WANAQUE VALLEY

REGIONAL SEWERAGE AUTHORITY

 

REGULAR MEETING

 

September 27, 2006

 

MINUTES

 

The WANAQUE VALLEY REGIONAL SEWERAGE AUTHORITY conducted a Regular Meeting, which commenced at 6:15 P.M., in the Wanaque Valley Regional Sewerage Authority Administration Building, Wanaque, New Jersey with Robert Hadley, Chairman, presiding.

 

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 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 North Jersey Herald News, the Trends and the Record.  A copy of the notice will be filed with the minutes of this meeting.

 

ROLL CALL 

Commissioners Present:  Andrew Bolduc, Frank Covelli, Joseph Elcavage, Robert Hadley,  Robert Moshman and Patrick Murray

 

Also Present:                     Chris Erd, 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

                                         John DiMeglio, Wanaque Borough Sewerage Commissioner Margaret Maas, Recording Secretary

 

The Chairman apologized for the meeting starting late, but there was a previous committee meeting that had to be completed before we could open this meeting.   The Chairman stated that he would like change the order of business by having the Public Portion at the beginning of the meeting, so as not to bore our guests by making them sit through our whole meeting before being able to speak to the Board.

 

PUBLIC PORTION

            The Chairman stated that the meeting was now open to the public and that anyone that wished to address the Board, please step up to the microphone and identify themselves.

            Bill Holt, resident of #8319 Warren Way.  Mr. Holt stated that he is a representative of the Committee of Building #8.  He stated that they want to be good neighbors as we will be next to each other for a long time.  He also stated that one thing they realize is that the Commissioners are not in reality physical neighbors as they do not live at the Authority, but he would like to request that when you are making your decisions and addressing issues that we bring up that you try to reflect as if we were physical neighbors of yours. Mr. Holt stated again that they would like to be good neighbors and that they would like to be treated as such.

            Al Hecht, resident of 9203 Warren Way.  Mr. Hecht stated that he read the minutes of the last meeting and he was really astounded by what was said there.  Mr. Holt then proceeded to quote from the minutes “Mr. White reported that they (the residents) said they were still experiencing the odors.”  He stated that “They described the odors to him and he said he cannot understand what the odors could be”.  Mr.  Hecht stated that if anyone steps out the door they can smell the odors right now.  Mr. Holt stated that Mr. White said that the odor control units were working. 

            Mr. Hecht stated that Mr. White talked about the trucks and the need to continue them.  Mr. Hecht stated that he feels that this is strictly a money situation only.  He feels that there will be 755 units when this complex is complete and they will all pay $800.00 annually which totals out to $604,000.00 worth of income, that you have not seen before.  Mr. Hecht stated that he cannot understand why you need a million dollars worth or trucks coming in when we are already giving you $604,000.00 and furthermore why do they have to come 24/7 to keep your budget going. 

 

PUBLIC PORTION

            Al Hecht, Cont.

            Mr. Hecht also stated that we are senior citizens and he personally cannot deal with the smell and the air pollution.  Mr. Hecht stated that he plans on going down to his home in Florida two months earlier than usual as he cannot stand the odor.  He stated cannot walk out in the evening and smell this stuff.  He stated that the air pollution is worst between the hours of 7 pm and 12 pm He stated that every night you between those hours if you come to Wanaque Reserve you can smell it.  He stated that it is horrendous.

            Mr. Hecht stated that the noise of the trucks starts about 4:30 am – there is one big truck that leaves here that transports the product that is left when the process is finished.  He stated that the last truck last night was around 9:30 – 10:00 pm. 

            Mr. Hecht stated that he does not know what kind of chemicals are used here to control the bacteria.  He stated that the odor is not an odor of sewage it is an odor of bacteria.  He stated that if one goes on the internet there is a product that will eliminate odors completely from the bacteria.  Mr. Hecht gave a copy of the print out he took from the computer for the Commissioners to look at. (Copy attached)

            Mr. Hecht stated that he does not like being held hostage by the Sewerage Authority because we are there.  If the Sewerage Authority didn’t want any neighbors they could have bought the property and they would never had a neighbor.  Meanwhile, you didn’t buy the property and now you have 755 people who are standing or sitting through a smell that is unbearable. 

