Municipal Sewer Authority Meeting Minutes 2011
Franklin Township, Adams County
Municipal Sewer Authority
Organizational Meeting
May 31, 2011
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Robert Cullison, Donald Martin, Kevin Bollinger and Darrin Flake
OTHERS PRESENT: Attorney John Phillips; and Jamie Gebhart, Sewer Secretary
REGULAR MEETING
The meeting was held at the Franklin Township Municipal Building, and called to order at 7:03 PM by Robert Cullison.
MOTION by Donald Martin, seconded by Kevin Bollinger to elect Robert Cullison as Chairman of the Board. Motion passed 4-0.
MOTION by Kevin Bollinger, seconded by Darrin Flake to elect Donald Martin as Vic-Chairman of the Board. Motion passed 4-0.
MOTION by Donald Martin, seconded by Darrin Flake to elect Jamie Gebhart as Secretary/Treasurer and Open records officer. Motion passed 4-0.
MOTION by Darrin Flake, seconded by Kevin Bollinger to have ACNB as the depository. Motion passed 4-0.
MOTION by Donald Martin, seconded by Darrin Flake to appoint Attorney John Phillips as solicitor. Motion passed 4-0.
MOTION by Donald Martin, seconded by Robert Cullison to appoint KPI Technology as engineer. Motion passed 2-1. Kevin Bollinger abstained due to personal conflict of interest.
MOTION by Darrin Flake, seconded by Donald Martin to have meeting location at the Franklin Township office located at 55 Scott School Rd, Orrtanna, PA every second Tuesday of the month beginning June 14, 2011 at 7:00 pm.
MOTION by Donald Martin, seconded by Kevin Bollinger to appoint Sturgill Trostel as the accounting firm. Motion passed 4-0.
MOTION by Donald Martin, seconded by Darrin Flake to authorize Sewer Secretary to obtain EIN # effective 5/18/11, a sales tax exemption certificate and worker compensation coverage for employees effective 5/27/11. Motion passed 4-0.
MOTION by Donald Martin, seconded by Kevin Bollinger to authorize solicitor to send letters to all delinquent residents on 6/11/11. Motion passed 4-0.
MOTION by Darrin Flake, seconded by Robert Cullison to authorize Sewer Secretary to close CDBG and Pennvest accounts and merge all funds into Sewer Fund Account. Motion passed 4-0.
MOTION by Donald Martin, seconded by Darrin Flake to authorize Sewer Secretary to create a new account for Poplar Springs and transfer funds from Sewer Fund account to new account. Motion passed 4-0.
MOTION by Darring Flake, seconded by Kevin Bollinger to authorize Chairman, Vic-Chairman and Sewer Secretary to be signatures on all Sewer related accounts. Motion passed 4-0.
MOTION by Donald Martin, seconded by Kevin Bollinger to authorize $20.00 per month to be paid effective 4/1/11 to the Sewer Secretary for use of phone service. Motion passed 4-0.
MOTION by Donald Martin, seconded by Darrin Flake to authorize $3,583.14, money owed to the authority from Pennvest to be reimbursed in the form of a check. Motion passed 4-0.
REPORTS
NONE
OLD BUSINESS
NONE
NEW BUSINESS
Board directed the solicitor to contact Franklin Township solicitor Walton Davis to begin working on loan and maintenance agreements.
Board confirmed Coyne Chemical of Croydon, PA as the chemical supplies for the Sewer Treatment plant.
GUESTS
NONE
There being no further business to conduct, meeting adjourned at 7:27 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jamie Gebhart
Sewer Secretary
Franklin Township, Adams County
Municipal Sewer Authority
Regular Meeting
July 12, 2011
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Donald Martin, Kevin Bollinger, Darrin Flake, and Jamie Gebhart
OTHERS PRESENT: Attorney John Phillips
REGULAR MEETING
The meeting was held at the Franklin Township Municipal Building, and called to order at Donald Martin at 7:06 pm.
MOTION by Donald Martin, seconded by Kevin Bollinger to approve the Organizational Meeting Minutes. Motion carried 4-0.
