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MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BINGHAMTON-JOHNSON CITY JOINT SEWAGE
BOARD
City of Binghamton, City
Clerk's Conference Room
Members Present: Eugene
Hulbert, Chairman
Kenneth
Kinsman, Vice Chairman
Thomas Dellapenna, Jr.
Edward
Crumb
Kevin
Transue
Also Present: Kenneth Helisek, Esq., Co-Counsel -
ABSENT
John
Perticone, Esq., Co-Counsel
Catherine P.
Aingworth, Interim Superintendent
John Cox, Fiscal Officer
Michele Cuevas, Confidential Secretary
Kathleen
C. Carney, Transcriptionist
Guests: Tarik Abdelazim, Deputy Mayor, City of
Bob Bennett, Engineer,
Luke Day, City of
James Harvilla, NYSEG
Alan Hertel, NYSEG
Lisa Hoffman, Southern Tier Environmental Services
Howard LaFever, Stearns & Wheler
John LaGorga, Stearns & Wheler
Bob Palladine,
Matthew Ryan, Mayor, City of
Arthur Van Gelder, C&S Engineers
Robert Weslar, 2nd District Councilman, City of
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chairman
Eugene Hulbert called the meeting to order at 1:37 p.m. Chairman Hulbert thanked outgoing chairman,
Mr. Augostini for his work during 2006.
Chairman Hulbert introduced Edward Crumb, the newest Board member
nominated by Mayor Ryan to represent the City of Binghamton. Mr. Crumb presented his appointment letter to
the stenographer and has taken the oath.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
Stearns
& Wheler – John LaGorga
Mr. LaGorga provided a status of the current programs and also provided additional information regarding the new proposal that was introduced at the December 2006 meeting.
Industrial
Pre-Treatment Program
The
compost report is due February 19, 2007.
That report has been started and is due to be completed by the end of
January. A draft copy will be issued to
Interim Superintendent Aingworth and any Board members who would like a
copy.
The pre-treatment report is due March 31, 2007.
This report has also been started and is scheduled to be completed by
February 15, 2007 for review by Interim Superintendent Aingworth and the Board.
Mr.
LaGorga reported that they have 99% of the data required to prepare both
reports.
Stearns & Wheler has been identifying significant violators for the pre-treatment report. To date those include Curcio Printing, Ascendia Companies and Wilson Electroplating.
Stearns
& Wheler has been working with co-counsel Mr. Perticone to update the rules
and regulations and they continue to work on the leachate for sludge trade with
Broome County.
Mr.
LaGorga reported that they are moving forward with the Frito Lay sanitary sewer
back up situation. Stearns & Wheler
has issued a stern warning letter to Wilson Electroplating regarding their
significant violations. They also have a
few companies they will attempt to add to the program in the next few
months.
Lime
Stabilization
This
project has been on delay due to problems with centrifuge number one. Those problems have been corrected and the
installation was restarted on January 8.
They are projecting start up by the end of January.
Pre-Treatment
Amendment
Mr.
LaGorga reviewed the Pre-Treatment Amendment presented on
December 12, 2006.
Mr.
LaGorga provided a brief background of the Industrial Pre-Treatment
Program. Through this amendment, Stearns
& Wheler would provide a historical status of the program, along with ways
to improve the program.
He
cited areas for improvement within the program as the leachate for sludge trade
with Broome County. Michele Cuevas
reported that the Plant is currently paying $37.50/ton to the landfill for
sludge removal.
This
amendment would include a feasibility study on fats, oils and grease
(FOG). There is concern that the BAF
system may be negatively affected by fats, oils and grease coming into the
Plant and that some pre-treatment may be needed. Interim Superintendent Aingworth
reported that the Roanoke, Virginia plant had trouble with a build up on their
screens due to fats, oils and grease and this impacted their treatment
ability. Roanoke implemented an
aggressive education campaign.
Mr.
LaGorga highlighted the tasks outlined in the program as follows:
·
Development of a
report providing a status of the Pre-Treatment Program; comparing the current
program to the minimum required by law and also benchmarking the program to
Onondaga County's program. Develop
recommendations for enhancing the program.
·
Updating the
rules and regulations. By law, the rules
and regulations must be updated to include dentists. If the leachate for sludge program is implemented,
the local metals limits would need to be changed. Also, recognize that hospitals are not part
of the program and probably should be.
·
Develop
protocols and procedures for a waste haulers program.
·
Complete a
feasibility study for fats, oils and grease (FOG). This would include the costs of implementing
a FOG program as well as the benefits associated with paying out those costs.
