PORT EWEN WATER & SEWER BOARD MEETING
MAY 11, 2010

The regular monthly meeting of the Port Ewen Water & Sewer Board was held on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 with the following members present:

          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

The meeting was called to order by acting Chairman Ronald Phillips.

  1. MOTION TO ACCEPT MINUTES OF APRIL 13, 2010

A MOTION WAS MADE BY RONALD PHILLIPS AND SECONDED BY LARRY VANVLIET TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 13, 2010 MEETING.  ALL BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION.  MOTION CARRIED.

  1. BIRCHES – BLOCK HEATER INSTALLED AND EASEMENTS/LEGAL

Superintendent Kiernan advised the board that the generator was inspected by Southworth Milton, and the block heater has been installed correctly.  After Superintendent Kiernan stated that the power supply to the block heater is questionable—an extension cord was run to the circuit breaker panel—commissioner Larry VanVliet asked if the power supply will be within the easement right-of-way.  Superintendent Kiernan said that yes, it would be.  The easements will be held up because there are three or four mortgages on the property.  The federal and state governments are involved in the mortgage releases.  Commissioner Kevin Rentfrow inquired if there is room in the breaker boxes, to which Superintendent Kiernan and Foreman Koelli replied yes.  Commissioner Michael Tronolone asked if there is a deadline date.  Superintendent Kiernan responded that the Town Board did not set a deadline date; he will notify this board of progress on Birches.

  1. LEACHATE LETTER

Superintendent Kiernan notified the board that a letter was sent to the Mayor of the City of Kingston and all Aldermen on April 19, 2010.  No reply has been received.  The Town of Esopus is asking for our share of these leachate revenues, which was $17,000.00 for the year 2009 alone.  Commissioner Ronald Phillips speculated if the Town of Esopus would be in a breach of contract if we do not pay.  Superintendent Kiernan replied yes, we would.

  1. SIDEWALK REPAIRS

Superintendent Kiernan stated that Patrick Donohue Construction did an excellent job on sidewalk repairs.  Some discussion took place regarding the repair work near Stewart’s; Superintendent Kiernan will call to get a price on asphalt work.

  1. FRED COOK – TV SEWER LINES

CITY OF KINGSTON REVIEW I & I REPORT

Superintendent Kiernan advised the board that the sewer lines on Clay Road, Lindorf Street and Rogers Street were televised.  There were just a few small problems.  Neither the final report nor the bill has been received as yet.  Commissioner Kevin Rentfrow was concerned about drafting a letter to customers explaining that the Town of Esopus treats our sewer water, so if rain water from sump pumps adds to water used, the cost goes up.  Regarding the review of the Inflow & Infiltration Report:  Superintendent Kiernan just received comments in today’s mail.

  1. SAFECO – QUOTE

Superintendent Kiernan gave the board the quote of $795.00 from Safeco, a one-time charge.  This is similar to Lifeline, but would go through our alarm system.  Discussion followed about whether or not the employees would use the equipment, notifying Safeco when the employee is logged on or off, how many hours an employee is alone, and Safeco’s servicing of the equipment.  The board asked Superintendent Kiernan to speak with the employees about this matter, which he will do.

  1. SUMP PUMP LETTER

Superintendent Kiernan advised the board that he is still working on this letter.  Chairman Douglas DeKoskie had several suggestions:  Inform the residents that the action being taken is mandated by the City of Kingston; cite the code that is being violated by having an illegal sump pump; make a site visit as a good neighbor gesture and give advice; offer to check the sewer lines for the residents who have been identified.  Commissioner Michael Tronolone pointed out that sump pump violators add to the inflow.

  1. DYNO

Superintendent Kiernan informed the board that there will be no more manufacturing at the Dyno Nobel plant.  They have just paid $27,000.00 owed and sent a letter to the town.  Commissioner Ronald Phillips asked how much waste water Dyno generates; Superintendent Kiernan replied about five million gallons every three months.  Mr. Phillips mentioned the idea of selling leachate ourselves; it could be another source of income.  Michael Tronolone inquired about Dyno taking water from their own wells; Superintendent Kiernan replied that they are allowed to take fifty thousand gallons per day from their own wells.

  1. FEMA/SEMO – PLANS SUBMITTED

Superintendent Kiernan reported that plans for drainage work and clarifier work were submitted three weeks ago.  Before drainage work begins, SEMO must give approval.

  1. PAYMENT OF VOUCHERS

A MOTION WAS MADE BY RONALD PHILLIPS AND SECONDED BY KEVIN RENTFROW TO APPROVE THE MONTHLY VOUCHERS FOR PAYMENT.  ALL BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION.  MOTION CARRIED.

  1. MISCELLANEOUS
        1. Superintendent Kiernan followed up with the outcome of the sewage backup in a house at the corner of Marys Avenue and James Street in Connelly.  The homeowner’s insurance company denied their claim.  Our insurance company may also deny the claim.  Michael Tronolone asked if this situation has happened before; Superintendent Kiernan replied yes.
        2. Commissioner Kevin Rentfrow inquired about the monthly test results for cryptosporidium and giardia.  Superintendent Kiernan replied that the test results are coming back fine.
  1. ADJOURNMENT

A MOTION WAS MADE BY MICHAEL TRONOLONE AND SECONDED BY KEVIN RENTFROW TO ADJOURN THE MEETING.  ALL BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION.  MOTION CARRIED.  THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:32 PM.

                                             Respectfully submitted,

                                             Gloria Meschi, Secretary, Port Ewen Water/Sewer Board