Mohawk Valley Water Authority Minutes
August 28, 2023
Chairman DeLia called the meeting to order at 12:00 PM.
Chairman DeLia presided, and Amy Passacantando took the minutes.
Roll Call
Present: Carl Annese, Bruce Brodsky, Vincent Coyne, Elis DeLia, Mark Ford, Richard Karam and Bette Szesny
Absent: Dennis Bova, George Haskell, Frank Mutolo.
Also Present in Boardroom: Patrick Becher, Jim Korfonta, Dan Faldzinski, Phil Tangorra, and Ken Bobrow, Esq.
Approval of the July 17, 2023 Minutes
Motion made by Mr. Ford to approve the Minutes. Seconded by: Mr. Annese
Vote: (7) Ayes (0) Nays (0) Abstain (3) Absent Motion Carried.
Resolution: Release of Easement on State Route 12
The easement was originally given for the purpose of creating a diversion of water, however the project was abandoned in 1917. Humphrey Farms has asked for the easement to be released/extinguished.
Motion made by Mr. Coyne to approve the Resolution. Seconded by: Mr. Karam
Vote: (7) Ayes (0) Nays (0) Abstain (3) Absent Motion Carried
Resolution: Award of Contract for Gilbert Rd Tank Demolition
Mr. Becher stated that the storage tank was emptied and is slated for demolition, however last year some of the paint began flaking off and was getting into backyards. We did some environmental clean-up and short-term remediation. Now with Mr. Faldzinski on board it has been put out to bid and is scheduled for demolition. The low bidder was Ritter & Paratore Contracting Inc. in the amount of $268,000. to be paid out of IMF funds.
Motion made by Mr. Annese to approve the Resolution. Seconded by: Mr. Brodsky
Vote: (7) Ayes (0) Nays (0) Abstain (3) Absent Motion Carried
Resolution: Award of Contract for Valley View Generator Replacement
Mr. Faldzinski stated that this award of contract is to replace the emergency generator that serves the Valley View Pump Station at 198 Valley View Rd, New Hartford. The existing generator has been out of service for more than 6 months and we have been renting a generator monthly. There were 3 bids, and the low bid was Oneida Electrical Contractors, Inc. in the amount of $118,000.
Motion made by Mr. Brodsky to approve the Resolution. Seconded by: Mr. Karam
Vote: (7) Ayes (0) Nays (0) Abstain (3) Absent Motion Carried
Revision and Re-authorization of the FMLA Policy
Mr. Becher stated that the revised policy reflects federal updates that have been made to the FMLA Policy.
Motion made by Mr. Ford to approve the updated policy. Seconded by: Ms. Szesny
Vote: (7) Ayes (0) Nays (0) Abstain (3) Absent Motion Carried
Committee Reports
July Finance Report
Consumption is down 7.4%, water sales are down about $700,000. Also, there is a reduction in cash flow, however we are still positive. There have been additional cuts made to the budget.
Budget calendars were handed out to the Board Members. We are on track with only 1 more department meeting tomorrow. Budgets will be reviewed and there will be a budget workshop in September.
Executive Director’s Report
- Mr. Becher wanted to let the Board Members know that we recently had an employee retire. Chris Carmody worked in the Engineering Department and had been here for 27 years. We wish him well in his retirement. We will be posting this position.
A new employee started in our engineering department on August 7th. His name is Kristofer Downes and will be filling the position of Assistant Engineer. Also, we have a new employee starting tomorrow (August 29th). Jeremy Fennell will be filling the position for Senior Engineer. At this time, we are almost fully staffed now.
- Mr. Becher said that he and Mrs. Milograno had a couple of virtual calls with representatives from Congressman Brandon Williams’ Office, and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik’s Office regarding the LIHWAP program that is set to expire soon. AMWA is trying to get the LIHWAP program extended and re-funded.
- There was a press conference held at MVWA recently on Lead Service Lines. In attendance was State Senator Joe Griffo, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, and Assemblyman Brian Miller. Each of them brought letters of support because we will be applying through the Environmental Facilities Corp. for funding to help absorb some of the costs that we will incur over the next year to try to develop a lead service line inventory that needs to be turned in by next October.
- Hinckley Reservoir is at a very good level for this time of the year.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:24PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Passacantando, Secretary
Mohawk Valley Water Authority