CHADDS FORD TOWNSHIP SEWER AUTHORITY

MINUTES

 

July 16, 2002

 

            The 155th  meeting of the Chadds Ford Township Sewer Authority was held on this date in the Chadds Ford Township building.

 

            Present: James J. Murray, Chairman, Sandra L. Morgan, Vice Chairman, John Spoehr, Secretary, Paul G. Linsen, Treasurer and Jerome S. Heisler, Jr.  Also in attendance were John J. Mezzanotte, Jr., Esquire, Solicitor, Angelika B. Forndran, P.E., Deborah L. D’Elia, CFT Supervisor and Sabina J. Taylor, Secretary/Treasurer.

 

            The meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m. by James Murray, Chairman

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

            Chairman Murray announced that earlier today members of the Sewer Authority met with representative of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to attempt to resolve outstanding issues relating to the sewer line installation and the tapping fee.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

            There were no comments at this time.  Chairman Murray said some of the recent written complaints from property owners regarding the Brandywine Summit Sewer Extension Project will be discussed later in the meeting.

 

MINUTES:

            It was requested that a change be made in the minutes to clarify a statement that was made.  Mrs. Morgan said that a public comment period, not a public hearing, as stated, is required before final action is taken on revisions to the Act 537 Plan.  The Minutes of the June 18, 2002 meeting of the Chadds Ford Township Sewer Authority were changed to reflect this and they were then approved on a motion by Sandra Morgan and seconded by John Spoehr.

Mr. Heisler abstained, because he was not in attendance at that meeting.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT:

            The Treasurer’s Report was read.  Account balances were reported as follows:

            General Fund Account

                        Beginning Balance                                                         $48,897.99

                        Receipts                                                                       34,357.82

                        Balance                                                                        $83,255.81

 

            PLGIT/Plus Account - Tapping Fee Account

                        Beginning Balance                                                         $380,720.09

Receipts                                                                   961.44

                        Balance                                                                        $381,681.53

 

            Ridings Operating Account - First Union

                        Beginning Balance                                                         $1,000.51

                        Receipts                                                                         17,143.12                  

                        Balance                                                                        $18,143.63

 

            PLGIT Account - ROA

                        Beginning Balance                                                         $30,572.08

                        Transfer from First Union ROA                                     17,143.63

                        Dividends for June                                                        49.70

                        Balance                                                                        $47,765.41

 

            Disciascio Escrow Account

                        Beginning Balance                                                         $15,000.00

                        Interest                                                                          13.51

                        Balance                                                                        $15,013.51

 

            Mrs. Taylor reported on:

 

1.  Landscaping Invoice - After discussion, the members agreed that the invoice received tonight from Irwin Landscaping, for landscaping done at the Woodland Drive Pump Station, should be added to the list to be considered for payment at this meeting. 

 

2.  DVRFA Loan Disbursements Request No. 45 - This request in the amount of $17,758.59 was presented for consideration. 

            A motion was made by John Spoehr to submit DVRFA Loan Disbursement Request No. 45 in the amount of $17,758 to the Township.  The motion was seconded by Sandra Morgan and passed by a unanimous vote.  The Request was then signed as required.

 

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE:

            Chairman Murray asked about the $1,585.36 due from Chester Water Authority for damage they caused to the sewer pipe when they were installing their water line.  It was requested that Mrs. Taylor send a letter to Mr. Krupiak reminding him that although Chester Water Authority has agreed to pay for the expenses relating to the damage, as of this date, they remain unpaid. 

            At Chairman Murray’s suggestion, an executive session to discuss legal issues relating to one of the nonresidential accounts will be held later in the meeting.

 

 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

            Invoices totaling $6,903.86 were unanimously approved for payment from the General Fund, as presented on a motion by Sandra Morgan, seconded by John Spoehr.

            On a motion by Sandra Morgan, seconded by John Spoehr, invoices totaling $5,980.20 were unanimously approved for payment from the Ridings Operating Account.

 

SOLICITOR’S REPORT:

            Mr. Mezzanotte reported on the following:

 

1. Kassab/Ownership of Capacity - Mr. Mezzanotte had a meeting, as planned, with Mr. Kassab. Mr. Kassab provided Mr. Mezzanotte with some documentation, in addition to what Mr. Mezzanotte already had, that enabled them to clarify the path of ownership of the edus.  It appears that the property and the edus are in Mrs. Kassab’s name.   Both Mr. Kassab and the Sewer Authority have asked that a document be prepared to confirm the status of the ownership of the edus.   Mr. Mezzanotte has requested a copy of the agreement between Mr. Kassab and Dr. Laskas documenting that 360 gallons of capacity were sold to Dr. Laskas.   Mr. Mezzanotte plans to prepare a memorandum for the Sewer Authority tracking the ownership of the edus. 

 

2.   Rullo and CCMC Properties - Pursuant to the delegation of authority that was made at last month’s meeting Chairman Murray and Mr. Mezzanotte met with the attorneys for Rullo and CCMC and discussed the agreement that has been pending for some time.   The details of the meeting have been reviewed in a memorandum prepared by Mr. Mezzanotte.  The attorneys representing Mr. Rullo and CCMC have confirmed that their clients would be comfortable with the arrangements as negotiated at the meeting.   Mr. Mezzanotte will finalize the agreements reflecting these terms. 

            Discussion followed regarding setting a policy for determining nonresidential edu needs.  Mr. Mezzanotte offered to resend a draft Resolution, he had prepared previously, addressing this issue to the members for their review. 

