Mohawk Valley Water Authority Minutes
February 27, 2017
Chairman DeLia called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call
Present: Rocco Arcuri, Dennis Bova, Bruce Brodsky, Vincent Coyne, Elis DeLia, Mark Ford, Eric Kane, Richard Karam, Frank Mutolo and Bette Szesny. Absent: David Corr and John Wallace. Also Present: Richard Goodney, Phil Tangorra, Anne Milograno, Jim Korfonta, Scott Gorgas, Greg Santry and Ken Bobrow, Esq.
Chairman DeLia presided and Suzanne Harmon took the minutes.
Chairman DeLia announced that the Board has two new members. John Wallace from the Town of Frankfort and David Corr from the Village of New Hartford.
Approval of the December 19, 2016 Minutes
Motion made by Ms. Szesny to approve the minutes. Seconded by: Mr. Arcuri.
Vote: (10) Ayes (0) Nays (0) Abstain (2) Absent Motion Carried.
Election of Officers
Mr. Coyne moved to make a slate of nominations as presented: Elis DeLia for re-election to the Chairman position, Bruce Brodsky to the Vice-Chairman position, Rocco Arcuri to the Treasurer position and Suzanne Harmon to the Secretary position. Seconded by: Ms. Szesny.
Vote: (10) Ayes (0) Nays (0) Abstain (2) Absent Motion Carried.
Resolution: Award of Contract for Large Valve Replacements for Utica and Yorkville
The Board’s Capital Improvement plan calls for replacement of several large water valves, fittings and short sections of connecting water mains in two locations in the Regional Water System. Bids were received from eight general contractors of which Jablonski Excavating, St. Johnsville, NY in the amount of $78,000.00 was the lowest bid and is within budget. They will complete the work under this contract by June 1, 2017.
Motion was made by Mr. Coyne to approve. Seconded by: Mr. Bova.
Vote: (10) Ayes (0) Nays (0) Abstain (2) Absent Motion Carried.
Approval: Verizon Cellular Lease of Wilcox Road Tank Sites
The Wilcox Road water tank is located in the Town of Whitestown and is approximately 110’ tall. The tank was lifted 40’ 15 years ago and was painted at that time. For several months Verizon and MVWA Engineering and Board Counsel Ken Bobrow have been discussing the potential for Verizon to utilize the tank for cell antennae. The MVWA has been reviewing the engineering and operational issues negotiating the lease conditions. Mr. Bobrow has indicated the latest lease terms are acceptable and is for a three year term. Financially the MVWA will benefit from an initial payment of $2,500 and $13,700 per year annual rent.
The Board needs to authorize the Executive Director to sign the lease on behalf of the MVWA.
Motion was made by Mr. Ford to approve. Seconded by: Mr. Mutolo.
Vote: (10) Ayes (0) Nays (0) Abstain (2) Absent Motion Carried.
Approval: Service Agreement with Yorkville for Sewer Charges
The Village of Yorkville has formed a village sewer district and a substantial number of sewer users with the Village are also consumers of water furnished by the Authority. The Authority already has the facilities, meters, equipment, administrative organization and offices for the administration, billing and collection of charges for water service. The Village, jointly with the Authority, will designate on or before the 5th day of January 2017 the meter water service accounts of the Authority which thereafter, under the rules and regulations of the Authority shall be billed for sewer services. The Village shall pay to the Authority for the services it renders under this Agreement at a rate of $1.20 per bill quarterly. The annual charge to the Village shall be reviewed annually. This Agreement shall cover a 1 year period from the effective date of this Agreement and shall be self-renewing for periods of 1 year thereafter unless cancelled by not less than 180 days written notice by either party.
Motion was made by Mr. Brodsky to approve. Seconded by: Mr. Karam.
Vote: (10) Ayes (0) Nays (0) Abstain (2) Absent Motion Carried.
Committee Reports
Finance: Mr. Korfonta stated that consumption is down and revenue is consistent with the budget. The Workers Compensation Insurance was due at the beginning of the year so cash flow will start to go up again.
Executive Director’s Report
- Mr. Becher stated that there is a punch list for vehicles needed at the MVWA. Mr. Becher would like the Board to think about how they want to finance these vehicles either by lease or purchase. If the MVWA leases vehicles it will be considered debt which was discussed with the MVWA Bond Counsel. As of now, there is a temporary hold on purchasing the vehicles. Chairman DeLia stated that this will go to the Finance Committee to take a look at all the options and the committee will report back to the Board.
Old Business
Mr. Bova asked about hydrants and GPS – there was a brief discussion on hydrants and the Utica Fire Departments data and mapping needs.
Mr. Bova asked why the MVWA recordings of the last few Board meetings were not on Time Warner Cable. Chairman DeLia stated that we would look into it.
Chairman DeLia made a motion to go into Executive Session at 5:32 PM to discuss the Union Contract. Seconded by: Mr. Coyne.
Vote: (10) Ayes (0) Nays (0) Abstain (2) Absent Motion Carried.
Motion made by Chairman DeLia to come out of Executive Session at 5:46 PM. Seconded by: Mr. Brodsky.
Vote: (10) Ayes (0) Nays (0) Abstain (2) Absent Motion Carried
In Executive Session the Board voted to have Chairman DeLia, Patrick Becher and Greg Santry sign the 4 year Union Contract.
Motion made by Mr. Arcuri. Seconded by: Mr. Mutolo.
Vote: (10) Ayes (0) Nays (0) Abstain (2) Absent Motion Carried.
Meeting was adjourned at 5:46 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
__________________________
Suzanne M. Harmon, Secretary
Mohawk Valley Water Authority