CALL TO ORDER

Chairperson Scheer, the presiding officer, called the Regular Session Meeting of the Water and Sewer Advisory Commission to order at 6:10 p.m. at the Public Works Annex Building, 16232 Elliott Parkway, Williamsport, Maryland.

ATTENDANCE

A quorum was present including: Chairperson Scheer, Vice-Chairperson Diehl, Secretary Armel, Commissioners Crabb, Parks, Fishack, and Renn, Greg Murray, Director of Water & Sewer Operations, and Vicky L. Malott, Office Associate IV.

Other Attendees - Greg Larsen, Industrial Pretreatment Marketing Coordinator, and J. V. Wrenn, Spirit Services, Inc.

READING, CORRECTION, AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Regular Session Minutes - June 11, 1998
Motion made by Commissioner Parks, seconded by Vice-Chairperson Diehl, to approve the Regular Session Minutes of June 11, 1998 as submitted.
Unanimously approved.

Regular Session Minutes - July 9, 1998
Motion made by Commissioner Crabb, seconded by Commissioner Parks, to approve the Regular Session Minutes of July 9, 1998 as submitted.
Unanimously approved.

Closed Session Minutes - July 9, 1998
Motion made by Commissioner Parks, seconded by Vice-Chairperson Diehl, to approve the Closed Session Minutes of July 9, 1998 as submitted.
Unanimously approved.

At 6:14 p.m. the Advisory Commission, Director Murray, Greg Larsen and Mr. Wrenn of Spirit Services toured the Pretreatment Facilities, particularly the recently installed equipment of Spirit Services, Inc.

At 6:55 p.m. the Advisory Commission returned to Regular Session.
 

DIRECTOR COMMENTS

Spirit Services Update - Director Murray reported that the Department has seen approximately $1500 in revenue from Spirit Services' operation to date. They anticipate the volume to increase within the next week. They have worked out the billing process and we receive billings each week. Director Murray also reported that a line item will be added to the budget to report the net revenue from the Spirit Services' operations. Greg Larsen stated that information now can be found on the Internet at www.cipf.org. Mr. Larsen announced that they have scheduled an Open House of Pretreatment Facility September 25, 1998, 1:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Pangborn East Project - Director Murray announced that September 10, 1998 is the tentative date for the Pre-Construction Information Meeting. Director Murray informed the Advisory Commission that the meeting notice will appear in the newspaper and the Department will deliver door-to-door handouts to all affected property owners.

Director Murray gave the Advisory Commission the Project Status Report packet (Attachment #1) for their review. He reported that the Department has obtained a $219,000 BNR grant for design that has to be spent by next July. He also advised that they have obtained a grant for approximately 80% of the Elk Ridge project for the above ground storage facility. However, this grant does not include the water line improvements' project.

CITIZEN PARTICIPATION

No comments were received.

ADVISORY COMMISSIONER COMMENTS

Commissioner Scheer asked about the time line for closing the Nicodemus WWTP. Director Murray said that MDE included the plant closing in BNR Project. He reported that MDE supports the closing of the Nicodemus Plant.

Chairperson Scheer inquired about the status of using land application for sludge disposal. Director Murray reported that this issue is currently on hold and that the Department is waiting to see where the TDML regulations are going.

Commissioner Renn asked about the decision for sewering the Centre at Hagerstown project. Director Murray stated that he understood that an anticipated letter from MDE regarding this issue arrived earlier this week.

Commissioner Crabb asked about the status of the antenna installation the Sharpsburg Water Tower. Director Murray stated that the contract is not completed.

Commissioner Crabb asked if the Smithsburg WWTP is still under consent order? Director Murray stated, "Yes, however the new permit limits should prevent violations." He noted that chlorine still cannot be used in process control for the plant which limits operational flexibility, increases cost, and fosters conditions which cause permit violations. The new permit limits should allow operation without violations and satisfy consent order requirements. Discussion followed. They suggested that the Department pursue this issue with the state legislature.

Vice-Chairperson Diehl informed the Advisory Commission that he received a call from the County's Purchasing Department and was asked to serve on the Coordinating Committee.

Commissioner Fishack asked about the status of the Sewer Service Agreement with the Town of Smithsburg and required payment of fees. Director Murray reported that the agreement has been completed and payment of fees is on track.

Commissioner Renn inquired about the issue of revising the Ready to Use Charge. Director Murray stated that they are currently working on this issue. Secretary Armel requested that the Department contact Carroll and Frederick Counties to investigate what they do.

Chairperson Scheer advised that he has been requested to appear at the Longmeadow Rotary Meeting, September 28, 1998. He invited his fellow Advisory Commission members to join him. He stated that he planned to discuss three topics;
1- Advisory Commissions' Mission Statement
2- Explain why there is a County General Fund contribution to the Water & Sewer Department
3- Explain what the debt is

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Formal Adoption of "Guidelines for Public Participation at Advisory Commission Meetings and Requests for Information" - Director Murray advised that Vicky McKenzie fully prepared the document and Attorney Douglas reviewed the document and had very little comment. The Advisory Commission commended Mrs. McKenzie for a job well done.
Motion made by Commissioner Renn, seconded by Vice-Chairperson Diehl, to formally adopted the "Guidelines for Public Participation at Advisory Commission Meetings and Requests for Information."
Unanimously approved.

GFG Report, Finalize Recommendations to Board of County Commissioners - Chairperson Scheer suggested scheduling a workshop with County Commissioners. Commissioner Crabb suggested committing a full meeting to discuss the report. Discussion followed. They concluded to take a formal position on the following points at a joint workshop with the County Commissioners:
1- Absolute separation of Pretreatment
2- Pursue bond refinancing
3- Potential cost reduction through joint City/County cooperation

Revised Page 3 issued 9/11/98

Water & Sewer Advisory Commission                 August 13, 1998
Regular Session Meeting                         Page -4-
 

Chairperson Scheer will prepare points for discussion and forward to Director Murray within one week.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The next Regular Session Meeting of the Advisory Commission will be held Thursday, September 10, 1998 at 6:00 p.m. at the Pangborn Elementary School. The Advisory Commission will conduct the Pre-Construction Public Information Meeting for the Pangborn Area East Sewage Collection System Project. The Advisory Commission may discuss general business at the conclusion of the Pangborn meeting.

CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION

Motion made by Secretary Armel, seconded by Commissioner Parks, to convene in Closed Session at 8:44 p.m.
Unanimously approved.

RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION

Motion made by Secretary Armel, Vice-Chairperson Diehl, to reconvene in Regular Session at 9:45 p.m.
Unanimously approved.

In Closed Session one issue regarding contract negotiations and one personnel issue was discussed.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion made by Commissioner Crabb, seconded by Vice-Chairperson Diehl, to adjourn at
9:47 p.m.
Unanimously approved.

Respectfully submitted by:

_________________________________        Date: September 3,1998__________
Vicky L. McKenzie,
Office Associate IV

Reviewed by:                         Approved by:

_________________________________         _____________________________
Gregory B. Murray,                     Michael V. Armel,
Director of Water and Sewer Operations        Advisory Commission Secretary

Date: September 3, 1998_____________        Date: September 10, 1998________