            Mr. Hecht stated that he doesn’t know if this bacteria that is floating in the air is carcinogenetic or is not carcinogenetic.  He doesn’t know if the air has been tested.  Mr. Hecht stated that during the day he doesn’t smell a thing.  Mr. Hecht stated to the Commissioners that as they leave this building you will smell the odor but if you come to our building you will smell it three times worse.

            Mr. Hecht asked –What is a good neighbor?   He stated that a good neighbor is one who cares for the neighborhood that they live in and their next door neighbor.  Mr. Hecht stated that they want to be good neighbors to us – but on the same plain  we want you to be good neighbors to us.

            Mr. Hecht commented on the “Waters Edge” project and that the Authority is already over capacity and cannot handle the flows.

            Paul Farrantino, Wanaque Reserve resident. 

            Mr. Farrantino stated that he had a prepared letter to the WVRSA and proceeded to read it. (Copy attached). Mr. Farrantino gave a copy to Mrs. Maas, who made copies for all the Board.  

 

When Mr. Ferrantino completed reading his letter and there was no additional persons wishing to speak before the Board, the Chairman stated that he would entertain a motion to close the Public Portion of this meeting.

 

MOTION        Moved by Joseph Elcavage, 2nd by Robert Moshman to adopt a resolution authorizing closing the Public Portion of this meeting.

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

                                                                                                                        MOTION CARRIED

 

At this time the Chairman state4d that we would continue with the regular agenda.

 

    

CORRESPONDENCE

            Correspondence List for July  17, 2006 to August 22, 2006               

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 – August 30, 2006

The Chairman asked if anyone had any questions or comments on the Regular Meeting Minutes of August 30, 2006 as presented.  When there was no response the following motion was moved.

 

MOTION        Moved by Frank Covelli, 2nd by Joseph Elcavage to adopt a resolution accepting the Regular Meeting Minutes of August 30, 2006 as presented.

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

                                                                                                            MOTION CARRIED

 

REPORTS

            Facilities Manager

            Mr. White stated that he had a few updates for the Commissioners.

            NJUA-JIF By-Laws

            Mr. White reported that the Authority received a document from the NJUA-JIF.  He reported that they would like us to adopt a resolution this evening approving the By-laws of the NJUA-JIF.  Mr. White asked if the Board would like him to read it.  He stated that it was the standard form of resolution and that they would like it returned to them.   Then the following motion was moved.

 

MOTION        Moved by Frank Covelli, 2nd by Joseph Elcavage to adopt a resolution the revisions to the By-laws of The NJUA-JIF By-laws, as presented.

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

                        Murray voted yes.

                                                                                                                        MOTION CARRIED

           

            Access Road

            Mr. White stated that our access road needs a topcoat on it.  The plans are right now to put a 2” topcoat on the road.  Mr. White stated that the paving company would like to proceed in the very near future.  Mr. White stated that there was a meeting today with the paving company and the engineers to go over some concerns with the existing roadway and how that can be  corrected. 

            Dedication of Access Road

            Mr. White stated that there was discussion of dedicating that roadway to the Borough of Wanaque.  Me. White stated that he has been in discussion with Mr. Erd regarding the same.

Mr. White stated that the specific areas would includes all of our current Access Road plus

a portion at the top of  W. Hagstrom Blvd. from the old railroad right away to the bottom of the hill, that we also own. 

            Mr. Erd stated for clarification – he stated that way back when we had an easement for the old road and the new road. He stated that there is now an actual exchange of titles, this Authority owns the new road and Pulte owns the old road – where the old road used to be.  There is still a small piece of land owned by the Authority from the old railroad right of way eastward to the splits of the Pulte property and the Authority property.  That land was always considered to be dedicated to the Borough of Wanaque.  Now there are issues being raised concerning traffic control devices for the new roadway.  Mr. Erd stated that his firm was asked to look into granting the Borough -Title 39 authority which would allow the Wanaque Police to enforce traffic regulations on that roadway.   He stated that however, another possibility which could be considered by this Authority is to just dedicate the whole road over to the Borough.  Mr. Erd reported that Mr. Carroll was approached regarding this and it is his understanding that they are willing to consider it.  Mr. Erd stated that it would mean that they would maintain it, they would have traffic authority on it and it would then become a public road.  The question is – Do the Commissioners wish to do that at this time.  Discussion followed.  Commissioner Bolduc asked if they will state that they are willing to accept it as is. 

