Mohawk Valley Water Authority Minutes
June 19, 2023
Chairman DeLia called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.
Chairman DeLia presided, and Amy Passacantando took the minutes.
Roll Call
Present: Carl Annese, Dennis Bova, Bruce Brodsky, Vincent Coyne, Elis DeLia, George Haskell, Richard Karam and Bette Szesny
Absent: Mark Ford, Frank Mutolo.
Also Present in Boardroom: Patrick Becher, Jim Korfonta, Dan Faldzinski, Phil Tangorra, Anne Milograno, Jim Mack, Geralynn Powers, Sandra Dare and Ken Bobrow, Esq.
Approval of the May 15, 2023 Minutes
Motion made by Mr. Bova to approve the Minutes. Seconded by: Mr. Karam
Vote: (8) Ayes (0) Nays (0) Abstain (2) Absent Motion Carried.
BST 2022 Audit Presentation
Mr. Korfonta introduced Mr. Brendan Kennedy from BST & Co. CPA’s, LLP. Mr. Kennedy met with the audit committee prior to the Board Meeting today and will give a brief overview of the audit for 2022.
Mr. Kennedy stated that all the filing deadlines were met on time. Overall, this was a clean audit from BST. Significant accounting policies were appropriate, no unusual transactions or disagreements with management. There were no difficulties, anything that was asked for, was given to BST and any requests made were substantiated. BST received full cooperation of all the members of the Authority. Overall, a very positive audit from our prospective, things went smoothly, and timelines were met.
DHS-Infrastructure Survey
Mr. Mack stated the CSIA, a division of the Homeland Security will be coming in to do an infrastructure survey the beginning of July.
THM (Trihalomethane) Discussion
Mr. Tangorra discussed the notice of violation we have at the Hanger Rd tank. He explained what THM’s are and how they form. Mr. Tangorra explained that samples of the water are taken quarterly and averaged out yearly. The running average needs to be at 80 PPB or below and we were most recently 83 PPB. Mr. Tangorra is working with the Department of Health regarding sending out the notification to the affected area and discussing how we can rectify this situation. Some of the remedies Mr. Tangorra talked about include a bubbler or aeration system or moving the water faster over time. Also looking at long term capital options as well. This July all 4 filters will be changed out which will help bring the numbers down.
Approval: New Policy on the Rights of Employees
Mrs. Dare informed the Board Members that on December 9, 2022, Governor Hochul signed a law that expanded protections for breastfeeding mothers. The law went into effect on June 7, 2023. NYSDOL has developed a model policy and MVWA has adopted this model policy.
Motion made by Mr. Brodsky to approve the new policy. Seconded by: Mr. Karam
Vote: (8) Ayes (0) Nays (0) Abstain (2) Absent Motion Carried.
Committee Reports
May Finance Report
Mr. Korfonta stated that consumption is down almost 9%, partially due to Wolfspeed. They may be recycling water. We will be looking into that. Revenue is down about $600K for the year compared to the budget. However, cash flow is good.
Mr. Becher stated that there was an internal meeting to discuss the budget and ways to cut costs of $500-700K.
Executive Director’s Report
Mr. Becher stated that the Hinckley Reservoir is low from the dry weather. The Canal Corp is running release rates at the minimum of 200 CFS. Over the last few days there has been a good inflow of water. Currently we are about 7 feet below average.
Executive Session
Chairman DeLia asked for a motion to go into Executive Session at 5:28PM to discuss the update of possible litigation and also a discussion of the bargaining agreement.
Motion made by Mr. Bova to go into Executive Session. Seconded by Mr. Coyne.
Vote: (8) Ayes (0) Nays (0) Abstain (2) Absent Motion Carried.
Went into Executive Session at 5:31PM.
Motion made to come out of Executive Session by Mr. Coyne. Seconded by Mr. Brodsky.
Vote: (8) Ayes (0) Nays (0) Abstain (2) Absent Motion Carried.
Came out of Executive Session at 6:10PM
In Executive Session the Board approved an MOU with the MEA to adjust the salary for the Water Maintenance Manager title because the requirement for a PE license was removed.
Motion made by Mr. Annese to approve the agreement. Seconded by Mr. Karam.
Vote: (8) Ayes (0) Nays (0) Abstain (2) Absent Motion Carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:10PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Passacantando, Secretary
Mohawk Valley Water Authority