minutes: 1.22.26

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA

VERNON TOWNSHIP

MUNICIPAL UTILITY AUTHORITY

1.22.26

 

1. Call to Order

This regular 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 January 2, 2026, 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

Pat Rizzutto arrived at 7:17 pm.

The following professionals were present: Donelle Bright, CFO/Administrator; Rich Wenner; Attorney; Rob McNinch; Auditor; Steve Benosky; Engineer; Jaclyn Raperto; Recording Secretary

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

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

Doreen Edwards: Ms. Edwards asked if the meeting was in the Herald website because she did not see it. Ms. Edwards also stated to reach out to One Key they need to say what is going on.

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

6. Approval of Minutes:
   12. 18.25

Mr. McDermott made the motion to approve the minutes from 12.18.25, which was seconded by Mr. DeYoung and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. McDermott, and Mr. DeYoung.

 

7. Resolutions:
8. McDermott motioned to open the meeting to the public for a budget hearing, which was seconded by Mr. DeYoung and carried by affirmative votes.

Mike Furrey: Mr. Furrey inquired if there was an increase to rates, and was answered no.

Jessi Paladini: Ms. Paladini did not have a budget question.

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

1. Resolution #26-1 Approval of the 2026 Budget

 

Mr. McDermott motioned to approve resolution #26-1 Approval of the 2026 Budget, which was seconded by Mr. DeYoung and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. McDermott, and MR. DeYoung.

 

9. Administrator Update

Ms. Bright stated that One Key put in a request for a hardship for Theta drive for the 55 unit building for the connection fees. The Board will have to consider this and then let them know.

Mr. Kearney stated he has thoughts on considering this but would like One Key to come and state their case. Mr. Kearny does not want this dragging out.

Mr. Wenner stated he will reach out to them and explain that the Board would like to speak with them.

Ms. Bright updated that PS2 is still being closed out. IBank will take this out for permanent bond sale and it will complete this process. After that is complete Mt. Creek will cover the expense.

10. Licensed Operator Report

Call out to repair a clog in the condos. This was resolved with no issue.

There are issues at PS2 with the floats. Parts are being ordered and working with Steve to get this resolved.

Ms. Bright asked if we would like to move the meeting time until 6. This can be discussed at another time.

11. Engineer Report

Mr. Benosky stated that the SSA is with the DEP still.

Mr. Benosky stated for PS2 this should be handled with the warranty. Mr. Benosky is handling it with Mr. Lazier and Ms. Raperto.

12. Discussion:
    1. One Key

This is postponed.

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

Mr. McDermott motioned to open the meeting to the public for items not on the agenda, which was seconded by Mr. Rizzuto.

Doreen Edwards: Ms. Edwards commented considering the time change, this is a commuter town and it would be difficult to get here earlier then 7. Ms. Edwards heard there was a rumor that the present pipe is not the right dimension for expansion. Ms. Edwards spoke regarding the hardship and making the payment period longer and the sewer fees do account for some of that; Ms. Edwards added rateables are needed. Ms. Edwards commented that the 55 unit has the CO and asked how that was granted if they did not pay. Mr. Bright stated the way it is supposed to work is that all boards are visited to ensure all permits and fees are closed before granting a CO.

Jackie Brovich: Ms. Brovich asked what other developers took a hardship. Mr. Wenner stated several others did. Ms. Brovich stated it looks like there looking for loopholes. Mr. Wenner stated the board will wait for them to present. Ms. Brovich asked if Mr. Rizzuto would need to remove himself since he is on council. Ms. Brovich also asked if Ms. Bright can be a part of this as this is the same material after coming back as a 3^rd party. Mr. Wenner stated he does not think so. Ms. Bright commented the MUA is an authority of which she is an employee.

Ann Larsen: Ms. Larsen asked the connection fee per EDU for Theta Dr. Ms. Bright said for the MUA it will be about $76,972.50 and over $250,000 for SCMUA. Ms. Larsen stated Newton has this not to long ago and the dee was recorded as a lean and these are mistakes Vernon does not want to make as the MUA is in peril. Mr. Rizzuto stated that the MUA is not in peril, we have to provide a service and the more users the better. Mr. Rizzuto added that any businessman would do their due diligence to reduce expenses. Ms. Larsen asked to look at the whole picture.