            Mr. White added that the Borough Engineer was present at the meeting this afternoon, so it should be up to Borough requirements.   

 

REPORTS

            Facilities Manager

            Dedication of Access Road Cont.

            Commissioner Elcavage stated that if we dedicate this road we want to be sure that they enforce all signs on the Access Road.  Commissioner Covelli stated, for the benefit of the public that is here, he feels that it is important to note that this is something that we had discussed and that initially we were going to keep control of the road and that the whole idea changed over to dedicating it to the Borough because of the fact that there has been concerns by our neighbors, that in fact we have trucks or other visitors to use the side of that road to do whatever they do and the fact remains that if that road remains private we do not have the ability to police it  nor do the Wanaque Police have the jurisdiction to police it.  Commissioner Covelli stated that by turning it over to the Borough – the Wanaque Police can and will patrol that road.  Commissioner Covelli wanted it known that this is our effort to be a good neighbor to our new neighbors and to facilitate that.

            There was additional discussion on emphasizing to the Borough that if they accept this road that we expect them to strictly enforce the requirements that we already have in place.  Commissioner Bolduc cautioned that we not make the conditions of accepting the road impossible to meet.

 

MOTION        Moved by Frank Covelli, 2nd by Andrew Bolduc to adopt a resolution authorizing

                        approaching the Borough of Wanaque to consider accepting our dedicating

                        the Access Road and that portion of W. Hagstrom Boulevard that the Authority

                        owns over to the Borough of Wanaque.

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

                                                                                                                        MOTION CARRIED

 

            I & I Work

            Mr. White reported that National Water Main has completed the repairs within the system, with the exception of two manholes.  Mr. White stated that the five excavation repairs that need to be performed by a local contractor are also still outstanding.  Mr. White stated that the total spent to date is $235,000.00 which leaves approximately $15,000.00 left in the budget.  Mr. White stated that it will be up to this Authority and the Local Authority whether they want to do some additional TV inspection work or I & I remediation work with that remaining money.

            Mr. White stated that with regard to the bridge crossing work there is nothing further to report.  Mr. White stated that the engineers are still discussion it – looking for a sound engineering solution to the problem. 

            Commissioner Elcavage asked with all the work that has been done – how much of the

I& I has come down.  Mr. White stated that it is around 100,000 gallons per day when the bridge crossing is corrected.

            October Meeting Date

            Mr. White stated that he believes that there is some concern with the October meeting date.  He asked the Commissioners if anyone had a problem with making that meeting.  Commissioners Hadley and Murray stated that they will not be here.  The other Commissioners checked and stated that to the best of their knowledge everyone planned on being available for that meeting.

            Association of Environmental Authorities (AEA) Convention

            Mr. White asked if any of the Commissioners planned on attending this year’s convention at Atlantic City in November.  Discussion followed and all Commissioners responded no.

            Mr. White stated that this part of his report was concluded but that he had some additional items under New Business.

            Accounting

            FiscalYear 2007 Budget

            Mr. Ferraioli reported that he met with the Finance Committee to review the Budget for October 1, 2006 thru Sept. 30, 2007.  Mr. Ferraioli stated that if the Board wants to move on this, he suggests that they Introduce the Budget in the total of  $$3,447,140.00  and that there be a Public Hearing on this Budget on October 25, 2006 at 8:00 PM here at the Authority.

 

REPORTS

            Accounting

            FiscalYear 2007 Budget Cont.

 

MOTION        Moved by Frank Covelli, 2nd by Patrick Murray to adopt a resolution authorizing

                        The Introduction the Wanaque Valley Regional Sewerage Authority Budget for the Fiscal Year 2007 – from October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007 and further authorize a Public Hearing on this FY 2007 Budget be held on October 25, 2006 at 8:00 PM and authorize the publication of notice of this Public Hearing.

