Wednesday, November 19, 2014

NOVEMBER 19, 2014 ECWSA MINUTES

Evans City Water and Sewer Authority Meeting
19 November 2014

·         Call to order: The meeting was called to order by Chairman, Tim Schoeffel at 6:05 p.m.
·         Members present: Tim Schoeffel, Vito Pilosi III, Ed Tanski, Cheri Deener, and Joe Weltner.
·         Others present: Philip Lope, Esquire, Norman Nelson, Public Works Director, Brad Elder, HRG. Laura Kamienski, Office Manager.

·         Public Session: This meeting was open to the public. 
§  Brian Pahlman and Dayna Long 
üDiscussion regarding past due account and payment plan arrangement.
üAuthority agreed to accept a minimum monthly payment of $300.00 until balance is satisfied. First payment due December 31, 2014.

·         Minutes: Review of minutes from October 29, 2014.

Motion by Vito Pilosi to approve October 29, 2014 minutes as presented.
Seconded by Cheri Deener.  Unanimously approved.
·         Communications:
·         Chairman’s Report:
§  Discussion about article that appeared in the Butler Eagle. It did not convey the prepared release that was submitted. There were several errors and omissions.
§  Tim Schoeffel followed up with the editor. A correction was to be printed.
§  The reporter has contacted the ECWSA attorney.

·         Review Bills & Past Due Accounts
§  Review of accounts payable.
üDiscussion regarding Callery lift station generator billing and credit.
Motion by Ed Tanski to pay bills as presented.
Seconded by Cheri Deener.  Unanimously approved.

§  Review of past due accounts and outstanding receivables.
ü  There was $5,400.21 generated in late charges on November 1st.
ü  54 delinquent/termination notices were sent on November 17th
ü  Shutoffs are scheduled for December 3rd due to Thanksgiving.
ü  There were 16 eNETPAY payments since the last meeting.
ü  Total ages receivables = $92,238.96. This amount includes 0-30 days due at the end of the month.
ü  Callery outstanding balance= $36,759.08
§  This amount reflects the corrected amount.
§  Discussion regarding Fundbalance account configuration error and Callery balance corrections.
§  Adjustments report included in this month’s meeting packet.




·         Committees
§  Rules & Regulations: No report
üTim to schedule meeting with HRG to work on this.
§  Budget
üAdrienne is still finalizing the budget.
§  Accounts & Transactions:
üLaura Kamienski has been added to the bank accounts.
üA new checking account, combined water & sewer, has been opened and $100.00 has been deposited into it.
üNeed to order checks for new account and deposit stamp for new account.
§  New Sewer Plant Project – Engineer’s report.
§  Cooperation Committee: No report.
§  Forward Township Committee:
§  BASF
üPhilip Lope reviewing changes. HRG needs to review engineering aspects of changes. Phil checking with engineer.
§  Website / Public Relations:
üDiscussion regarding ACH option for customer payments.
üNot available yet, but it is in the works for future

·         Solicitor’s Report: Callery Borough
§  Philip Lope has prepared a Petition for Emergency Relief to present to Judge Yeager, asking the judge to order Callery to pay. A hearing should be scheduled within a couple of weeks.
§  Callery has been informed of rate increase.
§  Phil and HRG working on tap fee calculations.

Motion by Ed Tanski to authorize Philip Lope to present to the court, an emergency motion
for special and preliminary injunction. Seconded by Vito Pilosi. Unanimously approved.

§  Callery’s engineer is scheduled to meet on November 25th at 2:00pm, with HRG and flow meter technician to discuss calibration of the lift station flow meter.
§  Discussion regarding Callery’s tap payments to us. Last tap payment made to us was in 2010.
üDiscussion about possibility for dual tap application.
üNeed to review agreement regarding tap fee distribution.

·         Administrative Report: Laura Kamienski
§  John Porter / Dennis Spithaler delinquent account has been settled at original debt of $187.14 plus 25%.
§  Software upgrades scheduled for November 20th.
§  Ben Jamieson from Northwest Bank stopped in to offer bank services to the Authority.
üLooking into Northwest services before buying checks for new account.
§  Need letter announcing 2015 rates.
§  Send e-mail announcing newsletter. Information being sent to Jill Perry to send out.
§  Philip Lope has prepared the lien against Biggs property.




