The regular meeting of the Middle Smithfield Township Municipal Authority was called to order on Thursday June 18, 2008 at 6:00 pm at the Schoonover Municipal Building. Perry M. Henley presiding.

 

Members present: Perry M. Henley, Jack O’Rourke, Fred May, Mickey Roth and Oscar Woerlein. Also present were Richard Deetz, Fred Courtright, Dr. F. X. Browne, Dave Scholtz, Scott Miller and Michele Clewell.

 

The minutes from the June 5, 2008 meeting were discussed as there are some spelling errors and corrections. Jack O’Rourke stated that he wanted Chad Pindar’s notes on how DRBC determined the effluent number for the expansion of the Bushkill STP not the effluent numbers for the Brodhead Creek as previously stated. Oscar Woerlein made a motion to approve the June 5, 2008 minutes with the noted corrections. Jack O’Rourke seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.

 

Jack O’Rourke made a motion to approve the listed payables. Oscar Woerlein seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.

 

  Winona 

  MSTMA 

 Total

 Check No.

 

 

 

 

 

Allstate Septic

         450.00

 

        450.00

3999

CMRS-POC (postage)

         150.00

       450.00

        600.00

4000

Holly Corcoran CPA

 

     3,153.85

     3,153.85

4001

Coyne Chemical

 

     2,245.00

     2,245.00

4002

FX Browne, Inc

      1,151.10

     9,199.78

   10,350.88

4003

The McElwee Group

   484,014.33

 

  484,014.33

4004

Met Ed

         327.57

     6,575.25

     6,902.82

4005 & 4006

Middle Smithfield Township

           55.50

     4,147.06

     4,202.56

4007

Prosser Laboratories

      2,605.00

   17,640.87

   20,245.87

4008

Strand Pool Supply

 

       440.00

        440.00

4009

Verizon

 

         67.10

          67.10

4010

 

 

 

 

 

Total Bills

   488,753.50

   43,918.91

  532,672.41

 

 

Correspondences

Michele Clewell reported that Coyne Chemical notified the Authority that a $50.00 fuel surcharge would be added to each invoice effective July 1, 2008. No action required.

 

Solicitors Report

Richard Deetz stated that the Assignment and Assumption of US Home to HDD Land, LLC and the Lennar Corporation request to release their letter of credit are to remain on the agenda as he continues to work on them. The Sale of Connection Rights Ordinance 160 is also to remain on the agenda pending review by the Board of Supervisors and Authority members.

 

Mr. Deetz reported that the Sanitary Sewer System Development Agreement for Water Gap Preserve is still being reviewed and this item should remain on the agenda. Mr. Deetz stated that he will contact Attorney Wolfe to discuss the agreement.

 

Mr. Deetz stated that the Authority members authorized a Notice of Intent to Cut off Service to Meadow Lake Plaza Unit 106 on May 8, 2008. The notice invited the owner or tenant to come to the May 21, 2008 meeting, however no one was present. Mr. Deetz reported that service was cut off today. Fred Courtright met Jeff Snyder, owner of the property and Leon Clapper Plumbing at the site. Mr. Courtright informed the tenant that the service was being cut off and without water and sewer service he could not occupy the building. Perry M. Henley stated that he would like the township to follow up with this matter.

 

There was discussion regarding the directive given to Mr. Deetz at the previous meeting for the FNCB right of way for pump station #6. The board requested that Attorney Deetz write a letter to FNCB and tell them that the Middle Smithfield Township Municipal Authority will have a right of way and would like to do it in an amicable way. This item is to remain on the agenda.

 

Mr. Deetz stated that Ordinance 162: Rescinding Chapter 150, known as the Middle Smithfield Township Winona Lakes Sewer Moratorium Ordinance was discussed. The members stated that they are waiting for the contractor to provide an upgraded projection schedule before recommending a date to the Board of Supervisors to rescind the moratorium.

 

Mr. Deetz stated that an executive session should be called at the end of the meeting to discuss possible litigation matters with SWERP, Jeff Snyder Entities and Maula vs. MSTMA.

 

Mr. Deetz stated that he and Scott Miller of Riley and Company met to discuss the Bushkill Group and that a report will be provided prior to the July 16, 2008 meeting.

 

Engineers Report

Fred Courtright summarized the DMR for the Bushkill, Winona STP and Rocky Ridge site. There were no violations.

 

Dr. Browne stated that he contacted Mike Brunimonte of PA DEP and was told that PA DEP modeled the wrong location two years ago and that they would have to remodel it further downstream. Dr. Browne spoke with Jim Ridgik of PA DEP and he indicated to Dr. Browne that the modeling information will be available for the next regular meeting.

Dr. Browne also stated that he sent a letter to Chad Pindar of DRBC explaining the draft work plan for conducting Qual2K modeling on the Pond Creek-Marshalls Creek-Brodhead Creek system. Dr. Browne estimated the lab work to cost $12,000 and the field work for the modeling would cost $50,000. Mickey Roth requested that Dr. Browne prepare the information and send it to Michele Clewell so that she can forward it to the board members.

 

There was discussion regarding the approved Special Study Area of the 537 Plan. Dr. Browne stated that DRBC will not allow the Authority implement the plan as it is written. Dr. Browne stated that if we go to PA DEP with an option of the Route 209 STP, DRBC will not give us a docket number, this plan is not an option any longer. Jack O’Rourke stated that he does not want any information in the 537 Plan to be deleted, just add an addendum stating that we are considering Pong Creek for discharge.

 

Jack O’Rourke stated that we have three options: Spray/drip irrigation, Pond Creek discharge or National Park Service.

