Minutes - Capital Region Water

CAPITAL REGION WATER
July 23, 2014 @ 6:00 PM
Regular Meeting Minutes
The Regular Meeting of Capital Region Water was held on July 23, 2014 in the First Floor
Conference Room located at the Locust Court Building, 212 Locust Street, Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania.
I.
Call to Order - Pledge of Allegiance –
The meeting was called to order by Mr. Kurowski at 6:26 PM.
II.
Roll Call and Announcements –
Present:
J. Marc Kurowski, Chairperson
William J. Cluck, Vice-Chairperson
Westburn Majors, Secretary/Treasurer
Shannon G. Williams, Chief Executive Officer
Jack Lausch, Director of Administration
David W. Stewart, P.E., Director of Engineering
Michael Deily, Director of Operations
Karen M. McKillip, Document Manager/Right to Know Officer
Steve Grubb, Esq. (Goldberg Katzman, P.C.)
Others:
Andrew Bliss, Community Outreach Manager
Luis Gonzalez Torres, Community Outreach Intern
Nancy Kuhn, Revenue and Customer Service Manager
Renee Snyder, HR Manager
Jess Rosentel, Superintendent – Sewer
Raly Bey, Superintendent - Water
Jeff Bowra, P.E., CRW Engineer
Russell McIntosh (HRG)
Michael A. Schober, P.E. (CDM Smith, Inc.)
Paul McNamee, PE (KCI Technologies, Inc.)
Jeff Thompson (Whitman Requardt Associates, LLP)
Paul Roscol (Whitman Requardt Associates, LLP)
Matthew Crow (JMT)
Tim Dean (JMT)
Scott Armbrust (Hazen and Sawyer)
Kevin Clark (Cosmos Tech)
Christine Vendel (Penn Live)
A:\Board Meetings\2014\Minutes\2014-07-23 Regular Minutes.doc
Regular Meeting Minutes
- 2-
July 23, 2014
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
•
An Executive Session under Section 708(a)(5) of the Sunshine Law was held July 16,
2014 at 12:00 noon to discuss items related to negotiation of regulatory compliance
agreements and today at 4:00 to discuss personnel and a potential sale of property.
•
Next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at 6:00 PM.
Staff Reports:
Written staff reports were provided to the Board in advance of the meeting and will be
posted to CRW’s website tomorrow. Each Director provided highlights and supplements to
their report and entertained questions from the Board.
Chief Executive Officer:
•
Ms. Williams noted that the main focus over the past month was on the DCNR Grant
Application for a Green Stormwater Infrastructure Plan for the City, Public Outreach
and Partner Development and the relocation of office space.
•
She also noted that items on tonight’s agenda under GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
items A, B and C are to be removed. WATER Item A deals with the possible sale of
property at the DeHart facility. Questions can be addressed at the time of voting.
WATER Item B ratifies action taken at last month’s meeting to identify a funding
source and WASTEWATER Item A deals with CRW’s approval of the agreement
relating to the sinkholes. She entertained any questions. There were no questions.
Community Outreach Manager:
•
Mr. Bliss highlighted items within his written report. He also introduced Luis
Gonzalez Torres as the new Community Outreach Intern. Mr. Bliss noted that Mr.
Torres has been very helpful with all of the community outreach projects.
Information regarding the three community outreach meetings scheduled for July
24th, August 5th and August 14th was briefly touched upon. Shannon Williams, CEO
will be providing an overview for the public to outline CRW’s current initiatives and
future challenges, along with Nancy Kuhn who will address questions on billing
issues. There will be an opportunity for the public for questions and answers. A
copy of the flyer with the dates, times and meeting locations will be attached to the
minutes as Exhibit “A” and is available in the back of the room. The flyer was also
provided to all CRW customers in their last billing.
