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MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 15, 2006 MEETING OF THE AUTHORITY The meeting of the Hamburg Municipal Authority was held this evening at the Hamburg Municipal Center with Chairman Steve Smith presiding. The meeting started at 7:05 p.m. Members Present - Stephen A. Smith, David A. Fink, Stanley E. Dietrich, Stephen H. Blefgen,Members Absent - Roger G. Kuhns, Judy E. Romig Also Present – Gregory T. Unger-SDE, Charles F. Fitzpatrick-Solicitor, Keith L. Brobst-Superintendent, Lynda G. Albright-Borough Manager,Denise L. Clare-Secretary A motion was made by Steve Blefgen and seconded by Stan Dietrich to approve the October minutes as written. ROLL CALL: Ayes- Smith, Fink, Dietrich, Blefgen Nayes- None VISITORS None The Trustee Treasurer’s, Administrative Treasurer’s and Sewer B,R, & I reports were reviewed. ACCT. # Account Name Bal.-Sep.06 Credits Debits Bal.-Oct.06 1576025802 Water-1995 Settlement Fund $ 0.00 $ 0.00 1576025820 Water-1995 Revenue Fund $ 0.00 $ 0.00 1576025839 Water-1995 Debt Service $ 1,041.24 $ 4.02 $ 1,045.26 1576025848 Water-1995 Debt Ser. Res. Fund $232,046.05 $ 896.96 $232,943.01 1576025857 Water-1995 B, R, & I $696,632.53 $ 2,692.79 ($12,106.77) $687,218.55 1576025866 Water-1995 Rebate Fund $ 0.00 $ 0.00 OPERATING WATER/SEWER ACCOUNT ACTIVITY October 1, 2006 to October 31, 2006 Water Revenue Account – Balance on October 1, 2006 $ 343,733.50 Water Sales/Penalties $ 51,092.43 Cert Fees, Constable Fees, Final Fees $ 337.50 Interest $ 1,499.41 Miscellaneous $ 96.00 $ 53,025.34 $ 396,758.84 Less Paid Out $ (142,835.72) Balance in Treasury – October 31, 2006 $ 253,923.12 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Wissahickon Water Account – Balance on October 1, 2006 $ 2,010.81 Fire hydrant fees/penalties $ Interest $ 7.61 $ 7.61
$ 2,018.42 Less Paid Out $ ( 0.00) Balance In Treasury – October 31, 2006 $ 2,018.42 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Fire Hydrant Account – Balance on October 1, 2006 $ 163,910.27 Fire hydrant fees/penalties $ 2,156.75 Interest $ 619.88 $ 2,776.63 $ 166,686.90 Less Paid Out $ ( 344.00) Balance In Treasury – October 31, 2006 $ 166,342.90 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Sewer Revenue Account – Balance on October 1, 2006 $ 389,780.90 Sewer Rentals/Penalties $ 86,114.74 WTMA Rentals/Penalties $ 25,707.91 Interest $ 1,880.07 Miscellaneous $ 1,174.00
$ 504,657.62 Less Paid Out $ (68,674.73) Balance in Treasury – October 31, 2006 $ 435,982.89 BOROUGH TREASURER SEWER BR & I ACCOUNT AUTHORITY MEETING NOVEMBER 15, 2006 CHECKING ACCOUNT - BALANCE IN CHECKING 10/1/06 $ 191,892.38 INTEREST $ 537.83 TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY $ 192,430.21 LESS PAID OUT $ (0.00) BALANCE IN CHECKING 10/31/06 $ 192,430.21 LYNDA G. ALBRIGHT, BOROUGH MANAGERSteve Smith stated that he has not had too much time to look hard at the new reports to figure them out. Charles Fitzpatrick suggested calling someone in the Pottsville Trust Department. A motion was made by Stan Dietrich and seconded by Dave Fink to accept the Trustee Treasurer’s, Administrative Treasurer’s and Sewer B,R, & I reports as written. ROLL CALL: Ayes- Smith, Fink, Dietrich, Blefgen Nayes- None HAMBURG MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY ENGINEER’S REPORT November 15, 2006 SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM
Work completed this period: Oxidation Ditch precast complete and tested. Clarifiers tested and approved. Weirs and mechanical equipment erected. Sludge pump roof completed. Distribution box concrete complete with yard piping. Mechanical yard piping progressing. Electrical Contractor working on conduit system, generator and switchgear installed.Backfilling around the clarifiers complete to rough grade. Chlorine Building precast roof set and membrane roof installed.
