Chairman Gaston called the
meeting to order at 5:05 PM and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call:
Present: Bruce Brodsky,
Chairman Gaston presided and
Suzanne Harmon took the minutes.
Approval of the November 19,
2007 Minutes:
Motion made by Mr. Snyder to
move the minutes as amended.
Seconded by: Mr. Trevisani.
Vote:
(7) Ayes (0) Nays
(2) Abstain (Mr. DeLia & Mr.
Price) (3) Absent
Motion carried as amended.
Mr. Snyder asked to have the
minutes amended under Capital Projects in the second to last sentence, change
from “The cost for this will be $13,120” to “The cost for materials only will be
$13,120”.
Motion made by Mr. Snyder to
move the minutes as amended.
Seconded by: Ms. Rader-Harris.
Vote:
(7) Ayes (0) Nays
(2) Abstain (Mr. DeLia & Mr.
Price) (3) Absent
Motion carried as amended.
Review of Budget Proposals –
Review of Existing Reserves
Mr. Brodsky stated that the
purpose of this tonight is not to vote on the budget but for discussion only.
At the meeting on Monday, 11/26/07 the budget proposal started with a
projected 10.50% revenue increase.
There are seven proposals: Elimination of the Collection Agency ($35,000),
Information Technology Priority (no change), Paving cut by $150,000 and
establish paving budget amount at 2007/08 levels, Shared services (no change),
Existing Capital Funds (no change), Increase special project bonding to assure
full funding in current round, (+ $50,000), Reserve funds and Annual Capital
Project Maintenance. Mr. Brodsky
stated that the MVWA is now looking at a rate increase of approximately 6-7
percent.
Mr. Korfonta discussed the
MVWA’s established reserves. They
are: Operating and maintenance reserve (O&M), Repair, replacement and
rehabilitation reserve (3R), Repair and improvement fund, Rate covenant reserve,
Debt service reserve and Board designated reserve timber sales.
Mr. Becher set-up the
following meetings:
Budget Workshop will be held
on Monday, January 7, 2008 at 5:00 PM.
Rate Hearing will be held on
Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 5:30 PM.
Review and Approval of
Revised Surplus Property Disposition Policy
The MVWA disposes of surplus
property which is no longer needed for the accomplishment of its mission.
This policy establishes guidelines that the Water Authority will follow
for disposing of such property.
This will be annually reviewed and approved by the Board of the Water Authority.
A copy of this will be filed on or before the 31st day of
March in each year, following the approval by the Board, with the State
Comptroller’s office and will be posted on the Water Authority’s web site,
www.mvwa.us.
The Contracting Officer for the Water Authority is its Comptroller.
Mr. Brodsky stated that #8 Disposition of Surplus Personal Property by
Public Advertising should not fall under this Policy.
Mr. DeLia stated that he thought the Policy was fine as presented.
Motion was made by Mr.
Brodsky that reference to real property be excised from this Policy and
presented at a separate time as a discussion on real property.
Seconded by Ms. Rader-Harris.
Mr. Becher suggested
changing “Contracting Officer” to the “Board”.
Mr. Ryan had concerns
regarding one person from the MVWA having the authority to dispose of real
property.
Mr. Earl suggested that the
Board make a determination whether such real property should be declared surplus
real property and the Contracting Officer will follow the direction of the Board
in the disposal of surplus real property.
Chairman Gaston tabled the
Policy to give the Board members more time to review it and have Mr. Earl make
the suggested changes that were discussed.
Committee Reports:
Capital Projects:
Mr. DeLia stated that the committee met at 3:45 PM on 12/17 to discuss
the Capital Improvement Program and 2008 bonding.
The committee is not ready to bring it to the Board.
Budget and Finance:
Mr. Korfonta stated that year-to-date the cash position will deplete
significantly following December’s NYS Retirement payment of $460,000 and the
anticipation of a paving bill. MVWA
still has not been billed for paving by the contractor.
Because of the significant increase in cash during October, we are in a
better position to make these payments.
Mr. Brodsky stated that
water main breaks and leak investigations since August are significantly higher
this year. These are old pipes in
the water system and at some point will significantly impact the operating
budget.