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

                                                                                                                        MOTION CARRIED 

 

            Short Term Borrowing –

            Mr. Ferraioli reported that since our last meeting we have acquired the funding we sought and there will be a closing tomorrow the 28th.  Mr. Ferraioli reported that we were able to get an interest rate of 4.27% on those notes.  Mr. Ferraioli stated that it is a one year bond that will be paid off next September 28th. 

                                               

Mr. Ferraioli stated that his report was concluded.         The Chairman asked for the Engineering Report.

Commissioner Covelli asked the Chairman if there was anything that needed to be discussed in Closed Session, as he has to leave shortly.  After a short discussion the Chairman asked Mr. Purcell for his report.

            Engineering

            Mr. Purcell stated that he has an Agenda and a Report on the Upgrade and proceeded to distribute them.  Mr. Purcell then went over them.

            Engineering Report on the Upgrade – Contract 1-25

            Mr. Purcell reported that the project is 85% complete as of last week. 

            1.  Septage Receiving Facility

                 Mr. Purcell reported that the facility is complete, pending final inspection.

            2.  Influent Pumping Station

                The new Remote Terminal Unit (RTU#1) was installed, tested and placed on line.

                All three pumps are connected to the RTU and the system is reporting to the MIP panel in the main portion of the plant.

                The work on this building is complete except for the seal water pumps, which we are waiting for, some final painting and miscellaneous work.

            3. Grit Chamber and Grit Chemical/Building

                 The grit screw and drive unit for grit chamber #2 were installed.       

                 The effluent baffle was installed in grit chamber #2.

            4.  Aeration Basins Nos. 1-3

                 There was no work on them this month.

            5.  Final Clarifiers

                 There was no work this month.

            6. Tertiary Building

                New Microstrainer #2 and Control Panel were placed on line

                The motor on the drive unit for Microstrainer #4 failed and the unit cannot be operated until the motor is replaced, which is being done by the contractor.  It was a defective motor so they are replacing it.

                The roof fan over Microstrainers #1 and #2 was installed and the fan and automatic  louver are operable but have not been placed online by the Authority.

                The windows were installed.

                The existing gate valves in the NPW piping were replaced.

                The magnetic meters on the NPW and dilution water lines were installed.  These meters cannot be placed on line until the new RTU is operable.                         

                Replacement of the roofing system is scheduled to commence this week.

 

REPORTS

            Engineering

            Engineering Report on the Upgrade – Contract 1-25  Cont.

            7.  Treatment Module

                Work  has commenced on the new platforms and stairs on AT #4.

            8.  Administration Building

                The new electrical equipment has been installed in the MIP.  The new face plate was delivered and was not the correct size; therefore, the paperless recorder and touch  screen are only temporarily connected.

                The fiber optic lines from the RTU #1 (IPS) are connected to the MIP and the system is operational.

            9.  Haskell Pumping

                 The transducer and new floats were installed in the wet well.

          10.  Shop Drawing Review and Procession is 100% complete

 

            Mr. Purcell stated that we are now looking towards the completion of the project. He stated that we have accepted components as we went down the road.  Mr. Purcell stated that full completion should be within the month of November.

            Commissioner Elcavage asked if it would be a fair statement to make – that once this project is completed there should be a significant reduction in the construction noise and odor.

Mr. Purcell responded by stating that the construction noises that were caused by the activities of Stone Hill Construction Co. will be over by the end of November.  Mr. Purcell stated that the unfortunate circumstances that were reported tonight was when the main pumping station had to be evacuated and made clean so the Contractor could go in and put in a new pump.  He stated that the preferred contractor that was hired to do that made a great deal of noise when his equipment broke down and that was the night when the police came in.  The Authority hired another contractor who came in early the next week and completed that work without incident.  Mr. Purcell stated that that was an unfortunate circumstance where it was mechanical failure on the part of one of the contractors.

