Minutes: 7.16.26

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

VERNON TOWNSHIP

MUNICIPAL UTILITY AUTHORITY

1. Call to Order

This regular meeting of the VTMUA convened 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 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

Pat Rizzuto

Ed DeYoung

Ed Seger

Mike Furrey

The following professionals were present: Donelle Bright, CFO/Administrator; Rich Wenner, Attorney; RJ Smith, Engineer; Rob McNinch; Auditor; Howard Lazier; Licensed Operator; Jaclyn Raperto, Recording Secretary

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

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

Ms. Raperto stated no one from the public wished to speak.

Mr. Furrey 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:
   5. Regular Meeting Minutes: 5.21.26

Mr. DeYoung motioned to approve the minutes form 5.21.26, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Rizzuto, Mr. DeYoung and Mr. Seger.

5. Executive Meeting Minutes: 5.21.26

Mr. McDermott motioned to approve the minutes form 5.21.26, which was seconded by Mr. Rizzuto and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Rizzuto, Mr. DeYoung and Mr. Seger.

7. Approval of Bills:
   1. #26-16 Approval of the Bills

Mr. McDermott motioned to approve Resolution #26-16, Approval of the B ills, which was seconded by Mr. DeYoung and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Rizzuto, Mr. DeYoung and Mr. Seger.

8. Resolutions:
   1. #26-17 ACCEPTANCE OF THE 2025 AUDIT

Ms. Bright reported there were no findings on the 2025 Audit. Ms. Bright also stated that the MUA utilizes the fund balance right now to keep rates stable.

Mr. McNinch reported the MUA is financially sound and growing a healthy net worth. This is a direct result of sound budgeting. Mr. McNinch stated the books are in great shape and checks and balances are working as designed.

Mr. Rizzuto motioned to approve Resolution #26-17, Acceptance of the 2025 Audit, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Rizzuto, Mr. DeYoung, Mr. Seger and Mr. Furrey.

1. #26-18 RESOLUTION OF THE VERNON TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL UTILITIES AUTHORITY RECOMMENDING TO THE TOWNSHIP OF VERNON SPECIFIC AREAS WITHIN THE TOWN CENTER FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING FOR THE SEWER SERVICE AREA EXPANSION

Discussion was held on what areas to recommend the sewer expansion to cover. Mr. Seger noted the rate payer need to be considered when choosing which areas to expand to. Mr. Seger asked if there has been any updated to the Vernon Inn, to which he was answered not at this time. Mr. Seger said we need to grab EDU’s and to aim down Rt. 94.

Mr. DeYoung agreed with Mr. Seger. He stated to look at Rt 94 as a backbone. He also stated to look at the Vernon Inn as a potential for a nice commercial rateables and restaurant for our community.  Mr. DeYoung added he would not like to see homeowners be forced to connect and pay fees.

Mr. Rizzuto stated going down Rt 94 is primary for sustaining and encouraging growth. Mr. Rizzuto questioned why the Vernon Inn owners are not responding to communication attempts. Mr. Rizzuto stated once this backbone is set, we have more potential for development.

Mr. McDermott agreed with Mr. Segar and stated we need to be mindful of the ratepayers and need to give protection from rate hikes. Mr. McDermott agreed with going down Rt 94.

Mr. Furrey agreed with Mr. Segar as well. Mr. Furrey added we have great potential with this grant and the need for water and sewer is critical for development.

Mr. Kearney agreed that Rt 94 is the backbone. Mr. Kearney stated that EDU’s keep us afloat.

The board decided that the areas of recommendation are Areas 1 and 4 and secondary Areas are 2 and 3.

Mr. DeYoung motioned to approve Resolution #26-18, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Rizzuto, Mr. DeYoung. Mr. Seger voted no.

1. # 26-19 RESOLUTION OF THE VTMUA AUTHORIZING A SANITARY SEWER CONNECTION PAYMENT DEFERRAL FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 19-21 OMEGA DRIVE OWNED BY RED HAND, LLC

Mr. Sorrentino from Red Hand spoke and gave thanks for working with them and the hardship is critical for keeping the project afloat. Mr. Sorrentino requested the hardship for 19-21 Omega and sated it should be due in about a year.

Mr. Furrey asked if they received the hardship from SCMUA for the first hardship request. He was answered they did. Additionally, it was asked if the payment is on time, and also responded yes.

Mr. DeYoung stated that there has been discussion in the community on the appearance of the project and requested they clean up.

Mr. Kearney asked if the hardship is granted and the project fails, what would happen. It was answered a lien would be placed on the property.

Mr. McDermott motioned to approve Resolution #26-19, which was seconded by Mr. Seger and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Rizzuto, Mr. DeYoung and Mr. Seger.

9. Administrator Report

Ms. Bright stated the SSA mapping met with Mr. Kearney and Mr. McDermott and the DEP. This should be signed and dated by the end of the month. Dewberry is adding comments.

Ms. Bright commented on the community project, the EPA was spoken to and can be flexible and we can move forward.

10. Licensed Operator Report

Nothing to report at this time.

11. Engineer Report

Mr. Smith stated good decisions were made on the expansion and a rough schedule can be started.

12. 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 and carried my unanimous votes.

Mayor Rossi commented that he will support the sewer recommendations and get the biggest bang for the buck.

Peg Distasi-commented she liked the conversation. The preliminary focus should be on commercial and development along Rt 94.

13. Discussion:
    1. Committees

Discussion on sub-committees was held. This will allow small groups to communicate and gather needed information.

1. Sewer expansion: Mr. Seger and Mr. Rizzuto
2. Water Expansion: Mr. Furrey and Mr. Kearney
3. Annual Contracts: Mr. McDermott and Mr. DeYoung
4. Employee Performance: Mr. Kearney and Mr. Furrey
5. Finance: Mr. Seger and Mr. McDermott
6. Transfer Station: Mr. DeYoung and Mr. Rizzuto

14. Commissioners’ Comments

Mr. Seger commented he appreciated the Mayor’s commented on respecting the Boards recommendation and would like to keep politics out of it.

Mr. DeYoung commented this was a good meeting and discussion.

Mr. Rizzuto commented this has been a productive meeting and the areas coincide with community needs.

Mr. McDermott commented this was a good meeting and moving in the right direction.

Mr. Furrey commented progress is being made with the DEP but thinks its time to reach out to the legislative representative. Mr. Furrey would also like to discuss connection fees at the next meeting.

15. Chairman’s Comments

No comments at this time.

16. Adjournment

Mr. McDermott motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:58 pm, which was seconded by Mr. DeYoung and carried by unanimous votes.

Respectfully submitted,

Jaclyn Raperto, Recording Secretary

Minutes approved: 8.20.26