A:\Board Meetings\2014\Minutes\2014-07-23 Regular Minutes.doc
Regular Meeting Minutes
•
- 3-
July 23, 2014
For the first time in history, CRW plans to host a Conservation Carnival/Camp at the
2014 Kipona Festival to be held on City Island. Volunteers are needed and should
contact Andrew Bliss at [email protected] for more
information. A copy of the flyer for the Conservation Carnival will be attached to the
minutes as Exhibit “B”.
Chief Financial Officer:
•
Mr. Nowotarski was not present this evening but a written report has been
prepared.
•
Ms. Williams noted that on July 17, 2014, CRW closed on the $51M financings with M
& T Bank and Pennvest associated with the AWTF Improvements Project.
Revenue and Customer Service Manager:
•
Ms. Kuhn reported that the number of estimated billings being sent continue to
decrease as billing staff diligently works with operation’s staff. Call volumes
continue to decrease as CRW issues timely invoices. This is the second month in
which the billing has been issued on time and posting of payments are now current.
Phone calls are being returned the same day they are received, with the exception
of calls coming in on Friday which may be held over until Monday. CRW is
continuing to receive positive feedback from the public at this time about the quick
customer service they are now receiving.
•
It was also reported that customers receive envelopes with their utility bill that have
a return address to a lockbox in Philadelphia. This new remittance envelope is part
of CRW’s new process of transitioning utility payments. The new lockbox allows for
quicker, secure and efficient processing of utility payments. The next billing cycle
going out in August will have a three-part coupon that will allow for payments to be
paid directly to “CAPITAL REGION WATER” with the payments handled thru the
lockbox and posted the day the payments are received. A message will be
prominently displayed directly on the next invoice that states that payments will
now be payable to Capital Region Water while still being mailed to the lockbox in
Philadelphia.
•
CRW has begun working on methods to offer credit card payments. Customers who
currently have ACH a/k/a auto pay payments that come directly from their bank
account will not be impacted. CRW will make internal changes to accommodate
existing auto payments internally so that nothing further will be required by the
customer. It should be noted that until all testing is complete, CRW is not allowing
any customers to sign up for “new” ACH payments. Customers will be encouraged
A:\Board Meetings\2014\Minutes\2014-07-23 Regular Minutes.doc
Regular Meeting Minutes
- 4-
July 23, 2014
to sign up for ACH and/or auto payments once the transitioning testing process thru
PNC Bank has been completed.
Engineering Director:
•
Mr. Stewart highlighted items that he has on tonight’s agenda. He also noted that
nine firms had submitted proposals for the Pumping Stations Screening Evaluation
Project for the AWTF. Many in the audience this evening represent those firms
however due to Mr. Stewart’s schedule, CRW will not have a recommendation for
the award of that project until the August meeting.
•
The GIS Manager, Yuri Evans, began his employment with CRW. This is the first
month that a separate report is now provided by the GIS Manager as he is
continuing to work with HRG personnel to implement the Asset Management
Program. Currently Mr. Evans is working out of the Robert E. Young Water Services
Center until alternative administrative offices are available.
GIS Manager:
•
A written report was provided by Mr. Evans. Mr. Evans was not present at tonight’s
meeting. There were no questions on the report.
Operations Director:
•
Mr. Deily updated the Board on the battery replacement issue. It is anticipated that
all non-auto-read battery replacements will be completed by August 31st. The
Water Division will coordinate any other remaining areas thru the GIS Manager.
Upon inquiry by Mr. Kurowski, it was confirmed that all meters that have had
battery replacements are now being tracked thru CRW’s new GIS database.
Appointments are currently scheduled into September for non-auto reads and with
the assistance of the Revenue and Customer Service Manager and our Community
Outreach Manager, feedback has been good.
•
He also reported on other matters handled by the Wastewater Division such as
sinkhole repairs, blocked sewer laterals and removal of plates in the street,
including follow up on inquiries by the community regarding problem areas, etc. to
make the streets safer.
