CHADDS FORD TOWNSHIP SEWER AUTHORITY

MINUTES

 

January 20, 2004

 

The 173rd  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, Vincent Del Rossi and newly appointed member Anthony J. Cutrona.  Also in attendance were John J. Mezzanotte, Jr., Esquire, Angelika B. Forndran, PE, James C. Kelly, PE, and Sabina J. Taylor, Secretary/Treasurer.

 

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

 

REORGANIZATION:

The following positions were filled by unanimous vote after motions duly made and seconded:

 

            Chairman - James J. Murray            (Spoehr/Cutrona)

           

            Vice Chairman - Vincent Del Rossi (Murray/Spoehr)

           

            Secretary - John Spoehr (Murray/Cutrona)

           

            Treasurer - Anthony J. Cutrona (Murray/Spoehr)

 

Solicitor - John J. Mezzanotte, Jr, Esquire of Barnard, Mezzanotte and Pinnie with a retainer of $1,800 per quarter (Spoehr /Murray)

 

Engineer - Angelika B. Forndran, P.E. of Spotts, Stevens and McCoy at $175 per meeting and hourly rates as stated in the SSM 2004 Municipal Rate Schedule (Del Rossi/Spoehr)

           

            Secretary/Treasurer - Sabina J. Taylor at a rate of $20 per hour (Murray/Spoehr)

           

            Depository for Funds - Wachovia and PLGIT (Del Rossi/Spoehr)

           

Auditor - After discussion as to wether or not an audit is necessary, this appointment was tabled until next month’s meeting (Cutrona/Del Rossi)

                       

Chairman Murray reminded those present that the Authority has its own solicitor and is responsible for conducting its own business.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

January 14, 2004 - Two members of the Authority and Garry Paul attended a DELCORA sponsored meeting on flow monitoring techniques.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Larry Costa asked for an update on the status of the Act 537 plan revision as it relates to the Springhill Farms Wastewater Treatment Plant.  Ms. Forndran responded that the Township Engineer is the one actually submitting the Springhill Farms Wastewater Treatment Facility Act 537 plan analysis to DEP and it was initially due in December.  There was a time extension granted and she believes it is now due by the end of January.   Ms. Forndran further explained, that, as Sewer Authority Engineer, her scope items, which related strictly to the treatment plant, were submitted to Township Engineer James C. Kelly on December 11, 2003 as requested. On December 18, a meeting was held at Kelly Engineers with engineers from Chadds Ford Township, CFT Sewer Authority, Concord Township and CT Sewer Authority.  Mr. Costa thanked Ms. Forndran for the information and explained his concerns regarding the timing of the public comment period for the submittal to DEP. 

 

MINUTES:

There being no additions or corrections, the minutes of the December 16, 2003 Chadds Ford Township Sewer Authority 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                                                                                    $16,872.41

                        Receipts                                                                                                       1,515.00

                        Balance                                                                                                $18,387.41

 

 

            PLGIT/Plus Account - Tapping Fee Account

                        Beginning Balance                                                                                    $362,482.83

Receipts - Transfer from Wachovia                                           0.00

                                         Dividends                                                              844.90

                        Balance                                                                          $363,327.73

 

            Ridings Operating Account - Wachovia

                        Beginning Balance                                                                                       $1,000.00

                        Receipts                                                                                              25,284.60                       

                        Balance                                                                                                $26,284.60

 

            PLGIT Account - ROA

                        Beginning Balance                                                                                                $31,863.58

                        Transfer from Wachovia ROA                                                            25,284.60

                        Dividends                                                                                             25.35

                        Balance                                                                                                $57,173.53

 

            Mongiovi Escrow Account

                        Beginning Balance                                                                                        $15,259.40

                        Interest                                                                                        11.73

                        Balance                                                                                                $15,271.13

 

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE:

The long outstanding tapping fees that have not been paid, have been added to the Accounts Receivable list.  Mrs. Taylor noted the status of each of the accounts.  Two are from the Longview, Summit Woodland Project and there are four from the Ridge Road Phase I Project.  Chairman Murray explained, when warmer weather arrives, the Sewer Authority, as agents for the Township, will proceed with having the laterals installed to the properties that are required to connect to the public sewer, but have not connected.  

