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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-19-2009CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE SANITARY SEWER BOARD MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 19, 2009 The Sanitary Sewer Board of the City of Jeffersonville met in regular session in the Mayor's Conference Room in City Hall, Jeffersonville, Indiana on Thursday, February 19, 2009, at 3:00 P.M. Mayor Galligan called the meeting to order at 3:15 P.M. Board Members Bill Saegesser, Dale Orem, and Mayor Tom Galligan were present. Also present were Board Attorney Scott Lewis, Sewer Collection Office Director Bill Mattingly, Jorge Lanz representing Jacobi, Toombs and Lanz, Patty Yount and Len Ashack representing Bernardin, Lochmueller & Associates, City Engineer Bob Miller, Assistant City Engineer Andy Crouch, Assistant Superintendent Lori Kearney, Information Technology Director Roger Hardy, Executive Assistant Dana Young, and Deputy Clerk Treasurer Barbara Hollis. Board Member Orem made the motion to approve the agenda as presented, second by Board Member Saegesser, passing on a vote of 3-0. The minutes of February 6, 2009 were presented for approval. Board Member Orem made the motion to approve the minutes as presented, second by Board Member Saegesser, passing on a vote of 3-0. The claim list was presented for approval. City Engineer Bob Miller requested a claim in the amount of $713.68 to Verizon, and a claim to Republic Bank Credit Card in the amount of $3,574.00 be added to the list. Following discussion of the claims, Board Member Orem made the motion to approve the claim list as presented, as well as the additional claims, second by Board Member Saegesser, passing on a vote of 3-0. The claim to Duke Energy will be reviewed before payment is made. Information Technology Director Roger Hardy informed the Board the Scada Software system is old and the equipment is full of dirt and debris. The cost to update the software, that includes updating and training for two, is $17,958.71. There is a need for an enclosure at a cost of $800. The estimate for the computer is $4,500 to $5,000. Director Hardy was asked to look into the cost of future upgrades and maintenance costs. Board Member Saegesser asked if remote access is available. Director Hardy said he could make that happen. Board Member Saegesser wants to make sure pictures of maintenance neglect by the previous operator are taken. At the conclusion of all discussion, Board Member Saegesser made the motion to authorize Director Hardy to invest up to $25,000 in updating the software and equipment and for training, second by Board Member Orem, passing on a vote of 3-0. Mr. David Bauer, owner of property at 2908 Veterans Parkway, appeared before the Board to request a refund of sewer payments in the amount of $2,244.62. Mr. Bauer purchased the property in 2000, believing the property was connected to the sewer line. There are records showing sewer payments back to April 2002 in the amount of $2,244.62. It was brought to his attention, at the time of sewage problems, that the property had a septic tank. He has recently paid atap-in fee of $1,525, and installation costs for a total investment in excess of $3,000. Mayor Galligan said a notice was sent to the previous owner. The policy is to start billing after 30 days of the notification. Mr. February 19, 2009 2 Bauer said he is a good citizen and a taxpayer. He feels it is fair and just to ask for $2,244.62. Attorney Lewis asked if sewer bills were factored into the rent on the property. Mr. Bauer said the property has been vacant 50 to 75 percent of the time. Board Member Saegesser said he had the same thing happen to him and he faced the same situation. Mayor Galligan explained a letter is sent when the line is put in and there is some responsibility of the homeowner. Mr. Bauer said he found nothing with a title search. The sewer billing office stopped the billing in October of 2008 when it was found he was not on the sewer. Mr. Bauer feels the request is fair and just. Board Member Saegesser made the motion to deny the request for a refund of $2,244.16, second by Board Member Orem, passing on a vote of 3-0. Jorge Lanz is reviewing a report from Strand with regard to flow meters. Jorge Lange noted all should look at the report from Umbaugh very closely. The appraisal work is under way. He will check on the progress. Board Member Saegesser asked if the process could be started without the appraisal. Attorney Lewis said some Indianapolis attorney feel it can. Attorney Lewis feels it cannot by statute. Jorge Lanz will bring a report to the next meeting. Board Member Saegesser noted the need to get started. Director Bill Mattingly presented the adjustment and delinquency reports. The delinquencies are not improving. He feels they will improve with water shut-off. Attorney Lewis does not feel the City can legally enter into the agreement for water shut off. His research is that only 2°d class cities have that ability. Director Mattingly will ask IN American Water for the statute under which they operate. Mayor Galligan asked that cash balances be provided. Director Mattingly explained the one large adjustment. Following explanations, Board Member Saegesser made the motion to approve the utility adjustments dated January 26, 2009 to February 19, 2009 as submitted, second by Board Member Orem, passing on a vote of 3-0. Director Mattingly has not found a written procedure regarding billing on septic systems. Mayor Galligan said it could be found in State law and in the Sewer Use Ordinance. Director Mattingly next reported Bruce Wright will begin work March 2, 2009 as an independent contractor. He will perform some of John Perkins duties and some administrative duties. There is no provision for office space. Councilperson Connie Sellers has offered her office. Director Mattingly may move to her office. A quote for the repair of the vactor truck was reviewed. Mayor Galligan explained the problems. One truck has been updated. Options were reviewed. The repair is estimated to cost between $55,000 and $60,000. The cost of a new truck with a one-year warranty is about $315,000. The Board is asked to look at these and think about them. Len Ashack asked the Board to consider future needs for compliance. He would like the Board to think about repairing the one and purchasing an additional. Two types of blowers are needed. The expected life is about 10 years. Assistant Superintendent Lorie Kearney said IT Director Roger Hardy has taken on a lot of responsibilities. She is asking fora $10,000 increase in the Salary Ordinance from the Sewer Department. Following discussion, Board Member Saegesser made the motion to send a favorable recommendation to the City Council for an additional $10,000 in salary to Roger Hardy, second by Board Member Orem, passing on a vote of 3-0. Discussion followed regarding pay increases within a range in the Salary Ordinance. Assistant Kearney next said the three supervisors have requested they be considered salary rather than hourly. Following discussion, Board Member Orem made the motion February 19, 2009 to approve salary pay for the Collection System Supervisor, the Maintenance Supervisor, and the Plant Operations/Pretreatment Supervisor. Assistant Kearney, on behalf of Patti Smith, requested a donation of a case of coffee for the Polar Plunge. Mayor Galligan said he would pay for the donation from his promotion fund. Three estimates have been received for the roof replacement at the press building. Following discussion, Board Member Orem made the motion to have All Done Inc., do the roof replacement at a total cost of $44,770.00. Board Member Orem made the motion to adjourn at 5:05 P.M., second by Board Member egesser, as 'n unanimously. °~ Tom Galligan, Mayor r ref Member Bill Saegesser, emb r ATTEST: Pegg ilder, Clerk Treasurer