CHADDS
FORD TOWNSHIP SEWER AUTHORITY
MINUTES
The 186th meeting of the Chadds Ford Township Sewer Authority was held on this date in the Chadds Ford Township building.
Present: Vincent Del Rossi, Chairman, James J. Murray, Vice Chairman, Anthony J. Cutrona, Treasurer and Paul Linsen.
Absent: Frederick B. Hodapp, Secretary
Also in
attendance were John J. Mezzanotte, Esquire, Thomas R. Smith, PE, Garry Paul,
CFT
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Vincent Del Rossi, Chairman
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Paul Koch, who lives on Baltimore Pike north of Southpoint, requested that, as the plans are designed for the sewer line to be built along Baltimore Pike, consideration be taken for the wooded area of his property. He explained that if he is required to run a lateral from his home to the sewer line on Baltimore Pike, many trees would have to be removed or might be damaged during the construction. He suggested, if the line were to be run at the back of the Southpoint development, he could connect there and not have to disturb as many trees.
The members suggested that Mr. Koch contact Southpoint Homeowners Association to see if could connect his property to the lateral they will be constructing to tie into the sewer line along Baltimore Pike.
MINUTES:
There being no additions or corrections, the minutes of the January 18, 2005 Chadds Ford Township Sewer Authority meeting were unanimously approved on a motion made and seconded (Murray/Cutrona).
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Mrs. Taylor gave account balances as follows:
General Fund Account
Beginning Balance $1,000.00
Receipts
13,566.44
Balance $14,566.44
Operating Account - PLGIT
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Beginning Balance $48,115.24
Transfer from Wachovia General Fund 13,566.44
Dividends
64.10
Balance $61,745.78
Tapping Fee Account - PLGIT/Plus Account -
Beginning Balance $325,660.19
Receipts - Transfer from
Wachovia
------.--
Dividends
------.-- Balance $325,660.19
$ Chadds Ford Township Sewer Authority Resolution No. 10 - A Resolution naming Wachovia Bank as the depository for Sewer Authority funds was passed by unanimous vote on a motion duly made and seconded (Cutrona/Linsen)
$ 2005 Budget - Mr. Cutrona reviewed the proposed budget items for the Authority members, after which the budget for 2005 was adopted on a motion by Chairman Del Rossi, seconded by Mr. Murray.
$ Grinder Pump - Mr. Murray noted a grinder pump, ordered by the Authority at the request of a property owner on Marshall Road, is still at the Ridings Plant waiting to be picked-up. The property owner has paid for the pump but has not yet taken the pump. Mr. Kelly offered to look into this for the Sewer Authority.
$ RRE Phase II Financing - Mr. Cutrona announced that it appears the previously discussed short term financing for this project will not be necessary. At this time, it looks like the money to pay project expenses will be available when needed.
$ State Grant - Mr. Paul said the Township expects to receive the $150,000 State Grant for the Sewer Authority soon.
$ DVRFA Loan - Refinancing of the loan was discussed. This cannot be done without a serious financial penalty until April 2006. Mr. Cutrona advised that research on refinancing should begin about six months before the April 2006 par call date.
$ Expense Approval - Chairman Del Rossi reminded members that, other than emergency situations, all non-routine expenses must be communicated to the Chairman, Mrs. Taylor and Mr. Cutrona, before being submitted to the members for payment approval.
ACCOUNTS
PAYABLE:
Invoices totaling $13,856.56 were presented for payment. These invoices include $4,211.74 for Ridings Plant operating expenses and $9,644.82 for administrative and professional services. After review, the bill list was unanimously approved for payment, as presented, on a motion made and seconded ( Del Rossi/Cutrona).
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Chairman Del Rossi noting that although it is a small amount, usually less that $1.50 per month, there is a late fee charged by Verizon each month. Mrs. Taylor said she tried several times to have the billing date changed so that the invoice would arrive in time for approval at the monthly SA meeting. After discussion, the Authority authorized Mrs. Taylor to pay the telephone and electric bills online. The amount paid will be included in the bill list for approval at the monthly meetings.
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE:
Mr. Mezzanotte will contact Mr. Rappucci about the Assignment of Capacity Agreements needed to transfer capacity to the new owners of the two properties sold by Mr. Rappucci. Mrs. Taylor will continue to bill Mr. Rappucci for sewage treatment fees for both of the properties until the agreements are approved and signed.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT:
Mr. Mezzanotte reviewed:
1. Kids First -
The Reimbusement Agreement has been signed by representatives of the Chadds Ford Township Sewer Authority and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The agreement states the reimbursement amount as $23,858.80. Payment of this amount will include a credit for the tapping fee of $10,244.89 and a Sewer Authority check for $13,613.91.