Chairman
Hulbert stressed the need for an education program for the entire Pre‑Treatment
Program. He felt that a website
describing the various programs could aid in the education process. Chairman Hulbert asked that as part of this
Pre-Treatment Amendment that Stearns & Wheler include recommendations of
how to go about implementing an education program.
The
Board suggested using the PowerPoint presentation that has been developed as a
video to be presented on the website as well as local (free) channel 4.
Mr.
LaGorga indicated that the Amendment as proposed at $49,500.00 would provide recommendations
for an education program for the FOG program.
Chairman
Hulbert asked for a motion regarding the Amendment.
Mr.
Kinsman made a motion to accept the contract based on a not to exceed contract
with the maximum program amount (hourly charge) being $49,500.00. The first status report would be ready by the
March 13, 2007 board meeting (instead of February as noted in the
proposal). Second by
Mr. Augostini.
Mr. Augostini noted that this was an independent study to be performed this year, not carried into next year.
Motion
carried: 6 ayes
0 nay
0 absence
Mr.
Augostini explained that the question regarding the appointment of Board member
Kevin Transue has been resolved. The
Village of Johnson City has agreed to hold this issue in reserve while other
aspects of the agreement between the City and Village are being
negotiated. The Mayor of Johnson City
has withdrawn his objection of the appointment of Kevin Transue to the Board.
C&S
Engineers –
Construction
Progress
Mr.
Van Gelder reported on contracts 1, 3 and 4.
He provided schedules that were sent to the NYS DEC. He explained the recovery and completion
schedule based on the flood events of June 2006 as well as the schedule for
contracts 1 and 3. He reported that most
of the dates are being achieved. Some
equipment deliveries are impacting schedules.
The replacement boilers for contract 4 are now scheduled to arrive by
the middle of January. Once equipment is
on site, all available resources are being used to install the equipment.
They
continue to find hidden damage from the flood.
This will be documented to FEMA.
Physical
construction is moving forward.
TPS pumps are due on site January 24, 2007.
The second pumps for TPS are scheduled to arrive the third week of
February.
Headhouse
pumps are due the end of February, no later than mid-March.
They
have begun to fill the DN cells with potable water (to soak the media) to
provide winter protection.
C&S
has asked IDI to finalize their start up plans (grow the biomass).
Mr.
VanGelder reported that they are going on the assumption that they will not be
replacing the cover on digester number 3 at this time. If the cover needs to be replaced, an
amendment to the contract will need to be made.
Mayor
Ryan
Mayor
Ryan thanked the Village of Johnson City for coming up with a compromise
position to allow the Board to be full again.
He expressed his pleasure at the opportunity to have Kevin Transue
returned to the Board. Mayor Ryan
thanked everyone for their efforts in moving the Plant towards the new
operation.
C&S
Engineers – Bob Palladine
Schedule
Mr.
Palladine reported that the critical dates of start up, performance testing and
final effluent testing have been forwarded to the DEC. The DEC has requested these since the flood
of June 2006 in order to amend the consent order. The current consent order extension will run
through November 2007, which provides several months of
"leeway". Mr. Palladine spoke
with the DEC on January 9 and they do have a draft of the consent order
prepared and it should be ready in approximately one week.
Mr.
Palladine asked for a representative from the Board to work on the upcoming
review of the consent order. Chairman
Hulbert indicated that Mr. Perticone would represent the Board to the DEC.
Mr.
Palladine reported that the redraft of the permit will be done within the
region (not in Albany). There will be a
new discharge permit for the BAFs. This
has been negotiated and C&S is awaiting the redraft of the permit for
review. This is needed before
performance testing can be completed.
Flood
Three
of the project worksheets providing feedback from FEMA have been received. These total approximately $4 million and include
damages to the existing plant and the Category A items, which were clean up of
debris. These are being reviewed. For the existing plant and most of the debris
removal, it appears that 100% has been accepted.
On
the new construction items, FEMA is still contesting whether they will pay for
Contract 3 or Contract 4. They are
covering the raw equipment costs for Contract 1.
Chairman
Hulbert asked that Bob Palladine meet with John Perticone to keep him up to
date on this issue so he can help the Plant proceed with any legal action
necessary.
Mr.
Palladine explained the Hazard Mitigation Plan, which will help to mitigate the
amount of future damage in the event of another flood. Mr. Palladine presented the Hazard Mitigation
Plan and reviewed the summary of the program, asking for any comments Board
members may have.
Mr.
Crumb will provide correspondence from FEMA on another hazard mitigation
program to Mr. Palladine.
Clarifiers
Mr.
Palladine provided an update on the performance of the primary clarifiers and a
schedule for testing and baffling the tanks.
