Minutes: Reorganization February 9, 2023

REORGANIZATION MEETING MINUTES

VERNON TOWNSHIP

MUNICIPAL UTILITY AUTHORITY

21 CHURCH STREET, VERNON, NJ 07462

FEBRUARY 9, 2023 AT 7:00 P.M.

The VTMUA will hold its Thursday, February 9,2023 meeting remotely via Zoom (accessible via: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85792655700). You may also dial in using your phone: (929)205-6099. The

access code is: 857 9265 5700

1. Call to Order

The reorganization meeting of the VTMUA convened at 7:03 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, 2023 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

Andrew Pitsker

Dave McDermott

Ed Snook

Ed DeYoung

Mark Bower

The following professionals were present: Donelle Bright, Administrator/CFO; Howard Lazier, Licensed Operator; Steve Benosky, Engineer; Rich Wenner, Attorney; and Jaclyn McCabe, Recording Secretary.

5. Elections
   1. Chairperson

Dave McDermott made the motion to nominate Mr. Kearney as Chairperson, which was seconded by Mr. Pitsker, and carried by the unanimous votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. Pitsker, Mr.  McDermott, Mr. Snook, Mr. DeYoung and Mr. Bower.

Mr. Snook motioned for the election to be closed, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by unanimous votes.

1. Vice Chairperson

Mr. Kearney requested the nomination for Vice Chair be tabled until the March meeting. Mr. McDermott agreed with tabling the election.

Mr. McDermott motioned to table the election of Vice Chair, which was seconded by Mr. Pitsker and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. Pitsker, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Snook, Mr. DeYoung, and Mr. Bower.

6. Open Meeting to the Public (For Agenda Items Only)

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

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

7. Reorganization Resolutions:

Motion to block the reorganization resolutions #23-02-#23-09 was made by Mr. McDermott, which was seconded by Mr. DeYoung and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. Pitsker, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Snook, and Mr. DeYoung.

Resolution 23-10 is struck from the record.

1. Resolution 23-02: Resolution Designating the Official Newspaper for 2022
2. Resolution 23-03: Resolution Authorizing the Award of Professional Services Contracts and the Advertising of Same
3. Resolution 23-04: Resolution to Adopt the Cash Management Plan for 2022
4. Resolution 23-05: Resolution Establishing the Authority to Spend Funds and Sign Checks
5. Resolution 23-06: Resolution Authorizing the Payment of Regulated Utility Bills
6. Resolution 23-07: Resolution Creating a Fee for Dishonored Checks
7. Resolution 23-08: Resolution Adopting Rules and Regulations for 2022
8. Resolution 23-09: Resolution Authorizing the Award of Contract for Special Counsel
9. Resolution 23-10 Resolution to Join the Fund and I&T

 

Motion to adopt the block resolutions #23-02-#23-09 was made by Mr. McDermott, which was seconded by Mr. Snook and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. Pitsker, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Snook, and Mr. DeYoung.

 

8. Approval of Bills: Resolution 22-11

Mr. DeYoung made the motion to approve resolution #23-11, approval of the bills, which was seconded by Mr. Snook and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. Pitsker, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Snook, and Mr. DeYoung.

9. Approval of Minutes:
   1. Regular Meeting Minutes: January 19, 2023

Mr. Pitsker made the motion to approve the meeting minutes from 1/19/23, which was seconded by Mr. DeYoung and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. Pitsker, Mr. Snook, Mr. DeYoung, and Mr. Bower. Mr. McDermott abstained from voting.

10. Resolutions: 23- 12 EDU Calculation for 309 Rt 94

Ms. Bright stated that this is a letter dated from 2013, this property was not connected as they were granted a hardship status. This property is now for sale so they are looking to do the connection. Ms. McCabe stated that the seller is doing the connection to the system and not the buyer. This property owner previously paid the VTMUA connection fee but not the fee to SCMUA, so this resolution needs to be passed in order to pay the fees to SCMUA and obtain permits.

Mr. Snook made the motion to approve #23-12, EDU Calculation for 309 Rt 94, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. Pitsker, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Snook, and Mr. DeYoung.

11. Administrator Update

Ms. Bright stated the Mt. Creek easement was approved and we have moved forward with the construction company. Ms. Bright stated that a pre-construction meeting will be held soon.

Ms. Bright updated on the SSA, the DEP was met with and the Legends SSA will be incorporated into our SSA. This new map will go to the DEP to be finalized. Mr. DeYoung asked if there was a date this would be submitted to the DEP and was answered in the next week.

Ms. Bright said that SCMUA will not meet with us regarding the transfer station until litigation is complete.       

 

Ms. Bright updated on capital items stating suggestions for this year are to camera the force main on the railroad tracks, possibly replacing parts of the lift stations, and fencing the generators.

Ms. Bright stated the unaudited 4^th quarter financials are up on the website.

Ms. Bright spoke about the LIWAP program, we gave the DCA information last month, however; there has been no response.