 

Mr. Mezzanotte discussed legal issues relating to the connections and the property owners who have not paid the tapping fee and are not paying the quarterly users fees.  He noted, if the Authority desires him to do so, it may be in order for him to start  initiating some action, as appropriate, on the past due monies and let the actual forced connections proceed when the weather is suitable.  Ms. Forndran said work is continuing on selecting a plumbing contractor to install the laterals.  She will be obtaining three cost estimates from acceptable plumbers.  That cost can then be added to the amount the property owners already owe for tapping fees and users fees.  Concerns were expressed by Mr. Cutrona that the Authority may find itself paying the plumber to make the connections before the money is collected from the property owner. 

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:     

RIDINGS OPERATING ACCOUNT - Invoices totaling $10,203.03 were presented for payment from the Ridings Operating Account.  In response to a question from Mr. Spoehr, Chairman Murray explained the charge from Tyco for an actuator valve.  Ms. Forndran suggested that, until the valve is installed and is working, the check for this invoice should be held.   The bills to be paid from the Ridings Operating Account were then unanimously approved for payment, as presented, on a motion duly made and seconded (Cutrona/Spoehr).   Mrs. Taylor was advised to hold the check for Tyco until Ms. Forndran tells her the valve is installed and working properly.

 

GENERAL FUND - Invoices totaling $15,447.88 were presented for payment from the General Fund.  A motion was made and seconded (Spoehr/Del Rossi) to approve payment of the invoices as presented.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

Chairman Murray noted again the need for the Authority to have a Developers Agreement.

 

PARKSIDE ASSOCIATES:

Walter Pileggi presented plans for developing the vacant lot between Olde Ridge Village and Keystone Plaza.  Mr. Pileggi explained the sewage plans for the new development.  Ms. Forndran reviewed the placement of sewer lines and manholes on the property.  Capacity and water use were discussed.  Chairman Murray reviewed the plans for installing new Manhole #45 on Mr. Varriele’s property.  It has been agreed that the cost for this new manhole will be shared by Mr.

Varriele, Parkside Associates and LAPA I.  

 

SOLICITOR’S REPORT:

1.                   Kids First - Mr. Mezzanotte has contacted the attorney for Kids First to let him know that capacity is apparently now available for purchase from CCMC.  He also spoke to him about finalizing an agreement on the reimbursement due to Kids First by the Authority.  The attorney has promised to send Mr. Mezzanotte a revised agreement which is to include all items as discussed.  

 

 

1.                   Dr. Laskas Property - A letter has been sent to the attorney representing Dr. Laskas to let him know that Dr. Laskas has the option to make available for sale his 95 gallons of excess capacity.  They notified Mr. Mezzanotte that they were interested in selling the excess capacity and asked for a copy of the Authority’s resale agreement. 

 

2.                   Tremonte and Enzo’s South - Paper work has been received on the plans for both of these developments.  The attorney for Tremonte Builders has sent Mr. Mezzanotte some proposed easement agreements.  Mr. Mezzanotte will be reviewing these documents.

 

3.                   House Bill No. 51 - Mr. Mezzanotte told the members that HB No. 51 was enacted on December 30, 2003.  He noted that there are some significant changes in the manner of calculating tapping fees.  After he has had more time to review the document, Mr. Mezzanotte will provide the board members with information regarding the impact the Act might have on how the Authority sets tapping fees.  Discussion relating to other issues covered in the Act followed.

 

Chairman Murray said he would propose a meeting be held at the Township Building with Township officials and Sewer Authority members to review House Bill No. 51 with Mr. Mezzanotte.   Mr. Paul said he thinks that is a good idea and he would let the other supervisors know of Chairman Murray’s suggestion.   

 

Mr. Paul told those present that Rep. Steven Barrar had requested grant money for the Township, to be used by the Sewer Authority, be included in this year’s State Budget.  Preliminary approval has been received from the state.  Details regarding applying for the grant will be provided as soon as they are available. 

 

WATER USAGE:

Ms. Forndran commented on the water use report for Kids First.  She noted they use 1 edu or less through most of the year, but exceed 1 edu during the summer months.   After discussion, it was agreed that it may be water used for irrigation causing the high usage amounts.  Mrs. Taylor said when they are connected to the system and begin receiving invoices for sewer usage, any amount of water used for irrigation will be deducted from the total water used.

Mr. Spoehr asked about the water usage at St. Cornelius School.  The possible reasons for high water usage were discussed.  It was determined that they need to activate at least one more of the edu they had previously purchased.  The tapping fee for the additional edu will have to be paid to

activate any additional edu.

