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MINUTES FROM THE MARCH 19, 2008 MEETING OF THE AUTHORITY The meeting of the Hamburg Municipal Authority was held this evening at the Hamburg Municipal Center with Vice-Chairman Dave Fink presiding. The meeting opened at 7:55 p.m. Members Present - Stephen A. Smith (arrived 7:30 p.m.), David A. Fink, Roger G. Kuhns, Stephen H. BlefgenMembers Absent - Stanley E. Dietrich, Judy E. Romig Also Present - Michael W. Hughes-Met Ed, Marybeth Smialek-Met Ed, Craig Correll-Met Ed, Jessica Schnur-SDE, Charles F. Fitzpatrick-Solicitor, Keith L. Brobst-Superintendent, Lynda G. Albright-Borough Manager, Denise L. Clare-Secretary At this point there was no quorum so the Authority went on to visitors. VISITORS Mike Hughes, Marybeth Smialek and Craig Correll were in attendance regarding Met-Ed’s proposal for a new substation in Hamburg. The representatives are proposing using an area near the Pine Street Pump Station on Authority property. The current substation in Hamburg is starting to experience capacity issues. There were several drawings passed out showing the current substation and what the new one would look like as well as location drawings. This new substation would help with outages so that the whole Borough would not be out at one time. The area needed would be 100’ x 100’. Met-Ed is willing to purchase the property or have an easement. Keith Brobst asked if there would be any issues with variable frequents drives in the pump station. No, there would not. Steve Blefgen suggested putting the substation in the area where the EPA trailers are currently. This could be done and it would be further away from the pump station. This area is the hub (control area). 2 of 3 circuits are at the STP and would take some off of the town line. The poles would be 8’ deep. This is the deepest anything will go. The timetable is 180 days, fall cement work and the transformers set in spring. The substation would be done by May 1, 2009. At this time, Steve Smith arrived at the meeting. Charles Fitzpatrick updated Steve Smith on the Met-Ed substation proposal. The fencing would be in a 40’ x 60’ area. This is much smaller that the present area at the current substation. There would not be much noise since there are only a few fans. Steve Smith asked if the substation attracts lightning. Steel runs around the fencing and grounds any lightning. The substation may need to be raised slightly to conform with the 100 year flood plain. A motion was made by Dave Fink and seconded by Roger Kuhns to accept the February minutes as written. ROLL CALL: Ayes- Smith, Fink, Kuhns, Blefgen Nayes- None The Trustee Treasurer’s, Administrative Treasurer’s, Sewer B,R, & I and M & T Trustee reports were reviewed. ACCT. # Account Name Bal.-Jan. 08 Credits Debits Bal.-Feb. 08 1576025802 Water-2001 Settlement Fund $ 0.00 $ 0.00 1576025820 Water-1995 Revenue Fund $ 0.00 $ 0.00 1576025839 Water-2001 Debt Service $ 81,147.68 $ 249.57 $ 81,397.25 1576025848 Water-2001 Debt Ser. Res. Fund $230,288.81 $ 708.25 $230,997.06 1576025857 Water-2001 B, R, & I $546,189.66 $ 1,679.80 $547,869.46 1576025866 Water-1995 Rebate Fund $ 0.00 $ 0.00 OPERATING WATER/SEWER ACCOUNT ACTIVITY February 1, 2008 to February 29, 2008 Water Revenue Account – Balance on February 1, 2008 $ 431,793.63 Water Sales/Penalties $ 58,688.82 Cert Fees, Constable Fees, Final Fees $ 425.50 Interest $ 1,019.66 SALDO Fee $ 527.34 Miscellaneous $ 188.75
$ 492,643.70 Less Paid Out $ (48,949.79) Balance in Treasury – February 29, 2008 $ 443,693.91 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Wissahickon Water Account – Balance on February 1, 2008 $ 119,416.14 Fire hydrant fees/penalties $ Interest $ 247.60 $ 247.60 $ 119,663.74
Less Paid Out $ ( 0.00) Balance In Treasury – February 29, 2008 $ 119,663.74 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Fire Hydrant Account – Balance on February 1, 2008 $ 196,684.67 Fire hydrant fees/penalties $ 2,372.57 Interest $ 412.95 $ 2,785.52 $ 199,470.19 Less Paid Out $ ( 68.00) Balance In Treasury – February 29, 2008 $ 199,402.19 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hamburg Area SD Account – Balance on February 1, 2008 $ Deposit $ 2,500.00 Interest $ 5.26 $ 2,505.26 $ 2,505.26 Balance In Treasury – February 29, 2008 $ 2,505.26 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Sewer Revenue Account – Balance on February 1, 2008 $ 127,950.06 Sewer Rentals/Penalties $ 68,933.04 WTMA Rentals/Penalties $ 4,708.65 Interest $ 418.21