Mr. Pitsker questioned about PS3, and if there are any capital improvements for this building. Mr. Pitsker asked about the screening and if it should be replaced with a more updated and automated system. 

12. Licensed Operator Update

Mr. Lazier stated there was a call on Stonehill for a clog on our end; however, there was no spill.

Mr. Lazier stated fencing companies are coming out tomorrow to give quotes for the fencing around the generators.

Mr. Lazier stated Elizabethtown Gas will be out to hook up two meters tomorrow. Mr. Pitsker asked if the generators are connected to Wi-Fi and was answered they are not. Mr. Pitsker asked if there is an exercise cycle and Mr. Lazier responded that the startup will be done weekly.

13. Engineer Report

Mr. Benosky stated has been working with Ms. Bright to obtain the easement from Mt. Creek. Mr. Benosky stated he also obtained the final approvals from IBank, who are also featured this project on their website. Right now, the insurance from the contractor is being reviewed.

Mr. Benosky stated he updated the mapping for the SSA, and that will be done soon.

Mr. Benosky added he looked at engineering obstacles that Minerals was having.

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

Mr. Pitsker made the motion 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 stated no one from the public wished to speak.

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

15. Commissioners’ Comments

Mr. Snook asked if there is any inkling on Ms. Wheaton being reappointed. Mr. Kearney stated he sent an email to Council supporting Ms. Wheaton’s reappointment. Mr. Snook stated he also spoke with some council members.

Mr. DeYoung stated he was fortunate to attend Congressman’s presentation of the awarding of the $3.4 million dollars for the sewer expansion.

Mr. McDermott commented its good to see we have gotten money and its great to continue to  move  forward. Mr. DeYoung stated Ms. Bright should be commended for a job well done.

Mr. Bower stated he had nothing to add.

Mr. Pitsker stated he sold his house and will be relocating to Virginia. Mr. Wenner updated the rules and regulations for residency requirements. Mr. Pitsker gave the following comments:

Mayor Burrell, Donelle Bright, Chairperson Paul Kearney, VTMUA Commissioners, and Team,

I am writing this letter to let you know of my intent to resign as a Commissioner on the Vernon Township Municipal Utility Authority (VTMUA) effective February 10^th 2023. I will be moving to Fredericksburg, Virginia to be closer to our daughter and start our new journey of retirement and travel. 

It has been a great privilege and honor to serve on the VTMUA with such knowledgeable, kind and professional colleagues. During my almost 3 years with this team, we have overcome many hurdles that has improved the operations of the VTMUA. 

Over this time, I have a had the privilege of working with a great group of colleagues on the VTMUA, where we have accomplished the reorganization of the VTMUA that has brought a more efficient operation, improved the financial stability of the VTMUA, developed a preventative maintenance program that has reduced emergency call outs, and finalized the plans for Pump House 2 replacement. Finally, we are in the final stages of completing the SSA mapping that will expand our abilities to add more connections in the future. 

This would have not been possible without the talent and fortitude of the total VTMUA team. It takes Cooperation, Collaborations and Communication to have this type of success. To the team, I wish you more success in the future and continue to build on the processes we have established. 

Donelle Bright, CFO, Jaclyn McCabe, Administrator, our License operator, Howie Lazier, our Engineer, Steve Benosky, our Auditor Robert McNinch and our Attorney Rich Werner. You are the greatly appreciated for the support and talent that is making a difference in bringing financial stability and setting up the VTMUA up for positive growth. 

To Mike Furrey, you gave us a great start 3 years ago and was the catalyst for helping bring this ship back on course, To Paul Kearney, your leadership as Chair has kept us focus on doing the right things, Kristin Wheaton, your skills and keen attention to details is appreciated, Dave McDermott, your ability to reading people has helped the VTMUA to find good people, To Ed Snook, your past experience will be a great asset in keeping the team moving. Ed DeYoung, your financial knowledge is helpful in working with Donelle in the checks and balance of how we can make the VTMUA financial stable and self-supporting. Mark Bower, your representation of the biggest user group is important, you need to focus on solutions that will benefit the whole customer base.  

Thank you all for letting me be part of this success. Keep up the great work and make sure you utilize the project charters, project timelines and checklist to maintain the focus to success. I know you will all do well. 

Thank you all! 

Keep up the winning streak. 

In the end it takes team work. 

Good luck in the future. 

Sincerely, 

Andrew Pitsker 

VTMUA Commissioner 

16. Chairman’s Comments

Mr. Kearney commented the public often sees results or lack thereof, but in this case its defiantly results. Often times the public does not know the work into getting things accomplished. There is a lot of work that goes into getting grants and  funds from the federal government. Mr. Kearney thanked Mr. Pitsker for his services on the board, as he is detailed oriented, and picks up on things that pass others by. Mr. Kearney added that Mr. Pitsker’s efforts are greatly appreciated.

17. Adjournment

Mr. McDermott motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:41 pm, which was seconded by Mr. Snook and carried by unanimous votes.

Respectfully submitted,

Jaclyn McCabe, Recording Secretary

Minutes approved: March 16, 2023