 

There was lengthy discussion regarding Bio Chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) at the Route 209 treatment plant and the advantages of flow meters for commercial businesses. Dr. Browne stated that he will draft a resolution for Richard Deetz and Authority members to review.  Perry M. Henley stated that this is something the Authority would be interested in evaluating.

 

Dr. Browne stated that he will work on The Standard for Collection Systems and have a draft for review in the next month or two.

 

There was discussion regarding seasonal or weekend homes that have grinder pumps and how, without use, the sewage becomes septic in the lines. R. Douglas Olmstead, Township Engineer stated that the Authority may wish to consider sending a flyer to homeowners of the dos and don’ts on grinder pump preventative maintenance and usage. Dr. Browne stated that he would create a flyer and present it to the Authority for approval.

 

Dr. Browne stated that he would like to meet with Big Ridge Developers and look at the pump stations within Big Ridge Development.

 

Mickey Roth stated that the National Park Service has a power line running through the park why can’t the Authority do spray irrigation? Dr. Browne stated that if we wanted to run a line they would probably let us but because we want to spray irrigate they won’t. 

 

Sewage Treatment Plant Operators Report

Dave Scholtz summarized his monthly reports for the Route 209 and Winona Lakes STP.

 

Mr. Scholtz stated that Lehigh Valley Fence will be installing a new gate and adjusting the gate at the Route 209 treatment plant.

 

Mr. Scholtz stated that Big Ridge Developers has contracted with Roto Rooter to clean out the sewer lines within Big Ridge development on June 26, 2008. the Authority requested that Mr. Scholtz be present at the time of the cleaning.

 

Accountants Report

Scott Miller of Riley and Company reported that they have completed the field work for the 2007 audit and toured the STP to get an overall idea of the inventory of the chemicals on hand. Mr. Miller stated that the Authority may wish to consider initiating a program to conduct a physical inventory every December 31st for the chemicals on hand at the STP.

 

Mr. Miller stated that he has met with Attorney Deetz and discussed a number of issues. The financial statements will be prepared after meeting with Attorney Deetz again and a draft will be available for the July 16, 2008 meeting. 

 

Mr. Miller stated that an additional engagement letter with hourly rates has been presented to the board for consideration. The engagement letter dated June 17, 2008 is for additional work (budgets, negotiating with Bushkill Group and bookkeeping questions) not covered under the original engagement letter signed January 22, 2007. Mr. Miller stated that the additional items mentioned are outside the duties to audit the Municipal Authority and that is why the Authority needs this letter.

 

Robyn Pugh stated that the Authority should look into the DEP Growing Greener contract as there may be stipulations with the grant agreement with regards to the accountant and auditor. Scott Miller asked for a copy of the grant agreement for which Michele Clewell stated that she would have a copy available to him. The board members agreed to allow Mr. Miller to review the grant agreement before signing the engagement letter dated June 17, 2008.

 

Old Business

There was discussion regarding an Alternate Engineer to review the Pocono Palace information. Mickey Roth provided a business card from Albert J. Magnotta. R. Douglas Olmstead stated that Sam Dell’Asandro is also qualified. Michele Clewell was directed to contact Mr. Magnotta and Dell’Asandro and ask them their rates and if they have a background in wastewater issues.

 

There was discussion regarding the amount the township owes the Authority for the remaining 50% reimbursement for the 537 Plan. Michele Clewell stated that prior to the Municipal Authority taking over Winona Lakes the township paid the bills and the township would like to be paid back from the money it owes the Authority. Michele Clewell stated that she would work with the Township Secretary to determine the amount the Authority owes the Township

 

Dr. Browne stated that the Authority will have two inspectors from F.X. Browne Inc. for on site inspections at the Water Gap Preserve Development for the installation of sewer lines. He also stated that a photo library will be done along with daily inspector reports that will be turned over to the Authority.

 

There was discussion regarding implementing a Repair and Construction Policy. Dr. Browne stated that the Authority has detail instruction drawings of how to install sewer lines and that a resolution can be created stating that installation must be done in accordance with the instructions. No action was taken.

 

Michele Clewell reported that property owners along Huckleberry and Cedar Court have inquired if they can connect to the central sewer line once it is installed for Water Gap Preserve. The Authority stated that a line is not available until they have a system failure and then we would have to look back to the appendix of the 537 plan to see if it is allowed. Connection from these roads is not available at this time.

 

Oscar Woerlein made a motion to go into executive session at 8:00 pm to discuss SWERP, Jeff Snyder Entities and Maula vs. MSTMA. Jack O’Rourke seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.

 

Jack O’Rourke made a motion to reconvene the meeting at 9:05 pm. Fred May seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-.0

 

Mickey Roth stated that after reviewing the delinquent list he noted that there are numerous accounts within the Lake of the Pines Development that are delinquent. After further discussion Mickey Roth made a motion authorizing and directing Michele Clewell to write a letter to Lake of the Pines Community Association, officially requesting that they enter into an agreement with the Middle Smithfield Township Municipal Authority that when notified by the Municipal Authority, to shut off water service of sewer customers who are six months or more delinquent. Jack O’Rourke seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. A draft copy is to be sent to each member and Richard Deetz for review prior to being mailed to Lake of the Pines Community Association

 

Michele Clewell stated that a letter was received from Big Ridge Developers, L.P. regarding the completion of the meter pit installation approximately 150’ beyond the bridge over Pond Creek. Dave Scholtz stated that he would contact Big Ridge and report at the next regular meeting.

 

There being no further business the meeting adjourned in regular order at 9:15 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Michele Clewell, Recording Secretary

Middle Smithfield Township Municipal Authority

June 18, 2008

 

 

Perry M. Henley ______________________

 

Jack O’Rourke _______________________

 

Fred May ___________________________

 

Mickey Roth ________________________

 

Oscar Woerlein ______________________