2007-07-23, Board of Supervisors Joint Meeting with Authority

 

2007-07-23

JOINT MEETING
FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND AUTHORITY
July 23, 2007

CALL TO ORDER:

The meeting was called to order by Mr. Albert, Chairman, Board of Supervisors at 3:06 p.m.

ROLL CALL:

PRESENT – BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: Perry Albert, Chairman
William C. Brown, Supervisor
Mario D. Pirritano, Supervisor
John C. Minito, Supervisor

PRESENT – AUTHORITY: Robert P. Stanley, Jr., Chairman
James C. Maxwell, Vice Chairman
William C. Brown, Member

ALSO PRESENT: Paula S. Tezik, Township Manager
Stephen F. Smith, Assistant Manager
Jerry R. Duffie, Authority Solicitor
Donna L. Nissel, Authority Secretary

Mr. Stanley, Authority Chairman, advised that the purpose of this meeting was to review issues and options for upgrades and Chesapeake Bay Compliance for Nutrient Reduction at both the North and South plants. A letter must be submitted to DEP with a compliance schedule by Friday, July 27, 2007.

Present from Stearns & Wheler, Environmental Engineers, were Bruce Munn and Ryan Fisher. Mr. Munn distributed copies of the draft report and reviewed the summary of proposed changes for both the North and South plants. The projected cost is $3.5 million for the North Plant and $4.0 million for the South Plant for a total projected cost of $7.5 million.

Discussion followed on financing costs and the impact it will have on the rate payers. In addition to the debt payments, operational costs will also increase. User fees may increase by $10 – $20 per quarter. Contributions from the developers of $5.0 million are necessary to proceed with the expansion of the South Plant. If these funds are not received, the Township will spend about $1.0 million for Chesapeake Bay compliance. It is estimated that at some point in time the Township will need to invest a significant amount of money in the South Plant to finally bring it into compliance with the Chesapeake Bay requirements.

It was also noted that Fairview Township is obligated to contribute $1.4 million to Lower Allen Authority for its share of their capital cost for upgrades and Chesapeake Compliance. Also discussed was the generation of credits at the North Plant which could be transferred to the South Plant. Mr. Duffie suggested that any excess credits could be sold to generate
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funds that can be used to reduce debt payments. He also suggested using Reservation of Capacity Fees for debt payment. The project debt would now extend beyond the year 2025.

Mr. Stanley advised that he will schedule a meeting with the affected developers to discuss their financial contributions to this project. The developers will also be advised to contact the new Township engineer to resolve any outstanding issues on their projects so that the Board can approve their plans, subject to the necessary sewer capacity. He also said that it is important to move quickly as costs will escalate and there are very few contractors available with the experience and expertise to do the work. A tentative schedule for the project would be Design Phase by October, 2007, Construction Phase by July, 2008, with completion in mid 2010.

Mr. Brown made a motion for the Authority, seconded by Mr. Maxwell, to proceed with the necessary plant upgrades and Nutrient Reduction Compliance at both the North and South Wastewater Treatment Plants.
Vote on the motion: All yes. The motion carried.

Mr. Brown made a motion for the Authority, seconded by Mr. Maxwell, to withdraw the appeal filed with DEP with regard to the NPDES Permit for the North Plant.
Vote on the motion: All yes. The motion carried.

Mr. Minito made a motion for the Board of Supervisors, seconded by Mr. Brown, to concur with the Authority’s recommendation to proceed with the necessary plant upgrades and Nutrient Reduction Compliance at both the North and South Wastewater Treatment Plants.
Vote on the motion: All yes. The motion carried.

Mr. Minito made a motion for the Board of Supervisors, seconded by Mr. Brown, to concur with the Authority’s recommendation to withdraw the appeal filed with DEP with regard to the NPDES Permit for the North Plant.
Vote on the motion: All yes. The motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:57 p.m.