CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Scheer called the Regular Session Meeting of the Water and Sewer Advisory Commission to order at 6:08 p.m. at the Washington County Water and Sewer Department Administration Office, 16232 Elliott Parkway, Williamsport, Maryland.
ATTENDANCE
A quorum was present including: Chairperson Clarence Scheer, Vice-Chairperson Christopher Diehl, Commissioner Bonnie Parks, Commissioner Ed Renn, Commissioner Glenn Fishack, Secretary Michael Armel, Gregory Murray, Director of Water & Sewer Operations, County Commissioner William Wivell, Greg Larsen, Marketing Coordinator, and Jamie Calandrelle, Office Associate. Commissioner Gordon Crabb was absent.
READING, CORRECTION AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Regular Session Minutes - April 8, 1999
Motion made by Commissioner Armel, seconded by Commissioner Parks to approve the minutes as submitted.
Unanimously approved.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
See attached. (Attachment #1)
ADVISORY COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Chairperson Scheer inquired about the Board of County Commissioners minutes regarding the last Budget Workshop Water and Sewer Financial Projection. (Attachment #6) He offered his appreciation of the endeavors of the Advisory Commission members and of the Water and Sewer Department Staff and commented on the key issues and challenges facing this Advisory Commission and the BOCC. Mr. Wivell offered words of appreciation for the efforts of Mr. Scheer and the Advisory Commission.
As follow-up to the Advisory Commission action at its April 8, 1999 meeting, Secretary Armel prepared and submitted the letter dated April 9, 1999 from the Advisory Commission to the Board of County Commissioners along with "A Proposal for Rates for Full Service Customers - April 8, 1999" (Attachment #2); copies were provided to the Advisory Commissioners and staff.
Secretary Armel also provided a package of informational sheets: a table, Proposed FY 2000 Rate Structure for Full Service Customers, 1 page, 4/9/99 and Points of Discussion - Proposed Rate Structures for Water and Sewer by Water and Sewer Advisory Commission, 3 pages, 4/9/99 (Attachment #4); Sewer Rates - Examples, 1 page, 4/13/99 (Attachment #3). Mr. Armel attended the 4/13/99 Board of County Commissioners Meeting session on FY 2000 water and sewer rates decision, at which, upon request, he distributed copies of these information sheets to the County Commissioners and their staff.
Commissioner Fishack cited the issues currently facing the development of Fort Ritchie; discussion followed.
DIRECTORS COMMENTS
Budget Summary Report - As of 4/30/99 (Attachment #5) - Director Murray discussed the budget summary which stated the general fund revenue is at 89%, the water fund revenue is at 96.2% and the sewer fund revenue is at 82.4%. Discussion followed.
Director Murray stated that the Board of County Commissioners would like to set a meeting date for a Joint Meeting. It was suggested that June 1, 1999 at 4:00 p.m. be their first choice and June 8, 1999 at 4:00 p.m. be second choice.
Project Status Reports - (Attachment #7) Director Murray reviewed the entire packet explaining the budgeted amounts, expended to date and current status on various projects. Discussion followed.
The Infiltration/Inflow project will be added to future reports; extended drought conditions yielding low water tables are making it difficult to identify infiltration problem areas.
Y2K Compliance - Director Murray stated that the a Y2K Compliance Plan is in effect to insure all possible problems that may occurr including the SCADA system which monitors all plants and pump stations. All avenues are being addressed at this time.
Habitat for Humanity - Director Murray commented on the letter that was sent to Mr. Paul Beck. (Attachment #8)
Director Murray also stated a letter addressed to Mr. Richard Curry who received the IDEA Employee of the Year Award was mailed. (Attachment #9)
Grants for Projects - Documentation has been submitted to MDE and is under review; expect FY 2001 projects lists from MDE in July or August 1999.
CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Motion made by Commissioner Parks, seconded by Commissioner Fishack to convene in closed session for the purpose of discussing contractual issues with customers and/or clients.
Unanimously approved.
RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION
Motion made by Commissioner Parks, seconded by Commissioner Fishack, to reconvene in regular session.
Motion made by Vice-Chairperson Diehl, seconded by Commissioner Fishack is as follows: relative to the CIPF Presentation by the staff, the Water and Sewer Advisory Commission (1) fully supports the proposed plan and (2) recommends that the appropriate management principles be identified and implemented and; (3) recognizes the potential to improve economic stability and the potential to drive down water and sewer rates.
Unanimously approved.
Motion made by Commissioner Fishack, seconded by Commissioner Parks to not take any action regarding the land issue.
Unanimously approved.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Vice-Chairperson Diehl, seconded by Commissioner Parks to adjourn at 8:40 p.m.
Unanimously approved.
Respectfully submitted by:
____________________________ Date: ________________________
Jamie L. Calandrelle,
Office Associate IV
Reviewed by:
____________________________ _____________________________
Gregory B. Murray, Michael V. Armel,
Director of Water and Sewer Operations Advisory Commission Secretary
Date: _______________________ Date: ________________________