CHADDS FORD TOWNSHIP SEWER AUTHORITY

MINUTES

 

July 29, 2003

 

The 167th meeting of the Chadds Ford Township Sewer Authority was held on this date in the Chadds Ford Township building.

 

Present: James J. Murray, Chairman, John Spoehr, Vice Chairman, Paul Linsen, Secretary, and Vincent Del Rossi.  Also in attendance were John J. Mezzanotte, Jr., Esquire, Solicitor, Angelika B. Forndran, P.E., Engineer,  James P. Kelly, of Kelly Engineers, and Sabina J. Taylor, Secretary/Treasurer.

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by James Murray, Chairman

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

•                                             Two members of the Sewer Authority met with an attorney to discuss the DVRFA loan and possible new options for defeasance.  No decisions were made.

 

 

Responding to a question raised by Mr. Linsen, Mr. Mezzanotte replied that  the township was the entity that borrowed the money from DVRFA and lent those monies to the Sewer Authority.  However, the cooperative relationship has been that the Sewer Authority has the prerogative to address the terms of the loan and pursue a repayment schedule that would be earlier than the standard repayment schedule. 

 

Chairman Murray gave a history of how and why the loan was obtained and what the money has been used for to date. 


 

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

 

•                     Anthony Pileggi, representing Olde Ridge Village Shoppes, was present to ask about the need for the large size grease interceptor that a new tenant, Pagano’s,  was told would be required.  He said it will basically be a deli and take out operation and there would be no tables and chairs.  Joe Pagano, who operates Pagano’s, told those present about 20% of his business is take-out.  There will be very little or no fried foods.   Mr. Pagano said they don’t see the need for such a large internal grease trap. 

 

Mr. Pileggi explained they do plan to use an interior grease interceptor; they just question the need for such a large one as required by the township.  Mr. Kelly said that this regulation probably is enforced by the Sewage Enforcement Officer and, as such, Mr. Pileggi may have to ask the Board of Supervisors for relief from this requirement.

 

Chairman Murray said the important fact is what is needed to protect the sewage treatment plant.  Ms. Forndran said she will work with Mr. Jensen to determine the size interceptor required. 

 

•                     Lee Stivale, Esquire, representing Concordville Nissan-Subaru Dealership, said they have negotiated with Mr. Grace for the purchase of 6 EDUs of capacity at the Ridings Waste Water Treatment Plant.  Mr. Stivale explained that unfortunately they cannot connect immediately due to the limitations of the current structure.  He noted they may eventually wind up in the Concord Township system.   Mr. Stivale said he hopes the CFTSA will approve the assignment of the 6 EDUs from Mr. Grace to Concordville Nissan-Subaru so that they can connect to the Ridings Plant system.

           

The on site septic system Concordville Nissan-Subaru had been using failed and they were not able to relocate the in-ground system.  They are under agreement with Concord Township by way of their land development approval to connect to a public sewer system.

 

Chairman Murray gave a brief history of the capacity in question.   Mr. Mezzanotte explained, whether the dealership is tied in or not, they will be subject to certain sewage charges because this property has some development on it.

 

Chairman Murray made a motion that the Sewer Authority approve the assignment of 6 EDUs, at 265 gpd each, from Mr. Joe Grace’s 9,750 gallons of capacity to Concordville Nissan-Subaru on the Sewer Authority’s standard Assignment of Capacity form.  John Spoehr seconded the motion and it passed by a unanimous vote.  In deference to the Solicitor’s advice, Chairman Murray did not include a sunset provision in his motion.

 

•                     Larry Kosta, representing Friends of Concord Creek, said he understands there is an Act 537 Plan revision relating to Springhill Farms underway.  He said he believes there are three options being studied for the future use of the Springhill Farms Sewage Treatment Plant.   Mr. Kosta asked the Board members to elaborate on that. 

           

Chairman Murray said that subject is on the agenda for discussion and he believes Ms. Forndran will have an announcement about it. 

 

MINUTES:

There being no changes, the minutes of the June 17, 2003 CFTSA meeting were unanimously approved on a motion duly made and seconded (Del Rossi/Spoehr).

