PORT EWEN WATER & SEWER BOARD MEETING
APRIL 12, 2011
The regular monthly meeting of the Port Ewen Water & Sewer Board was held on Tuesday, April 12, 2011, with the following members in attendance:
Donald Kiernan, Port Ewen Water & Sewer Superintendent
Peter Koelli, Port Ewen Water & Sewer Foreman
Douglas DeKoskie, Chairman
Ronald Phillips
Kevin Rentfrow
Michael Tronolone
Larry VanVliet
Absent was Donna McAuley, Liaison from the Esopus Town Board.
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by chairman Douglas DeKoskie.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY DOUGLAS DEKOSKIE AND SECONDED BY LARRY VANVLIET TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 12, 2011 MEETING. ALL BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED.
Included with this month’s reports is an application and a letter to SEMO from the Esopus Town Supervisor requesting an extension of time to July 30, 2011 to complete the needed repairs to the water treatment plant. Superintendent Kiernan explained to the Board that FEMA will usually grant one extension. The contractor resumed work on the plant on April 12, 2011.
Superintendent Kiernan reported to the Board that a new paint contractor is needed for working at the water treatment plant. Right now sand blasting and priming of seams is taking place. The special paint to be used must be cured for one week before water is added, and also must be tested.
Included in the monthly reports is a draft of the letter to be sent to residents regarding improperly installed sump pumps and also a draft of a notice regarding upcoming smoke testing. Superintendent Kiernan asked the board to let him know if they feel revisions are needed. Some discussion followed. Commissioners were concerned that residents would receive ample notification of the smoke testing in the neighborhoods involved; that the State be notified of this action; that smoke testing would not actually find the improper sump pumps; that there would not be cooperation for inspection and/or re-inspection. Superintendent Kiernan asked the Board if they want him to go ahead.
Superintendent Kiernan notified the Board that this statement would be sent out by May 31, 2011.
These energy-saving devices are due any day now at the water treatment plant, Superintendent Kiernan stated.
Superintendent Kiernan called the Board’s attention to the letter from the DEC. They provided a violation notice and inquired as to what is being done about the inflow and infiltration report and televising sewer lines. Chairman Douglas DeKoskie remarked that we have not exceeded the contract; we are in compliance. Commissioner Kevin Rentfrow commented that, if a reply is sent, it should be stated that we are in compliance with our contract. Superintendent Kiernan will answer this letter, stating this. He will also send a copy of modifications to the inflow and infiltration report.
Superintendent Kiernan drew the Board’s attention to this letter, which requests that our inflow and infiltration report be modified within sixty days and resubmitted. Also mentioned is the letter from the DEC (agenda item number 7). Chairman Douglas DeKoskie clarified that the City of Kingston letter and the DEC letter are separate; again, we are in compliance and have not exceeded our contract. Commissioner Ronald Phillips inquired if a reply is really necessary. Commissioner Michael Tronolone asked if there are any remaining issues regarding televising of sewer lines. Superintendent Kiernan replied that there are no other TV issues; he did not feel a reply to this letter was necessary.
Included with the monthly reports is the bill from the City of Kingston for the second half of 2010. Chairman Douglas DeKoskie stated that documentation from the City of Kingston is needed along with these bills. Detailed expeditures should be provided before we make payment.
Superintendent Kiernan reported to the Board that Fred Cook, Jr., Inc. is interested in doing the smoke testing. His estimate is approximately $4,000.00.
Peter Koelli’s weekly reports are included in this month’s agenda.
Superintendent Kiernan and the Board discussed the pump station at Birches. Attorney Paul Kellar recommended owning the property under the pump station. This would involve mortgage releases and there are legal expenses involved. Chairman Douglas DeKoskie suggested that we could own the pump station, not the property. Commissioner Larry VanVliet asked why not have a permanent easement. It was mentioned that the Town Board approved the Planning Board’s decision that easements are necessary at pump stations. Superintendent Kiernan will contact Paul Kellar in this matter.
Superintendent Kiernan advised the Board that the Port Ewen Fire Department has donated three air packs to the Water and Sewer Department.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY KEVIN RENTFROW AND SECONDED BY RONALD PHILLIPS TO APPROVE THE MONTHLY VOUCHERS FOR PAYMENT. ALL BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY MICHAEL TRONOLONE AND SECONDED BY LARRY VANVLIET TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. ALL BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED. THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:23 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Gloria Meschi, Secretary
Port Ewen Water/Sewer Board