$ 202,009.96 Less Paid Out $ (120,170.66) Less Transfer to M & T Bank $ (62,460.90) Balance in Treasury – February 29, 2008 $ 19,378.40 BOROUGH TREASURER SEWER BR & I ACCOUNT AUTHORITY MEETING MARCH 19, 2008 CHECKING ACCOUNT - BALANCE IN CHECKING 2/1/08 $ 10.56 INTEREST $ 0.00 TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY $ 10.56 LESS PAID OUT $ (0.00) BALANCE IN CHECKING 2/29/08 $ 10.56 ACCT. # Account Name Bal.-Dec. 07 Credits Debits Bal.-Jan. 08 2002688 Sewer-2006 Settlement Fund $ 0.00 $ 0.00 2002689 Sewer-2006 Revenue Fund $ 43,069.51 $314,691.45 ($213,883.59) $143,877.46 2002690 Sewer-2006 B, R, & I $482,995.09 $ 641.89 $483,636.98 2002691 Sewer-2006 Construction Fund $ 190.88 $194,000.54 ($176,182.72) $ 18,008.70 2002692 Sewer-2006 Debt Service Fund $ 0.00 $ 19,883.50 ($19,883.50) $ 0.00 2002693 Sewer-2006 Debt Ser. Res. Fund $492,791.18 $ 22,249.40 $515,040.58 2002879 Sewer Note - CF $ 0.00 $ 4.51 $ 4.51
ACCT. # Account Name Bal.-Jan. 08 Credits Debits Bal.-Feb. 08 2002688 Sewer-2006 Settlement Fund $ 0.00 $ 0.00 2002689 Sewer-2006 Revenue Fund $143,877.46 $ 62,865.27 ($19,883.50) $186,859.23 2002690 Sewer-2006 B, R, & I $483,636.98 $ 1,206.09 $484,843.07 2002691 Sewer-2006 Construction Fund $ 18,008.70 $ 18.01 $ 18,026.71 2002692 Sewer-2006 Debt Service Fund $ 0.00 $ 19,883.50 ($19,883.50) $ 0.00 2002693 Sewer-2006 Debt Ser. Res. Fund $515,040.88 $ 1,284.29 $516,325.17 2002879 Sewer Note - CF $ 0.00 $ 4.51 $ 4.51 There were 2 M & T Trustee Reports (to catch up for 2008). M & T is the bond financer for the STP upgrade. These will now be done on a monthly basis. Dave Fink asked why the school district is a separate account. Lynda Albright stated that is should be a separate account since it is escrow money and will only be a temporary account. Dave Fink stated that he was happy to see the M & T reports. A motion was made by Roger Kuhns and seconded by Steve Blefgen to approve the Trustee Treasurer’s, Administrative Treasurer’s, Sewer B,R, & I and M & T Trustee reports as presented. ROLL CALL: Ayes- Smith, Fink, Kuhns, Blefgen Nayes- None HAMBURG MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM
WATER SYSTEM
At this time the bids were opened. The results are as follows: N. Abbonizio Contractors, Inc. $185,060 LSR Enterprises, Inc. $147,776 B & R Constructions Services Inc. $154,223 TSE, Inc. $229,000 Sikora Brothers Paving $144,000 Passerini Construction, Inc. $165,000 Couzins, Inc. $186,313 7 of 10 bids given out were received. Sikora Brothers was the apparent low bidder. PennWorks needs a copy of the close out audit from the auditor. DEP has more issues with Trident. Trident does not have a construction permit. Charles Fitzpatrick handed out letter copies received from Trident regarding their wells and another extension request. Charles Fitzpatrick recommended cutting off Trident’s water as of April 1 since they are behind in their payments. The Authority has extended their water service for a year (agreement expired 3/31/07). It was suggested to extend their agreement until the bill is 1 day late. The Authority does not have to go through the normal procedures to terminate service. A lien could also be filed. A motion was made by Dave Fink and seconded by Roger Kuhns to have Charles Fitzpatrick include in the one month extension (April) to provide language that the agreement terminates with services of they are one day delinquent on the water bill (April 1, 2008). ROLL CALL: Ayes- Smith, Fink, Kuhns, Blefgen Nayes- None Jessica Schnur sent a letter explaining the new sampling requirements. The Tilden School has hooked up to the new wet well. This can be used temporarily but not without DEP approval in writing. The new line in Old Route 22 may not be done in time for the opening of the school, it is only being bid now. The High School Filed House groundbreaking is scheduled for March 31. Systems Design Engineering, Inc. is doing the entire review of the project to avoid confusion. Jessica Schnur stated