Kirk Stevens:  Mr. Stevens stated that this is a pleasant and amicable experience at this meeting and would like to see this at council meetings. Mr. Stevens stated he is at the meeting and would like to understand the financial liabilities. Mr. Stevens stated there is a lot of debt and critical need for users to sustain the system.  Ms. Bright answered there are two forms of debt one paid by the town and one by rate payers. Ms. Bright added there is still $25-26 million dollars left to pay to SCMUA. Agreements in the late 90’s were made with the idea of “build and they will come”. The other debt is the purchase of the United Water system in the condos and established the MUA to run it. Mr. Stevens asked if there are projections. Ms. Bright stated that this debt service schedule is set in stone. Ms. Bright went over what that it is hard to forecast since commercial and residential are different EDU counts. Mr. Stevens asked the revenue on the 55 unit and Ms. Bright stated that its just less then 50k, which will help in the future. Questions were raised about the expansion. Mr. Rizzuto added that the assumption of going down 94 is correct and it opens opportunity up for more business and we do have problems with bureaucracy. Mr. Kearney stated that all this was spoken for before Mayor Rossi and all this was planned and in the works. The decision to go that way on 94 was spoken about and this would not be done for just one customer.

Mike Furrey: Mr. Furrey stated this is a fantastic meeting and progress. Mr. Furry is glad to see Ed Segar back on the Board and a great asset. Mr. Furrey asked what the areas the $3.4 million will cover. Ms. Bright stated that area 1 is 515 & 94, second is to connect the other side of 94, third is Rt 94 at the Nordic house, and the fourth area is by green life market and by Dairy Queen.  Mr. Furry stated the money is there and not to lose it. Mr. Furry stated we need more users. Also stated was that hardship is not a waiver; it’s a request to spread payments over 5 years and this is a big decision. Mr. Kearney asked Mr. Wenner if the hardship has to be 5 years. Mr. Wenner stated no but that’s customary. Mr. Furrey said the DEP is a giant bureaucracy and we need to think outside the vox.

Anthony Rossi: Mr. Rossi commented the water pipes the use certain pipes, is sewer the same to stockpile, however; don’t want to be stuck and contractors may have better pricing. Mr. Rossi said he does not know Mr. Segar but there were several other applications submitted and did not go before the council. This is an issue and the other council members have not seen the applications and they should.

Jessi Paladini: Ms. Paladini stated to Mr. Kearney that he has the meeting open to the public and allowing them to speak out of turn and no one knows who is speaking. Ms. Paladini stated she is texting people there to see who is speaking, he is a great chair this is frustrating. Ms. Paladini stated she called in because she was given wrong information and unnecessarily riled people up. Ms. Paladini said she heard One Key was asking for a waiver and not a hardship; asking for a hardship is standard. Ms. Paladini stated that businesses and homeowner’s applications for hardships and Ms. Paladini doesn’t like to put misinformation out there. Ms. Paladini added that regarding social media there are very little facts but her page needs to be factual. Ms. Paladini stated for the record the sewer lines are not being put in exclusively for the Vernon Inn. Ms. Paladini commented an issue for the 55 unit is that they have a one bedroom with a den and is the den considered a bedroom. Mr. Kearney said we go by what the town assessor tells us the unit is. Ms. Paladini asked that this be equitable and what is done in Great Gorge should be done with those dens.

Peg Distasi: Ms. Distasi stated she is very impressed with this meeting and format. Ms. Distasi has followed the MUA for 10-12 years and it has come a long way. To Ms. Bright, you have taken the reign and brought financially forward. Ms. Distasi suggested reading over the new governor’s orders.

 Jackie Brovich: Ms. Brovich stated stockpiling doesn’t sound like a bad idea, can that even work. Mr. Kearney said these are usually stored outside and something to look into.

Kirk Stevens: Mr. Stevens thanked for earlier. Mr. Stevens has concerns around development as we need to build. Mr. Stevens stated what I’m hearing is that the 27 units does not seem like it will make or break. Mr. Kearney stated everything counts.

There were open comments from the public during this time which the chair was answering.

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

14. Commissioners’ Comments

Mr. DeYoung commented this was a great meeting, most are 25 minutes, great to have dialogue.

Mr. Rizzuto agreed with Mr. DeYoung. Mr. Rizzuto stated he will never quote or comment on social media too much room for negative responses and unfounded information. Mr. Rizzuto stated he is willing to five the information privately as well. The more people that get on the system the better and we have to do what is best for Vernon.

Mr. McDermott said this is a good meeting and good to see that we are making decisions. Mr. McDermott said to come to the meetings to get more information.

15. Chairman’s Comments

Mr. Kearney commented Ms. Distasi spoke of finances and that Ms. Bright and Ms. Raperto have done a great job with finances and can’t be thanked enough. Mr. Kearney thanked Mr. Hession of Mt. Creek as he pays ahead of time and it’s great to have a customer that pays. Mr. Kearney stated that having the public show up is fantastic and the inaction was good and provided ideas to share.        

           

16. Adjournment

Mr. Kearney motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:49 pm, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by unanimous votes.

 

                                                                                                            Respectfully Submitted,

Jaclyn Raperto

Minutes approved: 2.12.26