§  2015 Meeting dates approval.
üJanuary 28th. February 25th. March 25th. April 29th. May 27th. June 24th. July 29th. August 26th. September 30th. October 28th. November 18th. December 16th.

Motion by Cheri Deener to approve the 2015 meeting dates as presented. Seconded by Ed Tanski. Unanimously approved.

§  Discussion regarding Dyer property sprinkler meter.
üTim Schoeffel to discuss these types of situations with HRG in rules and regulations.

·         Public Works Director Report: Norman Nelson
§  Norm Nelson and Mark Nasky attended a certification distribution testing in Williamsport PA.
§  There were no DEP violations this month.

·         Engineering Report: Brad Elder, HRG.
§  Discussion regarding water line relocation. Drawings from PennDOT have been received.
§  Next sewer plant progress meeting is scheduled for December 3rd.

§  WWTP Project Bond Requisition #12
üContract 13-07, Mid-Atlantic application for payment #9 - $216,351.92
§  Recommended by HRG at this time. Still enough in budget for delay damages.
§  Discussion regarding tank damage.
üContract 13-08, Pipeline application for payment #9 - $199,124.75
üContract 13-09, Reno Bros. application for payment #3 - $ 21,541.72
üContract 13-10 Penn-Ohio application for payment #6 - $104,547.29
üTotal for Bond Requisition #12 (which includes HRG invoice 101505 for $20,351.31) - $561,916.99

Motion by Vito Pilosi to approve Bond Requisition #12 payments as outlined.
Seconded by Ed Tanski. Unanimously approved.

§  Contract 13-09 Reno Bros. Change Order #1 - $  5,917.00
üDrawings for unit heaters indicated 20KW size and a specific model number which didn’t correspond to each other. Change order is to change to correct model.
üHRG recommends approving the change order.

Motion by Ed Tanski to approve Reno Bros contract 13-09 Change Order #1.
Seconded by Joe Weltner. Unanimously approved.


·         Even with Mid-Atlantic delays, still aiming to complete construction by December 31st 2014. There will be several startups and trainings during the first two weeks of December.
·         HRG is in contact with D.E.P. regarding construction extension.
·         HRG has reviewed BASF agreement, has no further comments and recommends forwarding it to BASF.




·         Discussion regarding asset purchase price and payments.
ü  Looking into whether purchase price was adjusted to reflect the borough keeping the water plant and reservoir.
·         Presented water & sewer rate studies for 2015. Propose that the Authority pass the rate resolution.
·         Water tap in study. A report outlining calculations is forthcoming.
·         Sewer tap in study – Collection fee and Capacity fee for retail customers. Capacity fee only for wholesale customers.
·         Self-Liquidating Debt Report is completed.
·         Discussion regarding deferral of asset purchase payments to borough to reduce amount of rate increase for customers. Borough council will discuss.
·         Discussion regarding options for new sewer plant operations and maintenance and preventative maintenance.

·         2015 Water & Sewer Rates
§  Both water & sewer rates will be based on a dual block pricing format.
§  All proposals based on assumption of Callery paying only $6000.00 per month.
§  Review  and discussion of proposed rates:

WATER
CUSTOMER CHARGE                                                                       $5.00                Per Month
SERVICE/EDU CHARGE (In Borough)                                  $16.00               Per Month
SERVICE/EDU CHARGE (OUT OF BOROUGH)                 $21.00               Per Month
VOLUMETRIC CHARGE per EDU
·         1st Block: 0 – 50,000 gal                                     $5.35                Per 1,000 gal
·         2nd Block: 50,000 + gal                                      $5.60                Per 1,000 gal
          
SEWER
CUSTOMER CHARGE                                                                       $9.00                Per Month
SERVICE/EDU CHARGE                                                      $40.00               Per Month
VOLUMETRIC CHARGE per EDU
·         1st Block: 0 – 50,000 gal                                     $7.75                Per 1,000 gal
·         2nd Block: 50,000 + gal                                      $3.75                Per 1,000 gal





Motion by Vito Pilosi to accept 2015 water and sewer rate increases as proposed by HRG and discussed.
Seconded by Ed Tanski.  Unanimously approved.