MOTION by Darrin Flake, seconded by Kevin Bollinger to approve bill lists #5, 6, and 7. Motion carried 4-0.
REPORTS
Jamie Gebhart, Sewer Secretary read the report submitted by Michael White, Sewer Operator that states he installed both air compressors and they are working well. The DO is up and it seems the plant doesn’t have to use very many chemicals. He also installed overhead piping for the chemical lines so no one has to duck under them. He moved the pumps back to the walls and not on top of tanks which makes it look much neater. The plant is running good.
OLD BUSINESS
NONE
NEW BUSINESS
MOTION by Kevin Bollinger, seconded by Darrin Flake to approve $10,000.00 to be paid to ACNB for Poplar Springs Sandmound loan. Motion carried 4-0.
MOTION by Darrin Flake, seconded by Kevin Bollinger to approve Patriot Energy Group as the sewer plants new electric supplier. Motion carried 4-0.
MOTION by Kevin Bollinger, seconded by Darrin Flake to approve D&T Excavating as the approve contractor for the sewer authority. Motion carried 3-1.
Approval of Hamiltonban Township proposal died for lack of motion.
MOTION by Kevin Bollinger, seconded by Darrin Flake to authorize the Solicitor to proceed with lien process on delinquent residents. Motion carried 4-0.
MOTION by Darrin Flake, seconded by Kevin Bollinger to approve Loan Agreement with the Franklin Township Board of Supervisors. Motion carried 4-0.
MOTION by Darrin Flake, seconded by Kevin Bollinger to approve Maintenance Agreement with the Franklin Township Board of Supervisors. Motion carried 4-0.
MOTION by Darrin Flake, seconded by Kevin Bollinger to approve the purchase of 2 more fire extinguishers for the sewer treatment plant. Motion carried 4-0.
Approval of quote from one contractor to insulate pipes at sewer treatment plant has been tabled in order for the authority to obtain the three (3) quotes mandated by law.
GUESTS
Residents located on Old Route 30, High St, Hilltown Rd and Flohrs Church Rd attended the meeting with concerns over rising costs and questions related to why the design of the system missed areas throughout the community.
William Ketterman, Old Route 30 resident ask if the authority had grounds for entering resident homes to verify whether or not sump pumps were connected to the system. Jamie Gebhart, Sewer Secretary responded that according to the Cashtown/McKnightstown Rules and Regulations where it states that the township is only authorized to enter the property of areas in which the system services.
Debra Flickinger, Hilltown Rd resident ask if the authority has checked with different municipalities and boroughs to see if a bulk rate on chemicals can be established. The Board has made a note to further investigate this option.
Craig Schmitz, Old Route 30 resident requested that the authority notify the public as soon as possible when any public meetings are held regarding the sewer system. Jamie Gebhart, Sewer Secretary responded that once any public meeting are scheduled she would post a reminder in the McKnightstown and Cashtown post offices, as well as on the Franklin Township website and has also started an email list of residents that would like to be notified via email.
Debra Joyner, High Street resident ask if a note could be written on the next bill notifying residents that they are welcome to pay monthly. Jamie Gebhart, Sewer Secretary responded that she would make a note on the next bill to that effect.
There being no further business to conduct, meeting adjourned at 8:29 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jamie Gebhart
Sewer Secretary
Franklin Township, Adams County
Municipal Sewer Authority
Regular Meeting
August 9, 2011
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Robert Cullison, Donald Martin, Kevin Bollinger, Darrin Flake, and Jamie Gebhart
OTHERS PRESENT: Attorney John Phillips
REGULAR MEETING
The meeting was held at the Franklin Township Municipal Building, and called to order by Robert Cullison at 7:01 pm.
MOTION by Darrin Flake, seconded by Donald Martin to approve the July 12, 2011 meeting
minutes. Motion carried 5-0.
MOTION by Darrin Flake, seconded by Donald Martin to approve bill list #8.
Motion carried 5-0.
REPORTS
Jamie Gebhart, Sewer Secretary read the report submitted by Michael White, Sewer Operator that states he installed compressors at the plant which will result in less chemical usage at the plant. Plant is running well.
