CHADDS FORD TOWNSHIP SEWER AUTHORITY

MINUTES

 

March 19, 2002

 

 

            The 151st  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 Morgan, Vice Chairman, John Spoehr, Secretary, and Jerome S. Heisler, Jr.  Also in attendance were John J. Mezzanotte, Jr., Esquire, Solicitor, Angelika B. Forndran, P.E., Engineer, and Sabina J. Taylor, Secretary/Treasurer.

 

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

 

INTRODUCTIONS:

            The Chairman introduced CFT Supervisor Jim Shipley.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

            Chairman Murray made the following announcements:

            1. February 26, 2002 - several members of CFTSA met with Michael Wolf of Dolphin and Bradbury to discuss sewer projects financing. 

            2.  March 12, 2002 - a meeting was held with CFT Supervisors to discuss the Chadds Ford Village Sewer Project.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

            Mr. Takacs of Woodland Drive asked if the new sewer extension system has been tested yet and what is going to be done about the deplorable conditions on Woodland Drive.   The Authority members explained that the system has been tested and passed, and the contractor will be back to do the restoration when the weather is suitable.

            Several residents of the BSSE project area had complaints regarding driveway repairs, trash in the street, lawn restoration, etc.   It was requested that the residents bring specific items of complaint to the attention of the Sewer Authority.   Those present were reminded  that a complaint form was included with information regarding the project sent to each property owner. 

            Mr. Takacs asked what the CFTSA would do if he refuses to pay the tapping fee.   He was told that, within the Sewer Authority’s legal rights, they would probably place a lien against the property.   It was explained that, by law, private on lot septic systems in the area where public sewer systems are available for hook-up are not permitted, and the Sewer Authority will be required to take whatever steps are legally available to comply with the law.

 

            Mr. Cialini, of Woodland Drive, said the packet of information regarding connection to


the public sewers doesn’t tell you how the hook up is to be done when it must go from cast iron to plastic.  It was recommended that Mr. Cialini contact the township plumbing inspector for direction. 

            Mr. Cialini also said he has two cesspools and two septic tanks, and he has no problem crushing and filling the two cesspools and one septic tank, but would like to keep one septic tank to use as a cistern to hook his rain gutters to and use the water for watering his garden and lawn.  The Sewer Authority recommended that Mr. Cialini take this up with Rich Jensen, CFT Plumbing Inspector, because the regulations are CFT regulations.

 

            Mrs. Carter, of Summit Drive, asked a question for Mrs. Terranova who could not be present tonight.  Mrs. Terranova wants to know if the pipe from the house must be 4" or could it be 6" in diameter.   It was recommended that Mrs. Terranova’s plumber should check with the township plumbing inspector. 

 

            Mr. Urban, of Woodland Drive, asked if the date of March 11, 2002 , as mentioned in the information packet as the start-up date, was in fact correct.  The CFTSA responded that yes the system was tested and is ready for hook-ups.

 

            Mrs. Manfredi, of Longview Road, asked if the CFTSA contractor will be doing any more work at the intersection of Summit Drive and Route 202.  It was explained how the road restoration will be completed.

 

            Mr. Takacs commented on the condition of some of the patching on South Woodland Drive.  He is concerned that when the road is repaved by the Township there will be sink holes because when the contractor filled the holes they were not tamped.   The Authority asked Sewer Authority liaison, Supervisor Deborah  D’Elia, to request that the Township Engineer see that the area is “proof-rolled” as part of the Woodland Drive resurfacing.   

 

            Mr. Skiadas, owner of Hank’s Place, asked what the future plans are for solving the sewage problems in the village of Chadds Ford.  Chairman Murray explained that the Sewer Authority is working on the various possible methods of treating the sewage from the village.  A  feasibility study will be done to determine the most appropriate, cost effective method of providing public sewers for the village.

 

            Bob Moyer, of Raven Crest, asked what the plans are for Raven Crest.  He also asked if someone would explain what the Act 537 Plan is and if he could have a copy of the Township Act 537 Plan.  Mr. Heisler said he will get a copy made and see that Mr. Moyer gets it. 

            In response to a comment from the Chairman, Ms. Forndran noted that on the PA DEP website there is a document titled Guidance for Sewerage Facilities Planning.  

            It was explained to those present that the proposed revisions to the CFT Act 537 Plan must go through public comment period and are not ready for approval at this time.  


            In response to a comment from Mr. Moyer, the Chairman noted that members of the Sewer Authority have offered to meet with the residents of Raven Crest on more than one occasion and Mr. Murray has personally called the two past presidents of the Raven Crest Homeowners Association and informed them of the possibility of public sewers coming to Raven Crest in the future.  He further stated on at least three occasions he has spoken about this with Todd Duerr, the current president of the Raven Crest Homeowners Association. 

            Supervisor Jim Shipley commented that the revisions to the plan are just starting to be prepared.   He further stated Mr. Moyer’s input is timely to have input in what the Township does on the amendment to the Act 537 Plan that might provide sewer service to Raven Crest.  Mr. Shipley explained the process for revising the Township Act 537 Plan.

