Joint Facilities Committee
Regular Meeting Minutes
March 16, 2010
A Regular Meeting of the Joint Facilities Committee was held at 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The members in attendance included:
Mark Barmasse, Chairman Robert Jones Richard LeMay
David Kelsey, Dag Lindland and Tom Tripodi were not in attendance. Also attending were Vincent F. Susco Jr., Public Utilities Administrator, Scott Clayton, Superintendent, Mark Decker, Public Works Director of Colchester and Pamela McCann recording secretary.
Call to Order
Chairman Barmasse called the meeting to order at 5:03 P.M.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Barmasse called for the approval of minutes. Upon motion by Mr. LeMay, seconded by Mr. Barmasse, the minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 16, 2010 were unanimously approved.
Report of Operations
Chairman Barmasse called upon Superintendent Scott Clayton, to present the February Report of Operations which is made part of these minutes.
The plant operated within parameters for the period. Mr. Clayton reported that the heavy rain storms that hit in February did some damage to all three towns. He also mentioned the storm over March 13 and -14th produced over 5 inches of rain and disrupted several operations. Presently we are continuing to assess the damage and will provide a full report at the April Meeting.
With the addition of the second septage receiving facility, staff was able to repair the original unit and place it in backup status. Mr. Clayton expects an increase in use as the warmer weather will be upon us shortly. Management indicated all haulers have been instructed in the use of the newly installed rock trap.
Hebron’s new generator was installed during the month of February.
Mr. Clayton reported the annual inspection of the plant was conducted by the Department of Environmental Protection and except for some minor signage over several doorways there were no violations associated with the plant’s operational status.
Mr. Susco reported on a recent change in staffing. Management will begin the search for a replacement in the coming months.
Mr. Clayton reported one of the rights of spring is the annual invitation to all members for a tour of the wastewater facility. He suggested the tour be conducted just prior to the next scheduled meeting on April 20, 2010. Mr. Decker mentioned the Inland-Wetlands officer from Colchester will give Mr. Clayton a call to set up a time to tour the plant.
Joint Facilities Committee Page 2
Regular Meeting Minutes
March 16, 2010
Mr. Susco reported the current alarm company, KX – Colchester, has informed us that they will no longer be providing this service after July 1, 2010. Presently there are over 35 stations both water & wastewater in four towns that require monitoring on a 24/7 basis. Management continues to investigate alternatives and will have a recommendation for the members shortly. Mr. Decker mentioned that Colchester would also like to be included in the discussion.
Budget Status
Mr. Susco presented the budget status for the current fiscal year. He indicated three line items previously reported have become permanent variances: Account #5250 – Unemployment Compensation, Account# 5435 - Refuse Removal and Account #5623 – Bottled Compressed Gas. As we approach the end of the fiscal year these overages will be addressed by transfers. All the other line items remain within parameters.
Old Business
Mr. Susco mentioned the Town and the Joint Facilities have reached an agreement on a 3-year labor contract. This contract for the period July 1, 2009 thru June 30, 2012 includes wage increase of 2.5%, 2.0% and 2.0%. There will be no increase in medical insurance co-pays. Two items were left unresolved and are subject to reopeners; “Health Savings Account” and “Incentive Days”.
Mr. LeMay questioned if funds were available for the past years increase and for the current year. Mr. Susco responded in the affirmative indicating that the recently adopted budget incorporated a wage settlement for both years.
Mr. Jones questioned the wisdom of annual pay increases when several neighboring towns are staving off layoffs. Management indicated the wage increase is in line with the recent Tighe & Bond Wastewater wage survey and the importance of remaining competitive in an industry that has a difficulty recruiting younger employees.
Several members questioned the protocols that were followed during this negotiation and requested that a Joint Facilties negotiating team be present for all future contracts.
There being no further discussion the following resolutions moved by Mr. LeMay, seconded by Mr. Jones were unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED: That the Chairman of the Joint Facilties be authorized to sign the July 1, 2009 thru June 30, 2012 “Working Agreement Between the Town of East Hampton Water Pollution Control Authority (Under Joint Facilties Committee Administration) and substantially in the form presented at this meeting and made part of these minutes.
RESOLVED: That members of the Joint Facilties Committee be provided an opportunity to attend and participate in all future negotiations regarding the Working Agreement Between the Town of East Hampton Water Pollution Control Authority (Under Joint Facilties Committee Administration).
Joint Facilities Committee Page 3
Regular Meeting Minutes
March 16, 2010
Mr. Susco reported there has been very little progress on the improvements to the HVAC system for the Administration Building. Efforts to move the project along utilizing the services of the Town’s Facility Manager have not produced the desired results.
With input from the members, management was requested to move forward with a RFQ for the improvements to the HVAC system.
New Business
Mr. Susco reported a meeting with Mr. Grant Weaver, The Water Plant Inc., has produced an opportunity to possibly reduce the nitrogen discharge from the plant. The members discussed the proposal and with several modifications encouraged management to proceed. A final document will be presented to the members for approval.
Adjournment
Mr. LeMay motioned, seconded by Mr. Jones, to adjourn the meeting. All voting in favor the meeting was adjourned at 6: 24P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Pamela McCann
Recording Secretary
Approved by unanimous vote of the Joint Facilities Committee on April 20, 2010
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