Craig White, KPI Technology reported that he will be working with Michael White, Sewer Operator to begin the NPDES Permit that will be due by April, 2012.
The board was notified that they received a notice from the Franklin Township Board of Directors that there will be a Public Hearing re: zoning change on 9/8/11 at 6:30 pm.
OLD BUSINESS
MOTION by Donald Martin, seconded by Darrin Flake to accept Carl Frantz bid of $5,630.00
for insulating pipes at the treatment plant. Motion carried 4-1.
NEW BUSINESS
MOTION by Darrin Flake, seconded by Kevin Bollinger to accept $1,200.00 in lieu of $1,330.37
from Dorothy Harris owner of 997 Old Route 30. Motion carried 4-1.
MOTION by Jamie Gebhart, seconded by Donald Martin to approve the hiring of McNees,
Wallace & Nurick LLC to pursue Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc. as a potential buyer of the
Cashtown/McKnightstown Wastewater Treatment Facility. Motion carried 5-0.
Approval for sending out quarterly bills early was tabled.
Approval for an increase in late fees was tabled.
GUESTS
Residents present were Michael Wassuta, Chambersburg Rd, Tom Kerr, Flohrs Church Rd, Debra Flickinger, Hilltown Rd and Debra Joyner, High Street.
There being no further business to conduct, meeting adjourned at 7:52 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jamie Gebhart
Sewer Secretary
Franklin Township, Adams County
Municipal Sewer Authority
Regular Meeting
September 13, 2011
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Robert Cullison, Kevin Bollinger, Darrin Flake, and Jamie Gebhart
OTHERS PRESENT: Attorney John Phillips
REGULAR MEETING
The meeting was held at the Franklin Township Municipal Building, and called to order by Robert Cullison at 7:00 pm.
MOTION by Darrin Flake, seconded by Kevin Bollinger to approve the August 9, 2011 meeting minutes. Motion carried 4-0.
MOTION by Darrin Flake, seconded by Jamie Gebhart to approve bill list #9. Motion carried 4-0.
REPORTS
Jamie Gebhart, Sewer Secretary read the report submitted by Michael White, Sewer Operator that states the DO meter from the SBR #1 is now being used for SBR#2 and he will find out what is wrong with #2.
Robert Cullison reported that he received two complaints for the month. The first was the sewer line was installed in the PennDot right-away and while cutting side ditches the machine hit the sewer cleanout. Carl Frantz was called and lowered the cleanout. The second was one from Robert Goetz of 3380 Chambersburg Rd who was concerned with a sinkhole on his property. After further inspection it was determined that the sinkhole was due to the hired contractor failing to complete his work property and not an issue that relates to the sewer authority.
OLD BUSINESS
Discussion on increasing the late fee for delinquent residents was tabled.
MOTION by Kevin Bollinger, seconded by Darrin Flake to approve the change in quarterly billing cycle to alleviate some of the burden that Franklin Township Water customers have. 4-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Discussion to increase the EDU’s on GASD was tabled.
MOTION by Kevin Bollinger, seconded by Darrin Flake to approve the signature on the Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement with Franklin Township BOS, Hamiltonban BOS and Hamiltonban’s Sewer Authority. Motion carried 4-0.
MOTION by Darrin Flake, seconded by Robert Cullison to deny the request by 3525 Chambersburg Rd to remove the lien placed on the property before all fees are paid in full.
GUESTS
Glenn Hartzel of Chambersburg Rd was present with concerns over the remaining residents that still owe hook-up fees and that have not hooked into the sewer system. It was explained to him that the authority is taking all necessary steps to collect past fees and force installation on the remaining two properties not yet hooked into the system. Mr. Hartzel then asked questions regarding the sale of the system and he was informed that we are still in the beginning stages and hope to have a proposal within the next two weeks. The last concern Mr. Hartzel had was the increase in GASD rates. During discussion it was briefly mentioned that should the board decide to increase GASD rates perhaps they could entertain the option of giving the school district discounted rates throughout the summer months when the students were not in school and employee hours were cut to 4 days a week. The concern was that should the board consider this discount rate then to be fair to residential customer shouldn’t the board also give discounted rates to residents that go to Florida for 5 months in the winter. After some the thought the board agreed that it wasn’t a good idea to entertain the option of giving GASD a discounted rate during the summer months.
