MEETING MINUTES OF THE
LAKE WYNONAH MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY
November 2009A regular meeting of the Board of The Lake Wynonah Municipal Authority was held on November 17, 2009 at the Lake Wynonah Municipal Authority Business Office Building, South Manheim Township, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania.
Board members present at the meeting were Jim Ridderhoff, Tom Nagle, Dennis Scharadin, Jerry Weiss, and Phil Cotroneo. Also in attendance were Mike Stewart (American Water Service), Dave Bright (LWMA Engineer) and LWMA attorney Joe Zerbe.
Jim Ridderhoff called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Because Joe Zerbe had to leave the meeting early, legal issues were addressed first. Joe said he sent the advertisement for the Authority’s name change to the Pottsville Republican for publication to notify the public of the LWMA’s intent to change the name of the Authority, to extend the existence of the Authority another 50 years, and to name a registered address. He said the articles need to be executed and submitted to the state along with proof of publication. Upon motion by Dennis Scharadin, seconded by Tom Nagle, carried by all, the articles were approved for execution and submission.
Joe also said Jen had asked him to review a proposed contract for the emergency outreach program, and he said he saw no problems with it. He also said the electric procurement agreement will have to be acted on if the Authority wanted to be part of it.
The minutes of the prior meeting were reviewed and accepted by motion of Tom Nagle, seconded by Jerry Weiss, carried by all.
The Treasurer's reports for September and October 2009 were reviewed and accepted by motion of Tom Nagle, seconded by Dennis Scharadin, carried by all.
Mike Stewart reviewed his written report relating to managerial matters (submitted to the Board prior to the meeting) which addressed water and sewage operations. In water matters, he reported that:
In sewage matters:
- LWMA personnel are still mowing the grass at the wells and the booster station. Walt Russell continues to mow Well #8.
- Meter readings have been completed.
- Ronnie Folk was used for the first time to restore a driveway after system repairs were made. The work was very good and the cost was more than acceptable. An estimated $700 was saved based upon an estimate from another paving company.
Mike said that only four drive tires for the pump truck were needed rather than the six noted in the report. It was originally thought that six would be needed.
- The red Mack required brake work and six tires to pass inspection. The slack adjusters were badly worn and were upgraded to the style with automatic adjustment.
- The treatment plant’s outside holding tanks look good with the new industrial coating. Prepping and repainting the piping inside the treatment plant will be conducted with the same industrial coating as soon as the pumps are caught up.
- The Authority’s second DEP inspection for the year was very satisfactory.
- The dump station and the area around it has been cleaned for optimum efficiency.
- Two loads of sludge were taken to Branch Cass Regional Sewer Authority as seed sludge, and one load of sludge was taken to the Pine Grove Wastewater Treatment Plant. This is the first time in approximately one year that the Authority had to pay a dumping fee to dispose of sludge because of having to take it to the Pine Grove Plant. We will continue to promote our sludge as seed sludge as much as possible in order to avoid disposal fees at Pine Grove.
- Shawn Wynne passed his DOT physical and is scheduled to take the road test for his CDL license on November 18, 2009. Shawn has been getting a great deal of practice driving the pump truck while Randy is off work due to an ankle injury.
- We have found two people with CDL licenses who would be willing to drive the pump truck on a temporary basis in case of an emergency, one of which has his own business; he is checking with his insurance company to see if he would qualify as an independent contractor for truck driving purposes. We do not need additional help at this time, but it is always good to have backup drivers available.
In engineering matters, Dave Bright said he had nothing to report, but he said he was wondering if there were any additional arsenic sampling results. Mike said there wasn’t, but new samples were going to be taken in a few days.
Upon motion by Dennis Scharadin, seconded by Jerry Weiss, and carried by all, approval was given to sign a contract with Swiftreach Networks to initiate a rapid response system, which is required to be set up by May, 2010.
Upon motion by Dennis Scharadin, seconded by Tom Nagle, and carried by all, it was decided to enter into a contract with On Demand Energy/Direct Energy Business to join a pool to purchase electrical energy at reduced rates. The Authority learned of this particular supplier through the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce.
The LWMA received a letter from the Lake Wynonah Property Owners’ Association asking if the Authority objected to a sign being erected along the road leading to the back gate. The Board members said they had no objection as long as it didn’t impede the comings and goings of the pump trucks. Jen said she would pass that along to LWPOA Manager, Skip Wilhite.
The preliminary budget for 2010 was prepared by Jim Ridderhoff and distributed to all Board members prior to the meeting. Jim asked that everyone look it over and submit input, if any, before the next meeting in January, 2010.
The Board discussed increases in water and sewage rates, as the Authority could no longer cover day-to-day operations without transferring money from the dwindling reserves. Jim said the increase wouldn’t be enough, and that the rates would have to be increased again next year. It was noted that the Authority has not raised rates for at least 13 years, and possibly longer. Upon motion by Jim Ridderhoff, seconded by Phil Cotroneo, and carried by all, the following rate increases will go into effect April 1, 2010:
WATER:
- Base-Rate Fee per Quarter (9,000 gallons allowance) - $60.00, up from $56.50.
- Over-Base Usage - $4.50 per 1,000 gallons over the base allowance of 9,000 gallons, up from $4.25 per 1,000 gallons.
SEWAGE:
Dennis noted that there was an article in the newspaper stating that Comcast has bought Blue Mountain Cable. The Board briefly discussed how that might affect the contract the LWMA has with Blue Mountain Cable in regard to their equipment situated in Buffalo Cove, but took a wait-and-see approach.
- Septic Tank Empty (Pump) & Inspect - $175.00, up from $150.00.
- Holding Tank Empty (Pump) - $70.00, up from $65.00.
- Holding Tank Test - $65.00, up from $60.00.
It was also noted that all the LWMA’s forms, policies, and procedures would have to be updated to reflect the name change of the Authority when it happens.
There being no further business, Dennis Scharadin motioned for adjournment, and Phil Cotroneo seconded the motion, carried by all. The meeting was adjourned by Jim Ridderhoff at 7:17 p.m.
Meeting minutes were taken and prepared by Jennifer Hoy.