The Award and Notice to Proceed was issued on January 20, 2006. Work this period included: Grit removal system installation complete. Electrical Contractor is substantially complete with the electric. General Contractor is substantially complete as of the completion of the grit removal system. The Electrical and General Contractor are working on final punch
A change order to replace the copper water piping within the pump station has been authorized not to exceed $2,000.00. Evaluation of adding air release ports to the pumps are progressing.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN and I/I WORK Systems Design Engineering, Inc. is proceeding with review of repairs of the collection system as determined by the past televising contract. WISSAHICKON WATER (no change) Wissahickon started production. Systems Design Engineering, Inc. and Keith inspected the facility and have instructed Wissahickon on procedures and some operational details. PROJECTS Bids for the force main upgrade of the Edenburg Pump Station was received September 6, 2006. Intent to award, Award and Notice to Proceed was given at the September 6, 2006 meeting. Contracts have been executed. A pre-construction meeting was held with the Contractor. The R/W has been marked. Work is scheduled to start next week to be completed in approximately 12 working days. WATER SYSTEM
Requisition 234 DESCCO Design and Construction $459,936.00 Requisition 235 J.B. Electric Corp. $60,300.00 Requisition 236 Systems Design Engineering, Inc. $17,644.05 Charles Fitzpatrick asked Greg Unger about the compliance issues. Will this affect the EPA and the impending fine? Greg Unger stated that the Authority is in good shape to meet compliance at the pump stations. Ridge Lawn may have issues, there is weeping. Testing and repairs have been done. Keith Brobst thinks it is the laterals. Charles Fitzpatrick stated that we cannot afford a Ridge Lawn overflow with the EPA negotiations. Greg Unger suggested having a plug put in and the weir tests being done. The Edenburg force main has not been started due to the weather. It should take only 12 days to complete. Greg Unger reported that a new control system will cost $162,000. OCC is a local company. Greg Unger reported that Wissahickon Water applied for a NPDES permit. Greg Unger stated that there are 3 requisitions. Escrow release #1 for Greth has been received in the amount of $45,501.34 needs to go against the letter of credit. A motion was made by Stan Dietrich and seconded by Steve Blefgen to reduce the letter of credit for Greth in the amount of $45,501.34. ROLL CALL: Ayes- Smith, Fink, Dietrich, Blefgen Nayes- None SOLICITOR’S REPORT Charles Fitzpatrick stated that the sewer easement agreement has been signed. Charles Fitzpatrick reported that negotiations with EPA started 1 1/2 months ago. There have been mediations with the judge twice. We have proposed $13,000 and stated that there would be no overflow. This was rejected by EPA. The second proposal was for $31,000 as determined by the calculations done by Chip Haws. This seemed to be the minimum fine using the formula received. EPA reduced their proposed fine to $71,000. The mediator suggested splitting the difference which would be $51,000. There will be another conference. There was discussion on whether or not to make a proposal of $39,000 after the second conference. $51,000 would be the most. Charles Fitzpatrick wants to continue with the negotiations since he feels the Authority would not have a good chance with a hearing. A motion was made by Stan Dietrich and seconded by to have Charles Fitzpatrick continue with the negotiations. This does not need a motion, consensus of the board is sufficient. There are no fees for the mediator. Greg Unger recommended sending a letter to Dennis Yablonsky (Economic Development under the Governor) to obtain $93,000 that is to be received yearly. A motion was made by Steve Blefgen and seconded by Dave Fink to authorize Steve Smith to sign the letter going to Dennis Yablonsky. ROLL CALL: Ayes- Smith, Fink, Dietrich, Blefgen Nayes- None SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Water/Wastewater Superintendent’s Report October 2006 Water Most water for the month came from the impounding dam. While the plant still will not pace, Tony has been able to make it work with manual settings. This requires a lot of attention and one or the other filter has shut down often due to high turbidity. New chlorine booster pumps have been ordered and we expect to have them installed shortly. Wastewater While the plant is not performing as well as we would like things are better. Soda