WestMilford Municipal Utilities Authority, West Milford, New Jersey
Minutes of: Workshop Meeting
Date of Meeting: September 8, 2015
Time of Meeting: 7:11 P. M.
Page No: Page 1 of 3
ADEQUATE NOTICE STATEMENT:
Please note that in accordance with Chapter 231, Public Laws of New Jersey, adequate advance notice of this meeting was sent to the Herald News on January 7, 2015 and to the Township Clerk for posting in the West Milford Town Hall.
Agenda Item I
ROLL CALL -
Commissioners:C. Hardy, R. Heres, P. McGill, D. Ofshinsky, L. Monico
Alternates:M. Vreeland, M. Scrimgeour
Absent:
Professionals:L. Thompson
Staff:K. Love
Agenda Item II
PUBLIC SESSION:
- A motion was made to close the public session portion of the meeting at 7:01pm.
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Motion:OfshinskySeconded:Monico
Voted Aye:C. Hardy, R. Heres, P. McGill, D. Ofshinsky, L. Monico
Voted Nay:None
Abstain:None
Motion Carried
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Agenda Item III
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
- Sale of the MUA:Mr. McGill gave an update on his investigations into the sale of the MUA. Mr. McGill stated that he had reached out to Ms. Thompson and asked her for clarification on the legislature in the Water Infrastructure Protection Act (WIPA) specifically in regards tot eh issue of a referendum as well as the requirement for a separate financial analysis. Ms. Thompson stated that the Authority is exempt in regards to the separate analysis however the referendum is needed. Ms. Thompson stated that the Municipality can certainly avail themselves tot eh MUA for that option but discussions would need to be made with the Township. Under the legislation it only speaks about Municipalities not anytype of single Authority such as the MUA being of its own entity. Mr. McGill asked if it would be possible for Senator Pennachio to change the legislation in regards to the MUA itself since the MUA is unique. Mr. Heres asked if the assumption was that the Township owns the MUA, Ms. Thompson stated yes that’s how the legislation is written. Mr. McGill stated that that would answer the issue of the timing of the process since the next referendum would be in 2016 however he asked the other commissioner for their support in hiring Hawkins or another firm to pursue the process. Ms. Thompson suggested that the Board ask Bond Counsel to come and give presentation tot eh Board in person in regards to the process so that there is a complete understanding from the commissioners prior to moving forward. Mr. McGill asked if there were other companies that perform the work and Ms. Thompson stated yes but only two others. She added that the current bond counsel has relevant knowledge of the authority which helps the situation. Ms. Hardy stated that she believes the next step would be to get an answer from the Township on the three year old question that still remains as far as “What responsibility does the Township have in regards tothe MUA”. She stated that there is currently a meeting set up to meet and discuss with Michele Dale and the mayor in regards to administrative issues but none of that matters until the legal questions are answered. Until then I believe that the meeting is a waste of everyone’s time since everything comes back to the answer tothat particular question. Mr. Heres agreed and asked Ms. Love to put a hold on the upcoming meeting unless they will be willing to discuss the legal issues first. Ms. Hardy stated then she believes the MUA is in a holding pattern at this time. Mr. McGill inquired if it would be in the MUA’s best interest to inform the customers so that the issue could focus on the town however Ms. Thompson stated that it is too premature and may hinder the progress right now. Ms. Hardy asked Ms. Love to place a response deadline prior to the next meeting.
- Miscellaneous Updates: Ms. Love updated the Board on miscellaneous action items such as Crescent Park Walkway which has now been completed. Photographs were handed out of the new walkways forthe Board to review. Ms. Love also stated that she had not received a quotation yet from Ovivio regarding the Scada system at Awosting however her recollection form a year ago indicated that it should be between $8,000-$10,000 but as of the day of the meeting she did not have anything in writing. Ms. Love also updated the Commissioners on the Rolling Ridge and Bald Eagle Pumps. Ms. Hardy asked for an update in regards to the Crescent Park Blower, Ms. Love stated she is still waiting for a quotation form the manufacturer in regards to the shroud. She stated that cause for concern is the small area and the heat that could damage the blower further. The manufacturer is looking for an alternative.
- A motion was made to approve the Awosting SCADA system not to exceed $10,000.
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Motion:OfshinskySeconded:Heres
Voted Aye:C. Hardy, R. Heres, P. McGill, D. Ofshinsky, L. Monico
Voted Nay:None
Abstain:
Motion Carried
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Agenda Item IV
ATTORNEY’S REPORT:
- Ms. Thompson stated she had nothing to report at this time.
Agenda Item V
COMMISSIONER’S REPORT:
- Mr. Vreeland inquired about the details of the most recent Budget to Actual. Mr. Vreeland was concerned about the funds left in the budget and if the Authority will go over budget particularly in the sludge and repairs line items. Ms. Love replied it will be close this year but it’s too early to tell. Mr. Heres asked that the budget be watched carefully over the next few months.
- Mr. Scrimgeour asked Ms. Love to look into active noise control in regards to the Crescent Park blower in which a resident was complaining, he stated that it could be very expensive or ineffective but it should be investigated as another option.
- No other commissioners had anything to report at this time.
Agenda Item VI
ADJOURNMENT:
- There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00pm.
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Motion:McGillSeconded:Ofshinsky
Voted Aye:C. Hardy, R. Heres, P. McGill, D. Ofshinsky,L. Monico
Voted Nay:None
Motion carried.
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