 

3.  Parkside Associates/Pileggi - Mr. Mezzanotte said he and Mr. Heisler will work on gathering documentation, requested in a letter from Mr. Pileggi’s attorney, regarding sewer rate calculations.   A response to the letter will then be prepared.

 

4.  19 and 20 Longview Road - In response to a question from Chairman Murray, Mr. Mezzanotte said he will send these property owners letters regarding the amount due on their tapping fee.

 

5.  Lafferty Letter - Mrs. D’Elia asked about a complaint letter from Mr. Lafferty which was sent to her.  She has asked that the Sewer Authority respond because the complaints have to do with work done as part of the Brandywine Summit Sewer Expansion Project.  Mr. Mezzanotte said Mr. Lafferty’s letter will be answered and Mrs. D’Elia will receive a copy of the response as she requested.

 

6.  Tapping Fees Not Paid - Chairman Murray explained how these accounts may be handled.

 

 

ENGINEERS REPORT:

            Mrs. Morgan reported on:

 

 

1.  Ridings WWTP -  The new breaker is installed and is operational.

 

2.  BSSE Project - The final walkthrough has been done.  Work is being done on preparing a letter to the contractor listing those items that need to be completed.  Mr. Mezzanotte will review the closeout documents before they are signed.

            It was explained that the restoration necessary on Mrs. McCrabb’s property will have to come from the maintenance bond if the contractor does not return to do the final restoration in the fall.

            Commenting on a letter from Mr. Lafferty to Mrs. D’Elia, it was noted that it appears Mr. Lafferty made deals with the contractor regarding parking lot paving, etc.  These items were not part of the contract between Metro/UTC and the Sewer Authority.  Mr. Lafferty will have to contact the contractor about his complaints. 

            Mr. Kelly asked if any of the work still to be completed on the project would affect the Township road program which will be done on Woodland, Summit and Longview.  Chairman Murray said Mr. Spoehr is working on getting the hydrant connected at the Woodland Drive Pump Station, and Mr. Heisler is making arrangements for stone to be delivered to the pump station. 

            Chairman Murray asked if as-built drawings have been completed yet.  Mrs. Morgan said she would check with Mr. Fazler.  Mr. Heisler asked if the as-built drawings would be made available on a disc.  He noted that would be helpful to Mr. Kelly for the Township road program. 

            Ms. Forndran reported on:

 

1.  Ridge Road Extension Project - The status of the project was reviewed by Ms. Forndran.  She answered questions from the members, and explained the detour plan.  It is planned to have the Penn DOT and DCCD Permit applications in this week. 

            It was explained that the stone headwall at the stream culvert is eroding rapidly and will be replaced by a concrete headwall with paving to the edge.  This design work will be submitted to the Authority for consideration as an extra fee beyond the original scope. 

            Mr. Kelly said he had received a call from Mr. McGovern requesting a copy of the final plans for the sewer extension to the church so that they can get a price to construct the line.   Ms. Forndran will see that Mr. McGovern gets a copy.

 

2.  Brandywine Conservancy Holding Tanks - A pre-installation meeting was held on July 3, 2002.   Ms. Forndran reviewed the current status of the holding tank installations. 

 

3.  Map of Potential Sewer Connections for the Ridge Road Extension - Ms. Forndran discussed  the properties shown on the map.  She asked the members to review the map and to let her know of any changes that should be made.

 

4.   Tapping Fee Analyses - In response to a request at the CFTSA meeting on June 18, 2002, Ms. Forndran presented a proposal to provide the Sewer Authority with a preliminary approach to tapping fee calculations for the construction of the Ridge Road and Raven Crest sewer construction.  The items covered in the proposal were explained by Ms. Forndran.  The cost for the work as quoted in the proposal is $2,670.   Some members feel this should be part of the revision to the Act 537 Plan and as such the cost for the work should be paid by the Township.   Mr. Kelly explained that to prevent duplication of work, he stopped working on this area of the Act 537 Plan revision and intends to include what the Sewer Authority engineer prepares for this area.   After further discussion, Mrs. D’Elia recommended that the proposal from Spotts Stevens and McCoy be passed on to the Township Supervisors for their consideration.  The Sewer Authority members unanimously agreed to forward the proposal to the Supervisors for action as suggested by Mrs. D’Elia. 

 

5.  Route #1 Corridor Planning Study - Ms. Forndran said the Township Supervisors have given Spotts, Stevens and McCoy authorization to begin the study.  A planning workshop is to be scheduled with the Supervisors, Planning Commission and Sewer Authority members.

 

 

OTHER MATTERS:

            Chairman Murray asked about the status of the following items:

 

            1.  Woodland Drive Pump Station Hydrant - Mr. Spoehr said the hydrant will be connected as soon as possible.

 

            2.  Woodland Drive Pump Station Groundcover - Mr. Heisler responded that this will not be done until September or October of this year.  He has asked that approximately $1,000 be retained in the DVRFA Loan for the completion of work at the Pump Station.   Possible solutions to the drainage problem at the pump station were discussed.  Mr. Heisler will contact Mr. Kelly about it.

 

            3.  Smithbridge Pump Station - The access road was mowed today.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION: The meeting was recessed briefly for an Executive Session to discuss legal matters.

 

             

ADJOURNMENT:

 

            The meeting was adjourned at 9:45p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Sabina J. Taylor, Secretary