•
Mr. Deily reported that ammonia concentration this month exceeded CRW’s NPDES
Permit at the AWTF. This is a violation and advised that both DEP and EPA are
aware of the issue. He commended Mr. Rosentel on overseeing this matter and
stated that this is the reason why current improvements are being implemented at
A:\Board Meetings\2014\Minutes\2014-07-23 Regular Minutes.doc
Regular Meeting Minutes
- 5-
July 23, 2014
the AWTF to further remove ammonia.
•
Mr. Kurowski inquired about whether there has been any collaboration between
CRW and other utilities performing work within the City. Mr. Deily advised that CRW
staff has been collaborating by reaching out to the other utilities to coordinate any
current, future, or pending projects for capital improvements so that prior to street
cuts, etc. a collaborative effort can be achieved to work together. Mr. Kurowski
suggested that the City and PENNDOT also be included in this collaborative effort so
that projects such as the paving of streets are not performed only to find out that
another utility has to make repairs or street cuts. Mr. Deily stated that this
collaboration is being coordinated by CRW’s Directors of Engineering and Operation
and all utilities, including the City of Harrisburg’s new Engineer and PENNDOT have
been included and are very cooperative.
•
The monthly reports for the AWTF and the Water Division have been prepared and
distributed. Several questions were raised by Board members and were addressed
by both Messrs. Bey and Rosentel.
Director of Administration:
•
Mr. Lausch provided his written report and entertained questions. There were no
questions or additional highlights by Mr. Lausch.
Document Manager/Right to Know Officer:
•
III.
Mrs. McKillip provided her written report and entertained questions. No additional
highlights were reported by the Document Manager.
Consultant Reports:
Written consultant reports were received from Goldberg Katzman, HRG, CDM Smith and
Whitman Requardt & Associates.
Representatives from Goldberg Katzman, HRG, AECOM, CDM Smith, Inc. and Whitman,
Requardt & Associates were available for questions by the Board.
Mr. Cluck questioned whether anyone had any news on the status of the City of
Harrisburg’s 2013 Financial Audit since CRW’s Audit is still contingent upon the City
finalizing its 2013 Audit. Mr. Cluck requested someone to follow up on the status update of
the City’s Audit and to report back to the Board. Ms. Williams advised she will pass this
request on to Mr. Nowotarski.
A:\Board Meetings\2014\Minutes\2014-07-23 Regular Minutes.doc
Regular Meeting Minutes
IV.
- 6-
July 23, 2014
Minutes of Previous Meetings:
A motion was made by Mr. Kurowski, seconded by Mr. Cluck, that the minutes of the June
25, 2014 Regular Meeting be approved. The motion was unanimously approved.
V.
Modifications or Deletions to the Agenda:
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION Items A, B and C were removed from tonight’s agenda.
VI.
Public Comments - Agenda Items (3 minutes): None.
VII.
Old/New Business:
FINANCE:
A motion was made by Mr. Cluck, seconded by Mr. Majors, that the following items be
approved by consent - FINANCE – Items A, B and C:
A.
RESOLUTION 2014-018 – Variable Rate Demand Sewer Revenue Bonds:
Motion: The Board ratifies the actions of all acts associated with CRW’s Issuance of
Variable Rate Demand Sewer Revenue Bonds, Series 2014B in an Aggregate
Principal Amount of $29,660,000 and its Sewer Revenue Bonds, Series 2014C in the
Aggregate Principal Amount of $21,500,000 which closed on July 17, 2014.
B.
RESOLUTION 2014-019 – Modifications to PENNVEST Loan Agreements:
Motion: The Board ratifies the actions of all acts associated with CRW’s entry into
Agreements modifying loan agreements #78004 and #73137 with the Pennsylvania
Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) to reflect Capital Region Water’s
name change, parity position of the loans and restrictions on further parity
obligations using Capital Region Water’s sewer revenues.
C.
PENNVEST Loan Closing – AWTF Improvement Project – HRG Amendment No. 1:
Motion: The Board authorizes the Chief Executive Officer to execute Amendment
No. 1 to the Agreement with HRG in the amount of $5,800.00 for additional services
required for the PENNVEST Pre-closing Letter and additional services for standards
and related documentation required for DEP. Funding Source: Sewer #6900B AWTF Upgrade PENNVEST Financing.