Also present during discussion was Supervisor Sandra Spence to observe.
There being no further business to conduct, meeting adjourned at 8:17 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jamie Gebhart
Sewer Secretary
Franklin Township, Adams County
Municipal Sewer Authority
Regular Meeting
October 11, 2011
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Robert Cullison, Donald Martin, and Jamie Gebhart
OTHERS PRESENT: Attorney John Phillips
REGULAR MEETING
The meeting was held at the Franklin Township Municipal Building, and called to order by Robert Cullison at 7:00 pm.
MOTION by Donald Martin, seconded by Jamie Gebhart to approve the September 13, 2011 meeting minutes. Motion carried 3-0.
MOTION by Jamie Gebhart, seconded by Donald Martin to approve bill list #10 with the addition of $824.14 to Met Ed. Motion carried 3-0.
REPORTS
Jamie Gebhart, Sewer Secretary read the report submitted by Michael White, Sewer Operator that states the plant is running well.
Budget workshop is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, October 25, 2011, 6:30 pm at the Franklin Township Municipal building.
OLD BUSINESS
Discussion on increasing the late fee for delinquent residents was tabled.
Discussion to increase the EDU’s on GASD was tabled.
NEW BUSINESS
MOTION by Jamie Gebhart, seconded by Donald Martin to give the township secretary the computer from the sewer plant.
Approval of cancelling internet service with Comcast died for lack of motion due to there no longer being a computer at the plant.
MOTION by Donald Martin, seconded by Jamie Gebhart to approve Parks Garbage Service as the new provider for trash service at the sewer plant. 3-0.
Discussion on operator pay period ending 9/13/11 died for lack of motion.
Discussion on lowering EDU rates for beauty salons and vacant properties died for lack of motion.
GUESTS
Thomas Kerr, Flohrs Church resident was present to discuss the change in billing schedule. Board member Jamie Gebhart explained to Mr. Kerr that a resident in Cashtown requested the Board look into changing the billing schedule so that sewer bills and water bills do not fall on the same month which is a hardship on all residents currently on the Cashtown Water system. At the August monthly Sewer Authority meeting the Board discussed the change and approved the new billing schedule at the September meeting.
There being no further business to conduct, meeting adjourned at 7:27 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jamie Gebhart
Sewer Secretary
Franklin Township, Adams County
Municipal Sewer Authority
Regular Meeting
November 8, 2011
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Robert Cullison, Donald Martin, Kevin Bollinger, Darrin Flake and Jamie Gebhart
OTHERS PRESENT: Attorney John Phillips
REGULAR MEETING
The meeting was held at the Franklin Township Municipal Building, and called to order by Robert Cullison at 7:02 pm.
MOTION by Darrin Flake, seconded by Donald Martin to approve the October 11, 2011 meeting minutes. Motion carried 5-0.
MOTION by Darrin Flake, seconded by Donald Martin to approve bill list #11. Motion carried 5-0.
REPORTS
Jamie Gebhart, Sewer Secretary read the report submitted by Michael White, Sewer Operator that states the at this time the plant has 1 issue, that is the call out dialer. He is going to call the phone company to have it checked.
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
MOTION by Darrin Flake, seconded by Donald Martin to approve a late fee of $20.00 assessed after the 15th of the month for all delinquent accounts effective immediately. Motion carried 5-0.
MOTION by Kevin Bollinger, seconded by Donald Martin to approve an increase of $24 EDU’s with a hook-up fee owed in the amount of $72,000.00 for the GASD effective 10/1/11 due to an increase in the population at the Franklin Township Elementary School. Motion carried 5-0.
MOTION by Darrin Flake, seconded by Jamie Gebhart to tentatively adopt the 2012 budget and authorize advertisement. Motion carried 4-1.
