Minutes: Jan 25, 2024

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 1.25.24

VERNON TOWNSHIP

MUNICIPAL UTILITY AUTHORITY

1. Call to Order

This regular meeting of the VTMUA commenced at 7:02 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

Kristin Wheaton arrived at 7:13 pm

Pat Rizzuto

Ed DeYoung

Ed Snook

Mark Bower

The following professionals were present: Donelle Bright, Administrator/CFO; Howie Lazier, Licensed Operator; Rob McNinch, Auditor; Jaclyn McCabe, Recording Secretary

5. Open Meeting to the Public (for Agenda Items Only)

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

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

6. Approval of Minutes:
   1. 12/19/23

Mr. DeYoung made the motion to approve the meeting minutes from 12/19/23, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott, and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Keraney, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Snook, and Mr. DeYoung.

7. Rate Hearing
   1. Resolution # 24-01 Adopting Sewer Rates for 2024

Mr. McDermott made the motion to open the meeting to the public for the rate hearing, which was seconded by Mr. Snook and carried by unanimous votes. Ms. McCabe informed no one from the public wished to speak.

Mr. Snook motioned to close the meeting to the public for the rate hearing, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by unanimous votes.

Mr. Snook made the motion to approve Resolution #24-01 Adopting Sewer rates for 2024, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Snook, Mr. DeYoung, and Mr. Rizzuto. Mr. Bower voted no.

8. 2023 Budget Approval
   1. Resolution #24-02 Adopting the 2024 Budget

Mr. DeYoung motioned to open the meeting to the public for adopting the budget, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by unanimous votes. Ms. McCabe informed no one from the public wished to speak.

Mr. DeYoung motioned to close the meeting to the public for adopting the budget, which was seconded by Mr. Snook and caried by unanimous votes.

Mr. DeYoung made the motion to approve Resolution #24-0 Adopting the 2024 Budget, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Snook, Mr. DeYoung, and Mr. Rizzuto. Mr. Bower voted no.

9. Resolution:
   1. Resolution #24-03 Amending Resolution 23-19 Authorizing Employment Contract

With Keisel Reyes as Sewer Repairer

Mr. Snook made the motion to approve Resolution #24-03 Amending Resolution 23-19 Authorizing Employment Contract With Keisel Reyes as Sewer Repairer, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Snook, and Mr. DeYoung.

10. Administrator Update

Ms. Bright updated the PS2 project is running behind as we are awaiting an electrical panel.

Ms. Bright updated on the SSA and there was a misunderstanding with the DEP on the area to review. This is going to be reviewed with a specialist and once completed we should be good.

Ms. Bright updated she has been working with Dewberry on rough estimates for expansion with the community funds, which will be expanded into the existing sewer service area.

11. Licensed Operator Report

Mr. Lazier reported he found possible replacements for pumps at the lift stations. These pumps would be above ground and would eliminate confined space.

12. Engineer Report

Mr. Benosky expanded on Ms. Bright, stating there are two pieces of equipment missing for PS2 and are expected in about two weeks.

Mr. Benosky stated he will try and reach out to SCMUA regarding the transfer station.

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

Mr. DeYoung made the motion to open the meeting to the public for items not on the agenda, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by unanimous votes. Ms. McCabe informed no one from the public wished to speak.

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

14. Commissioners’ Comments
15. Chairman’s Comments
16. Adjournment

Mr. Snook made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:24 pm, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by unanimous votes.

Respectfully submitted,

Jaclyn McCabe

Minutes approved: 2/8/24