2. Easements -
$ RRE Phase 2 - Mr. Mezzanotte is compiling the information necessary to send the property owners letters regarding the required easements.
$ Eckman Pump Station - The easement agreement is being reviewed to see what steps are necessary to allow the work to be done to raise the top of the manhole at this site. This work must be done to help alleviate I & I at the manhole.
3. Act 537 Appeal - An update was given on the status of the appeal by Raven Crest Homeowners Association of DEP approval of the Chadds Ford Township Act 537 Amendment for the RRE Phase 2 Project.
4. Unconnected Property on Summit Drive - Mr. Mezzanotte said he continues to work on this.
5. Herrmann Property - A subdivision application for this property is before the Zoning Hearing Board, at this time. Mrs. Taylor explained that Mr. and Mrs. Herrmann have deposited, with the Sewer Authority, $1,500 toward the tapping fee for a sewer connection for a second lot. If the subdivision is approved, the remaining $10,450.90 of the tapping fee will need to be paid before the sewer connection for this property is made.
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ENGINEERS REPORT:
Mr. Smith reviewed his written report.
1. RRE Phase 2 - Bids for the project were received and opened on February 4, 2005, as advertised, for this project. The apparent low bidder is Wexcon, Inc.,of Mohrsville, Pa, with a bid of $349,730.50. Copies of the bid tabulation for the three lowest bidders were distributed for review and discussion.
Mr. Smith reviewed the tabulations. He noted that the grinder pumps are an in and out item; they are just provided, not installed. Because he has received a quote for the purchase of the grinder pumps at a much lower cost than the contractor’s bid, Mr. Smith suggested that item be removed from the contract and the Sewer Authority purchase them outright.
Due to the uncertainty of the progress of the Tremonte project, Mr. Smith discussed the possibility of rerouting the low pressure system to avoid that area. He noted that revising the plan to not include that section, might even cost less.
Easements that may be necessary for the project were discussed. It was agreed that Mr. Mezzanotte should send letters to those property owners, whose property may be affected, advising them that easements on their property might be needed.
Following further discussion, a motion was made by Paul Linsen to authorize Mr. Smith to send Wexcon, Inc. a Notice of Intent to Award for the contract, as revised by a change order to delete item No. 2 (grinder pumps) and to modify the route on Ridge Road. The motion was seconded by James J. Murray and passed unanimously.
Mr. Smith said he will get bid prices for the E/One pumps.
2. Toll Brothers - Mr. Smith went over his review letter, dated February 18, 2005, regarding a draft of the resolution to be adopted by the Township. He noted certain terms and conditions need to be clarified to properly identify costs that may become the Authority responsibility.
Mr. Kelly explained recent revisions to the resolution that address some of Mr. Smith’s concerns.
3. Action Items -
$ Chapter 94 Report - Mr. Smith reviewed some of the projections to be included in the report. A draft of the report will be available for discussion at the March Sewer Authority meeting.
Chairman Del Rossi recommended, in the future, non-residential users be required to provide projected usage for the annual Chapter 94 Report.
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$ Tremonte - There has been no meeting with Tremonte Builders for a preconstructing conference.
$ Raven Crest WWTP - Upon future authorization, a written plan will be prepared to shutdown and abandon the Raven Crest WWTP, as required by the DEP Part II Permit.
$ Tapping Fees - Upon future authorization, Mr. Smith will work with the Solicitor and Treasurer on the required development of new Tapping Fees, based on the new PA Act 57 regulations.
OTHER MATTERS:
1. Chairman Del Rossi asked Mrs. Taylor to prepare Requests for Proposal for engineering firms to design the sewer lines to be installed along Baltimore Pike and for the Chadds Ford Village area. It was suggested that the requests be sent to Spotts, Stevens and McCoy, Kelly Engineers and at least one other engineering firm. Mrs. Taylor will prepare a draft and email it to Chairman Del Rossi for review before mailing.
2. Mrs. Taylor asked if anyone has addressed a complaint received regarding a light at the Ridings Plant that, when left on all night, shines into a home located south of the plant. Mr. Murray responded that it has to do with the person who checks the plant on the weekends. He will see that everyone who visits the plant at night is reminded to turn the light off when they leave the plant.
3. Responding to Mr. Murray’s question, it was suggested that Mr. D’Augustino be contacted for suggestions and cost estimates for some electrical work to be done at the Ridings Wastewater Plant.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sabina J. Taylor, Secretary