MOTION by Robert Cullison, seconded by Kevin Bollinger to approve sending out collection letters to the 7 out of 13 Poplar Springs residents that are currently delinquent on paying their sewer fees.
GUESTS
Debra Flickinger, Hilltown Rd resident was in attendance and had no comments.
There being no further business to conduct, meeting adjourned at 7:49 pm.
Respectfully submitted
Jamie Gebhart
Sewer Secretary
Franklin Township, Adams County
Municipal Sewer Authority
Regular Meeting
December 13, 2011
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Robert Cullison, Donald Martin, Darrin Flake and Jamie Gebhart
OTHERS PRESENT: Attorney John Phillips
REGULAR MEETING
The meeting was held at the Franklin Township Municipal Building, and called to order by Robert Cullison at 7:02 pm
MOTION by Darrin Flake, seconded by Donald Martin to approve the October 11, 2011 meeting minutes. Motion carried 4-0.
MOTION by Darrin Flake, seconded by Donald Martin to approve bill list #12. Motion carried 4-0.
REPORTS
Jamie Gebhart, Sewer Secretary read the report submitted by Michael White, Sewer Operator that states the effluent tank was drained and cleaned out by sweeping drain however not a lot in the tank. He hooked verbatim up to plant phone jack and added non-slip strips to metal plates around SMR tanks. The SBR mixer tripped over the weekend, was reset and is still running however any further problems with this and he will have to contact Keith Bowling the electrician to take a look.
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
MOTION by Darrin Flake, seconded by Donald Martin to approve 22 EDU’s and $4,000 connection fee with a total amount owed for connection fee being $28,000 due immediately and agreed to contact the GASD Administration each year on or before October 1st to get a population count for the Franklin Township Elementary School. Motion carried 3-1.
MOTION by Darrin Flake, seconded by Donald Martin to adopt the 2012 budget. Motion carried 4-0.
MOTION by Darrin Flake, seconded Donald Martin to authorize notices to be sent on all delinquent accounts over 60 days that have not been addressed. Motion carried 4-0.
MOTION by Jamie Gebhart, seconded by Donald Martin to proceed with J. Reuille forced connection. Motion carried 4-0.
Discussion on setting term limits has been referred to the Solicitor for comment at next months meeting.
MOTION, by Donald Martin, seconded by Darrin Flake to authorize the Solicitor to draft a lease agreement with the Township. Motion carried 4-0.
MOTION by Donald Martin, seconded by Darrin Flake to pass a policy to not accept anymore cash payments from sewer residents effective 3/1/12. Motion carried 4-0.
MOTION by Jamie Gebhart, seconded by Donald Martin to approve Solicitor to file District Justice complaints on two Poplar Springs residents that are over 6 months delinquent. Motion carried 4-0.
GUESTS
Debra Flickinger, Hilltown Rd resident was in attendance and had no comments.
Thomas Kerr, Flohrs Church Rd resident was in attendance and asked if the Authority would make it a little clearer on the quarterly bills to whom the checks should be made out to and if payments can be made at the township office. Jamie Gebhart, Sewer Secretary responded that yes payments can be made at the township office and that she would write on the bill a little clearer that checks are to be made out to the Franklin Twp Municipal Sewer Authority.
Dale Byers, Flohrs Church Rd was in attendance and had no comments.
Jerry Arrison, Old Rt 30 resident was in attendance and had no comments.
Daisy Arrison, Old Rt 30 resident was in attendance and had no comments.
Michael Wassuta, Chambersburg Rd resident was in attendance and had no comments.
Brad Hunt representing the GASD was in attendance to discuss EDU and connection fee rates and request connection fees be set at $4,000 and EDU’s assessed at 21.