 

TREASURER’S REPORT:

 

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

            General Fund Account

                        Beginning Balance                                                                                    $33,887.84

                        Receipts                                                                                                     20,461.01

                        Balance                                                                                                $54,348.85

 

            PLGIT/Plus Account - Tapping Fee Account

                        Beginning Balance                                                                                    $367,548.96

Receipts                                                                                                 1,046.10

                        Balance                                                                          $368,595.06

 

            Ridings Operating Account - First Union

                        Beginning Balance                                                                                       $1,000.00

                        Receipts                                                                                              28,978.99                       

                        Balance                                                                                                $29,978.99

 

            PLGIT Account - ROA

                        Beginning Balance                                                                                                $21,933.47

                        Transfer from First Union ROA                                                            28,285.51

                        Dividends                                                                                             24.25

                        Balance                                                                                                $50,243.23

 

            Disciascio Escrow Account

                        Beginning Balance                                                                                        $15,191.65

                        Interest                                                                                                 13.74

                        Balance                                                                                                $15,205.39

 

•                     Mrs. Taylor asked what needs to be done with the copies to be signed of Change Orders No. 2 and No. 3 for the Ridge Road Extension Project she has been holding.   Ms. Forndran said they need to be signed and returned to the contractor.  She will take them and include them in the final paperwork to be completed for this project.

 

•                     Two invoices from SSM for Act 537 planning support were presented to the Authority members for review.   As the practice has been, the invoices were reviewed, approved and signed for forwarding to the township for payment.   

 

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE:

•                     It was noted that, since the Treasurer’s Report was prepared, a check for $7,022.20 was received for an outstanding non-residential invoice.

 

•                     A check for $1,219.98 was also received in payment for an invoice sent to the Brandywine Conservancy last October.   This invoice had been paid shortly after it was received, however, the check was sent to the Township and was deposited.   The Township has reimbursed the Sewer Authority for this amount.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:     


            Mr. Linsen questioned the invoice from Brandywine Science Center.  Chairman Murray explained that after the heavy rainfall on June 7th and 8th, the house next to the Ridings Plant had water rising from their well. Also at that time there was a sewage spill onto Ridge Road from one of the manholes by the plant.  The homeowner raised a question about fecal matter in that spill.  It was decided, since the well water at the Ridings Plant was going to be tested, it would be good to test the well on the property next to it also.  That was done and both wells show the presence of bacteria.  The water from the well at the plant is only used for processing and washing so it will remain as it is.   The house next to the plant has decided to install an ultraviolet system.  They now have potable water.  Ms. Forndran explained further that the contamination of the drinking water well had nothing to do with the sewage spill.   The water is upstream and there are other sources of contamination in the ground in the Ridge Road Sewer District area.

 

Chairman Murray asked if the invoice from Exeter was for the items being stored at the plant.  Ms. Forndran said yes, and, since more of it will probably be used for future I and I work, she suggests, rather than sending it back to Exeter, it would be best to just store it for future use.    

 

            RIDINGS OPERATING ACCOUNT -  Invoices totaling $12,583.44 presented for payment from the Ridings Operating Account were unanimously approved for payment on a motion by Chairman Murray, seconded by John Spoehr. 

 

            GENERAL FUND -  A motion was made and seconded (Murray/Spoehr) to approve payment of the invoices to be paid from the General Fund in the amount of $43,546.44.   The motion passed unanimously. 

 

SOLICITOR’S REPORT:

Mr. Mezzanotte gave comments on:

 

 

2.                  CCMC Manhole 2-9 -  Repair work has been done and Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Dr. Laskas and Mr. Rullo have been notified that the manhole is now ready for connections.  He understands these non-residential properties will be connected to the sewer system by mid-August.

 

Also relating to the manhole, Mr. Mezzanotte has submitted a claim to the contractor’s bonding company for $5,000 of additional claim money that the Authority feels is owed to the them by the contractor.   A response is pending.

 

3.                  Lien and Forbearance Agreement - One of the four property owners, who were offered this option, has fulfilled the requirements.  Mr. Mezzanotte is now preparing to file a municipal lien against the other three residential properties.   He has asked for assistance from the township to send the required Notice to Connect to the property owners who have not responded.  If the properties are not connected within the required length of time, the Authority may then hire a contractor to do the work and send the property owner a bill for the work done

 

4.                  American Water Services Contract - Mr. Mezzanotte said in response to an inquiry, the Authority is in a position to give notice to American Water Serviced that the current contract for Operation and Maintenance of the Ridings Waste Water Treatment Plant may not be renewed.  He noted that the written notice must be given to American Water Services 60 days prior to November 30, 2003.