ash addition has dropped significantly and permit parameters are being met other than one week where there were dome problems with suspended solids. Saturday the 28th we were forced to by-pass the Pine Street Pumping Station when 2 inches of rain fell in about 16 hours. PaDEP was notified and the proper reports were filed. Contracts for sludge disposal have been awarded to J.P. Mascaro for sludge cake and to Liquid Motion Inc. for the liquid sludge. Video Pipe Services has returned to finish out the contract that was started this summer for TV and grout work. We started on the hill north of I-78 and have found a significant number of leaking joints and several broken pipes. The leaking joints are being grouted as we go and broken pipes are being evaluated to determine the best method to repair them. We have also found several leaking service connections and are working with the engineer to determine how to proceed in these repairs. Construction at the Wastewater Treatment Plant is proceeding at a good clip. We have started to leak test the ditch and the contractor has been back filling around the ditch and clarifiers. The mechanical parts of the clarifiers are being set and they should be grouted within the next few days. All the buildings have been erected and the roofs are on, if not quite finished. The Pine Street Pumping Station is behind schedule. While there are no major components to be installed there are odds and ends to be completed. We continue to have some issues with the new pumps air locking. The engineer is working with the contractor and the manufacturer to resolve this issue. The heater at the Ridge Lawn Pumping Station, after 26 years, has given up the ghost. After exploring several options we have replaced it in kind. The contract for the force main replacement in Edenburg has been awarded to Wexcon and that project should be starting within the next few weeks. Keith Brobst reported about an oil leak. There were no violations. BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT Lynda Albright reported that the M & T revenues need to go into an account solely under the control of M & T and funds will have to be requisitioned once a month to pay bills, this is part of the trust indenture. Lynda Albright and the members need to sign. Stan Dietrich asked about the bills that are prepaid. Lynda Albright stated that there is money in the account as of May 31 and this will be used and then replenished with the requisition. A bill from M & T was received for $1,000 for the PennWorks account set up. Charles Fitzpatrick stated that it needs to be paid. This is will be added to the list of bills. Lynda Albright stated that 2 checks have been received from USBank. Charles Fitzpatrick stated that they should be deposited into the accounts that earned the funds not the general operating revenue account. The following letter has been received from Arlene and Evelyn Seaman and read by Lynda Albright: Lynda Albright RE: Account No. 0300440 $1,637.30To Borough Manager, Relative to the above account, please be advised of the following: The household has communicated with you in writing on numerous accessions relative to this matter.
This matter is not a "one-way" street and you are being "ill-advised" on these issues. As property owners, we have rights and fully intend to exercise these rights for the following reasons:
It is a well-known fact that Borough employees have created "disastrous" conditions within the Borough. Therefore, please be advised that this will be the final letter to the Borough about these issues. It is respectfully requested that you forward answers to the household on the following issues:
It is requested that answers to the above issues be forwarded to this household within fifteen (15) days from the date of this letter. If this request is not addressed, this household will have no alternative but to turn it over to the attorney. Sincerely yours, /s/ Arlene R. Seaman /s/ Evelyn Seaman Lynda Albright handed out proposed water and sewer budgets for review. They have both balanced out without increases. One concern is the amount of debt. Tilden Township’s share needs to be included as income for sewer. CORRESPONDENCE LIST CORRESPONDENCE NOTES RECEIVED FROM OCTOBER 18 TO NOVEMBER 15, 2006:
