CHADDS FORD TOWNSHIP SEWER AUTHORITY

MINUTES

                                                                   May 15, 2007

The 211^th meeting of the Chadds Ford Township Sewer Authority was held on this date in the Chadds Ford Township building.

Present: Chairman Vincent Del Rossi, Vice Chairman Anthony J. Cutrona, Secretary Marc Altman, Treasurer Keith C. Klaver, and Paul Koch.

Absent:  None

Also in attendance were J. Michael Sheridan, Esquire, Solicitor; John E. Spitko, Jr., PE, Engineer; Garry Paul, CFTBOS liaison to CFTSA; and Sabina J. Taylor, Secretary pro tem.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Del Rossi.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1.   A follow-up letter regarding the operation of the Ridings Wastewater Treatment Plant has been sent, as required, to DEP.

2.   Two letters have been sent to customers of the CFTSA.  One letter is in reference to excess grease being discharged into the sanitary sewer system; the other is to notify customers that CFT Ordinance No. 118 has been adopted.  The intent of the ordinance is to insure compliance with the Chadds Ford Township Sewer Ordinance for all properties within 150 feet of a Township sewer line upon transfer or lease. Letters were also sent to local realtors informing them of the ordinance adoption.           

3.   Non-residential customers have been sent letters regarding the new sewer rates for non-residential properties.

RAVEN CREST LOT #9:

E.T. Keinath, representing R.C.H. Inc., the new owners of Lot #9, was present and asked what the process would be to have the planned new construction on this lot connected to the Ridings Sewer System.  Chairman Del Rossi said there is a curb stop at the property and a lateral will be needed from the new house to this location.  It was noted the original tapping fee for connections to the RRE II project was $15,200 and included the required grinder pump.  The current tapping fee for connections to this project will now include an interest charge.  Mr. Keinath asked if there would be a reduction in the tapping fee if he provides the grinder pump.  It was agreed that there probably would be, but cautioned that the grinder pump must meet the required specifications.  Mr. Spitko will provide Mr. Keinath with the grinder pump specifications.

RIDINGS WAY:

Chairman Del Rossi thanked the Ridings Way property owners who were present in response to an invitation to attend this meeting.   He told those present that prior to the construction of the Ridings Wastewater Treatment Plant there were approximately 18 to 20 homes on Ridings Way with on-site septic systems.  These systems were to be decommissioned when the Ridings Plant

was operational and the homes connected to the public sewer system.  Some systems were

decommissioned as required, but some were not.  At present there are a number of these properties connected to the public sewer system that still have septic tanks.   Several of these homes have the wastewater going to the septic tank and then into the public sewer system; others have the wastewater going to the septic tank and then to a pump tank before being pumped to the gravity line to the plant.  There is indication that these systems might be contributing to the serious I and I problems at the Ridings Plant.  Chairman Del Rossi said in the near future an inspection is planned of the 18 to 20 properties identified as having had septic tanks.  There may be options as to how the situation is addressed for those properties with tanks that have not been decommissioned.   

Mr. Klaver noted that home owners might not be aware that septic tanks must be cleaned on a regular basis, generally every two years.  He also noted that sump pumps are not permitted to be connected to sewer lines and, if they are, they must be disconnected as per CFT ordinance.

Responding to a resident’s questions, Chairman Del Rossi discussed recent work done to help identify and alleviate the I and I problems.  Work done so far has resulted in a dramatic decrease in flows through the plant following a significant rainfall.

MINUTES:

The minutes of the April 17, 2007 meeting of the Chadds Ford Township Sewer Authority meeting were unanimously approved as presented, on a motion duly made and seconded (Cutrona/Altman). 

DELCORA REPORTS:

1.   Mr. Altman read the report of the Ridings Collection System Executive Summary for work completed through April 30, 2007.  The report covered the inspection of 8,843 feet of gravity sewer line which discharges into the Ridings Plant and the 43 manholes in this area for I&I possibilities.  It was noted that most of the lines were in good condition.  The condition of each manhole was also assessed.  The installation of three flow meters to begin the Flow Monitoring Program for 2007 was included in the list of 5 Corrective and Future Recommendations.

Discussion of the report followed.  Responding to questions from the board, Mr. Spitko explained some of the suggested work to be done and the approximate cost.  It was agreed that, when more details including expected costs are received, a timetable will be set to complete some of the suggested repairs/improvements.

2.   Chairman Del Rossi reviewed the April 2007 O & M Report supplied by Mr. DiMatteo of DELCORA.  The report for the Wastewater Treatment Plant notes that, during the month, total wastewater treated was 1,636,740 gallons and there were a total of 7 permit violations. These continuing violations are attributed to the partial by-pass of the Andritz Sand Filter. It was noted that DELCORA, at their expense, had the sand filter inspected by a representative of Roy F. Weston regarding operational concerns.  Mr. Spitko said that DEP looks for progress being made in decreasing the number of violations. 

The report also covered work done at the Woodland and Eckman pump stations during            the month.  There continues to be an excessive grease problem at the Woodland Pump     Station.

3.   Jessica Hartley of DEP inspected the Ridings Plant last week and the plant passed with no violations.

ENGINEER’S REPORT:

Mr. Spitko reviewed his written report.

1. Collection System – The southern portion of the Ridings WWTP collection system has been televised, and a DVD has been prepared for CFTSA.

