CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Scheer, the presiding officer, called the Regular Session Meeting of the Water and Sewer Advisory Commission to order at 6:08 p.m. at the Public Works Annex Building, 16232 Elliott Parkway, Williamsport, Maryland.
ATTENDANCE
A quorum was present including: Chairperson Scheer, Vice-Chairperson Diehl, Commissioners Fishack, Parks, and Renn, Greg Murray, Director of Water & Sewer Operations, and Vicky L. Malott, Office Associate IV. Secretary Armel arrived at 6:12 p.m.
Other Attendees - Spirit Services, Inc. representatives, Mr. Rich Ellman, President, J.V. Wrenn, Vice President, and Percy Glynn, Consultant.
NEW BUSINESS
Director Murray introduced the representatives of Spirit Services, Inc. The following is a brief description on the principals of Spirit Services, Inc.
Rich Ellman, President - Background includes 30 years of industrial wastewater treatment system sales, design, and operation. Oversees all aspects of Spirit's operations; primary activities include new business acquisition, sales and marketing, general administration.
J. V. Wrenn, Vice President - Primarily responsible for operations, including facility design, capital equipment procurement, and purchasing. Also responsible for permitting, sales, waste stream qualification. Background includes environmental and industrial hygiene chemistries, compliance and safety.
Lisa Ellman - Secretary/Treasurer - Generally responsible for running day to day operations including accounting, sales and marketing support, insurance and other administrative functions. Background includes degrees in mechanical engineering and business administration.
A brief overview was given on the process equipment currently being installed at the Conococheague WWTP. There was a brief question and answer session. Spirit representatives thanked the Advisory Commission for the opportunity to work together.
READING, CORRECTION, AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairperson Scheer advised that he communicates with Department Staff regularly regarding agenda items and the preparation of the meeting minutes. He said that in some cases staff priorities will not allow the minutes to be mailed prior to the meeting. He has no problem with this and asked if the Commission wanted to suspend with action to the meeting minutes received this evening.
No action was taken on the Regular Session Meeting Minutes of May 28, 1998.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
No comments were received.
ADVISORY COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Crabb asked about the letter from MDE regarding the inability for MDE to forgive the monies owed on state revolving loans. He specifically raised the question on forgiveness of the annual five percent administrative fee. Chairperson Scheer responded that this is a legislative issue and MDE is held responsible to follow the legislative guidelines. He stated that our inquiry was put to the legislature too late in the legislative year to be addressed. Chairperson Scheer stated that the Advisory Commission's No. 1 focus for FY 99 should be geared to the monies owed on the revolving loans. Discussion followed.
Commissioner Fishack opened the discussion on issues relative to the City of Hagerstown. Two letters were given to the Advisory Commission. Letter one (ATTACHMENT #1) dated April 14, 1998 to Rick Thomas from J.L. Hearne of MDE. Letter two (ATTACHMENT # 2) dated May 5, 1998 to J.L. Hearne of MDE from Bruce Zimmerman, City Administrator. These letters addressed reserve capacity allocation for the Hagerstown Water Pollution Control Plant. Commissioner Fishack suggested that the Advisory Commission aggressively pursue servicing areas within the Conococheague basin. Director Murray informed the Commission on the meeting he and Gary Rohrer attended last week at MDE. Discussion followed.
Commissioner Crabb inquired about the amount of time to secure the Groundwater Appropriation Permit for the Conococheague Water Storage Reservoir project. Director Murray advised that the permit was received last week and noted that typically the lead time for this type permit is very long.
Commissioner Crabb asked if Staff was reviewing expenses at the Nicodemus WWTP. His concern is that since the plant is proposed to be closed, re-evaluation may be warranted on some CIP projects, i.e. Project #96 - Nicodemus Chlorine Scales. Director Murray replied that the scales were currently necessary as plant closing is 3-4 years away, and that they can be used at another treatment plant when the Nicodemus plant closes. All expenses for Nicodemus are being monitored and many projects originally projected have been cut. Commissioner Crabb requested a report on all major projects summarizing the financial information on each project status report.
Commissioner Crabb inquired about the status of the Ft. Ritchie issue. Director Murray advised that he has made two contacts with the engineers. They discussed the probable assessment of increased allocation fees due to increased flows, and defined the easements on the water system.
Commissioner Crabb requested a copy of the final FY 99 Budget.
Commissioner Crabb asked about the progress on the Smithsburg Whispering Hills Interceptor. Director Murray advised that there has been no new development on this issue and he plans to meet with the new mayor. Commissioner Fishack stated that he has talked with Mayor Bowers and suggested that the line should possibly go directly to the WWTP. Discussion followed.
Commissioner Crabb inquired about the status on communication towers. Director Murray replied that the contract is in the final stages of acceptance and execution. He reported that revenue is projected to be approximately $1,000 per month.
Secretary Armel spoke about Dean Lowery’s presentation to the Board of County Commissioner’s, Tuesday, June 9, 1998. This issue regarded payment of Mr. Lowery’s time for an easement acquisition requested by Bell Atlantic from the Water & Sewer Department. Secretary Armel stated that in this particular incident Bell Atlantic will pay Mr. Lowery's time. Director Murray advised that initially the Water & Sewer Department was billed and he opposed this. After discussing this issue with Gary Rohrer, Mr. Lowery’s department elected to take this issue before the Board. It was the consensus of those involved that a policy needed to be developed to address this type of issue in the future.
DIRECTOR COMMENTS
Director Murray gave the Advisory Commission a copy of a letter to Continental Investment Corporation for their information. (ATTACHMENT # 3)
Director Murray distributed the Status Reports package, dated June 9, 1998, for their review and comment at a later date. (ATTACHMENT # 4)
Director Murray reported that the budget was approved as submitted and reclassifications were approved. He noted that he appreciated the Advisory Commission’s support in the Departments’ endeavors.
Director Murray advised that the Water & Sewer Department’s Internet Advisory Commission information is now linked to the County's web page through "Boards and Commissions". He noted that the Advisory Commission minutes are posted to the web site within 1 or 2 days after the minutes have been approved. Chairperson Scheer offered that these minutes are the only advisory board minutes that appear on the Internet.
A copy of "Guidelines for Public Participation at Advisory Commission Meetings and Requests for Information" was distributed to all members. (ATTACHMENT # 5) Director Murray reported that Attorney Douglas had reviewed and commented on the guidelines. Director Murray and the Advisory Commission commended Vicky McKenzie of a good job with developing this document. The Advisory Commission elected to take formal action on this policy at a future regular meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Motion made by Commissioner Fishack, seconded by Vice-Chairperson Diehl to cancel the next regularly scheduled meeting, June 26, 1998.
Unanimously approved.
Director Murray told the Advisory Commission that Steve Dennis, Herald Mail reporter, is resigning from his position. He complimented Mr. Dennis on his coverage of County issues.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Commissioner Crabb, by seconded Vice-Chairperson Diehl, to adjourn at
8:30 p.m.
Unanimously approved.
Respectfully submitted by:
_________________________________ Date: August 6, 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: August 7, 1998_______________ Date: August 13, 1998___________