CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield Municipal Authority fielded concerns from members of the public during yesterday’s regular meeting, and also held two executive sessions for personnel and legal matters.
No action was taken after the first executive session; however, after the second executive session, the board retroactively set the pay for the interim manager, John Williams, to $50,000 per year while he is interim manager.
Williams had been the assistant manager and became interim manager when Manager Kevin Shifter resigned in June.
Concerns were raised by members of the public about the rates being charged by CMA. Chairman Russ Triponey explained that CMA is in line with other local authorities.
Just a few days ago, he contacted DuBois and learned their rates are about $85 to $100 per month, and added that a good portion of the rates is due to regulations set under Chesapeake Bay regulations. “I don’t like high rates either,” he said.
The board also responded to a question about the increase in the base rate of $84 per quarter, which has been discussed in other meetings. CMA also sent out notices to customers prior to the rate change.
Board members and Engineer Jim Balliet explained that the authority had to build a new sewer plant to meet regulations set forth by the state Department of Environmental Protection.
The bank and the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority require CMA to show they can repay the loans with a fixed amount, which is where the $84 comes from.
CMA determined after much discussion that this was the amount needed to cover the debt service. Those with larger meters, such as Wal-Mart or the Dimeling, pay a larger base rate than $84.
Arnold Swales asked why the plant is so large, and Balliet explained that they were required to build a sewer plant that would handle both the average daily flow as well as the maximum hydraulic capacity set by DEP when all of the CSOs and SSOs are closed.
The daily rate is based on an average of the past 20 years. Balliet said the plant has to be big enough to handle all overflow.
When Swales asked about a rumor of building equalization ponds, Balliet replied the only discussion was regarding the Hyde area, which is still bringing in extra water.
The choice was to either have all the home owners replace the laterals under their homes, or build a tank to hold extraneous water until it can be treated. The board chose to do what was cheapest for the community, and the most economical way to meet DEP regulations. “When we’re done with this plant, I don’t want to be overloaded on day one,” Balliet said.
“I work there and I think it’s way too big. We’re not Altoona,” Swales responded.
Balliet said he understands and they could have built a smaller plant; however, that would have also restricted the possibility of development in the area. He said the plant must be big enough to allow nutrient removal in cold weather and also accept high flow from infiltration.
Randy Anderson asked about some financial concerns, beginning with whether former manager Jeff Williams is still on the payroll. Solicitor John Ryen said they cannot discuss personnel matters with the public, but he is employed as a consultant.
Board member Chris Stott added that Williams retired when they were entering into some big projects and they have been asking him for advice in certain areas.
Anderson also asked if a relative of Williams was now the manager and again he was told it was a personnel matter, but that John Williams is currently interim manager while they look for a new manager and review applications, and he was the assistant manager prior.
At Anderson’s request, the board also discussed why rates are set where they are, and Triponey noted much of it has to do with DEP regulations and surcharges from the municipalities.
“You’re at the wrong meeting,” he said, noting that DEP comes to CMA with the regulations because CMA has the permit, though the municipalities are the ones who need to be doing much of the work to keep the lines in working order.
He added that DEP has also told CMA that the Montgomery Run water treatment plant doesn’t meet 100-year rain event requirements and DEP will probably come to them and insist on an upgrade.
If that happens, the plant will be shut down for a time, and CMA does not know where the additional needed water will come from, as they are not permitted to draw from the river or other streams in the Susquehanna River Basin without a permit.
In other matters, the board commended employees for quick response on several issues, including a break in a centrifuge and a main leak in front of CNB Bank at 3 a.m.
The board approved purchasing a software upgrade for the office at a cost of $27,000. John Williams explained that the current software was installed in 2001 and is out of date and will soon be unusable.
An ethics and confidentiality statement was adopted by the board in a 4-2 vote, as well.
Under his report, Balliet reported that DEP has approved additional time to comply with more stringent aluminum discharge limits at the Montgomery Run treatment facility, so that they can determine if they can meet compliance without making physical changes. Also, installation continues at the wastewater treatment facility with some preliminary equipment start-ups.