2. Ridings WWTP – On May 7, 2007, Mr. Spitko, Russ Smith and Eric Wagner, engineers from SSM, visited the plant to review the sand filter operations.  They have identified some things that might be done to improve the operation. 

Several possible causes for the recent permit violations and what might be done to correct the problem were discussed.  Among the items discussed were: the number and size of the tanks, operating cycles and disc filters. DELCORA has recommended Siemens disc filters be installed and have submitted a proposal for this.  Mr. Spitko will contact Siemens and at least one other filter manufacturer to see what might be available.  A critical consideration is the manufacturer’s warranty coverage for the type of use that will be required.  Mr. Paul asked about the possibility of operating, in parallel, both the sand filter and a disc filter.  Mr. Spitko said that might be worth looking into.  He then explained the sand filtering process.  

Mr. Klaver addressed the cost of the improvements being considered and suggested that the answer might be to not permit any new connections.  Mr. Cutrona asked if that can be done.  It was not determined if that is a possibility. 

The fines that might be incurred, if the Ridings Plant does not meet the permit requirements and DEP files a Consent Order, were weighed against the cost of the necessary improvements.  A state loan to cover the improvement expense might be available, but the Authority would probably not qualify for a grant.  Other possible funding sources for this project will be explored. 

Mr. Spitko will contact DELCORA to review their proposal to install the Siemens disc filters. 

3.   Brandywine Summit/LAPA I – After an initial review by SSM of plans submitted by Kelly and Close Engineers for the LAPA I development it was specifically requested that they investigate using the manhole provided at the entrance to the property.  Kevin Matson of Kelly and Close Engineers called and agreed to survey the manhole to determine if a gravity connection would be possible.  SSM is waiting to hear back on this from Mr. Matson.  Also related to this project is the need to establish a Developers Agreement with CFTSA to provide escrow security as required by Section 1 of the CFTSA Standard Specifications.

4.   Chapter 94 Consistency Determination for Ridge Associates’ planning module has been completed. 

SOLICITOR’S REPORT:

Mr. Sheridan reviewed for the members:

1. PennVest – Shortly after the last CFTSA meeting an email was received from Vickie Johnson of PennVest notifying the Authority that the loan application was not acted upon because there was insufficient funding.  The application will automatically be considered at the next PennVest meeting in June.   

2. Painters Crossing – A draft of the loan agreement has been prepared with attention to security issues.  The agreement includes language that would give, in the event there was ever a default, CFTSA the legal ability to assess the individual units.  As requested, Mr. Sheridan contacted Gail Dolbow manager for the association to set up a meeting.  Ms. Dolbow asked that she be provided with a copy of the draft agreement so that it could be reviewed by their attorney prior to the meeting.  A copy was faxed to her about a week ago.  Mr. Sheridan will contact Ms. Dolbow to arrange a meeting date. 

3. Tremonte – Mr. Sheridan has spoken with Mr. Tremonte’s attorney regarding the legal description needed to complete the dedication documents.  As of today, the necessary information has not been received.

4.  Ruggiero – A draft connection letter has been prepared and it was determined that to include interest on the tapping fee a resolution would need to be passed setting the rate of interest.  Mr. Klaver will work on calculating the interest rate and Mr. Sheridan will prepare the resolution.  All agreed that the draft letter was fine and could be sent when the interest rate is included.

5. Delinquent Account Liens – After discussion, Marc Altman made a motion authorizing counsel to prepare and file lien documentation against all Sewer Authority customers who have fallen three billing cycles delinquent in paying the users’ fee.   The motion was seconded by Keith Klaver, and passed by unanimous vote.

6. Tapping Fee Interest – As mentioned above (#4) Mr. Sheridan will prepare a resolution to permit the collection of interest on tapping fees and setting the rate of interest to be charged.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Mr. Klaver reviewed:

1.   P & L statement for January through May 2007 – After estimating expenses not billed to date, Mr. Klaver said the net income would show a loss of approximately $12,000.  It was also noted that the $1,500 monthly subsidy from CFT is no longer being received.                        

2.   Balance Sheet as of April 30, 2007 – Noted were the high financing fees due to unpaid tapping fees and $92,000 due on the loan from CFT.  Mr. Klaver discussed some cash obligations for operating losses, I & I work to be done, etc. 

3.   Bills – Included for approval are ACH payments of $1,880.48, Bill Payment List of $106,319.23, a bill of $212.50 from C.M. Kristman Excavating, Inc., debit card payments of $190.06, QB merchant service of $56.45, and payroll liabilities of $1,072.99.  The bill from Kristman was explained by Chairman Del Rossi.  Following further discussion, the treasurer’s report and payments totaling $109,731.71 were unanimously approved on a motion made and seconded (Altman/Koch).

OLD BUSINESS:

Letter to residents regarding Turner’s Mill connection – Mr. Koch has sent a draft of the letter he has prepared to Authority members for their comment.  The Authority members discussed possible changes to the letter.  It was agreed that the letter should be sent from Garry Paul.  Following a lengthy discussion, Mr. Koch agreed to make the suggested changes to the letter and send the revised draft to Mr. Paul and Authority members for review     

NEW BUSINESS:

None

PUBLIC COMMENT:

None               

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 p.m. (Del Rossi/Cutrona) 

Respectfully submitted,

Sabina J. Taylor, Secretary pro tem