REGIONAL
SEWERAGE AUTHORITY
MINUTES
August 8, 2007
Regular Meeting
The WANAQUE VALLEY REGIONAL SEWERAGE AUTHORITY conducted a
Regular Meeting, which commenced at
ANNOUNCEMENT
Chairman Covelli read the following announcement:
This is
the Regular Meeting of the
SALUTE TO THE
The Chairman led the salute to the
ROLL
Commissioners present: Andrew Bolduc, Frank Covelli, Joseph Elcavage, Robert Moshman and Patrick
Commissioners absent: Robert Hadley
Also present: Richard Miller, Esq., Williams, Caliri, Miller & Otley
Charles Ferraioli, Jr., M.P.A., Ferraioli, Wielkotz, Cerullo & Cuva
James Kelly, P.”E., Boswell Engineering
Frank Rossi, P.E., Boswell Engineering
Gregory White, Faiclities Manager
Daniel Mahler, Wanaque Mayor
Margaret Maas, Recording Secretary
CORRESPONDENCE
The
Chairman asked if anyone had any questions or comments on the Correspondence
List of
The
Chairman stated that the Authority received a letter from Mr. Bill Holt on
The Chairmen stated the correspondences will be placed on file.
MINUTES – Regular Meeting
The Chairmen stated that everyone
has had an opportunity to review the minutes of the regular meeting of
MOTION Moved by Robert Hadley, 2nd
by Joseph Elcavage to adopt a resolution authorizing the acceptance of the
Regular Meeting Minutes of
Commissioner Bolduc stated, on behalf of Local Authority, contrary of what stated in the July 16, 2007 WVRSA Resolution; the Authority has not adopted a formal position on the Odor Cotrol User Surcharge.
Commissioner Hadley stated that he would amend his motion to include the addition as
stated by Commissioner Bolduc.
On Roll Call Commissioners Bolduc, Elcavage, Hadley, Moshman, Murray and Covelli
voted yes.
MOTION CARRIED
At this time Commissioner Hadley stated that he he would like to apologize for when the date of this
meeting was chosen he was unaware that he had a previous commitment and that he
would be required to leave at this time.
Mr. Hadley apologized to the Board and the Chairman thanked him for
coming and stated that he was excused.
Commissioner Hadley left the meeting at
The Chairman stated that he would like to change the order of the Agenda in order to receive a report from our Bond Counsel representative and that we have a Bond Resolution to adopt this evening with regard to debt service.
BOND RESOLUTION
Temporary
Funding Notes (Series 2007)
Mr. White stated that there is a copy of the wording of the Resolution and a summary description of what is to take place in everyone's file folders.
Mr. Miller stated that there is a copy of an email attached from Robert Beinfield, of Hawkins, Delafield & Wood, addressed to himself and Mr. Ferraioli describing the parameters of the Resolution.
Temporary
Funding Notes (. 2007)
Mr. Miller gave an explanation of the background of previous $1,500,000.00 in Funding Notes from last year and stating that those notes are now coming due at the end of September. Mr. Miller stated that he believes that Mr. Ferraioli anticipates pre-paying $500,000 - $600,000.00 of that amount and rolling over approximately $900,000.00 balance for up to another 12 months. Mr. Miller stated that this has nothing to do with capital improvements or anything else; is this just a roll over of an existing indebtedness. Mr. Miller introduced Ms. Michelle Loucopolos of Hawkins, Delafield & Wood, our Bond Counsel Firm, and stated he hoped he gave a proper explanation/ description of the Temporary Funding Notes before us this evening. Mr. Miller then asked the Commissioners if they had any questions for Ms Loucopolos.
Ms. Loucopolos stated that she would be happy to the questions the Commissioners had, but she felt that Mr. Miller gave a very good explanation of what was happening here this evening. When there were no questions put forth to Ms. Loucopolos; Mr. Miller stated that the resolution to be passed this evening will give the Chairman, within certain parameters, the right to make certain decisions in anticipation of what the interest rate will be, maximum rate, maximum discount etc. Mr. Miller again asked if anyone had any questions on the technicalities.
The chairman asked if everyone has had a chance to review the resolution as presented. He stated that he felt with quite straightforward and that he found it to be in order plus the e-mail from Mr. Beinfield on the front page helps clarify things. With there was no response The Chairman stated he would entertain a motion authorizing the adoption of this resolution.
The chairman asked what number resolution this will be. Mr. White responded we do not normally number our resolutions. The Chairman stated that he thought it would be a good idea to start now and the number of this resolution will be # 001-07.
