WASHINGTON COUNTY WATER AND SEWER ADVISORY COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION MEETING
March 13, 2003

CALL TO ORDER
Vice-Chairperson Fishack called the Regular Session Meeting of the Water and Sewer Advisory Commission to order at 6:02 p.m. at the Washington County Department of Water Quality, Administration Office, 16232 Elliott Parkway, Williamsport, Maryland.

ATTENDANCE
A quorum was present including: Vice-Chairperson Glenn Fishack, Secretary Bonnie Parks, Commissioner Ed Renn, Commissioner Scott Schubel, Gregory Murray, Director of Water and Sewer and Jamie Calandrelle, Office Associate. Absent: Chairperson Clarence Scheer, County Commissioner William Wivell (Attachment #1)

READING, CORRECTION AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Regular Session Minutes - December 12, 2002
Motion made by Commissioner Renn, seconded by Secretary Parks, to approve minutes as submitted with changes and/or corrections.
Unanimously approved.

Regular Session Minutes - January 9, 2003
Motion made by Secretary Parks, seconded by Commissioner Renn, to approve minutes as submitted.
Unanimously approved.

Regular Session Minutes - February 13, 2003
This meeting was cancelled.

CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
Robert Reid Jr., 10013 Mildred Drive, Hagerstown, Maryland, submitted a letter for discussion regarding a reduction in his sewer bill due to the fact that 10,000 gallons was used for watering his sod. (Attachment #2)

Motion was made by Commissioner Renn, seconded by Secretary Parks, to send Mr. Reid a letter stating although the Water and Sewer Advisory Commission recognizes his request, the Water and Sewer Policy does not allow a reduction for watering lawns.
Unanimously approved.

Doug Deimler, 108 S. Mechanic Street, Sharpsburg, contacted the Department of Water Quality and stated he has been called to active duty. He is requesting a reduction of his billing since no one will be in his residence. (Attachment #3)

Motion made by Secretary Parks, seconded by Commissioner Schubel, to send Mr. Deimler a letter stating although the Advisory Commission understands his situation, unfortunately the Water and Sewer Policy does not allow for his request.
Unanimously approved.

Hal Spielman, Mayor for the Town of Sharpsburg, appeared before the Advisory Commission. He stated the Sharpsburg Little League had a sewer leak and is requesting a reduction on their account. (Attachment #4)

Motion made by Commissioner Renn, seconded by Secretary Parks, to adjust their billing by averaging out the last four (4) billings and for the Town of Sharpsburg to investigate the catastrophic leak as required by the Leak Adjustment Policy. The Town of Sharpsburg is also going to submit documentation regarding the leak as well.
Unanimously approved.

Merle Saville, Engineer for Antietam Design, submitted a request on behalf of Chewsville United Methodist Church. The church needs to construct a building addition to its existing facilities. The addition requires a new septic system and drain fields. In order for this to take place, the Department of Water Quality would have to submit a permit for the church, perform inspection and be reimbursed for all costs. It was the general consensus of the Advisory Commission to proceed with assisting Chewsville United Methodist Church. (Attachment #5)

ADVISORY COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Renn inquired about the status regarding the Public Service Commission (PSC). Director Murray gave a brief update. A revised PSC Case Jacket was distributed. (Attachment #6)

DIRECTOR COMMENTS
Budget Summary - As of 2/28/03 (Attachment #7) - Director Murray reviewed the report which shows the budget year is 67% complete. Discussion followed.

CIPF Revenue (February, 2003 total) (Attachment #8) Director Murray reviewed this report and stated the amount for February was $139,966. Discussion followed.

Project and Summary Report dated 3/12/03 (Attachment #9) - Director Murray discussed the Village Square Upgrade, State Line Pump Station and the CIPF Flushing system. Discussion followed.

Director Murray stated the City of Hagerstown announced today to its employees that the Water Department and Water Pollution Control Department have combined to create the City of Hagerstown Water and Sewer Department. Discussion followed.

Director Murray also stated the Facilities Engineer position has been filled. Mr. Bill Sprague has accepted this position.

Director Murray stated the proposed Water and Sewer Budget will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners next Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at 9:00 a.m. as well as the Rate Setting which is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. He reviewed the FY04 Budget Summary sheets for each fund and stated there is a 3.3% decrease in the overall budget. (Attachment #10)

Director Murray also stated the revenue rate increase is projected at 3% for both water and sewer customers. Discussion followed. (Attachment #11)

After discussion, it was the general consensus of the Advisory Commission to proceed with the proposed budget and proposed revenue rate setting as presented by Director Murray.

Director Murray stated there has been discussion to recommend to the Board of County Commissioners a five (5) member Advisory Commission as opposed to a seven (7) member Advisory Commission.

Motion made by Commissioner Schubel, seconded by Commissioner Renn, to recommend to the Board of County Commissioners a five (5) member Advisory Commission instead of seven (7) member Advisory Commission. Motion approved with three (3) for, and one (1) against.

NEW BUSINESS
Commissioner Renn referenced for discussion the scheduling of Advisory Commission meetings regarding day of the week and starting time. This issue has been tabled to the next Advisory Commission Meeting to be held April 10, 2003 for further discussion.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
The Election of Officers were held. Motion made by Commissioner Schubel, seconded by Commissioner Renn, to renominate all existing officers. Chairperson Scheer, Vice-Chairperson Fishack and Secretary Parks will remain as existing officers.
Unanimously approved.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.

NEXT ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING: APRIL 10, 2003

ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Commissioner Schubel, seconded by Commissioner Renn to adjourn
at 7:45 p.m.
Unanimously approved.

Respectfully submitted by:

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

Reviewed by:

_____________________________ ___________________________________
Gregory B. Murray, Director Bonnie Parks,
Water and Sewer Operations Advisory Commission Secretary

Date: ________________________ Date: ______________________________