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Mohawk Valley Water Authority Minutes

September 19, 2016

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Chairman DeLia called the meeting to order at 5:01 PM and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call

Present: Bruce Brodsky, Vincent Coyne, Elis DeLia, Eric Kane, Richard Karam, Frank Mutolo and Bette Szesny. Also Present: Richard Goodney, Phil Tangorra, Jim Korfonta, and Ken Bobrow, Esq.

Mark Ford arrived at 5:03 PM after the approval of the minutes.

The Board is down two members.

Chairman DeLia presided and Suzanne Harmon took the minutes.

Approval of the August 15, 2016 Minutes

Motion made by Mr. Mutolo to approve the minutes. Seconded by: Mr. Brodsky
Vote: (7) Ayes (0) Nays (0) Abstain (3) Absent Motion Carried.

Discussion and Approval of Communication Plan

There was an Executive Committee meeting recently. Mr. Becher had a handout on the Use of Debt Service Funds that were freed up last year. They should be used within a year to avoid tax consequences. The debt service reserve funds freed up from prior refunding, which is not in the Repair and Improvement Fund is $2,050,000. The FY 2016 cash capital spending is $550,000 and FY 2017 cash capital spending is $650,000 totaling $1,200,000. One of the items in the unbudgeted/unanticipated proposed spending is branding communications program of $40,000. Paige held two workshops with employees and a couple of Board members regarding rebranding and updates to the MVWA website. The Paige Group gave the MVWA a proposal of $53,000. Mr. Brodsky is in favor of the proposal. Chairman DeLia asked if Mr. Becher had the power point presentation to present to the Board, he did not but will make sure that the Board members receive it.

Motion made by Mr. Brodsky to approve the proposal. Seconded by: Mr. Coyne
Vote: (8) Ayes (0) Nays (0) Abstain (2) Absent Motion Carried.

Committee Reports

Finance: Mr. Korfonta stated that the there was a Budget Workshop. Mr. Brodsky stated that the proposed budget required a 1.00% increase in water rates. 1.00% on water rates equals $207,000. There is a consideration of an additional $100,000 as protection. There will be a reduction in consumption and the MVWA rate consultant will argue that the MVWA should have protection. There will be no change in the table of organization. Mr. Becher is proposing that a reduction of one meter reader go to a Safety Specialist position. The revenue, overall expenses, debt service and other operating expenses is attached as Budget Highlights.

Mr. Korfonta stated that consumption is down and revenue is above budget. Cash flow is favorable in anticipation of the retirement payment due in December and insurance payments due in January.

Executive Director’s Report

• Mr. Becher stated that they had a kickoff meeting with the Teamsters regarding contract negotiations which expires December 31, 2016. They presented general items of discussion and the big issue will be health insurance. Mr. Becher is waiting for them to give him more information on those costs. The goal is to have a plan in place by 12/31/16.
• Mr. Becher stated that there was another incident at the Water Treatment Plant. On September 10, 2016 at 1:30 AM a process alarm notified staff of a problem. The primary computer that controls flows, valves and levels with the treatment plant failed. While the system was being corrected, filtered turbidity levels rose to a maximum value of 4.4 NTU. Levels remained >1, the maximum allowable level, for approximately 75 minutes before returning to allowable levels. The water with elevated turbidity never entered the distribution system. The main control computer was fully operational by 11:30 AM. During this time, the chlorine dose was increased to enhance the disinfection process. Bacteriological samples were collected from the entry point and from several sites within the distribution system. Those samples were all negative, free from contamination. Additionally, data from monitoring stations within the system are indicative of proper disinfection and public health protection. A notice will be in the Utica OD notifying the MVWA customers.

Meeting was adjourned at 5:27 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

__________________________

Suzanne M. Harmon, Secretary
Mohawk Valley Water Authority