ENGINEERS REPORT:

Ms. Forndran distributed copies of her written report.  The report was then reviewed.

 

 

1.            Infiltration & Inflow reduction            

            a.            Quarterly corrective action plan report submitted to DEP on January 15, 2004.           

            b.            Proposal submitted to provide flow monitoring for up to 8 weeks.  Ms. Forndran recommended that 2 weeks would be adequate.  Discussion followed relating to where and when the flow meters will be installed and other items in the proposal. 

After discussion, Chairman Murray recommended that flow monitoring be done during the heaviest rain we can get and do it as quickly as possible.  The members agreed to authorize Chairman Murray to proceed, when the time is right, with the flow monitoring as discussed.

 

c.                                           Delineated collection system subbasins to help isolate areas for suspect I & I

d.                                           Completed baseflow analysis update based on actual water usage records for customers in Ridings WWTP service area.

 

 

 

2.                   Ridings WWTP                    


 

            a.          As of November 2003 report, plant effluent in compliance             


 

            b.                    Electrical actutator for blower valve has been shipped

 

c.                                           Motive pump has been ordered.

 

d.                                           Upgraded influent pump on order

 

            e.               Submitted supporting information to members for emergency generator alternatives.

 

Mr. Del Rossi has been looking into the possibility of renting an emergency generator for the plant and asked Ms. Forndran for some clarifications on the requirements.  Chairman Murray said the Authority might want to consider renting a portable generator for the plant now with the possibility of using it at other locations if needed.  He also recommended that any generator being considered should be sized to handle 100,000 gallons.  Mr. Del Rossi told the members he has been in contact with a firm that leases generators as needed.  He said they indicated their response time to Chadds Ford would be three hours.   After further discussion, Mr. Del Rossi said he will contact the company again for more details and pricing.   

 

 

3.                   Developer reviews

a.            Enzo’s South construction - Provided sanitary sewer construction coordination and inspection.  Construction escrow request for Authority to be submitted to Owner/Developer.

 

b.                                           Enzo’s South Easement modifications - Distributed markups of existing easements and required easement for review with Authority, Solicitor and Township Engineer.

c.                                           Tremonte Easement and Deed of Dedication - Received these for review with members and Solicitor.           


 

4.                   RRE Phase 2 Planning Module for Minor Act 537 Update Revision for DEP

a.            Confirmed receipt of Planning Module 3m by DEP on December 11, 2003.  John Veneziale is reviewing it.  Work on the project can not proceed until DEP approval has been received.

Ms. Forndran asked that the minutes show the document with the public comment letters and the responses to the public comment letters is available for public review.

 

b.                                           Survey flyover has been done.

    


 

5.                   Springhill Farm WWTP scope of work items for Township Act 537


 

            a.                 Submitted requested scope items to Township Engineer December 11, 2003.   

b.                Coordination meeting held at Kelly Engineers December 18, 2003.

 

 

6.                   Items for Next Month

            a.              Inspections for septic tanks in connected area

 

b.                                           Preparing for contracting lateral connections where not completed

c.                                           Review Parkside Associates plans for sewerage

           

OTHER MATTERS:

 

Chapter 94 Report for 2003 - Two proposals have been received.  American Water Services, who have done the report for the last few years, has quoted a price of $1,150. The other proposal is from Spotts, Stevens and McCoy with a quote of $970.  Mr. Spoehr made a motion to accept the Spotts, Stevens and McCoy proposal at a cost not to exceed $970.  Mr. Del Rossi seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. 

 

 

Route #1 Feasibility Study - Mr. Spoehr asked Mr. Paul what the status of the study is at this time.  Mr. Paul responded that it may be on the February Township meeting agenda. 

 

Chadds Ford Village - Toll Brothers offer to build a sewage treatment plant for its planned development that could also serve the village were discussed.  Mr. Paul said he has made it clear that he expects the  Sewer Authority and the Township Engineer to maintain control over the specifications for any plan to build a plant to serve the village. 

 

CFT Sewer Authority Developers Agreement - Chairman Murray asked if Mr. Mezzanotte would work on getting this agreement prepared due to the number of projects beginning now and planned for the near future.  Mr. Mezzanotte asked what the Authority’s concerns are from an engineering and financial standpoint.  Ms. Forndran will assist Mr. Mezzanotte with this project. 

 

ADJOURNMENT:   

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

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

 

Sabina J. Taylor, Secretary