Minutes: 3.19.26

VERNON TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL UTILITY AUTHORITY
Regular Meeting Minutes – March 19, 2026

1. Call to Order
The regular meeting was called to order at 7:03 PM.

2. Statement of Compliance
In accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, notice of this meeting was provided to the press and posted at the municipal building, on the MUA website, and filed with the MUA office on January 2, 2026.

3. Salute to the Flag

4. Oath of Office
Rick Wenner administered the Oath of Office to Mike Furrey.

5. Roll Call
Members Present: Paul Kearney, Dave McDermott, Ed DeYoung, Ed Seger, Pat Rizzuto, Mike Furrey
Professionals Present: Donelle Bright (CFO/Administrator), Rich Wenner (Attorney), James Schappell (Engineer)

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

Mike Furrey motioned to open for agenda items only, which was carried by unanimous votes.

• Doreen Edwards: Asked about safeguards for taxpayers regarding the Theta Drive payment plan; clarification provided that the payment plan is under Bright Horizons.
• Peg Distasi: Questioned outstanding debts owed by One Key; MUA cannot comment on Township lawsuits.
• Jessi Paladini: Raised concerns regarding MUA CFO actions and clarification that this is a hardship plan, not a waiver; asked about user fees for Theta Grove and CO revocation process.

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

7. Approval of Minutes

• Regular Meeting 2/12/26: Mr. McDermott motioned to approve the meting minutes from 2.12.26, and was seconded. This was carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Rizzuto, Mr. Seger. Mr. DeYoung abstained

8. Approval of Bills

• #26-09: Questions regarding Edmunds accounting software and laptop for remote work addressed.

Mr. McDermott motioned to approve #26-09 Approval of the bills, which was seconded by Mr. DeYoung and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Rizzuto, Mr. Seger, and Mr. DeYoung.

9. Resolutions

• #26-10 – Sanitary Sewer Connection Payment Deferral (7 Theta Drive):
  Discussion included confirming payment before SCMUA hardship approval, formalizing commercial hardship policy, and consideration for residential policies.

Motion to amend and approve with four-year payment schedule carried unanimously. made by Mr. Seger and seconded by Mr. McDermott, and carried by of Mr. Kearney, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Rizzuto, Mr. Seger, and Mr. DeYoung.

10. Administrator Report

• Final bills sent to IBank; bond sale planned for spring.
• Sewer Service Area Mapping: County and NJDEP coordination ongoing.
• Delinquent notices to be sent next week with extended grace into March.
• Working with Licensed Operator on camera equipment for capital project.
• Discussed creating a formal policy for collecting connection fees and improving communication with the Township.

11. Licensed Operator Report

• Pump failure at PS1 resolved; PS2 repairs ongoing.

12. Engineer Report

• PS2: Contractor work complete; next steps include I-bank coordination and closeout.
• Sewer Service Area Mapping and Expansion: Coordination with NJDEP, Sussex County, and EPA; draft plans and permits in progress.
• 19–21 Omega (Red Hand LLC): Reviewing shop drawings and preparing for sanitary sewer relocation inspection.

13. Open to the Public (Non-Agenda Items)

Mr. Furrey motioned to open the meeting for items not on the agenda, which was seconded by Mr. Seger, and carried by unanimous votes.

• Doreen Edwards: Asked about resolution process and developer agreements; confirmed rules ensure liens and payments are addressed before property transfer.
• Jessi Paladini: Requested agenda include resolution language, raised OPRA handling concerns, CFO contract, part-time employee pension participation, and missing recordings/minutes.
• Peg Distasi: Thanked MUA for proactive discussion to prevent CO issues.
• Ann Larsen: Emphasized that all sales should be paid in full to protect taxpayers.

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

14. Commissioners’ Comments

• DeYoung: None
• Rizzuto: Positive about progress on projects and procurement.
• McDermott: Productive meeting; encouraged codifying ideas.
• Seger: Praised discussions and welcomed Furrey’s expertise.
• Furrey: Supports realistic planning and expansion efforts.

15. Chairman’s Comments

• Mr. Kearney thanked the council for supporting Furrey.
• Mr. Wenner clarified board member ethics regarding potential conflicts of interest (e.g., Wind River).
• Discussion of potentially earlier meeting times deferred.

16. Adjournment

Mr. Seger motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:12 pm, which was seconded by Mr. Furrey and carried by unanimous votes.

Respectfully submitted:

Jaclyn Raperto

Minutes approved: 4.16.26