He will provide an update at the February Board meeting on the
implementation of the plan.
NYSEG/Southern Tier Environmental Services -- Lisa Hoffman
Ms.
Hoffman presented an Energy and Efficiency and Innovation Study to the
Board. This proposal has also been
provided to NYSERDA. She summarized the
proposal to the Board.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Hulbert asked for a motion to approve the minutes from the December 12, 2006 meeting.
It was noted that Falter was misspelled (Faulter) and that Joe Abbott, CSEA Union Representative and Mike Richardson should have been noted as attendees.
Mr.
Dellapenna made a motion to accept the minutes from the December 12, 2006 meeting
as amended. Second by Mr. Kinsman.
Motion
carried: 4 ayes
0 nay
2 abstain
FISCAL OFFICER'S REPORT
Mr. Cox presented a Fiscal Officer's report, with a balance of $2,525,826.05. No disbursements have been made for 2007 as of yet.
Mr.
Kinsman made a motion to accept the Fiscal Officer's report as presented. Second by Mr. Transue.
Motion
carried: 6 ayes
0 nay
Mr. Crumb asked for a report of possible investment options for the balance of the savings account for the February 2007 meeting. Mr. Cox will provide a report.
It was suggested that the Plant/Board ask consultants and contractors for an estimate of cash flow that will be billed during the coming year (at the beginning of a year).
Michele
Cuevas will provide the flows totals to Board members at the February 2007
meeting.
BOARD LISTING
Mr.
Cox presented a Board Listing of $569,609.01.
Mr.
Augostini made a motion to approve and pay the Board Listing totaling
$569,609.01. Second by Mr. Dellapenna.
Motion
carried: 6 ayes
0 nay
Mr. Hulbert asked that the claims report be provided to Board members the Friday before the monthly meeting.
Mr. Augostini asked (if possible) for a report detailing the utilization of health insurance for the plant.
CORRESPONDENCE
Interim Superintendent Aingworth noted routine correspondence.
She
also noted a letter from Frito-Lay regarding the sanitary sewer backup
situation. A meeting will be scheduled
with Mark Foley and Ron Lake to address this situation.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Violations, Complaints
& Significant Problems
·
Urgent repairs to the Johnson City Pump Station and
Binghamton Main Pumps are pending.
Johnson City Pump Station has severe damage to pumps, shafts and in‑line
channel grinders. The equipment has been
ordered and we are awaiting their delivery, anticipated for January 24, 2007.
·
There continues to be a low temperature controlled burn in
the compost bioreactor. Plant personnel
monitor temperatures daily and apply nitrogen if necessary to control the
temperature of the fire.
Compliance
·
The effluent suspended solids, BOD and iron limits were met
in December.
·
Influent suspended solids were 140, and effluent suspended
solids were 37, which is an average 74% removal. Current effluent limits for suspended solids
are 53. Influent BOD was 179 and
effluent BOD was 116, which is an average 35% removal. The effluent BOD limit is 132.
Personnel
·
Pending: We continue to work with
Civil Service regarding titles, duties and personnel changes.
·
Continuing: Management personnel continue meeting with consultant Jack
Bills
·
Continuing: Labor Management
meetings continue to discuss new management initiatives, including scheduling
and training.
·
Request: Policy development
for employee education and possible reimbursement.
·
Request: Residency waiver
request for potential shift supervisor
·
The plant is considering a defibrillator purchase for
improved safety.
Compost
Facility
·
Continuing: The compost bioreactor continues
a low temperature controlled burn.
Operational
Issues
·
Ten out of ten settling tanks are
on line.
·
Pending: New baffle design and
installation is scheduled for late January or early February.
Digesters/Thickeners
·
Number 3 digester is currently working to stabilize
solids.
·
We have received a new 20 HP solids pump for the thickener,
and the plant will install it upon receipt of the corresponding VFD.
Centrifuges
·
The 2005 Westphalia centrifuge has been taken offline and
work for the lime upgrade equipment has begun.
·
The new Westphalia centrifuges (2) are online.
Influent
Pumps
·
Pending: Corrective action is being
planned through C & S Engineers and lead agency, the Village of Johnson
City. The Johnson City Terminal Pump
Station suffered significant damage. Two
pumps are scheduled to arrive January 24.
The corrective action being coordinated by Johnson City may assist in
the repair of some problems.
Primary Tanks
·
We are in chemical precipitation and primary settling only
mode with tanks 1-10 on line.
Industrial Pretreatment
Program
·
Continuing: Stearns & Wheler is
assisting our staff with the Industrial Pretreatment Program.