            Mr. Purcell stated that the construction noises will cease.  The operational noises, whatever they are, will continue at an operating level.  Mr. Purcell stated that there are normal operational procedures that generate a certain level of noise – but during regular working hours. Commissioner Elcavage asked Mr. Purcell if it would be fair to say that the noise would be no louder than it is at this moment.  Mr. Purcell stated that he could not state that completely as there are times when you need to do equipment wash downs and there are a lot of other routine functions that must be done.  Mr. White stated that what you hear out there right now should be is the normal operation 24 hours a day barring any emergency repairs or unusual circumstances. Mr. White stated that there are some noises, that are being heard by specifically #10 – they hear the fans on the odor control units.  That problem is being addressed – we are looking into ways of soundproofing those fans.  There was some interaction between the spectators in the audience and Mr. Purcell.  When they again asked about the odor controls, Mr. Purcell stated that when Stone Hill Contractors leave the odors are not going to evaporate.  Discussion continued between the guests and Mr. Purcell and some of the Commissioners.  One of the items discussed was – Is t he odor control program that was put into place – the very best that is out there.  Mr. Purcell stated that the equipment that is installed, within the confines of the area where odor control was incorporated, are performing adequately for the purposes they were designed for.  Mr. Purcell stated that this is not a State of the Art program and it was not designed to be.  It is and excellent system and it is performing as designed.  Mr. Purcell stated that the operators must also be advised that they must be very diligent in their daily tasks and in the observation of the truckers making sure any spillage is cleaned up immediately and thoroughly.

            The members of the audience asked if they could ask one more question of Mr. Purcell.  The question is- is it accurate that the odors that we smell is not directly from the product that you are getting, but that it is from the bacteria from the two types of sewage mixing or whatever it does when the trucks bring in outside septage.  Mr. Purcell stated that the treatment process is an aerobic process, meaning in the presence of air.  Mr. Purcell stated that the he was not aware of any bacterial effect.  Mr. White explained that biological process within the facility is an aerobic system which utilizes aerobic bacteria.  He stated that there is no smell associated with that process.       

           

REPORTS

            Engineering Cont.

            Mr. White  stated that what we do have is the trucks are bringing in anaerobic material into the plant which is zero oxygen – void of oxygen – therefore the trucks are dropping in an anaerobic material into the facility, which has a horrendous smell to it, it has a septage smell to it, it has a hydrogen sulfide smell to it and it has a rotten egg smell.  Mr. White stated that it is the introduction of that anaerobic material into an aerobic process that has to be stabilized.  Mr. White stated that that is why the odor is generated by the dumping of the material from the trucks.  The next question that was raised – Is there anything that can be done about that.  Discussion followed on some possible means of correcting the situation.

            The Chairman stated that the discussion between the guests in the audience and the Board and its professionals must stop.  He stated that we must be permitted to carry on with our meeting and possible we can continue that discussion at a later time.  Our professionals must be allowed to continue.  At this time the guests left the meeting and Mr. Purcell continued with his agenda.

            Mr. Purcell stated that he has already addressed the first item on his agenda and he would like to  move on to #II

            II.  Contract I-30 – Roof Replacement

            Mr. Purcell reported that the Contractor has requested the release of retainage and issued a Maintenance Bond which has been found acceptable by the Attorney.  Therefore, we have certified the release of retainage to the Contractor in the amount of $6,950.00 and that there is a bill on the Bill List in that same amount.

            III. Highland Avenue Interceptor Sewer Rehabilitation

            Mr. Purcell stated that we know now, from Mr. White’s report, that there was no action taken this period.

            IV. LTPA Proposal - WMP

            Mr. Purcell asked Mr. White if there has been any response from the State on our request for guidance.  Mr. White stated that he tried to reach our contact person at least a dozen times in the past week and there was no response what-so-ever.  Mr. Purcell stated that is sitting there for action at an appropriate time.

            V.  Septage  Holding Tank System 50,000 Gallon Capacity         

            Mr. Purcell stated that he is awaiting direction from the Authority to proceed with the final design for bidding this project.

