Minutes: July 20, 2023

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

VERNON TOWNSHIP

MUNICIPAL UTILITY AUTHORITY

These minutes are a synopsis of the meeting that took place on 7/20/2023.  Copies of the recording are available at the office of the Vernon Township Municipal Utilities Authority (the “MUA”). 

 

1. Call to Order

This regular meeting of the VTMUA commenced at 7:02 pm.

2. Statement of Compliance

Pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act, adequate notice of this regular meeting was provided to the public and the press on December 27, 2022 by delivering to the press such notice and posting same at the municipal building and filed with the office of the MUA as well as posted on the website.

3. Salute to the Flag
4. Roll Call of Members and Professionals

The following members were present:

Paul Kearney

Dave McDermott

Ed Snook

Ed DeYoung

Mark Bower

The following members were absent:

Kristin Wheaton

Pat Rizzuto

The following professionals were present: Donelle Bright, Administrator/CFO; Steve Benosky, Engineer; Igor Bykov, Attorney; Rob McNinch, Auditor; Jaclyn McCabe, Recording Secretary.

5. Open Meeting to the Public (for Agenda Items Only)

Mr. Snook made the motion to open the meeting to the public for agenda items only, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by unanimous votes. Ms. McCabe stated no one from the public wished to speak.

Mr. Snook motioned to close the meeting for agenda items only, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by unanimous votes.

6. Resolution #23-23: Approval of the Bills

Mr. DeYoung made the motion to approve resolution #23-23, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Snook, and Mr. DeYoung.

7. Approval of Minutes:
   1. Special Meeting: 3/30/23

Mr. McDermott made the motion to approve the 3/30/23 special meeting minutes, which was seconded by Mr. Snook and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. McDermott, and Mr. Snook.  Mr. Bower abstained from voting.

1. Regular Meeting Minutes: 6/15/23

Mr. DeYoung made the motion to approve the 6/15/23 meeting minutes, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. McDermott. Mr. Snook, Mr. DeYoung, and Mr. Bower.

8. Resolution:
   1. 23-24: Audit Resolution and Affidavit

Mr. DeYoung discussed the finance committee held a meeting to review the audit and there were no findings. Ms. Bright added the net position has increased which is very positive for the MUA. Mr. McNinch commented this was a very clean audit and the MUA is delegating duties appropriately.

Mr. DeYoung motioned to approve resolution #23-24 Audit Resolution and Affidavit, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Snook, Mr. DeYoung, and Mr. Bower.

9. Administrator Update

Ms. Bright updated the PS2 construction has begun and a ground breaking ceremony can be scheduled.

Ms. Bright stated she has a meeting with the DEP and the VTMUA Engineers and it is clear our shape files have not been reviewed. However, the DEP does have a deadline to follow so it is hopeful they are reviewed in the coming weeks.

Ms. Bright stated she is still trying to obtain a meeting with SCMUA regarding a transfer station.

Ms. Bright added the sewer expansion is in the preliminary stages and does have cost estimates.

Ms. Bright updated the EDU count for the condos has been reviewed and letters will be sent out.

10. Licensed Operator Report

Mr. Lazier stated operations are running smoothly. There was one power outage on 7/17, due to the storm, and the pumps were reset manually.

11. Engineer Report

Mr. Benosky updated on PS2, construction has begun and the wet well is almost near completion. Mr. added they are making progress, however, there is a long way to go. Mr. Benosky said a representative from Dewberry is almost always on-site checking progress.

12. Open to the Public for Items Not on the Agenda

Mr. McDermott motioned to open the meeting to the public for items not on the agenda, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott, and carried by unanimous votes. Ms. McCabe informed no one from the public wished to speak.

Mr. Snook motioned to close the meeting to the public for items not on the agenda, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by unanimous votes.

13. Commissioners’ Comments

Mr. Bower commented at the last meeting it was stated Minerals was in arrears on their account and wondered if had been satisfied. Ms. Bright stated she would have to check on the status. Mr. Kearney inquired if this is habitual and if there are late fees. Ms., Bright answered that it is ongoing and there are significant late fees associated as well as not being able to obtain permits until fees are paid.

Mr. Snook commented he is happy things are moving along and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Mr. DeYoung thanked Ms. Bright for a good audit and pressuring the DEP.

Mr. McDermott commented it is good that progress is happening.

14. Chairman’s Comments

Mr. Kearney commented he is looking forward to the groundbreaking and that it is a true sign of progress. Mr. Kearney thanked everyone for making the MUA head in a better direction.

15. Adjournment

Mr. McDermott motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:33 pm, which was seconded by Mr. Snook and carried by unanimous votes.

Respectfully submitted,

Jaclyn McCabe

Minutes approved: 9/21/23