that SDE wanted a backflow preventor detail. The fire flow and standard details are needed. SOLICITOR’S REPORT Rules & Regulations-Keith Brobst stated he had questions from EPA contractors regarding private wells. The Authority doesn’t permit these. No permit has been granted and Wissahickon is allowed to use their wells but not for drinking. Greg didn’t review the rules & regulations but Charles Fitzpatrick suggested waiting for Greg Unger’s comments before approving. At this time, Jessica Schnur left the meeting. Larry Ernst-A letter has been sent. There has been no reply from Mr. Ernst. BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT Steve Smith, Lynda Albright, Keith Brobst and Roger Kuhns met to go over financial issues. There was a handout given and reviewed. There was a discussion of accounts held. The Authority could obtain a loan to get useable cash. Refinancing was also discussed. Lynda Albright asked Charles Fitzpatrick if the $482,000 in the debt services reserve fund annual money could be used because it won’t be there to do again. Charles Fitzpatrick will check the agreement. Lynda Albright requested the Authority to approve the M & T Web-In-Focus agreement so she can view the trust accounts online every day. A motion was made by Steve Blefgen and seconded by Dave Fink to allow Lynda Albright to view the trust accounts online. ROLL CALL: Ayes- Smith, Fink, Kuhns, Blefgen Nayes- None Roger Kuhns asked about the job tickets and the backhoe. Keith Brobst explained that the crew repaired the Authority’s backhoe. Roger Kuhns asked why the Authority was billed for a pickup truck. Keith Brobst stated that the crew had to run for backhoe parts. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Water/Wastewater Superintendent’s Report February 2008 Water Most water for the month came from the dam. We are supplementing that source with a well to stay within our permitted withdrawal limits. We had some problems with valves sticking in the closed position, which caused a discharge permit violation of low ph. The valves have been cleaned and lubricated and they are working. We are working with a vendor to determine what parts may be needed to be replaced. We have started sampling the raw water for e-coli. This sampling is mandated by US EPA and will continue bi-weekly for a year in compliance with the Long-Term Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule 2 (LT2). The ultimate goal of this part of the rule is to reduce the risk of disease caused by cryptosporidium and other microorganisms. So far the results have been undetectable but further testing could be required if that were to change. Wastewater Heavy rains and warm temperatures, which melted snow and ice served to remind us that we continue to have problems with infiltration and inflow. Flows through the Pine Street Pumping Station exceeded 3 million gallons on several occasions this month and the Ridge Lawn Pumping Station overflowed for several hours till we could get a pump truck in and haul the sewage to the plant. We are continuing efforts to locate the I & I sources, especially in Ridge Lawn and have identified several, however we continue to flirt with overflow situations. We have also identified several laterals that are leaking and/or sagging and will be replaced in the next several weeks. Meters at the WWTP and Pine Street Pumping Station have been calibrated. During the heavy rains we found a few places where water was bleeding through the block in the new garage. The contractor was notified and they recaulked a few joints and sealer will be applied in the spring. We continue to learn the nuances of operating the new system. We have cut back on available tank capacity under normal flow and effluent quality has improved. Ammonia levels had started to creep up along with the suspended solids have also dropped. The plant has performed very well through three high flow events of the past month, absorbing the shock load without too much interference from the operators. We have had the new buildings and the Pine Street Pumping Station equipped with burglar alarms. The next step will be to tie the SCADA into the alarm system. We will work with the security company to get this done in the near future.