 

Chairman Murray said the current contract has a self renewal clause, and if we don’t want to renew it we need to start work on it now.  Ms. Forndran asked Mr. Mezzanotte if the RFPs must be advertised or could the request be sent to three or more qualified certified operators.  Mr. Mezzanotte responded that the Municipal Authorities Act requirements for competitive bidding relate to construction, materials, etc.  His view of the contract for maintenance of the plant is that it is more of a professional engagement than a construction matter.  As such, Mr. Mezzanotte’s view is the requests for proposal can be sent to a list of qualified certified operators.

 

A request was made by Chairman Murray that Mr. Del Rossi contact Mr. Paul to meet and review the current contract and costs from the past two years or so.  Ms. Forndran said she would have her office prepare a generic list of other qualified, state certified, licensed operators to be considered for invitations to submit proposals.    

           

 

ENGINEERS REPORT:

 

Ms. Forndran reviewed her written report:

 

2.                  RRE -  


 

•                     Contractor has completed all construction work.

•                                             Washout by headwall and trench settlement due to heavy rain has been referred to the contractor who initiated restoration.

 

 

2.         Inflow and Infiltration -                                                                                                           


 

•                                             The I & I at Manhole 2-9 has now been stopped with the repairs made to the manhole.

•                                             Submitted Corrective Action Plan quarterly report to DEP on July 15, 2003.

•                                             Homeowners need to be reminded that basement sump pumps, driveway drains, down spouts and other stormwater sources should not be connected to the sanitary sewer system.  

 

 

3.                  Ridings Wastewater Plant -

 

•                                             Plant inspection report has been sent to AWS.  Suggest meeting or conference call regarding Jet Tech operating set points.

 

•                                             Reviewed with Todd Duerr chlorine dosing protocol for inhibiting filamentous growth. 

•                                             Installation of baffles around effluent flow wier is being delayed subject to review of design.

           


 

4.                  Developers Reviews -


 

•                                             Enzo’s - Ms. Forndran has not formally received the development plans for sewer review.   She said, before the development goes too far, the Sewer Authority has some definite recommendations regarding the removal of the old tanks on the property.  The letter has been sent to DEP regarding the capacity issue, but no response has been received.

•                                             Tremonte Subdivision - Final design recommendations for sewer line to be dedicated back to the Sewer Authority significantly completed.  Chairman Murray asked if this is to be a low pressure line.  Ms. Forndran responded that it is low pressure from the Tremonte subdivision, but a portion of the line along St. Cornelius property easement might, in fact, be better as a gravity line.  

 

 

5.                  Minor Act 537 Update Revision for Ridge Road Extension Phase 2 -

 

•                                             Prepared preliminary submittal and reviewed with Township Engineer

 

•                                             Schedule calls for submittal to Supervisors by 08/01/03 to advertise for public notice for 30 day review and comment period by 08/07/03.  The public notice will state the fact that this area requires sewerage because of the high water table, failing septic tanks and the potential for contaminated wells. 

•                                             Incorporated DiSabatino lot-line adjustment plan as reviewed and approved by Township.

 

 

6.                  Springhill Farm WWTP Review -


 

•                                             Township Engineer, Sewer Authority Engineer and plant operator met with DEP

•                                             Explanation of the three options being considered.

             

In response to a question from Mr. Linsen, Chairman Murray said there were negotiations in 1996 regarding the Sewer Authority taking over the Springhill Farm WWTP.   Larry Kosta, of the Friends of Concord Creek, requested that the Sewer Authority do whatever it can to support the commitment made by DEP eighteen years ago that this facility be shut down and rerouted.   

 

 

OTHER MATTERS:

 

•                     DEVELOPER’S AGREEMENT - J. P. Kelly said he would email drafts of model agreements to Mr. Mezzanotte, Ms. Forndran and Mrs. Taylor. 

 

•                     CCMC SALE OF EDUS - Chairman Murray asked if Mr. Mezzanotte knows the status of the expected sale of the 3 excess edus.  Mr. Mezzanotte noted he had written to Mr. Auclair, who represents CCMC, but has not heard back.  He will follow-up.

 

•                     PENN DOT REGARDING RIDGE ROAD CHANGE ORDERS - An update was given on the request for assistance in getting reimbursed for change orders required by Penn DOT in the Ridge Road Extension Project.  Chairman Murray will continue to seek reimbursement for the approximately $29,000 spent on these change orders. 

 

ADJOURNMENT:

The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Sabina J. Taylor, Secretary