MOTION Moved by Joseph Elcavage, 2nd by Andrew Bolduc to authorize adopting resolution No. 001-07, entitled “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $1,000,000.00 AUTHORITY TEMPORARY FUNDING NOTES (SERIES 2007) OF THE WANAQUE VALLEY REGIONAL SEWERAGE AUTHORITY AND THE DETERMINATION CERTAIN MATTERS RELATING THERETO”.
On Roll Call
Commissioners Bolduc,
Commissioners Hadley and Murray were absent. A copy of the Resolution is attached to the Minutes
MOTION CARRIED
At this time the Chairman thanked Ms. Loucopolos for coming here this evening and stated that she was free to leave at this time if she wished.
REPORTS
Facilities
Manager
Noise and Odor Control
Mr. White stated that from now on he will be copying only the pages of the report that have new intimation on them in order to save some paper.
Odor Control
Mr. White stated at last month's meeting he reported that we would have to replace the media in the sludge holding tank, all three units, and bay No. 3 in the Influent wet well unit. Mr. White stated that the media was obtained and it was replaced last week.
Mr. White stated that the received numerous odor complaints based the entrance to the development in the area of the guard shack. Mr. White stated that he inspected the area himself, has did James Kelly and Frank Rossi of Boswell Engineering. Bill Kelly of Local Sewerage Authority also inspected the area. Mr. White stated that there is a discernible raw sewage odor emanating from the vent pipes that were installed on the new by-pass line. Mr. White stated that the complaints did not begin until the new pipe was placed in operation.
Mr. White stated that there are two things that he has taken action on; he has ordered manhole canister inserts. These are carbon filled canister inserts which will be placed in the 3 new manholes on the by-pass line. Mr. White stated that to address the odor coming out of the vent pipes they also sell canister units that can be threaded onto the top of the vent pipe, which we can place a carbon media inside and the carbon media will treat any odors that come up thru the vent pipe. Mr. White stated that the order has been placed and he anticipates in arriving by mid next week and they will be immediately installed. Mr. White stated that he is keeping Mr. Kelly abreast of what is happening.
REPORTS
Facilities Manager
Noise & Odor Control Report Cont
Mr. White stated that the new by-pass line is the responsibility of Local Sewerage Authority not the Regional Sewerage Authority. Commission Bolduc stated, for the record, that the old line that was there had the carbon manhole inserts installed. Mr. White stated that is correct and that we never had any complaints until the new line was placed in operation and that he is confident the installation of the new canisters will bring about the same results.
Mr. White stated that his only question was how long the media will last before it needs to be replaced. Mr. White reported that the Authority was requested, by the Wanaque Reserve (WR) to put slats
in the chain link fence in the northwest corner of the facility, which was at our former main entrance. Mr. White stated that he accommodated that request and purchased some fence slats and placed them in the gate. Mr. White stated that they were installed on August 3rd and that the course of that work was $240 .00. Mr. White stated that he discussed his with the Chairman and they decided it was a reasonable request to accommodate and he was authorized to proceed.
Mr.
White stated that subsequent to the production and copying of this report; the
Authority received a copy via an email and a hard copy in the mail today, of a
letter of complaint
written from a WR resident to the Governor of the State of
Commissioner Bolduc asked if the complaint was that the same location as set our previous discussion. Mr. White stated yes he believed that it was at the vent pipe area. Commissioner Bolduc stated that this is already being addressed. Mr. White stated that was correct. Discussion ensued.
Mr.
White stated that in order to try to alleviate any concerns for the residents
he is going to run the mister units a little more frequently in the evening
between the hours of
and we are going to run the odor control units later into the evening to see if that helps.
BMED Resolutions
Chairman Covelli stated that BMED stands for Bergen Municipal Employees Health Insurance Fund. Mr. Miller stated that he believed it to be advisable to explain the reasoning behind this decision to change providers of our dental insurance coverage.
The Chairmen stated that as
everyone is aware the Authority has its Property and Casualty coverage with The
NJUA-JIF. The Chairmen stated that there
is a similar program called the HIF which he looked at for both the medical and
dental coverage for the employees. The
Chairman stated that the health benefits provided by the State Health Benefits
program is working very well and gives our employees very good coverage. He stated that Standard Insurance has been
the provider for
our dental insurance coverage. He stated
that with regard to our dental coverage the BMED utilizes Delta Dental for their dental coverage. The Chairman stated that they are a highly
respected company. He stated that upon
looking at the costs comparison, the Authority could save approximately
$1,000.00 by changing our provider to BMED and the employees will a plan that
meets and exceeds our current benefits.