Steve Blefgen asked about the letters to televising laterals. Keith Brobst stated this is being worked on. 400 block of Florence Avenue-Keith Brobst reported that the ditch continues to sink. There is a sag there. It will be televised again and compared with the previous tape. 81 South 4th Street-The sewer lateral has been replaced. This was becoming very costly because repairs were needed weekly. CORRESPONDENCE None BILLS Steve Blefgen who Gorman & Associates was. Lynda Albright stated that it is the auditors. Dave Fink asked if the Airgas bill from last month was the Authority’s. Lynda Albright stated that it was a Borough bill but the Authority had the account so the Borough reimbursed the Authority. A motion was made by Roger Kuhns and seconded by Steve Blefgen to pay the bills as presented. ROLL CALL: Ayes- Smith, Fink, Kuhns, Blefgen Nayes- None HAMBURG MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY BILLS TO BE PAID MARCH 19, 2008
AT & T s-monthly phone lease $ 14.55 AT & T w-monthly long distance 117.02 Borough of Hamburg w-95.15-s-268.27 363.42 Captain Clog s-jet lateral at 81 South 4th 238.00 DelRosario, Roy C. w-constable fees 201.50 Ehrlich Co. Inc. s-monthly pest service 41.00 Gorman & Associates P.C. w-3750.00-s-3750.00 7,500.00 Hamburg Municipal Authority s-utility bill 33.81 Liquid Motion Inc. w130.00-s-6925.00 7,055.00 Malden, W.G., Inc. s-charts 235.50 Met-Ed w-1843.08-s-9590.89 11,433.97 Mountain View Supply s-supplies 75.24 PA One Call System, Inc. w-5.53-s-5.52 11.05 PPL Gas Utilities s-monthly utility bills 2,134.49 Penn Fuel Propane w-propane 546.06 Penn Pride, Inc. w-72.59-s-171.08 243.67 Pollu-tech Inc. s-polymer 2,779.50 Quill Corporation s-extended warranty-printer 67.48 Reading Eagle Co. w-publish water line bid 277.90 Reider, MJ Associates w-laboratory services 374.00 Reider, MJ Associates s-laboratory services 2,927.00 Schaeffer, Richard M. s-open laterals 260.00 Siemens Water Technologies s-shear pins 67.00 Systems Design Engineering, Inc. w-4838.41-s-3913.62 8,752.03 Tyler Technologies Inc. w-1754.65-s-1754.65 3,509.30 Univar USA Inc. s-sulfur dioxide, chlorine 1,415.75 Verizon w-111.65-s-132.86 244.51
TOTAL $50,918.75 Bills To Be Paid total water $ 14,117.54 total sewer $ 36,801.21 Bills Paid During The Month total water $ 21,304.83 total sewer $ 92,674.02
Grand Total For Approval total water $ 35,422.37 total sewer $129,475.23 $164,897.60 PREPAID INVOICE LIST
Naugle, Scott w-water line reimbursement $ 2,165.00 HMA-Sewer Transfer s-sewer revenue transfer 62,460.90 Borelli, Laura w-119.01-s-17.00 136.01 Kuzan’s Hardware s-supplies 22.54 Schaeffer, Richard M. w-install water meters 1,337.00 Clare, David A. w-meter reader 195.65 Miller, Ann M. w-meter reader 177.45 Sonon, Craig A. w-meter reader 120.25 Borough of Hamburg w-17065.57-s-30044.07 47,109.64
Petty Cash s-petty cash 4.60 Postmaster of Hamburg w-124.90-s-124.91 249.81
TOTAL $113,978.85 Roger Kuhns asked if the previous requisitions that were not paid are now paid. Lynda Albright stated that they have been submitted to the bank to pay. Charles Fitzpatrick spoke about the water/sewer bill for Curves. They have been there since December 2007 and the occupancy permit was only received today. This is also happening in Windsor Township. Charles Fitzpatrick suggested sending a letter to ask that when a Certificate of Occupancy is issues that the billing department be notified. Lynda Albright stated that she talked to John Leonforte about this and he knows what is needed The Authority has back billed in the past for the time missed when we find out things. NEW BUSINESS None OLD BUSINESS None There being no further business, a motion was made by Roger Kuhns to adjourn the meeting at 9:25.m. Attest: Denise L. Clare, Recording Secretary
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