The motion was unanimously approved.
A:\Board Meetings\2014\Minutes\2014-07-23 Regular Minutes.doc
Regular Meeting Minutes
- 7-
July 23, 2014
WASTEWATER:
A motion was made by Mr. Kurowski, seconded by Mr. Cluck, that the following item be
approved - WASTEWATER – Item A:
A.
Sinkhole Investigation and Remediation Program – Geotechnical/Geophysical
Services:
Motion: The Board authorizes the Chief Executive Office to execute an agreement
with GHD to provide professional services related to the prioritization, assessment
and remediation of sinkholes related to CRW assets in an amount not to exceed
$197,100 – Funding Source: Sewer #7203.1 – Sinkhole Investigation & Remediation
Program and Water #7602 – Sinkhole Investigation & Remediation Program.
The motion was unanimously approved.
WATER:
A motion was made by Mr. Kurowski, seconded by Mr. Majors, that the following items be
approved by consent - WATER – Items A and B:
A.
DeHart Property – Agreement of Sale with The Conservation Fund:
Motion: The Board authorizes the CEO to negotiate an Agreement of Sale with The
Conservation Fund, Fort Indiantown Gap’s (FIG) conservation partner, for 383.8
acres of land owned by CRW at the DeHart property. The sale contemplates the
transfer of land to the Pennsylvania Game Commission for protection under FIG’s
Army Compatible Use Buffer (ACUB) Program. Entry into said Agreement of Sale is
contingent upon an appropriate due diligence period and legal review.
B.
Amendment to Prior Motion - Change of Funding Source:
Motion: The Board moves to amend the motion approved at the June 25, 2014
Board Meeting pertaining to Agenda Item "WASTEWATER H." The amendment is to
change the Funding Source from "Sewer #7203-Extraordinary Repairs" to "Water
#7602 – Sinkhole Investigation & Remediation." This amendment corrects an
erroneous allocation of cost and assigns it to the appropriate budget line. The
Board has been notified of this amendment to the motion in advance of this
meeting.
Mr. Cluck clarified for the public that Item A is not approving the actual sale of property but
is authorizing negotiation of an Agreement of Sale for which CRW would then seek public
input.
The motion was unanimously approved.
A:\Board Meetings\2014\Minutes\2014-07-23 Regular Minutes.doc
Regular Meeting Minutes
- 8-
july 23, 2014
VIII.
Board Member Comments: Mr. Cluck clarified for the public that the action taken
tonight under WASTEWATER Item A relative to sinkholes is not related to the investigation
relating to the 141h Street sinkhole. He questioned if anyone had any update as to the
status of the Agreement between the City and Gannett Fleming, Inc. that was previously
approved at the june 25, 2014 meeting. Ms. Williams and Mr. Stewart indicated that they
had received no update from the City.
IX.
Public Comment- None.
X.
Adjournment
A motion was made by Mr. Cluck, seconded by Mr. Majors, that the Authority adjourn the
meeting at 6:35PM .. The motion was unanimously approved.
CAPITAL REGION WATER
retary
)
A:\Board Meetings\2014\Minutes\2014·07-23 Regular Minutes.doc
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
CONSERVATION CARNIVAL
Sparkling Water: From Raindrop to River
WHEN: AUGUST 30, 31, 12-9PM
SEPTEMBER 1, 12-5PM
WHERE: CITY ISLAND
Volunteers are needed to help operate fun water themed
activities at the Kipona Festival in 3-4 hour shifts.
Activities will be fun, educational, and easy to run.
VOLUNTEERS WILL RECEIVE GIFT
CARD, T-SHIRT, AND HAT
Contact Andrew at 717-525-7677 or
andrew.bliss@capitalregionwater
for more information.
Exhibit "B"

Download Report