                        Authority members suggested that Mr. Moyer attend the monthly Sewer Authority meetings and encourage other Raven Crest residents to attend also.  

 

            Mrs. Carter asked if, as other properties are connected to public sewers, will their tapping fee be the same as those connecting to the BSSE area.   It was explained that each area’s tapping fee, by law, is calculated on the cost of providing public sewers to that area.  Mrs. Carter complimented the current Sewer Authority members on the fabulous job they have done and she asked about recent work done on the Ridings Sewage Treatment Plant.   Chairman Murray explained that repairs and improvements done to the Ridings Plant have actually been paid for by the monthly sewer fees being paid over the years by the property owners of Ridings I, Ridings II, Olde Ridge Village and Barnaby’s. 

 

MINUTES:

            The minutes of the February 19, 2002 meeting of the Chadds Ford Township Sewer Authority were unanimously approved, as amended, on a motion duly made and seconded.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT:

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

            General Fund Account

                        Beginning Balance                                                         ($10,860.31)

                        Receipts                                                                           42,397.53                Balance                                                                               $31,537.22

                       

            Ridings Operating Account - First Union

                        Beginning Balance                                                          $1,000.00

                        Receipts                                                                                   .83                  

                        Balance                                                                         $1,000.83

                       

                        PLGIT Account - ROA

                        Beginning Balance                                                         $38,818.65

                        Transfer from ROA - First Union                                            0.00

                        Dividends                                                                                     49.15          

                        Balance                                                                        $38,867.80

                       

            Escrow Accounts:

                        19 Longview

                                   Balance                                                 $4,454.41                         

                                   

                        20 Longview                           

                                   Balance                                                             $4,617.93

 

            Mrs. Taylor reported on:

 

1. White and Cunningham Escrow Accounts - These escrow accounts at First Union Bank have been closed and the amount in each account has been credited toward the tapping fees for the White and Ernst properties on Longview Road.

 

2. Pump Station Invoices - A letter from Bradford Engineering, BSSE Project Engineer, has been received recommending releasing of the final payments to Smith and Loveless in the amount of $8,836.00 and to Hydra-numatic Sales in the amount of $2,173.00.   He recommended holding the final payment to Cummins Power Systems until the enclosure is repaired.

 

3.  DVRFA Loan Disbursement Form No. 42 - This request in the amount of $30,990.37 is for money wired to the Sewer Authority’s checking account for expenses relating to the BSSE Project.

            A motion to approve DVRFA Loan Disbursement Request No. 42

in the amount of $30,990.37 pursuant to the loan agreement with Chadds Ford Township was made.  The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.  The document was then signed as required.

 

4.  Letter from AWS regarding SBR Tank #2 Inspection and Repair - Mrs. Taylor read a portion of this letter commending the Board for undertaking this proactive, preventative maintenance.

 

5. 2nd Quarter Sewer Bills - The quarterly bills were mailed on March15, 2002

 

6.  ROA Transfer - Due to cash flow conditions, the transfer of $6,000 from the ROA to the General Fund was not reversed this month.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: 

             With the understanding that the checks for Smith and Loveless, Hydra-numatic Sales, Cummins Power Systems and Site Specific Designs be held until Mrs. Taylor is notified that start up is complete and the shop drawings and manuals have been received, a motion was made to pay invoices totaling $44,588.48  from the General Fund as submitted.  The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

 

            After discussion regarding the invoice from Spotts, Stevens and McCoy for $1,960.40 relating to the Redistribution of flow capacity for the Ridings WWTP, it was determined that this invoice could be presented to the Township for payment.  It was noted that an invoice for work done by Spotts, Stevens and McCoy relating to the planned connection of the St. Cornelius Church property remains unpaid after 90 days.  That invoice has been submitted to the Township for payment to be considered for the 50% reimbursement from DEP.   Following further discussion, the invoices to be paid from the Ridings Operating Account totaling $10,778.09 were unanimously approved on a motion duly made and seconded. 

 

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE:

            In response to a question from the Chairman, Mrs. Taylor said there are no seriously delinquent residential accounts.   After discussion, a motion was made and seconded to follow the procedure as established by the Chadds Ford Township Sewer Authority for water shut-off to Barnaby’s by the Chester Water Authority for non payment of the delinquent sewer bill in the amount of $2,909.24 which includes late fees.  The motion passed unanimously. 

 

 

SOLICITOR’S REPORT:

            Mr. Mezzanotte said he does not have a report for tonight’s meeting, as such, but does have some Resolutions, prepared as requested, to be considered for adoption by the Authority.  He has previously faxed draft copies of the three proposed Resolutions to the Authority members for review.

 

1.  St. Cornelius Church Agreement -  Mr. Mezzanotte asked that the minutes reflect that there have been ongoing discussions with representatives of St. Cornelius Church regarding the agreement and the document has been signed and notarized. 

