CALL TO ORDER

Chairperson Diehl called the Regular Session Meeting of the Water and Sewer Advisory Commission to order at 6:10 p.m. at the Washington County Water and Sewer Department Administration Office, 16232 Elliott Parkway, Williamsport, Maryland.

ATTENDANCE

A quorum was present including: Chairperson Christopher Diehl, Secretary Michael Armel, Commissioner Gordon Crabb, Commissioner Bonnie Parks, Commissioner Steve Klick, Gregory Murray, Director of Water and Sewer and Jamie Calandrelle, Office Associate IV. Absent: Vice-Chairperson Glenn Fishack, Commissioner Ed Renn, County Commissioner William Wivell (Attachment #1)

READING, CORRECTION AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Regular Session Minutes - March 23, 2000
Motion moved by Commissioner Parks, seconded by Secretary Armel to postpone approval of minutes to the next advisory commission meeting scheduled May 11, 2000.
Unanimously approved.

CITIZEN PARTICIPATION

None. (Attachment #2)

ADVISORY COMMISSION COMMENTS

Schedule of Advisory Commission Meetings - It was decided among the advisory commission members present that the meeting schedule dates would remain the same. It was discussed to designate a scheduled meeting as a workshop session to concentrate on a specific topic starting in June, 2000 and alternating every other month thru September, 2000. Listed below is the summer schedule.
    Advisory Commission Summer Schedule
May - A.C. Meeting - Designate topic for June Workshop Session
June - A.C. Meeting/Workshop Session
July-A.C. Meeting - Designate topic for August Workshop Session
August-A.C. Meeting/Workshop Session
September-A.C. Meeting

Commissioner Crabb stated he reviewed the information provided to him regarding the closure of the Nicodemus Plant. He recommended the Nicodemus Plant be the topic of discussion at the Workshop Session to be scheduled in June 8, 2000. Discussion followed.

Secretary Armel inquired about the approved budget including the labor cost. Director Murray advised that the FY2001 labor costs were $2,000 lower than FY2000 due to the reclassifications that were proposed by Director Murray and endorsed by this advisory commission. To project the revenue requirements, the rate model projects labor increases of 4% per year; prior years are entered in the model as actual costs. Director Murray stated he would provide a copy of the final budget to Secretary Armel.

Secretary Armel presented the Advisory Commission with a letter addressed to Senator Mikulski and Senator Sarbanes in reference to the Advisory Commission supporting the Board of County Commissioners in their request for assistance with the water and sewer debt. After discussion it was agreed upon all to send the letter. (Attachment # 3)

Secretary Armel stated an organization called Environmental and Energy Study Institute presented a forum on 3/24/00 CSPAN2 and the topic was entitled "Water Infrastructure and Urban Development and the Clean Water Act." Director Murray was requested to inquire as to acquiring "documents" indicated as being available (e.g. CSPAN2 tape; EPA official's "Papers" and slide presentation; other "papers"). One aspect of discussion was the need for federal investment (e.g. grants) in water and sewer Discussion followed.

Commissioner Klick inquired about an article in the Herald Mail in reference to automated meter readings. Director Murray stated the Water and Sewer Department purchased automated meter readers from Panhandle Pipe. That information after it is received is then downloaded into our software for billing purposes.

Commissioner Parks stated at the Board of County Commissioners Meeting held April 11, 2000 a Maugansville property owner, Joyce Dunn, voiced her concern regarding the sewage backup in her area. Director Murray stated the Department has researched her concern and has been in contact with Ms. Dunn. He also stated the inflow and infiltration problem appeared after heavy rains. Commissioner Parks stated Maugansville Elementary School also has concerns while using their dishwasher. Discussion continued.

Commissioner Crabb inquired about the House Bill 1417. Director Murray stated that information could also be found on the Maryland General Assembly web site. He also stated House Bill 1417 to date has not been signed. Discussion followed.

Commissioner Crabb inquired about the use and revenue of the water towers. Director
Murray stated the revenue for use of the water towers is $14,480.00 Discussion followed.

DIRECTOR COMMENTS

Project & Summary Report - April 13, 2000 (Attachment #4) - Director Murray reviewed the entire packet. He stated the Mapping/I&I (Inflow and Infiltration) is 50% complete. He also referred to the Elk Ridge Water Tank which is in the designing stages.

Director Murray also stated in reference to the BNR Upgrade at Conococheague WWTP the water use and appropriation permit has not been received from the Maryland Department of the Environment. He also referenced the Citicorp-Highfield Chemical Tanks project which will save in chemical costs approximately $27,000 per year. Discussion followed.

Director Murray also commented on the City-County Connector Force Main project. Currently ownership of the title of the water line is an issue and is being researched. Discussion followed.

Director Murray stated all employees received a copy of the letter of appreciation from the Advisory Commission at the employee meeting held last Friday, April 7, 2000. (Attachment #5)

Director Murray distributed a copy of site plan of Nicodemus Wastewater Plant for their review. Discussion followed. (Attachment #6)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

None.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion made by Commissioner Parks, seconded by Secretary Armel to adjourn at 8:35 p.m.
Unanimously approved.

NEXT ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING: MAY 11, 2000
 

Respectfully submitted by:
____________________________    Date: _______________________________
Jamie L. Calandrelle,
Office Associate IV

Reviewed by:
_____________________________    ___________________________________
Gregory B. Murray, Director        Michael V. Armel,
Water and Sewer Operations        Advisory Commission Secretary
Date: ________________________ Date: ______________________________