Mr. Snyder stated that there
were one hundred more meters replaced than the same time last year.
This is a great step forward and is very pleased with the progress being
made.
Personnel
Committee:
Mr. Coyne stated that the committee met on 12/15 to discuss the annual
performance review and salary adjustment for Suzanne Harmon and contract and
salary adjustment for Mr. Korfonta. The first two items will be discussed in
Executive Session.
The third item the committee
looked at is a method of determining how an individual performed and in March of
this past year the Board rejected that approach.
The committee would like to review and possibly reinstate that.
On January 8, 2008 there will be a
meeting to look at how to approach the process of establishing goals and
objectives as a method of performance, evaluation and salary adjustment.
Operations:
The committee did not meet this month.
Executive Director’s Report:
Mr. Buchner extended his
thanks to the Board. The Authority
has provided its customers with a pure wholesome water supply and I thank you
for letting me be part of this. Mr.
Buchner stated that he will miss this group and thanked everyone.
Old Business:
Regarding the NY Mutual Aid
and Assistance Agreement Mr. Becher stated that the Water Authority’s insurance
company has reviewed the agreement along with Ted Earl and has made the
necessary changes regarding indemnifying contractors or exempting quality of
workmanship, which have been stricken from the agreement.
Mr. Earl recommends that the Board take a look at the agreement and sign
on to it.
Motion made by Mr. Snyder to
un-table/re-introduce the NY Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement for
Water/Wastewater Providers.
Seconded by: Mr. Brodsky.
Vote:
(9) Ayes (0) Nays
(1) Abstain (Ms.
Rader-Harris) (2) Absent
Motion carried.
Brought back to be approved
with changes and advice from the Board’s attorney.
Motion made by: Mr. Brodsky.
Seconded by: Mr. Ryan.
Vote:
(9) Ayes (0) Nays
(1) Abstain (Ms.
Rader-Harris) (2) Absent
Motion carried.
Motion made to approve the
agreement as amended by Mr. Brodsky.
Seconded by: Mr. DeLia
Vote:
(9) Ayes (0) Nays
(1) Abstain (Ms.
Rader-Harris) (2) Absent
Motion carried.
Mr. Snyder would like a
follow-up to Mr. Coyne’s request to re-visit the Water Authority’s Legislation,
which Mr. Earl was going to look into.
Mr. Earl was asked what
process has to be followed to amend the legislation.
The MVWA has to follow the process that was used to adopt the original
legislation, which would involve the stakeholders, towns, villages and city.
Mr. Earl stated that a change in legislation would not require a home
rule message because such legislation is a matter of state concern.
Mr. Ryan asked about the
Mr. Weimer stated that the 1
½” service line and the waterline on
New Business:
Mr. Snyder would like to
know if there is a clear policy yet on installations and shut-offs, which is due
by April 1st. Mr.
Brodsky stated that there is a need for clear policy with procedures to keep up
with collection when the Authority dismisses the collection agency they are
using now. There will be a policy
within a month.
Mr. Snyder asked about the
activated charcoal program. He
stated that there has been no input from Dr. Schreppel on whether this treatment
option is acceptable. Mr. Brodsky
stated that the first phase is a pilot for activated charcoal, which will be
part of this budget. The
recommendation from the consultants is to take the pilot plan results and
present them to the Health Department to get their feedback on the results and
approval to move forward to the next phase.
Dr. Schreppel stated that in June of this year the Authority should have
one filter configured for phase 2 of this project.
Approval of the budget will give the Authority permission to proceed.
The next Board Meeting is
scheduled for January 28, 2008 at 5:00 PM.
Mr. Trevisani moved to
adjourn the meeting and go into Executive Session to discuss Personnel matters.
Seconded by Mr. Brodsky.
The meeting was adjourned at
6:50 PM
Executive Session:
A motion was made by Mr.
Snyder to come out of executive session and adjourn the meeting.
Seconded by:
Mr. Brodsky.
The motion passed
unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM.
In executive session the
Board voted to increase the salary for the Executive Secretary for the coming
year by 4.0% to take effect upon her anniversary date.
Minutes taken in Executive
Session by Mr. Becher.
Respectfully submitted,
__________________________
Suzanne M. Harmon, Secretary