Minutes: April 18, 2024

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA

VERNON TOWNSHIP

MUNICIPAL UTILITY AUTHORITY

These minutes are a synopsis of the meeting that took place on 4/18/24.  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 31, 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

Kristin Wheaton

Dave McDermott

Mark Bower

The following member was absent: Ed DeYoung and Pat Rizzuto

The following professionals were present: Donelle Bright, Administrator/CFO; Steve Benosky, Engineer; Igor Bycov, Attorney; Jaclyn McCabe, Recording Secretary

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

Mr. Bower 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 informed no one from the public wished to speak.

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

6. Resolution #24-14: Approval of the Bills

Ms. Wheaton motioned to approve Resolution #24-14 Approval of the bills, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearny, Ms. Wheaton, Mr. McDermott, and Mr. Bower.

7. Approval of Minutes:
   1. Minutes: 2/8/24

Mr. Bower motioned to approve the minutes from 2/8/24, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. McDermott, and Mr. Bower. Ms. Wheaton abstained from voting.

1. Minutes: 3/21/24

Mr. Bower motioned to approve the minutes from 3/21/24, which was seconded by Ms. Wheaton and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Ms. Wheaton, and Mr. Bower. Mr. McDermott abstained from voting.

8. Resolutions:
   4. Resolution #24-15 Resolution of the Vernon Township Municipal Utilities Authority Amending Section 4.2, Rates of the Rules and Regulations to Establish a Discounted Rate for Certain Veterans and Seniors

Mr. McDermott motioned to approve Resolution #24-15 Resolution of the Vernon Township Municipal Utilities Authority Amending Section 4.2, Rates of the Rules and Regulations to Establish a Discounted Rate for Certain Veterans and Seniors, which was seconded by Ms. Wheaton and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Ms. Wheaton, and Mr. McDermott. Mr. Bower abstained from voting.

9. Administrator Update

Ms. Bright updated on PS2, that we are still waiting on a vendor and Mr. Benosky can elaborate more in his report.

Ms. Bright excitedly reported to the board that we have final approval from the DEP on the SSA in writing. This has taken 10 years to finish and we have finally done it. Next step is to send it to the county.

Ms. Bright advised still waiting on WindRiver to respond to the questions made by SCMUA.

Ms. Bright reported on new development stating that Theta drive should begin work soon and permits have been applied for. This should take about 18 months.

10. Licensed Operator Report

No report.

11. Engineer Report

Mr. Benosky reported good news with the SSA and the next step is filing the amendment with the county. This is still a little bit of a process but not as much as with the state.

Mr. Benosky reported that regarding PS2, completion was very close; however, it is still problematic because of the generator, which was now delayed again. Mr. Benosky stated this is not uncommon for any electronics or electrical. He stated we can try to get this going without the generator.

Ms. Wheaton questioned if there have been any change orders associated with the PS2 project. Mr. Benosky answered there was one small change so far with the force main pipe being off its location a few hundred feet. Mr. Benosky stated there a few other small changes but nothing major is anticipated.

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

Mr. Bower 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 informed no one from the public wished to speak.

Mr. Bower 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

Ms. Wheaton questioned about contracts and does the MUA board get to review the contract. Ms. Bright responded that since the town takes out the debt, they issue the contracts. Ms. Bright added once we award the contract, we do not have to award professional services on a yearly basis as the competitive contract was reviewed while finding them and then we award them the contract yearly after that.

Mr. McDermott was glad the resolution went through and will serve our rate payers well. Also, the SSA map being completed is very good news and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

14. Chairman’s Comments

Mr. Kearny commented the approval of the SSA is a good thing. Let’s keep the work moving along and have more revenue coming in. Thank you to past commissioners for getting this all done.

15. Adjournment

Ms. Wheaton motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:27, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by unanimous votes.

Respectfully submitted,

Jaclyn McCabe, Recording Secretary

Minutes approved: 6.20.24