The Chairman stated that everyone should find in their packets this
evening a notice from Standard stating they want to increase our premium by
another six and one-half percent effective
The
Chairman stated with all this said we are now at a point that we want to adopt
the resolution to join the BMED and execute the Endemnity
and Trust Agreement, which would take effect
Mr. White stated that Ms. Virginia Forde, our Risk Management Consultant has offered to have a representative of either the BMED or Delta Dental come and meet with the employees to answer any questions they might have as well.
Mr. Miller stated that there is a formal resolution that they require authorizing our joining the BMED. He stated that the form they want us to complete requires a resolution No.on top.
MOTION Moved by Joseph Elcavage, 2nd by Robert Moshman to adopt Resolution NO. 002-07
Authorizing
the Wanaque Valley Regional Sewerage Authority join the
Municipal Employees Benefits Fund, effective
On Roll Call Commissioners B olduc,
Commissioners Hadley and Murray were absent. A copy of the Resolution attached.
MOTION
CARRIED
Budget Report
Mr. White stated that in the absence of Mr. Ferraioli; he and Mr. Ferraioli will be meeting in the very near future to begin FY ’08 Budget preparation. Mr. White stated that they will also be requiring a meeting with the Finance Committee in September to go over the draft budget.
REPORTS
Facilities Manager Cont.
Stone Hill Construction- Maintenance Bond – Retainage Release
Mr. White stated that we have gotten their attention by not releasing their retainage check. Mr. White stated that he has received several phone calls this week asking where their money was. Mr. White stated that he forwarded a letter to them listing the deficient items. Mr. White stated that he is hopeful that they will be here shortly to complete the work. He stated that as soon this it is completed to his satisfaction, he will release the check. Mr. White stated that he will consult with Mr. Miller before releasing the check. Mr. Miller stated that was the resolution that was adopted at the last meeting.
Plant Operation
Mr. White reported that the plant is running extremely well considering the hot humid weather we been experiencing. He stated that this is a very trying time of year for sewage treatment plants.
Mr. White reported that theseptage receipt volume has remained steady, with the dry weather it has remained surprisingly steady.
Mr. White stated that his report was basically complete and that he would like to mention the September meeting date, which he believes to be the 26th , he would like to see if that date can be moved up a week or two as he has a conflict on the 26th. Discussion followed. The conclusion of the discussion was that Mr. White would ask Mrs. Parrinello to make calls to all the Commissioners to come up with a date that will be acceptable to everyone. Mr. White stated that everyone will be notified of the final date.
Nothing
Commissioner Elcavage have a question on the budget report that was included in the file folders this evening. Commissioner Elcavage was concerned but the number that was stated as being their remaining monies available to the end of the year. Mr. White explained that first that the report did not include the recent $90,000.00 budget amendment made by Mr. Ferraioli and that the end of the budget year was one month away and that there was sufficient money to pay the bills through the end of the fiscal year, September 30th.
Mr. Kelly of Boswell Engineering reported that he is doing a final tweaking with regard to the Plant Assessment and Odor Control Report. Mr. Kelly stated that he will be able to have that put into final form to meet the schedule you have indicated .
Mr. Kelly stated that he accompanied
Mr. White on the inspection of the odor complaint on the new by-pass line. Mr. Kelly
stated that earlier
this evening there
was an odor present at
The Chairman asked if the contractor was supposed to put those canisters on. Mr. White responded no, he did not believe so.
The Chairman stated that he would like to get something to Mr. Kelly's report. he stated that the subcommittee which was appointed to review the report by the engineer met this evening and in fact will be meeting on a regular basis, heretofore, with that document and setting the course of action with that document and as was stated before, which I am now putting on the official record record, report will be released on August 21, 2007. The Chairman stated that Mr. Kelly's office has a few revisions and clarifications to make to the report and it will then be available. The Chairman stated that copies will be furnished to the Commissioners as well as the subcommittee.
Legal
Mr. Miller stated that he has nothing further the and has been already discussed. Mr. Miller stated that we have no litigation to report on other than the Ringwood litigation, which is still up in the air as the mediator is on vacation now and when she's not on vacation she is litigating. Mr. Miller stated that we have had three dates scheduled for mediation which she put off all three of them.
Vouchers
Vouchers: M-10440 thru M-10479- FY ‘07
RESOLUTION – Read by Title
“RESOLUTION REQUISITIONING FROM THE REVENUE FUND TO THE REVOLVING FUND BY
THE
MOTION Moved by Joseph Elcavage, 2nd by Robert Moshman to adopt resolution # 003-07 approving the payment of Vouchers M-10440 – thru M-10479 for Fy 2007, subject to availability of funds.