Motion to adjourn by Cheri Deener. Seconded by Ed Tanski. Unanimously approved.

Meeting adjourned 7:52 p.m.




































Minutes Prepared by Laura Kamienski
Cc Tim Schoeffel,  Vito Pilosi,  Ed Tanski,  Joe Weltner,  Cheri Deener,  and Philip Lope


Wednesday, October 29, 2014

OCTOBER 29, 2014 ECWSA MINUTES

Evans City Water and Sewer Authority Meeting
29 October 2014 & 13 November 2014

·         Call to order: The meeting was called to order by Chairman, Tim Schoeffel at 6:03 p.m.
·         Members present: Tim Schoeffel, Ed Tanski, Cheri Deener, and Joe Weltner.
·         Others present: Philip Lope, Esquire. Chad Hanley, HRG. Laura Kamienski, Office Manager.

·         Public Session: This meeting was open to the public.  

·         Minutes: Review of minutes from September 24, 2014.

Motion by Ed Tanski to approve September 24, 2014 minutes as presented.
Seconded by Joe Weltner.  Unanimously approved.

·         Solicitor’s Report:
§  The Borough Pennvest loan transfer closing is scheduled for 12/09/2014.
§  Resolution to authorize signatures relating to the loan transfer.

Motion by Joe Weltner to approve the resolution authorizing Tim Schoeffel
and Laura Kamienski to execute documents pertaining to the
Pennvest loan transfer on behalf of the Authority
Seconded by Ed Tanski.  Unanimously approved.

§  Discussion regarding BASF agreement revisions legal review.

·         Communications:
§  Introduction of Chad Hanley of Herbert Rowland and Grubic. Chad is now the Authority’s Consulting Engineer.

·         Chairman’s Report:
§  An agreement regarding 2014 Shared expenses with the Borough has been ironed out.  Invoices for the first three quarters of 2014 have been forwarded to the Authority.
§  In future quarterly statement will be issued by the Borough office.
§  Review of the new shared expenses agreement terms and percentages.
§  Discussion regarding budget discrepancy resulting from errors from the old billing system software, which over reported revenue.
§  Discussion regarding Public Works Department dump truck purchase. The Authority will be paying an hourly rate for use of the truck when it is used for water or sewer purposes.
§  Discussion regarding notice to residents regarding upcoming rate increases. These increases will need to be formalized before notifications are sent.
§  Discussion regarding a press release about the new sewer plant and other issues surrounding the rate increases.


·         Review Bills & Past Due Accounts
§  Review of accounts payable
üDiscussion regarding fire hydrant anti-freeze invoice.
üDiscussion regarding James Shaffer boot purchase and Borough safety regulations.
Motion by Ed Tanski to pay bills as presented.
Seconded by Joe Weltner.  Unanimously approved.

§  Review of past due accounts and outstanding receivables.

·         Committees
§  Rules & Regulations: No report
§  Budget
üWater side of the budget is moving forward.
üNeed to schedule a meeting to start the sewer side.
§  Accounts & Transactions:
üLaura Kamienski is now bonded and will be added to the Authority’s bank accounts as soon as possible.
§  New Sewer Plant Project
üThings are moving along at the construction site.
üA letter has been sent to the D.E.P. asking for an extension due to Mid-Atlantic’s construction delays.
üThe other contractors are doing their best to work around the delays in an attempt to meet original deadlines.
üThere has only been one change order to date.
üDiscussion regarding sewer plant operator training schedule and procedures.
§  Cooperation Committee: No report
§  Forward Township Committee:
üCheri Deener is working with Mr. Wilson regarding issues with D.E.P. and septic systems.
§  BASF
üBASF has returned the agreement with comments. Will now be reviewed by Philip Lope and Chad Hanley.
§  Website / Public Relations:
üDiscussion regarding the possibility of holding an open house at the new sewer plant.
üDiscussion regarding safety gear for public tours.
üDiscussion regarding Callery’s flow meter calibration for 2015.