            VI. Final Paving Access Road and Emergency Access Road

            Mr. Purcell gave an explanation of what transpired in the past week regarding Pulte’s desire to complete the paving on the Access Road.  Upon receiving notification that Pulte planned to pave the Access Road in two days, Mrs. Maas contacted him and asked if there was any problems with her authorizing them to go forward, as she seems to remember that there was some sort of problem with the road when it was first created.  Mr. Purcell stated that he then reached out to his inspector on the job, Stephen Kinsey, P.E. Resident Engineer.  Mr. Kinsey prepared a memo regarding the things that needed to be done before the final coat could be placed on the roadway.  Mr. Purcell stated that today there was an inspection at which there were three  from Pulte, a paving representative from the firm that will be doing the paving and the Borough of Wanaque engineer, Michael Keyto from Alimo Engineering’s office.  Mr. Purcell stated that everyone agreed upon the remediation  work that had to be done before the final road overlay could be put into place.  Mr. Purcell stated that one of the important things in his mind was the area right outside our gate.  He stated that there is an area where water ponds.  This area is not a problem during the spring, summer or fall, but in the dead of winter it can be hazardous.  Mr. Purcell stated that there is a problem with when to do it.  Mr. Purcell stated that Mr. White would like to have it done on a Saturday.  The paving contractor cannot as his Saturday’s are booked to the end of the year.  Therefore, the only alternative would be to shut down the haulers for a day and reroute the employees through the development. After discussion it was agreed

that was the best possible plan.

            Mr. Purcell stated that his report was completed.

 

REPORTS

            At this time Commissioner Covelli excused himself as he was required to be elsewhere.

            Legal   

            Mr. Erd. Stated that a great deal of what he had on his agenda have already been addressed. 

            Stone Hill Notice

            Mr. Erd reported that the Authority was copied on correspondence to the Stone Hill Contractors, which is a normal course of things.   It seems that they have received notice from the NJ Affirmative Action Department.  Mr. Erd stated that they have been warned to be sure to submit the proper reports.  Mr. Erd stated he called Trenton after being asked, if this could in any way negatively affect the completion of the project.  Mr. Erd reported that he was assured that it would not.  Mr. Erd stated that they have been warned to be sure to submit the proper reports.

            Ringwood Borough Litigation     

            Mr. Erd reported that the Authority authorized Mr. Miller to file action against the Borough of Ringwood for the outstanding money owed to this Authority for its work in completing their portion of the Wastewater Management Plan.  Mr. Erd reported that the papers  have been filed and they have until October 26, 2006 to respond.  Mr. Erd stated that we were notified that they were served on September 18, 2006.

            Mr. Erd stated that he had no further legal items to address.

            Vouchers

            The Chairman asked for the voucher report.

            Mr. White stated that he would like to make one note on the Bill List in front of you is slightly less than the Bill List that was sent to you in your package.  He stated that the reduction is in the amount of $128.00 less than the Bill List that you received in your packages, due to a credit that the Authority received.

           

RE:       Vouchers M-9947 thru M-9980 - FY ‘06

                                                  M-9981- FY ‘07                                  

                                 

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 Joseph Elcavage, 2nd by Patrick Murray to adopt a resolution to approve payment of Vouchers M-9947 thru M-9980 for FY '06 and M-9981 for FY ‘07, all payments to be subject to availability of funds. 

                        On Roll Call Commissioners Bolduc, Elcavage, Hadley, Moshman and Murrayvoted yes.  Commissioner Covelli was absent.

                                                                                                            MOTION CARRIED

                 

OLD BUSINESS

            The Chairman asked if there was anything to be discussed under Old Business.  

            Bronze Tablet

            Mr. White stated that last month we discussed the bronze tablet that is supposed to be supplied with the construction project.  Mr. White stated that the construction specs call for a

tablet size 18” X 24”, which is smaller than the tablets that are currently on display; they are

24” X36”.  Mr. White stated that the price the contractor has applied for the tablet is $1,500.00.  Mr. White stated that if  we want to be consistent there is an additional cost of  about $1,000.00.  Mr. White asked what the Commissioners wished to do.  Accept the smaller tablet or spend the additional money to be consistent.  After discussion it was decided that Mr. White will seek to have another fabricator provide one at a lesser cost.

WANAQUE VALLEY REGIONAL SEWERAGE AUTHORITY

REGULAR MEETING

SEPTEMBER 27, 2006

Page 9

 

OLD BUSINESS  Cont.,

            Personnel Committee Report

            Mr. White reported that there was a committee report this afternoon with the employees.

He stated that two issues were resolved and several are still outstanding. 