·
The DEC relayed an anonymous tip regarding a company that
may illegally be discharging oil into the sewer system. This will be investigated further.
Plant Business
·
Emergency repairs to the water line along the wall of tank
six because of a water leak need to be made as soon as possible.
·
The plant has submitted information to Stearns & Wheler regarding
the county study of wastewater treatment plants and capacity.
·
A CSO meeting between the owners and the plant is scheduled
for Thursday, January 11, 2007. The
purpose of this meeting is to identify common goals, develop a shared
understanding of what is occurring throughout the area systems and determine
areas where the plant may be of assistance.
·
The plant has submitted approximately $4.8 million dollars
worth of equipment, labor and repairs for FEMA reimbursement.
·
The Interim Superintendent has been chosen to serve on the
New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA) Board of Directors.
Recommended Board Actions
·
Information regarding 41J.
The Board discussed 41J,
which was negotiated into the collective bargaining agreement that took effect
January 1, 2007. This provision provided
an option to employees that do not receive payment for unused sick time, so the
amount of unused sick days may be credited toward their service time. Mr. Augostini and Mr. Perticone will
conference call to determine how to proceed.
Chairman Hulbert asked Michele Cuevas to list 41J as an issue under
Old Business for the February 13, 2007 Agenda. Mr. Perticone will follow up with Mr. Murphy
to ensure that the final collective bargaining agreement has been signed.
·
Request for residency waiver for shift supervisor position.
Interim Superintendent
Aingworth asked the Board to make a request of the Civil Service Commission to
grant a residency waiver for a lead shift operator the Plant would like to
hire.
Mr. Dellapenna made a
motion to allow the Board to draft a letter to the Civil Service Commission
asking for a waiver of the civil service residency requirement in order to hire
Don Raymond as lead shift operator.
Second by Mr. Kinsman.
Motion carried:
5 ayes
1 nay
Michele Cuevas to draft a letter for Chairman Hulbert's signature to be reviewed by Mr. Perticone prior to signature. Both municipalities will be copied on the letter.
Contract 3 – BAF's
·
Work is in progress.
·
Jack Gaasch, the New York Grade 4 operator
consultant for IDI has made additional site visits to the Plant.
·
Plant personnel have had meetings with IDI and
C&S regarding start up plans.
Contract 4 – Solids
Handling
Work is in
progress.
BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS
Chairman
Hulbert made the following committee assignments for 2007:
Operations Committee Kevin
Transue
Future Planning Ken
Kinsman
Construction Tom
Dellapenna
Finance Tom
Augostini
Ad Hoc Edward
Crumb
Personnel Ken
Kinsman
Mr.
Kinsman will send descriptions of responsibilities for the various committees
to all Board members. The purpose of the
subcommittees is to develop ideas to present to the Board. Board members may also serve on any
additional committees if they so desire.
OLD BUSINESS
Website
Development
Interim
Superintendent Aingworth has left a message for Donna McCue, but has not
received a response to date.
Mr.
Crumb suggested contacting Cyber City regarding website development.
Chairman
Hulbert asked Michele Cuevas to provide the reports she provided to
Mr. Crumb to all Board members.
This would give the entire Board the opportunity to review a variety of
documents.
Mr.
Crumb will submit his resume to all Board members via e-mail.
Chairman
Hulbert reported to the Board that he sent Mayor Ryan a letter with important
goals for the Board for 2007. He
distributed copies of this letter to the Board. He asked that Jack Bills attend the February
meeting in order to develop Board goals and objectives.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr.
Kinsman suggested a residency policy that encompasses a five-county area of
residency including Broome, Tioga, Cortland, Chenango and Delaware
Counties. He asked that Board members be
prepared to discuss this type of a concept at the February meeting. Michele Cuevas will add this to the agenda
for February.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
No Executive Session.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion
by Mr. Dellapenna to adjourn at 5:00 p.m.
Second by Mr. Crumb
Motion
carried: 6 ayes
0 nay
The next regularly scheduled meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 13, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. in the Second Floor Conference Room in Johnson City.
TIME & PLACE OF NEXT BOARD
MEETINGS
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
@
2nd Floor Conference Room,
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen C. Carney
Transcriptionist
Correction page 7 first sentence added the word
consultants per chairman Hulbert.
Reviewed minutes and made spelling corrections. MC
Mayor Ryan, City of
Mayor Lewis,
Kenneth P. Helisek, Esq.
John L. Perticone, Esq.
John Cox, Deputy Comptroller
Catherine Aingworth, Interim Superintendent
City of Binghamton, City Clerk
Haylor,
Freyer & Coon