every bit of energy that a treatment plant does to improve the water quality of the stream is a benefit to the water purveyor. Therefore, they have to share in this as they are receiving the benefits and it should not all fall on the publicly owned treatment works.
Mr. Purcell suggested that a letter be drafted to NJDEP by the Facilities Manager or the Attorney to go on record saying that this Authority agrees with the science of what they are doing, however, we want to be assured that there is equity in the distribution of capital costs, including water purveyors.
Mr. White stated that he will talk with Pat Mattarazzo, get some more information and then meet with Mr. Miller to draft a letter. Mr. White stated that he would also like to see how the Passaic River Coalition is going to respond to this.
Mr. Purcell stated that his report was concluded.
Legal
Bond Counsel Appointment
Mr. Erd reported that Mr. Beinfield has forwarded to them Pay to Play documentation. Mr. Erd stated that these documents have to be on file with the Authority for a period of ten (10) days before you can reappoint them. Mr. Erd stated that as long as there is nothing significant going on relating to Bonding, we can make the reappointment at next regular meeting.
Land Swap
Mr. Erd reported that there is a bunch of title issues that need to be cleared up before we actually go through with the swap. Mr. Erd stated that Pulte has not been unresponsive but they do not have it high on their priority list. Mr. Erd stated that he plans on putting a bit more pressure on them by giving them a deadline of July.
Mr. Erd stated that his report was completed.
Vouchers
Commissioner Covelli stated that he has a few questions before he makes a motion. After Mr. White explained them satisfactorily, Commissioner Covelli then moved the following motion.
Mr. White stated that he would like to note, from the local prospective, we are getting to a point now where we will be seeing some high invoice amounts coming through from the Contractor, with regard to request for payment, so we must insure that there is an adequate cash flow. Commissioner Covelli stated that at this point in time they, Pulte, owe us a payment this month. Mr. White stated that we are getting up into some serious dollars and we have the UV unit that you are going to be billed for. Mr. White stated that there is going to be a need for some large sums of money and if we need to ask Ms. Barbara Jaquett to expedite a payment, then that is what we will do.
REPORTS
Vouchers Cont.
RE: Vouchers M-9764 thru M-9811 - 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"
MOTION Moved by Frank Covelli, 2nd by Joseph Elcavage to adopt a resolution to approve payment of Vouchers M-9764 thru M-9811 for FY '06, all payments to be subject to availability of funds.
On Roll Call Commissioners Covelli, Elcavage, Hadley, Moshman and Murray voted yes. Commissioner Bolduc was absent.
MOTION CARRIED
OLD BUSINESS
The Chairman asked if there was anything to be discussed under Old Business.
Commissioner Elcavage stated that he noticed somewhere in the meeting folder that there was an answer received regarding the Conflict of Interest issue. He asked what was the final decision of DCA. Mr. White informed Commissioner Elcavage that the decision was that they feel that there is no conflict present. Commissioner Moshman further explained that they said that there is no conflict, unless there is an issue of conflict, then there is a conflict and they must refrain from participating in the discussions and in voting.
NEW BUSINESS
The Chairman asked if there was anything to report under New Business. When there was no response he moved on to the Public Portion.
PUBLIC PORTION
The Chairman stated that as there was no one present in the audience he would not open the meeting to the public.
ADJOURN
MOTION Moved by Joseph Elcavage, 2nd by Patrick Murray to adopt a resolution to adjourn this meeting.
On Roll Call Commissioners Covelli, Elcavage, Hadley, Moshman and Murray voted yes. Commissioner Bolduc was absent.
MOTION
CARRIED
The meeting was concluded at 7:50 P.M.
Minutes respectively submitted by,
Margaret M. Maas, Recording Secretary