Mohawk Valley Water Authority Minutes
April 18, 2016
Chairman DeLia called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call
Present: Rocco Arcuri, Denny Bova, Bruce Brodsky, Vincent Coyne, Mark Ford, Eric Kane, Richard Karam, Frank Mutolo and Bette Szesny. Absent: Elis DeLia and Scott Mahardy. Also Present: Richard Goodney, Phil Tangorra, Jim Korfonta, Anne Milograno and Ken Bobrow, Esq.
The Board is down one member.
Chairman DeLia presided and Suzanne Harmon took the minutes.
Approval of the March 21, 2016 Minutes
Motion made by Mr. Arcuri to approve the minutes. Seconded by: Mr. Mutolo
Vote: (9) Ayes (0) Nays (0) Abstain (2) Absent Motion Carried
Resolution: Establishing the MVWA as “Lead Agency” Pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act Relative to the West Canada Creek Bank Erosion Repairs
Pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act the Authority caused to be prepared Part 1 of a Short Environmental Assessment for dated March 3, 2016 for the project. The EAF having been reviewed by the Authority was deemed adequate and accurate relative to the project. The Authority identified identified the NYS DEC as a SEQRA involved agency relative to the project. No involved agency objected to the establishment of the Authority as Lead Agency to the project. The Authority now desires to establish itself Lead Agency.
Motion made by Mr. Ford to approve the resolution. Seconded by: Mr. Coyne
Vote: (9) Ayes (0) Nays (0) Abstain (2) Absent Motion Carried.
Resolution: Issuing “Negative Declaration” Pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act Relative to the West Canada Creek Bank Erosion Repairs Project
At the meeting held April 18, 2016 the Authority established itself Lead Agency with respect to the project in accordance with the SEQRA regulations. The Executive Director of the Authority is hereby directed to file a “Negative Declaration” with respect to the project in the main office of the Authority and to provide a copy of the “Negative Declaration” to all involved and interested agencies.
Motion made by Mr. Karam to approve the resolution. Seconded by: Mr.Mutolo
Vote: (9) Ayes (0) Nays (0) Abstain (2) Absent Motion Carried.
Committee Reports
Finance: Mr. Korfonta stated that water sales were up $100,000 compared to budget. Consumption is up approximately 1% from the prior year. Cash flow is down due to liability and workers compensation payments. Receivables are consistent with last year at this time.
Executive Director’s Report
- Mr. Becher stated that last fall we held a branding workshop with the Paige Group. There were approximately 20 employees who participated in the workshop. We discussed ways to improve our public relations and tell our story to the public and let them know ways they can interact with the Water Authority. Tomorrow morning at 10 AM there will be a follow-up meeting and all Board members are welcome.
- At last month’s Board meeting we discussed three resolutions regarding water charges on County, City owned and residential structures that were voted on every April. They had to do with waiving back water bills on properties offered by municipalities. Last week we had a meeting with the City attorney and a staffer to discuss the resolutions and we concluded that these resolutions are not necessary. Once the City forecloses on a property the title first goes to the City and the first thing they do is wipe out all taxes and the delinquent water bill. Next month we will bring one resolution back to the Board to authorize a new process.
- The MVWA closed on bonds last fall due to the fact that interest rates were low and the MVWA generated some savings. There were some 2006 bonds that were not eligible at that time because they were not recallable until January 2016. The MVWA’s financial advisor has stated that those 2006 Bonds are worth re-financing.
There is a certain amount that the MVWA has to have in reserves and there is money in that fund that needs to be used for Capital expenditures over a year to two. A pipe bridge at the Water Treatment Plant needs to be replaced at a cost of $3.4 million dollars. Mr. Becher would like to have a joint meeting with the Finance and Capital Projects committees to present the projects and unexpected expenses that have come up. Then this will come back to the Board for full discussion.
Mr. Coyne asked if the training requirements have been abolished for Board members. The answer is no and Suzanne will get that information to new Board members.
Mr. Coyne also stated that it would be nice to have a tour of the Treatment Plant for all new Board members and stated that it is a worthwhile tour. Anyone interested please contact Suzanne.
Meeting was adjourned at 5:29 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
__________________________
Suzanne M. Harmon, Secretary
Mohawk Valley Water Authority