CALL TO ORDER

Chairperson Scheer, the presiding officer, called the Regular Session Meeting of the Water and Sewer Advisory Commission to order at 6:00 p.m. at the Pangborn Elementary School, 195 Pangborn Boulevard, Hagerstown, Maryland.

ATTENDANCE

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

Secretary Armel was absent.

Other Attendees - Jim Bishop, Water & Sewer Department Operations Coordinator

PRE-CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION MEETING-
PANGBORN AREA EAST SEWAGE COLLECTION SYSTEM PROJECT

At 6:03 p.m. the Advisory Commission began the Pre-Construction Information Meeting for Pangborn East Sewage Collection System Project, Contract No. SD120-128. Director Murray introduced the following staff members of the Water & Sewer Department. Jim Bishop, Jeff Shetron, Paul Melby, Brian Brandt, Jamie Calandrelle, Karen Flook, and Ann Snyder.

Jim Bishop proceeded with giving an overview of what has happened with the project since the Department's last communication (newsletter dated September 12, 1994). Mr. Bishop reviewed the connection fees and user rates. Allocation/connection fees will be $2750. Monthly rates are no longer applicable. The quarterly initial rate for 10,000 gallons of water is $83.00, an overage charge of $5.00/1,000 gallons. He gave an example of a 13,000 gallon per quarter user.

Mr. Bishop described the project area and indicated what homes/businesses were proposed to be served. A total of 50 units are proposed to be served with this project.

Mr. Bishop introduced Mr. Richard North of Beka Industries, Inc. Mr. North commented that his company will respect the owners property and highlighted the sequence of construction. He explained that there will be disturbance during construction and traffic will be interrupted. Mr. North offered his corporate office telephone number.

Mr. Bishop continued to explain the grinder pump system which is proposed for this project. He exclaimed that the Department has investigated all other potential avenues for changing the type of system. However, no other system prevailed. The grinder pump, low pressure service pipe and control panel were described. A typical location sheet was shown to the audience and Mr. Bishop explained that this document had to be signed by the property owner to allow the Department access to the property owners property. If this sheet is not signed, the Department will end the sewer line construction at the property line.

Mr. Bishop reviewed a typical complaint form used by the Department. He explained that all complaints will be in writing by Department personnel and forwarded to the contractor for ratification.

The entire project area will be videotaped by the Department. These tapes will be available for property owner review at the Main Office of the Department.

Connection notices indicating that the sewer system is complete and ready for connection will be mailed to all property owners. From the date of that letter property owners will have six months to connect. You must pay your permit fee prior to issuance of the sewer connection permit. Mr. Bishop explained mandatory connection and referenced the Washington County Code of Public Local Laws.

Stakeout will occur over the next couple of weeks with construction to start mid October.

Director Murray reiterated that it benefits the property owner to cooperate and execute the service location sheets. He stated that if the property owner does not cooperate, and the line ends at the property line, extra costs will be incurred by the property owner.

Director Murray advised the audience of the programs available through the Planning Department via Debbie Yost for those that need financial assistance.

Mr. Bishop reiterated that the system is ours to own and operate and it is our responsibility.

QUESTION/ANSWER SESSION
See Attachment #1.

CLOSING COMMENTS

Chairperson Scheer announced that the Advisory Commission meets on the second and fourth Thursday of every month at 6:00 p.m. at the Water and Sewer Department if anyone should have any concerns or need to ask questions. Mr. Scheer also stated that the Advisory Commission is to represent the views of the taxpayers. He also discussed infiltration. He also recommended to the property owners to review the grinder pump exhibit and construction drawings.

Director Murray stated if any problems or questions should arise please feel free to give us a call.

CONCLUSION OF INFORMATION MEETING

Chairperson Scheer concluded the meeting at 7:20 p.m.

RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION

Chairperson Scheer reconvened at 7:40 p.m.

READING, CORRECTION, AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Regular Session - August 13, 1998
Motion made by Commissioner Parks, seconded by Vice-Chairperson Diehl, to approve the Regular Session Minutes of August 13, 1998 as submitted.
Unanimously approved.

Closed Session Minutes - August 13, 1998
Motion made by Commissioner Parks, seconded by Vice-Chairperson Diehl, to table approval of the Closed Session Minutes of August 13, 1998 until the next regularly scheduled meeting.
Unanimously approved.

DIRECTOR COMMENTS

Chamber of Commerce - Director Murray commented on the Primary 1998 Forum regarding sewer and water - the privatized solution. (Attachment #2) It indicated that privatization was the solution for the water and sewer crisis. He was opposed to this statement. Chairperson Scheer commented that he disagreed with two candidates regarding the question reducing the water and sewer debt. Ron Bowers stated "profitable pretreatment plant" and John Shank stated "we're on track to make one million this year." Chairperson Scheer indicated that these comments are misleading and incorrect. Discussion followed.

The Advisory Commission requested a copy of the five-year plan regarding the pretreatment plant. Director Murray is to provide copies.

Chairperson Scheer invited the Advisory Commission to attend the Long Meadow Rotary Meeting to be held September 28, 1998 at 6:00 p.m. at Nick's Airport Inn. Topics that will be discussed:
1) Explain pretreatment.
2) Unification between the City and County.
3) Explain the debt.
 

Chairperson Scheer also stated that Mike Armel's term expires November 30, 1998. He
recommended to reappoint him. Motion made by Commissioner Crabb, seconded by Commissioner Parks.
Unanimously approved.

Commissioner Fishack commented on the lack of cooperation with the City of Hagerstown. He questioned whether a letter has been written to the Public Service Commission. Discussion followed. Motion was made by Commissioner Parks, seconded by Commissioner Renn, to send a letter to the Public Service Commission regarding their representation of rates charged by the city.
Unanimously approved.

Chairperson Scheer also stated that the letter to PSC will be finalized at the next meeting, October 8, 1998. Copies will also be mailed to Board of County Commissioners, Mayor and Council of the City of Hagerstown, local delegation, municipalities, and the planning commission.

Commissioner Fishack questioned the status of the water and sewer at Fort Ritchie. Director Murray stated that Gary Rohrer wrote a letter to Pen Mar Development. (Attachment #3) Discussion followed. Chairperson Scheer requested that he would like to be present at the next Board of County Commissioners Meeting to discuss Fort Ritchie and suggested that others interested try to attend also.

The Advisory Commission asked that the following e-mails be sent:
1. Request for an update on progress on surcharges or minimum usage per EDU.
    2. Public Service Commission letter.
3. Fort Ritchie.
4. Privatization position.

Director Murray distributed actual Fiscal Year Budget Report for 1997, 1998, and proposed year 1999. Also attached is the Balance Report for revenue and expenditures for period ending 8/31/98.
(Attachment #4) Discussion followed.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The next Regular Session Meeting of the Advisory Commission is slated to be held on Thursday, October 8, 1998 at 6:00 p.m. at the Public Works Annex Building, 16232 Elliott Parkway, Williamsport, Maryland.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion made by Commissioner Crabb, seconded by Commissioner Diehl to adjourn at 9:10 p.m.
Unanimously approved.
 
 

Respectfully submitted by:
 

____________________________        Date: ________________________
Jamie L. Calandrelle,
Office Associate III
 

Reviewed by:
 

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

Date: October 2, 1998__________        Date: ________________________