·         Sewer Tap Application:
§  Discussion and review of Graf Construction sewer tap application for 241 Margaret Avenue.

Motion by Ed Tanski to approve sewer Graf Construction sewer tap application for 241 Margaret Avenue.  Seconded by Cheri Deener. Unanimously approved.


·         Administrative Report: Laura Kamienski
§  Review Past Due Accounts
ü62 Shut off notices were sent on October 16th, against August’s billing.
ü17 accounts were terminated on October 28th. 3 accounts remain off.
ü$4,547.47  in late charges were generated on October 1st
üThere were 22 payments made via eNETPAY since the last meeting.
ü$5,105.99 was transferred from eNETPAY to the water checking account for quarterly transfer.
§  Security badges do exist for the maintenance staff.
§  The new building sign has been installed.
§  Discussion regarding First Energy RTO invoice.
§  Discussion regarding possible fee for rental properties. Two codes: Owner Occupied Customer Charge and Tenant Occupied Customer Charge.
§  Discussion regarding Dayne Long property.
üMeter is still registering usage even though the water is turned off.
üNorm Nelson has inspected the property for leaks or other problems.
üScheduling another inspection with engineer to find problem.
§  Discussion regarding Christmas holiday office hours.  The office will be closed on December 25th and 26th.

·         Public Works Director Report: Norman Nelson
§  Review and comparison of flows from January through September 2014 with bulk water purchase.
§  The bottled gas tanks have been picked up by Progas. They have interest in purchasing the generator.
§  Norm Nelson and Mark Nasky will participate in Distribution Testing on November 9th in Williamsport, PA.
§  Norman Nelson has been called for jury duty November 7th .

·         Engineering Report: Chad Hanley, HRG.
§  Working with PennDOT on emergency interconnect. Will bid as part of PennDOT project.
§  There was a progress meeting. A schedule is being prepared to meet completion deadline. D.E.P. has been notified about possible delays.

§  WWTP Project Bond Requisition #11
üContract 13-01, Pipeline application for payment #3 - $28,454.34
üContract 13-07 Centrisys application for payment #8 - $150,439.74
üContract 13-08 Pipeline application for payment #8 - $298,938.88
üContract 13-10 Penn-Ohio application for payment #5 - $102,009.27
üTotal for Bond Requisition #8 (which includes HRG invoice 101230 for $20,378.45) - $604,727.95

Motion by Ed Tanski to approve Bond Requisition #11 payments as outlined.
Seconded by Joe Weltner. Unanimously approved.

·         Review of draft sewer rate analysis. The 2015 rate projection is below original projections, but is still a significant increase.
·         Meeting with Adrienne Vicari of HRG to review rate studies scheduled for November 13th at 6:00 pm.
·         HRG recommends proceeding with Phase B of water system rate study.

Motion by Cheri Deener to approve HRG proceeding with Phase B of Water System Rate Study. Seconded by Ed Tanski. Unanimously approved.

·         Discussion regarding proceeding with a Tap Fee Study. Tim Schoeffel recommends undertaking the study. HRG estimates $3000.00 for study.

Motion by Ed Tanski to approve HRG Tap Fee Study.
Seconded by Joe Weltner. Unanimously Approved.

·         Discussion regarding capital improvement plan using any monies left over from the bond issue.

Motion by Cheri Deener to reconvene meeting on November, 13 2014 at 216 Wahl Avenue. Seconded by Ed Tanski. Unanimously approved.


Meeting reconvened November 13, 2014 6:00 p.m.

·         Members present: Tim Schoeffel. Vito Pilosi. Ed Tanski.  Joe Weltner and Cheri Deener.
·         Others present: Laura Kamienski, Office Manager.  Adrienne Vicari, Chad Hanley and Kiana Tralongo of Herbert Rowland and Grubic.

·         Discussion regarding current water rate and tap in fee studies.

Meeting adjourned 7:55 p.m.


















Minutes Prepared by Laura Kamienski
Cc Tim Schoeffel,  Vito Pilosi,  Ed Tanski,  Joe Weltner,  Cheri Deener,  and Philip Lope