Chairperson Scheer called the Regular Session Meeting of the Water and Sewer Advisory Commission to order at 6:12 p.m. with the following members present: Vice-Chairperson Diehl, Secretary Armel, and Commissioners Parks; Gregory B. Murray, Director of Water and Sewer Operations, and Vicky L. Malott, Office Associate IV.

Commissioners’ Crabb, Fishack, and Renn were absent.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion made by Vice-Chairperson Diehl, seconded by Commissioner Parks, to table the approval of the March 26, 1998 Regular Session Minutes until the next Regular Meeting. Unanimously approved.

CITIZEN PARTICIPATION

No citizens were present.

DIRECTOR COMMENTS

Director Murray commented that the County Commissioners will probably decide the rates, to be presented at public hearing, Tuesday, April 7, 1998. The Advisory Commission requested Director Murray to notify them when he receives the County Commission Agenda.

Vicky Malott gave the Advisory Commission a copy of the minutes from the Joint Meeting with the Board of County Commissioners and the Advisory Commission, March 5, 1998 and a copy of the CIPF Marketing Update Report. (Attachment No’s 1 & 2).

ADVISORY COMMISSIONER COMMENTS

Chairperson Scheer noted that he wants to revisit what the Advisory Commission mission and goals are when all Advisory Commission members are present. He noted that there is perception that too much emphasis exists on the issue of linear versus cost of service rate structure. He also noted that there is limited support to continue the type/amount of General Fund contribution to the Water & Sewer Department.

Commissioner Parks reported that there has been a change in the schedule for the Sharpsburg Mayor and Council to meet with the Advisory Commission. Commissioner Parks will advise when they reschedule this meeting.

Vice-Chairperson Diehl asked what about the status of the Equipment Storage Building contract. Director Murray advised that he is waiting on the advertising/bid schedule from the Purchasing Department and then he can probably forecast a construction schedule.

Vice-Chairperson Diehl also asked about the plan for the Nicodemus WWTP closure. Director Murray advised that the BNR Pilot Studying is complete and MDE will be making their final review of the report. This process could be complete by midsummer. He estimated that the plant will probably not close until 2001.

Commissioner Parks asked if the Department has received any phone calls from property owners of the Holiday Acres area. Director Murray stated that he is not aware of any calls from Holiday Acres. However, the Department has heard from property owners from the Pangborn Area. These individuals are asking what will happen next and when can they expect construction to start. The Advisory Commission concurred that the Department will conduct a Public Information Meeting for the Pangborn Area East project at the Pangborn Elementary School.

The Advisory Commission concurred to have Director Murray obtain a copy of the tape for the WHAG Valley Viewpoint show that aired March 29, 1998. The show featured Governor Glendeaning who spoke about the possibility of using some state surplus money to 100% fund BNR for selective WWTP’s on the eastern shore.

CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION

Motion made by Vice-Chairperson Diehl, seconded by Commissioner Parks, to convene in Closed Session at 7:00 p.m. Unanimously approved.

RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION

Motion made by Vice-Chairperson Diehl, seconded by Commissioner Parks, to reconvene in Regular Session at 7:22 p.m. Unanimously approved.

The Advisory Commission discussed one personnel matter in Closed Session.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion made by Vice-Chairperson Diehl, seconded by Secretary Armel, to adjourn at 7:23 p.m. Unanimously approved.

Prepared by:
 
 

_________________________________ Date: April 21, 1998____________

Vicky L. Malott,

Office Associate IV
 
 

Reviewed by: Approved by:
 
 

_________________________________ _____________________________

Gregory B. Murray, Michael V. Armel,

Director of Water and Sewer Operations Advisory Commission Secretary

Date: May 8, 1998__________________ Date: May 14, 1998_____________