Planning Module for the Hamburg Area Elementary East Development. Received letter from PA DEP dated October 23, 2006 - Permit No. 0606508 MA – Public Water Supply – Well No. 5 Improvements. Received from SDE copy of Transmittal #2 dated 10/25/06 sent to Schlouch, Inc. for the Towns at Kaercher Creek. Received from SDE copy of Transmittal #1 dated 10/25/06 sent to Wexcon, Inc. for Sanitary Sewer Force Main Installation. Received from Atty. Charles Fitzpatrick copy of Sewer Easement Agreement with Mary C. Adams, dated October 30, 2006 – need for signature. Received from Wissahickon Spring Water letter and copy of application for an NPDES Permit – turned over to Greg Unger Received letter from Arlene and Evelyn Seaman dated November 1, 2006 regarding their water/sewer bill – will be read this evening. Received from SDE letter sent to Solid Waste Services, Inc., d/b/a J. P. Mascaro and Sons dated November 1, 2006 – Notice of Award – Contract "B" – Hauling and disposal of dewatered sludge. Received from SDE letter sent to Liquid Motion, Inc. dated November 2, 2006 – Notice of Intent to Award – Contract A – Hauling and Disposal of Aerobically Digested Sewage Sludge. Received copy of letter sent to Windsor Township, dated November 2, 2006 regarding the Planning Module for New Land Development – Gassert Subdivision.Received letter from Labor and Industry dated November 8, 2006 regarding prevailing wage rates for the sewer plant project. Everything appears to be in compliance per their original letter. (Greg Unger handled this issue) Received from SDE Transmittal #2 to Wexcon, Inc. for Sanitary Sewer Force Main Installation. Received from DCED a copy of the executed contract for the grant amount of $687,250 and transmittal instructions, which have been sent to Greg Unger. BILLS & REQUISITIONS Stan Dietrich asked about the checking the Hamburg Center meter. Keith Brobst stated that is was erratic and some adjustments have been made. A motion was made by Stan Dietrich and seconded by Dave Fink to pay the bills as presented. Lynda Albright asked to amend the list adding the $1,000 bill for M & T. ROLL CALL: Ayes- Smith, Fink, Dietrich, Blefgen Nayes- None HAMBURG MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY AT & T s-phone lease $ 14.55 AT & T w-monthly long distance 59.41 Barley/Snyder w-408.35-s-5616.65 6,025.00 Berks Products Corp w-supplies 63.18 Berks-Mont Newspapers, Inc. w-flush fire hydrants notice 112.80 Borough of Hamburg w-83.89-s-200.36 284.25 Custom Environmental Technologies s-polymer 1,294.00 DelRosario, Roy C. w-constable fees 75.00 Ehrlich Co. Inc. s-monthly pest service 39.00 Excelsior Blower Systems s-V-belts 290.52 Exeter Supply Co., Inc. w-parts 593.00 Fisher Scientific s-supplies 771.86 Godwin Pumps s-dewatering pump 1,415.90 Henn’s Garage s-inspect Ford truck 50.40 Kershner, Mike w-repairs at plant & well 90.00 Kuzan’s True Value w-10.91-s-101.63 112.54 L/B Water Service Inc. w-gaskets 55.00 L/B Water Service Inc. w-assorted meter parts 526.25 L/B Water Service Inc. w-meter box riser 47.15 Liquid Motion Inc. w-120.00-s-2784.00 2,904.00 Malden, W.G. Inc. s-check Hamburg Center meter 312.50 Met-Ed w-2465.16-s-8500.54 10,965.70 Mountain View Supply s-supplies 83.51 PA Department of Transportation s-annual bridge occupancy 10.00 PA One Call System, Inc. w-9.35-s-9.35 18.70 PPL Gas Utilities s-utility bills 415.58 Penn Fuel Propane w-supplies 407.68 Penn Pride, Inc. w-47.69-s-218.39 266.08 Process Technologies Inc. w-packing 218.79 Reider, MJ Associates s-laboratory services 1,324.00 Reider, MJ Associates w-laboratory services 312.00 Systems Design Engineering, Inc. w-1870.84-s-2586.25 4,457.09 Thren’s Auto Parts s-vehicle supplies 61.71 Univar USA Inc. s-chlorine 1,355.63 Verizon w-107.99-s-232.66 340.65 TOTAL $35,373.43 Bills To Be Paid total water $ 7,684.44 total sewer $ 27,688.99 Bills Paid During The Month total water $133,982.72 total sewer $ 29,353.03
Grand Total For Approval total water $141,667.16 total sewer $ 57,042.02 $198,709.18 PREPAID INVOICE LIST Ehrlich Co. Inc. s-monthly pest service $ 39.00 Clare, David A. w-meter reader 182.65 Miller, Ann M. w-meter reader 163.80 Sonon, Craig A. w-meter reader 191.75 U.S. Bank NA w-debt service 111,923.24 Borough of Hamburg w-21390.32-s-29178.32 50,568.64 Petty Cash s-supplies 4.75 Postmaster of Hamburg w-130.96-s-130.96 261.92
TOTAL $163,335.75
Requisition #234 Sewer B,R, & I $459,936.00 DESCCO Design & Construction WWTP-Contract A Requisition #235 Sewer B,R, & I $60,300.00 J.B. Electric WWTP-Contract B Requisition #236 Sewer B,R, & I $17,644.05 Systems Design Engineering, Inc. WWTP Engineering A motion was made by Stan Dietrich and seconded by Dave Fink to pay the requisitions as presented. ROLL CALL: Ayes- Smith, Fink, Dietrich, Blefgen Nayes- None NEW BUSINESS None OLD BUSINESS There being no further business, a motion was made by Stan Dietrich to adjourn the meeting at 8:33 p.m. Attest: Denise L. Clare, Recording Secretary |
