Minutes: 2.12.26

REORGANIZATION MEETING MINUTES

VERNON TOWNSHIP

MUNICIPAL UTILITY AUTHORITY

2.12.26

1. Call to Order

This Reorganization Meeting of the Vernon Township Municipal Utility Authority (VTMUA) convened at 7:05 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 notice to the press, posting the same at the municipal building, filing with the office of the MUA, and posting on the official website.

3. Salute to the Flag

4. Oath of Office

• Edward Segar: Mr. Wenner administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Segar.

5. Roll Call of Members and Professionals

Members Present:

• Paul Kearney
• Dave McDermott
• Pat Rizzuto
• Ed Segar

Members Absent:

• Ed DeYoung

Professionals Present:

• Donelle Bright, CFO/Administrator
• Rich Wenner, Esq., Attorney
• Steve Benosky, Engineer
• Jaclyn Raperto, Recording Secretary

6. Elections

• a. Chairperson: Mr. Rizzuto motioned to nominate Mr. Kearney; seconded by Mr. McDermott. Approved by affirmative votes from Mr. Kearney, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Rizzuto, and Mr. Segar.
• b. Vice Chairperson: Mr. Rizzuto motioned to nominate Mr. McDermott; seconded by Mr. Kearney. Approved by affirmative votes from Mr. Kearney, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Rizzuto, and Mr. Segar.

7. Open Meeting to the Public (Agenda Items Only)

Mr. McDermott motioned to open the meeting to the public, seconded by Mr. Rizzuto, and carried by unanimous vote. Chairman Kearney advised there is a 3-minute time limit per comment.

• Steve Dunlop: Stated he is not a sewer user. Regarding Resolution 22-37, he noted the Board approved 33 EDUs and instructed the Administrator to collect the fee. He questioned how the MUA can entertain a hardship for a building that already has a C.O. and active renters.
• Sean Clarkin: Inquired whether the building has a C.O. He suggested the building should be evacuated and a C.O. withheld until all funds are paid.
• Doreen Edwards: Stated that actions have consequences. She asked when the hardship was requested and sought clarification on the property owner's name.
• Jessi Paladini: Read Resolution 22-37, noting the Administrator was tasked with collecting the fee. She questioned why this did not occur. Ms. Bright clarified that the MUA does not handle C.O.s; that is the responsibility of the Building Department.
• Jackie Brovich: Inquired about the CFO’s involvement. Mr. Wenner responded that there are no legal issues.
• Mike Furrey: Asked if the hardship was for discussion only. Ms. Bright confirmed there was no resolution currently on the table, only discussion.

Mr. Rizzuto motioned to close the public session, seconded by Mr. McDermott, and carried by unanimous vote.

8. Reorganization Resolutions

Mr. McDermott motioned to block the reorganization resolutions, seconded by Mr. Rizzuto, and carried by affirmative votes from all members present. Mr. McDermott then motioned to approve Resolutions #26-02 through #26-08; seconded by Mr. Rizzuto and carried unanimously.

• Res. 26-02: Designating the Official Newspaper for 2026.
• Res. 26-03: Authorizing the Award of Professional Services Contracts.
• Res. 26-04: Adopting the 2026 Cash Management Plan.
• Res. 26-05: Establishing Authority to Spend Funds and Sign Checks.
• Res. 26-06: Authorizing Payment of Regulated Utility Bills.
• Res. 26-07: Creating a Fee for Dishonored Checks.
• Res. 26-08: Adopting Rules and Regulations for 2026.

9. Approval of Minutes

• Regular Meeting Minutes (January 22, 2026): Mr. McDermott motioned to approve; seconded by Mr. Rizzuto. Approved (Ayes: Kearney, McDermott, Rizzuto; Mr. Segar abstained).

10. Discussion: One Key Five-Year Hardship Application

Laurean O’Neill spoke on behalf of One Key, stating that hardship discussions began during Mayor Burrell’s term. She explained that costs escalate during projects and they were advised to wait until the C.O. was near to determine exact costs. She requested a five-year payment plan for approximately $70,000 in connection fees.

Mr. Segar clarified that this refers only to the connection fee, as service rates are currently being paid. Mr. Wenner reminded the Board that the MUA’s priority is securing EDUs to fulfill SCMUA obligations. Chairman Kearney and Mr. Rizzuto noted that hardships have historically been granted to encourage sewer hookups. Mr. Kearney requested a formal resolution be drafted for the next meeting.

11. Administrator’s Update

Ms. Bright reported that Pump Station 2 (PS2) is in the final close-out stages. The town will proceed with a bond sale in the spring, after which Mountain Creek will pay. Annual bills were mailed approximately 10 days ago. A new camera will be purchased for capital items this year.

12. Licensed Operator & 13. Engineer’s Reports

• LO: No items to report.
• Engineer: Mr. Benosky expects final EPA approval on the SSA map by the next meeting. A clerical error involving old applications at the county level has been corrected.

14. Open Meeting to the Public (Non-Agenda Items)

• Harris Soloman: Questioned why a C.O. was issued and called for an outside investigation.
• Sean Clarkin: Commented on the developer's finances and suggested they sell assets rather than request hardships.
• Jessi Paladini: Criticized the Director and read various emails regarding fee collection and SCMUA correspondence.
• Doreen Edwards: Questioned why high rent is acceptable if the developer cannot pay fees, and why the developer operates under multiple names.

15. Commissioners’ & 16. Chairman’s Comments

Commissioners expressed concern regarding the issuance of a C.O. without MUA clearance. Mr. McDermott called for a new policy and procedure manual. Chairman Kearney agreed that a formal procedure for hardship applications must be established to prevent future "slips through the cracks."

17. Adjournment

Mr. Segar motioned to adjourn at 8:39 PM, seconded by Mr. McDermott, and carried by unanimous vote.

Respectfully submitted,

Jaclyn Raperto

Minutes approved: 3/19/26