CALL TO ORDER

Chairperson Diehl called the Regular Session Meeting of the Water and Sewer Advisory Commission to order at 6:09 p.m. at the Washington County Water and Sewer Department Administration Office, 16232 Elliott Parkway, Williamsport, Maryland.

ATTENDANCE

A quorum was present including: Chairperson Christopher Diehl, Vice-Chairperson Glenn Fishack, Secretary Michael Armel, Commissioner Gordon Crabb, Commissioner Ed Renn, Commissioner Steve Klick, County Commissioner William Wivell, Gregory Murray, Director of Water and Sewer and Jamie Calandrelle, Office Associate IV. Absent: Commissioner Bonnie Parks (Attachment #1)

READING, CORRECTION AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Regular Session Minutes - March 9, 2000
Motion moved by Commissioner Crabb, seconded by Commissioner Klick to approve minutes as submitted with changes and/or additions as requested.
Unanimously approved.

CITIZEN PARTICIPATION

None. (Attachment #2)

ADVISORY COMMISSION COMMENTS

Commissioner Crabb commented on the schedule of advisory commission meetings. His concern was designating a scheduled meeting as a workshop session to discuss certain issues. Discussion followed.

Commissioner Crabb also stated in lieu of the Board of County Commissioners no longing paying the advisory commissioners being compensated he is requesting mileage reimbursement for traveling to and from the advisory commission meetings.

Closure of Nicodemus Plant - Chairperson Diehl inquired about getting a map of the Nicodemus Plant displaying the property line. Director Murray stated he would provide the site map.

COUNTY COMMISSIONER WIVELL COMMENTS

County Commissioner Wivell commented he drafted a letter which was signed by the Board of County Commissioners requesting federal grant monies for the BNR upgrade. It was decided among the Advisory Commission to draft a letter in support of the Board of County Commissioner's request for grant monies.

County Commissioner Wivell also stated he was in Annapolis in support of House Bill 1417 (a $500,000 a year debt reduction fund). Discussion followed.

ADVISORY COMMISSIONER COMMENTS

Secretary Armel distributed a draft letter he prepared regarding a request and recommendation for reconsideration of the basic methodology to calculate user rates. (Attachment #3) Discussion followed.

Secretary Armel inquired about the city/county industrial pretreatment program. Director Murray stated it was approved at a City/County Joint Meeting held March 21, 2000. He also stated the Water and Sewer Department will only manage the administration part of the program such as reporting, issuing and notice of violations, etc.

Commissioner Crabb inquired about the city/county connector force main project. Director Murray stated this project is currently on hold due to contractural arrangements. Discussion followed.

Vice-Chairperson Fishack referred to their request for the advisory commission name change. Chairperson Diehl stated it's in the hands of the county attorney's office to draft a new resolution including the name change. Director Murray stated he would email Richard Douglas, County Attorney, regarding the status of the resolution.

Vice-Chairperson Fishack also stated he would like to schedule the Advisory Commission meetings at various locations such as Highfield, Maugansville and Sharpsburg for the convenience of the general public. Director Murray stated the possibility of posting a notice in the comments area on the water and sewer bills as they are mailed for individual service areas. Chairperson Diehl asked Director Murray to provide a schedule from the budget and finance office for service area billings.

DIRECTOR COMMENTS

Budget Summary As Of 2/29/00 (Attachment #4) - Director Murray discussed the budget summary and stated that labor costs is not allocated out. Discussion followed.

Director Murray distributed an article relating to MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) which is an additive from gasoline and is a cancer causing agent that's showing up in underground water supplies. Director Murray stated all county water and sewer systems would be tested once again this year as a precautionary measure. (Attachment #5)

Director Murray referred to his letter to Senator Mikulski referencing the limitations on SRF Assistance which she requested. (Attachment #7).

Summary/Comparison-Berkeley County Sewer Project (Attachment #8) - Director Murray stated the summary is a breakdown indicating areas of concern and similarities between their project and Washington County. Motion made by Commissioner Crabb, seconded by Vice-Chairperson Fishack to draft a cover letter addressed to our delegation.
Unanimously approved.

Director Murray distributed the handout from the Water and Sewer Proposed Rate Setting (Attachment #9). He stated the proposed increase in water rates is 0%. The proposed increase in sewer rates if the House Bill 1417 (a $500,000 debt reduction fund) passes is 0%. If the House Bill is not approved there will be a 2% increase in sewer rates. Allocation fees were increased $250.00. Discussion followed.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

The letter of appreciation to all water and sewer department employees from the advisory commission will be mailed once signatures are received. (Attachment #6)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

None.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion made by Commissioner Crabb, seconded by Commissioner Renn to adjourn at 8:07 p.m.
Unanimously approved.

NEXT ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING: APRIL 13, 2000
 

Respectfully submitted by:

____________________________         Date:___________________________
Jamie L. Calandrelle,
Office Associate IV

Reviewed by:

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

Date: ________________________ Date: ______________________________