            Mr. White stated that one of the issues relates to Jury Duty.  He stated that it was agreed that should anyone be moved to the day shift from a premium shift in order to accommodate their responding to an order to attend Jury Duty, they will receive their differentials.

            Mr. White stated that the Wage increase – Cost of Living increase was not resolved.  He stated that they promised to meet with the employees in the near future, due to Mr. Covelli being late.

            Mr. White stated that the other item is the reimbursement to the employees that waive their Health Care and/or Dental coverage.  Mr. White reported that our total Medical and Dental Health benefits for FY ’07 will be approximately $141,000.00.  Mr.  White reported that we have four employees that are waiving coverage, with a total premium savings of over $46,000.00.  Mr. white stated that if we reimburse at 50% as we have done in the past we will still realize over $23,000.00 in premium savings.  Mr. White stated that he would like to get approval of the premium reimbursement for the four employees.  Mr. White asked if he had to get approval for each individual or can it be done as one.  Mr. Erd stated that it could be done as one motion.

 

MOTION        Moved by Joseph Elcavage, 2nd by Patrick Murray to adopt a resolution authorizing the reimbursement of 50% of the premium savings to the four employees that have waived their option for Health Care and/or Dental benefits.

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

                        voted yes.  Commissioner Covelli was absent.

                                                                                                                        MOTION CARRIED

            Mr. White stated that he had nothing further to report on.

 

NEW BUSINESS       

            Security

            Commissioner Bolduc stated that with regard to the report that we had someone trespassing on the property about a month ago – he was wondering what we are doing to secure the facilities that we do not have any one getting unauthorized access to the facility.

            Mr. White responded that we actually left the gate open for the Wanaque Reserve residents, so they could park in our parking lot because of repaving efforts of their parking lots.  Mr. White stated that he did not  know if that is how the gentleman came in.   Mr. White stated that because of that incident there has been discussion of getting an automatic gate for our entrance way, which could only be operated by an easy pass system or a label/key pass system.  Mr. White reported that he is in the process of getting at least two price quotes for that.  Mr. White stated that would allow us to keep the gates closed at all the times and then only authorized personnel would be able to get into the facility.  Mr. White reported that we still have a tremendous amount of cars that come down the road and then realize they do not belong here and have to turn around and go back.  Mr. White reported that we still have people walking in and out of the building and we need to have that stopped as quickly as possible.

There was discussion regarding the trespasser incident.  There was discussion on the seriousness of security requirement at the facility.  Mr. White stated that we have added more signage to the perimeter of the facility.  There was discussion on keeping the buildings locked. 

Commissioner Elcavage reported that he believes that New Jersey has enacted a law in the past year to a year and a half which specifically deals with trespassing on sewage facilities, water plants etc.  He suggested that we might want to research that and if we find it to be so we might want to put that on our signs.  Commissioner Elcavage stated that he thinks that the new law  might  strength to it than a regular trespass violation. 

            Mr. White asked the remaining resident of Wanaque Reserve if they had been notified

by Pulte regarding the no trespassing on the Authority.  He stated that a flyer was distributed.

            Commissioner Bolduc stated that the signs are all well and good but it will not stop someone that wishes to get in here.  He asked Mr. White to look into the cost of getting new lockable doors for all the buildings for next month’s meeting.

 

NEW BUSINESS   Cont.

            Commissioner Moshman stated that one recurring statement he heard here tonight regarded Odor Control.  He asked if it would be possible to bring in an Odor Control Specialist to find out if there is any more that we could do.  He stated that he would like to have an answer if any additional questions were raised.   Discussion followed.

            Mr. White stated that they may suggest ways of changing the way the our equipment is operated, they may have suggestions for additional equipment.  Mr. White stated that the question is finding a qualified Odor Control Specialist and what the cost of that will be.

Mr. White stated that he would look into it.  

 

ADJOURN

 

MOTION        Moved by Andrew Bolduc, 2nd by Robert Moshman to adopt a resolution to adjourn this meeting.

                        On Roll Call Commissioners Bolduc, Elcavage, Hadley, Moshman and Murray voted yes.  Commissioner Covelli was absent.  

                                                                                                                        MOTION CARRIED

The meeting was concluded at 7:20 P.M.

 

Minutes respectively submitted by,