CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Diehl called the Regular Session Meeting of  the Water and Sewer Advisory Commission to order at 6:12 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 Fishack, Secretary Armel, Commissioner Gordon Crabb, Commissioner Bonnie Parks, Commissioner Steve Klick, County Commissioner William Wivell, Gregory B. Murray, Director of Water and Sewer Jamie Calandrelle, Office Associate. Absent: Commissioner Ed Renn (Attachment #1)

READING, CORRECTION AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Regular Session Minutes - November 9, 2000
Motion made by Commissioner Crabb, seconded by Secretary Armel to approve minutes as submitted.
Unanimously approved.

CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
None. (Attachment #2)

ADVISORY COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Crabb commented on the closure of Nicodemus Plan. It was decided to address this issue at the next scheduled Advisory Commission meeting to be held February 8, 2001.

Secretary Armel inquired about the procurement for grinder pumps and the laboratory equipment recently discussed at the Board of County Commissioners meeting. Director Murray stated grinder pumps are purchased every year. The lab equipment was approved through the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Discussion followed.

Vice-Chairperson Fishack inquired about applications for grant money available from the state. Director Murray stated the Water and Sewer Department is applying for grant money. He stated the state is going to release $250,000 toward the city/county interceptor project. Discussion followed.

Commissioner Crabb inquired about the Cavetown, Whispering Hills area. Director Murray stated to date no money has been given toward that project. Discussion followed.

.Chairperson Diehl stated the Budget Schedule was distributed. (Attachment #3) He stated the Water and Sewer Rate meeting is scheduled for March 20, 2001.

COUNTY COMMISSIONER WIVELL COMMENTS
County Commissioner Wivell stated he’s been in contact with Senator Mikulski regarding the BNR project for the Concocheague Wastewater Treatment Plant.  She stated there’s still a possibility for getting on the state’s priority list to request the federal government for funding. Discussion followed.

County Commissioner Wivell gave an update on Fort Ritchie. Director Murray stated two letters were sent to Fort Ritchie, one for operating expenses and one for liquidated damages. Discussion followed.

County Commissioner Wivell discussed the issue of space requirements. He stated the Water and Sewer Department is moving to the front part of the Administration Building and will be leasing out the remainder of the building. Discussion followed.

DIRECTOR COMMENTS
Water and Sewer Department – Five Year Capital Improvement Program Budget (Attachment #4) Director Murray  discussed this report and stated it will be discussed February 6, 2001 and February 13, 2001 at the Board of County Commissioners Meeting. He also stated the operating budget for Water and Sewer is scheduled to be completed and turned in February 2, 2001. Discussion followed.

Public Information Act Policy (Attachment #5)  – Director Murray discussed this policy which was distributed from Richard Douglas, County Attorney. Commissioner Crabb mentioned  item number three. Discussion followed.

CIPF Revenue (December 2000 total) (Attachment #6) – Director Murray stated the revenue for the Month of December was $86,163. Discussion followed.

CIPF Revenue Summary (Reported Semi-Annually) (Attachment #7) – Director Murray stated this report details from Fiscal Year 1995 to Fiscal Year 2001. This is the first time the Pretreatment Plant has exceeded the $500,000 mark.

Budget Summary – As of 12/31/00 (Attachment #8) – Director Murray stated all fund amounts are on track. Discussion followed

Director Murray the letter addressed to the Board of County Commissioners recommending reappointment of Chairperson Chris Diehl was sent and should be on the agenda for the next scheduled Board of County Commissioners meeting to be held January 16, 2001.
 (Attachment #9)

Schedule of Advisory Commission Meetings (Attachment #10) – It was the consensus of the Advisory Commission to approve the meeting schedule as listed.

Project and Summary Report dated January 5, 2001 (Attachment #11) – Director Murray commented on the BNR Upgrade. Discussion followed.

Director Murray stated each year the Board of County Commissioners offer to meet with the Advisory Commission if needed for discussion of issues. It was the consensus of the Advisory Commission that a meeting between the Advisory Commission and Board of County Commissioners is not necessary at this point due to the fact that County Commissioner Wivell attends the Advisory Commission meetings regularly and keeps the Advisory Commission well informed.

Director Murray stated he received a letter from the Richard Willson, Executive Director for the Housing Authority of Washington County, requesting waiver of allocation fees for Springfield Manor.  (Attachment #12) Motion made by Secretary Armel, seconded by Commissioner Parks, although the Advisory Commission appreciates his endeavors in developing the proposed 36 unit project, it is the Advisory Commission’s recommendation that the requested waiver is not consistent with established policies. The Advisory Commission also feels that a waiver of fees reduces the revenue required to pay for capacity used and should not be supported by the users of the water and sewer fund. The Advisory Commission also recommended if he would chose to pursue this request, please contact the Board of County Commissioners.  A letter will be mailed to Mr. Wilson and a copy will be distributed at the next Advisory Commission meeting to be held February 8, 2001.
Unanimously approved.

Director Murray stated he received a letter dated December 11, 2000, from Mr. Bill Black, 14654 Rowland Hill Road, Cascade, Maryland. (Attachment #13) His request is a waiver of a disconnection fee of $120.00. He was charged a disconnection fee due to non-payment. Discussion followed.
Motion made by Commissioner Crabb, seconded by Commissioner Klick, to send Mr. Black a letter  stating due to his circumstances his request for waiver of  the $120.00 disconnection fee was approved and that any future requests to waive a disconnection/reconnection fee will not be honored.
Unanimously approved.

Director Murray stated he is on the county has a telephone steering committee. He explained with new technology and the fact that our current telephone system is outdated, the county is looking into different avenues for telephone service.

NEW BUSINESS
None.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.

ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Commissioner Crabb, seconded by Commissioner Klick to adjourn at 8:30 p.m.
Unanimously approved.
 

NEXT ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING:   FEBRUARY 8,  2001