            Chairman Murray said one of the representative of the church has requested a discount rate for the church for pumping at off-hours.  Mr. Shipley commented that the value of that will come when the plant operation approaches capacity.  The plant is so far from that, there is no value to discussing it with the church at this point. 

 

2.  DCIDA Property on 202 - Responding to Chairman Murray’s question, Mr. Mezzanotte said he has not had a chance to research who the actual owner of this property is. 

 

3.  Commercial Users Agreements - The most recent commercial water usage reports from CWA are in and this allows the Authority to quantify their EDU needs.  Mr. Mezzanotte has reported to the commercial users what the Authority has determined their EDU requirements to be, and he feels the commercial users are content with these amounts.   After some suggested revisions to the agreement, Mr. Mezzanotte has forwarded the latest draft to Mr. Murray.   Copies were made of the draft and distributed to the Authority members.

 

4.   CFT SA Resolution No. 2 - A Resolution of the Chadds Ford Township Sewer Authority Amending the Authority’s Sewage Services Fee and Schedule to Adjust the User Fee Rates. 

Ms. Forndran, responding to a question from the Chairman, reviewed how non-residential rates under the proposed new rates compare with the current rates.

            Mr. Mezzanotte’s suggested that the CFTSA consider numbering Resolutions consecutively.  After discussion, it was agreed that CFTSA Resolutions will be numbered consecutively. 

            A motion was made and seconded to adopt Chadds Ford Township Sewer Authority Resolution No. 2.   After amending the motion, to include setting of the effective date of the rate change as of the billings issued June 15, 2002, the motion passed unanimously.  The Resolution was signed as required.

 

5.  CFTSA Resolution No. 3 - A Resolution of the Chadds Ford Township Sewer Authority Amending the Authority’s Sewage Services Fee Schedule to impose a Deposit Requirement for Non-Residential Users With Recent Delinquency in Payment of Fees.  Authority members reviewed, with Mr. Mezzanotte,  the draft of this Resolution. 

            On a motion duly made and seconded, Chadds Ford Township Sewer Authority Resolution No. 3 was unanimously adopted and signed as required.

 

6. Tapping Fee Adjustment Resolution -Mr. Mezzanotte has prepared and circulated a draft of this Resolution.  He suggested that the draft be read, considered, and some of the supporting work could be put together and possibly be considered for adoption at next month’s meeting.   All members agreed with Mr. Mezzanotte’s suggestion.

 

7.  CFTSA Resolution No. 4 -   A Resolution of the Chadds Ford Township Sewer Authority Amending the Authority’s Sewage Services Schedule to Impose a Deposit Requirement for Loaned Capacity.  Mr. Mezzanotte suggested that action on this Resolution be tabled until next month, so that it can be reviewed further.   Because action on this Resolution is necessary before the letter can be sent to the commercial users, it was suggested that the Authority consider this Resolution for adoption tonight.   Discussion followed.   Responding to a question, Chairman Murray said the Authority has the capacity to sell to the commercial users who need it and there is no reason we shouldn’t do it.  Mr. Mezzanotte expressed some of his concerns regarding the adoption of this Resolution.   Jerome Heisler made a motion to adopt Chadds Ford Township Sewer Authority Resolution No. 4 with an effective date of June 1, 2002 setting the “Loaned Capacity Security Deposit” at $15,000 per edu of capacity.  The motion was seconded by Sandra Morgan and passed by a majority vote with Chairman James Murray abstaining. 

            To help clarify the commercial capacity question, Mr. Mezzanotte said he believes that the Authority is in a position to sell capacity to these commercial users, because the contract does not distinguish between commercial and residential capacity.  Ms. Forndran said she agrees with the Solicitor in that, when the Authority purchased the capacity, it was for properties in the Longview, Woodland Summit area whether they be residential or commercial properties.   Jerome Heisler made a motion that when the letter is sent to the commercial users it should state that they should use their best effort to acquire capacity from other commercial users and, as a provider of last resort, the Authority will lend them capacity on a temporary basis as provided by CFTSA Resolution No. 4.   The motion was seconded by Sandra Morgan and passed by a majority vote with Chairman James Murray voting no.  

 

ENGINEER’S REPORT:

 

1.  Ridings WWTP - The SBR tank was drained and inspected.  A new motive pump has been ordered at a cost of $3,800 with an additional cost of $590 for the Stainless Steel impeller and casing wear rings.

 

2. BSSE Project - The system is operational.   At start-up all the equipment was demonstrated and AWS was trained.        

             

            Ms. Forndran reported on:

 

1. Annual Inspection of Private Wastewater Treatment Plants - The inspections for this year can be planned for the first week in May.  Ms. Forndran will provide a proposal letter that the Authority can vote on at the April meeting.  She noted that because this is the second consecutive year there will be a reduction in the cost of the inspections.     

 

            Chairman Murray announced that, on April 4, 2002, he and Ms. Forndran will be going to DEP to see about the reallocation. 

 

            The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Sabina J. Taylor, Secretary