On Roll Call Commissioners Bolduc, Elcavage, Moshman and Covelli voted yes.
Commissioners Hadley and Murray were absent.
MOTION
CARRIED
OLD BUSINESS
The chairman asked if there was anything to be discussed under Old Business. When there was no response he stated that he would move on the New Business.
NEW BUSINESS
The Chairman ahead asked if there was anything to be discussed under New Business. When there was no response he stated that he would move to the Public Portion of the meeting.
The Chairman stated that this time he would open the meeting to the public. The chairman asked there was anyone from the public that would like to address the Board.
William Holt
8319
Mr. Holt stated that he would like to thank Mr. White for what he has done for the gate. he then asked if the stop sign is on that date is necessary. Mr. White stated yes for safety consented is necessary.
Mr. Holt stated that you have indicated the new by pass line is the responsibility of Local Sewerage Authority and whereas there was only two vent pipes before and now there is four and one more which makes five. Mr. Holt asked if they will all receive the new carbon canisters. Mr. White responded that he has ordered seven canisters for the vent pipes. Mr. Holt asked Mr. White if he had any idea of White went from two to four vent pipes. Mr. White responded he did not know.
Mr. Holt stated that Mr. White mentioned leaving the misters on later. He asked if Mr. White could possibly turn them away from the complex. Mr. Holt stated that the notice of those misters gets irritating after a short while. Mr. White stated that he would be glad to turn them off. Mr. Holt said he did not want them turned off he would just like and turned around . The chairman asked the engineer what his thought were on how affective those misters would be were they to be faced away from the complex, and if the wind would take the fragrance towards the complex while we would be removing the odors here at the plant. Discussion followed. Mr. White stated that he would try to move the mister's and place them behind some building, but he cannot to close to the odor control units because it will counteract their purpose and will deplete the media all the sooner. Mr. White stated he must keep them a safe distance away from the Purafill Units to prevent them from exhausting prematurely the media.
Mr. Holt stated that many of his friends would state that he is making a mistake here but he wanted to say the whole compared to last year this facility is doing wonderful. He stated that he wanted the Authority to know that and that he gives credit to Mr. White, for him to have accomplished what he has accomplished with very little Board approval necessary to do what he has done. Mr. Holt stated that it helps a lot to have the odor control units working of course but the other things he has responded to, which are sometimes just little things like covering that gate - those things help a lot. Mr. Holt stated that there have been no major problems like there were last year, just the occasional problems. Mr. Holt stated that some how we have to establish a relationship that when there are these occasional problems we don't get stone walls. Mr. Holt stated that he does not believe it necessary to go outside of our own area such as writing letters to the Governor in order to get something accomplished.
Mr. Holt stated that we need to establish a better communications where on the occasional problem we can handle it through dialogue and not arguments.
The Chairman stated for a point of clarification he feels it is important to note and he is not going to say whether a letter to the Governor worked or didn't work. He stated that what he was going to say is for the record that the problem was brought to our attention ironically by Barbara Jaquette of Pulte, who to the best of his knowledge was the first one to notice the problem and brought it to Mr. White’s attention and then to Mr. Carroll's attention. Meanwhile, Mr. White was already working on the problem. The Chairman stated that while he is not going to say where that the letter to the Governor work toward didn't work – what we understand at this point was it did do was prompt an inspection on the County. Regardless of that fact , Mr. White was already on the case and the fact that it was already planned that the engineer was going to look at it today and because of the fact the Regional was in a position pretty much because of this meeting and that Mr. White is he here every day and could concur Local Authority that this was one situation that could be handled and in fact we did.
There was further discussion on the Stop sign on the gate and the conclusion of the discussion was that Mr. White would see that it was removed.
The Chairman asked there was anyone else from the public that would like to address the Board. Upon seeing no one He stated that he would close the public portion of the meeting.
MOTION Moved by Joseph Elcavage, 2nd by Andrew Bolduc to adopt a resolution authorizing
closing the Public Portion of the meeting.
The Chairman stated that all those in favor signify by saying Aye. All Commissioners
present stated Aye. There were no Nay votes or Abstentions.
Commissioners Hadley and Murray were absent.
ADJOURN
The Chairman stated that he would entertain a motion to adjourn this meeting.
MOTION Moved by Joseph Elcavage, 2nd by Andrew Bolduc to adopt a resolution adjourning this meeting.
The Chairman stated that all those in favor signify by saying Aye. All Commissioners
present stated Aye. There were no Nay votes or Abstentions.
Commissioners Hadley and Murray were absent.
MOTION
CARRIED
The meeting was concluded at
Minutes respectively submitted by,
Margaret M. Maas, Recording Secretary