There being no further business to conduct, meeting adjourned at 7:49 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jamie Gebhart
Sewer Secretary
Franklin Township, Adams County
MUNICIPAL SEWER AUTHORITY
Special Meeting Minutes
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Robert Cullison, Donald Martin, Kevin Bollinger, Darrin Flake and Jamie Gebhart, Sewer Secretary
OTHERS PRESENT: Sandra Spence, Supervisor, Ed Sharrah, Supervisor, Daniel Fetter, Supervisor, Walton Davis, Solicitor; and Dorothy Shaffer, Franklin Township Secretary, John Phillips, Solicitor
The meeting, held at the Franklin Township Municipal Building, was called to order at 7:00p.m. by the Chairman, Supervisor Daniel Fetter.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the possible sale of the Franklin Township Sewer Authority’s wastewater systems to Pennsylvania American Water (PAW). The sale is also contingent upon Hamiltonban agreeing to sell their sewer plant to PAW.
Bob Cullison expressed his concern that in 2 years The Sewer Authority would be bankrupt. He stated a previous offer from Aqua America was not acceptable but the current offer from PAW was under consideration. At this point in time there are some structural repairs that are needed at the sewer plant building and there are still customers who refuse to pay current and past due bills.
Member Darrin Flake was not in favor of the current offer but said that he would be in favor of a counter offer. Darrin and Jamie said that they had an issue with Hamiltonban customers only paying $50 a month and Franklin Township customers still paying a higher rate of $90 monthly. The Sewer Authority members also feel that the current offer only satisfies the Franklin Township Sewer Authority’s debt. They feel that the Authority should receive a cash settlement for the equity in the sewer plant itself.
Kevin Bollinger was concerned about selling the sewer system and losing control of the sewer rates for residents.
Donald Martin said if the Sewer Authority retained the plant that increased rate adjustments would be necessary annually to balance the budget.
Attorney Phillips gave a background on the pros and cons of the Hamiltonban and Franklin Township sewer systems. Attorney Phillips addressed the inequality of the rates for Hamiltonban and Franklin. He said that the rates would be equal once the two systems were successfully combined. Attorney Phillips thinks the term sheet is a good start for a counter offer. There were five issues that Attorney Phillips had with the current offer:
- The offer does not mention paying back the $150,000 loan the Sewer Authority owes Franklin Township. Attorney Phillips was told by Attorney Dougherty, the negating attorney for Hamiltonban and Franklin Township, that this condition would be rectified.
- There is no mention of a rate freeze. In conversations with PAW a rate freeze was discussed until 2015. A counter offer would ask that this condition be in writing.
- There is no mention of the Poplar Springs sandmound and its $10,000 debt in the offer.
- In assuming the debt, PAW wants to pay the Township and have the Township pay the Pennvest Loan to keep the interest rate at 1%. Additional security needs to be written to protect the Township.
- There should be a rate reduction. Until the systems are connected a rate reduction should be made for residents of Franklin Township.
A discussion followed about the equity in the sewer plant and the possibility that DEP may require in the future that a sewer plant be built to correct problems in Mummasburg. There were many points of discussion. However, Supervisor Sharrah brought up that the Township is not interested in paying the cost for any revisions to the ACT 537 plan, since these revisions are only necessary because of the hook-up of the Hamiltonban sewer system. Supervisor Sharrah also expressed his concern that Franklin does not know if Hamiltonban is even interested in the current offer. It was agreed that counter offer terms outlining Attorney Phillips’ original five points and the term that PAW should also pay for any revisions to Act 537 would be made to PAW. The offer would be contingent on whether Hamiltonban is agreeable to a counter offer as well. A discussion followed about what amount of rate reduction to ask for. It was agreed to ask for a reduction from $90 to $75 and to ask for a 5 year freeze on rates. Supervisor Fetter asked for comments from those in the audience.
MOTION by Robert Cullison, seconded by Darrin Flake, to approve a counter offer to Pennsylvania American Water. Motion carried, 3-2.
MOTION by Supervisor Sharrah, seconded by Supervisor Spence, to accept a counter offer, already approved by the Franklin Township Municipal Sewer Authority to Pennsylvania American Water. Motion carried 3-0.
Attorney Phillips agreed to contact Hamiltonban’s Attorney Battersby and prepare a counter offer and with Attorney Davis’ approval submit it to Attorney Dougherty.
There being no further business to conduct meeting adjourned at 8:31p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jamie Gebhart
Sewer Secretary