Minutes: February 8, 2024

REORGANIZATION MEETING MINUTES

VERNON TOWNSHIP

MUNICIPAL UTILITY AUTHORITY

These minutes are a synopsis of the meeting that took place on 2/8/24.  Copies of the recording are available at the office of the Vernon Township Municipal Utilities Authority (the “MUA”).  

1. Call to Order

The reorganization meeting of the VTMUA convened at 7:06 pm.

2. Statement of Compliance

Pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act, adequate notice of this regular meeting was provided to the public and the press on December 31, 2023 by delivering to the press such notice and posting same at the municipal building and filed with the office of the MUA as well as posted on the website.

3. Salute to the Flag
4. Roll Call of Members and Professionals

The following members were present:

Paul Kearney

Dave McDermott

Ed DeYoung

Mark Bower

The following members were absent: Kristen Wheaton, Ed Snook, Patrick Rizzuto

The following professionals were present: Donelle Bright, Administrator/CFO; Steve Benosky, Engineer; Rich Wenner, Attorney; and Jaclyn McCabe, Recording Secretary.

5. Elections
   1. Chairperson

Dave McDermott made the motion to nominate Mr. Kearney as Chairperson, which was seconded by Mr. DeYoung, and carried by the unanimous votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. DeYoung, Mr. McDermott, and Mr. Bower.

1. Vice Chairperson

Dave McDermott made the motion to nominate Ms. Wheaton as Vice Chairperson, which was seconded by Mr. Kearney, and carried by the unanimous votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. McDermott, Mr. DeYoung. Mr. Bower voted no.

6. Open Meeting to the Public (For Agenda Items Only)

Mr. Bower motioned to open the meeting to the public for agenda items only, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by unanimous votes. Ms. McCabe stated no one from the public wished to speak.

Mr. DeYoung motioned to close the meeting to the public for agenda items only, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by unanimous votes.

7. Reorganization Resolutions:
   1. Resolution 24-04: Resolution Designating the Official Newspaper for 2024
   2. Resolution 24-05: Resolution Authorizing the Award of Professional Services Contracts and the Advertising of Same
   3. Resolution 24-06: Resolution to Adopt the Cash Management Plan for 2024
   4. Resolution 24-07: Resolution Establishing the Authority to Spend Funds and Sign Checks
   5. Resolution 24-08: Resolution Authorizing the Payment of Regulated Utility Bills
   6. Resolution 24-09: Resolution Creating a Fee for Dishonored Checks
   7. Resolution 24-10: Resolution Adopting Rules and Regulations for 2024

Motion to block approve the reorganization resolutions #24-04-#23-10 was made by Mr. DeYoung, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. McDermott, and Mr. DeYoung. Mr. Bower abstained from voting.

8. Approval of Bills: Resolution #24-11

Mr. Bower made the motion to approve resolution #24-11, approval of the bills, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Bower, and Mr. DeYoung.

9. Approval of Minutes:
   1. Regular Meeting Minutes: January 25, 2024

Mr. DeYoung made the motion to approve the meeting minutes from 1/25/24, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. DeYoung, Mr. McDermott and Mr. Bower.

10. Resolutions:
    1. Resolution #24-12 Resolution of the Vernon Township Municipal Utilities Authority Establishing Employee Classifications and Salaries for the Year 2024

Mr. McDermott made the motion to approve #24-12, Resolution of the Vernon Township Municipal Utilities Authority Establishing Employee Classifications and Salaries for the Year 2024, which was seconded by Mr. DeYoung and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. McDermott, and Mr. DeYoung. Mr. Bower abstained from voting.

11. Administrator Update

Ms. Bright updated that pump station two replacement is waiting for the control panel. This should be received very soon and then we can get the station running.

Ms. Bright stated the sewer service area is still not approved. There are meetings every two weeks to get this finalized.

Ms. Bright discussed the transfer station and SCMUA has some concerns on parameters. Windriver is working with them and sending them information.

12. Licensed Operator Update

Nothing to report.

13. Engineer Report

Mr. Benosky stated the PS2 electrical panel is in place and by the next meeting a lot of progress should be taking place. Mr. Kearney asked how long until the station is fully operational. Mr. Benosky stated hopefully a few weeks but it is out of his control.

14. Open to the Public for Items Not on the Agenda

Mr. McDermott made the motion to open the meeting to the public for items not on the agenda, which was seconded by Mr. DeYoung and carried by unanimous votes. Ms. McCabe stated a member of the public wished to speak.

Kim Larose, GGV: Ms. Larose stated she purchased her condo 19 months ago and is concerned about the cost of the sewer bills. She discussed her neighbor has 2 bathrooms and pays less then she does. Ms. Larose also stated her loft does not have any windows and should not be considered a bedroom. Mr. Kearney said he understand where Ms. Larose is coming from, but we have to follow the assessment. Ms. Bright added there are specific standards for assessment and the loft is assessed at its highest and best use. Ms. Larose added meters would be the best way to charge for the sewer. Discussion was held reviewing rules and regulations.

Mr. DeYoung made the motion to close the meeting to the public for items not on the agenda, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by unanimous votes.

15. Commissioners’ Comments
16. Chairman’s Comments

Mr. Kearney commented he hears the concerns of rate payers and feels their pain. Unfortunately, we inherited what is in place and try to make it fair but still have to pay the bills. Hopefully, with expansion we can make changes down the road.

17. Adjournment

Mr. McDermott motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:47 pm, which was seconded by Mr. DeYoung and carried by unanimous votes.

Respectfully submitted,

Jaclyn McCabe, Recording Secretary

Minutes approved: 4/18/24