Mohawk Valley Water Authority – September 21, 2009

Chairman DeLia called the meeting to order at 5:02 PM and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call: Present: Rocco Arcuri, Elis DeLia, George Gaston, Don Ryan, A. Eugene Snyder, Bette Szesny, Frank Trevisani and Michael Wicks. Mr. Coyne arrived at 5:15 during agenda item #4. Mr. Price arrived at 5:05 after approval of the minutes. Absent: Mr. Brodsky and Mr. Wallace. Also Present: Edward Earl, James Korfonta, Dick Goodney, Lis DeGironimo, Connie Schreppel, Donald Weimer and Bill Barry.

Chairman DeLia presided and Suzanne Harmon took the minutes.

Approval of the August 17, 2009 Minutes:

Motion made by Mr. Trevisani to approve the minutes. Seconded by: Ms. Szesny

Vote: (8) Ayes (0) Nays (0) Abstain (4) Absent

Motion Carried.

Presentation: GIS/Electronic Mapping & Hydraulic Modeling – Part 2

Ms. DeGironimo stated that the MVWA technology goals for water distribution are to: improve system operation and management, capture institutional knowledge, improve capital planning process; and provide timely, accurate system information. Three important technology tools used are SCADA, GIS and hydraulic modeling. Current hydraulic modeling capabilities at the MVWA include: determining water age, flow directions, and system capacities and constraints; running system planning scenarios; quantifying system demands; and developing pressure contours. The next steps for the modeling effort are to continue to refine and correct the model, and to fully integrate the model into the capital planning process. In the future, the MVWA staff would like to: develop a one-to-one correspondence with GIS features; incorporate real-time SCADA and consumption data which would allow the model to be run in real-time; perform valve criticality modeling; and develop a system-wide unidirectional flushing plan.

Review and Approval of Bridgewater Contract

Mr. Becher stated that the village of Bridgewater has created a municipal water supply and will be responsible for the construction, operation and maintenance of a municipal water system and appurtenances located in the village. The MVWA is empowered under the Public Authorities Law to enter into cooperative agreements with municipalities for the provision of water facility services to municipalities within the MVWA service area. The Village will install meters for customers using radio interface meters. The water meters will include an outside wireless radio modem that will be read by MVWA meter readers, once per quarter, via a mobile radio “drive-by” data collection system, purchased, owned and operated by MVWA. The MVWA will print and mail bills to the Village customers. Payments will be directed to a bank lockbox provided by MVWA’s bank. The Village shall pay an annual fee of $3,400.00 for the services.

Motion made with amendment to paragraph # 16, take out “to cancel the same” and add “not to re-new” by: Mr. Coyne Seconded by: Mr. Trevisani

Vote: (10) Ayes (0) Nays (0) Abstain (2) Absent Motion Carried.

Mr. Snyder made a motion for a Resolution to do a cost analysis at the end of the first year’s Bridgewater Contract. Seconded by: Ms. Szesny

Vote: (10) Ayes (0) Nays (0) Abstain (2) Absent Motion Carried.

Committee Reports:

Capital Projects: Mr. DeLia stated that the committee did not meet this month due to a lack of agenda items.

Budget and Finance: Mr. Arcuri stated that the committee did not meet this month.

Mr. Korfonta stated that consumption is down and he will continue to monitor that. Revenue is still on track. Mr. Korfonta will be calling the Municipal and Financial Services Group to review the rate model. Mr. Coyne would like them to come to a board meeting and give a presentation on the rate model.

Personnel Committee: Mr. Ryan stated that the committee did not meet this month.

Operations: Mr. Price stated that the committee did not meet this month.

Executive Director’s Report:

• On September 4 the Finance Authority met and retained O’Brien & Gere as a consultant to do an evaluation of the MVWA water system.
• On September 3 the oral arguments were heard and the Judge did not rule from the bench that day.
• On August 19 Mr. Becher had a meeting with the Canal Corporation and the Thruway Authority in Albany. The purpose of the meeting was to share information regarding the practice of deviation. The Canal Corporation is being represented by a new attorney, Tim Mulvey.
• There was a Stakeholder meeting held last week at Mr. Picente’s office with town supervisors, users of the water system, the River Keepers and Trout Unlimited; along with others to discuss what everyone’s interests are and see if there is a way to manage the reservoir for everyone’s needs. Mr. Becher will be writing a report on this meeting and there will be another meeting scheduled soon.
• The automated meter reading project is still being looked at due to financing. Three major meter companies are interfaced and partner with leasing companies. Mr. Gassner and Mr. Becher will bring a business case to the Board at the October meeting with a detailed presentation.
• Mr. Goodney and Mr. Becher will be traveling to Watertown to meet with the DEC on Thursday, 9/24 regarding the 4 town permits and try to get that back on track. The Canal Corporation stated they had no problem reactivating those permits and are willing to move forward with the permits.
• An open house will be held at the new Deerfield Reservoir 10 MG tank on Wednesday, 9/23 from 11:00AM-1:00PM located at 5780 Trenton Road, Deerfield. Lunch will be served.

Old Business:

Ms. Szesny stated that the draft By-Laws were discussed at the By-Laws Committee meeting this month. The purpose of the meeting was to establish policies as required for the effective and efficient operation of the Authority. Also, establishing the agenda and the role of the Treasurer and Comptroller.

A motion was made by Mr. Coyne to take out the wording in number 3.7 under Meeting Agenda and replace it with one sentence to read “The Chairman will establish the agenda for all meetings.” Seconded by Mr. Arcuri.

Vote: (10) Ayes (0) Nays (0) Abstain (2) Absent Motion Carried.

Attorney Ted Earl stated that the By-Laws can be amended at any time by a vote of 7 members.

Mr. Coyne asked about the Public Authorities training that will be held in Syracuse in October. Suzanne Harmon will look into it and get back to any Board members that need to attend.

Mr. Coyne moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Mr. Ryan.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:26PM.

Respectfully submitted,

__________________________

Suzanne M. Harmon, Secretary

Mohawk Valley Water Authority