Public Meeting Minutes

MINUTES

ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING

JULY 26, 2007

 

 The meeting commenced at 1:08 p.m. In attendance were Commissioners Taylor, Werner, Cranford, Lancaster and St. Clair; staff members King, Frederick, Shick, Cullins, Sullivan and Bryan. Also in attendance was Jacki Meiser, General Counsel.

 

MOTION TO APPROVE AGENDA

 

Commissioner Cranford moved to approve the Agenda as presented by staff. Commissioner Lancaster seconded the motion, and approval was unanimous.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

Commissioner St. Clair moved to approve Minutes of Regular Session dated June 21, 2007. Commissioner Werner seconded the motion, and approval was unanimous.

 

10-YEAR LENGTH OF SERVICE AWARDS

 

Commissioner Taylor presented Edward Hogan, Utilities Project Manager, Charles Bogie, Equipment Operator, and Morgan O’Dell, Laboratory Technician with 10-Year Meritorious Service Awards. He congratulated them, and thanked them for their continued service.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Commissioner Cranford moved to adjourn into Executive Session to discuss property acquisition at 1:12 p.m. Commissioner Werner seconded the motion, and approval was unanimous.

 

The meeting readjourned into Regular Session at 1:28 p.m.

 

Commissioner Cranford moved to approve Minutes of Executive Session dated June 21, 2007. Commissioner Lancaster seconded the motion, and approval was unanimous.

 

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

 

A. Maryland Association of Municipal Wastewater Agencies (MAMWA)

 

Mr. King stressed the significant benefits of remaining a member of this organization, and requested approval to pay its annual dues and technical assessment in the amount of $3,336.89.

 

Commissioner St. Clair so moved. Commissioner Werner seconded the motion, and approval was unanimous.

 

B.  Proposed Desalinization Facility

 

Mr. King reported that the Water Policy Task Force will relay its concerns to the Board of County Commissioners regarding the validity of a recent Maryland Geological Services study investigating the adequacy of groundwater resources in Southern Maryland until 2030. He has discussed this issue with other groups within St. Mary’s County, including his counterparts in Calvert and Charles Counties. The latter group agreed at a recent meeting to brief this issue locally and, in the event of County approval, form a committee to investigate the proposal in greater detail.

 

In conclusion, Mr. King stressed the importance of immediately planning for the period beyond the Year 2030, and recommended researching the feasibility of building a desalinization facility at Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant. This would provide alternative water supply to groundwater. However, as part of the Facilities Plan for the Lexington Park/Piney Pt. areas, staff would continue to investigate other alternatives such as wastewater recycling and water conservation. He noted the following advantages of utilizing this location: (1) It is the most reliable source of electric power; (2) It has built-in protection to help combat terrorist action; (3) There would be a sufficiently high amount of pressure in order to move water molecules through the membranes; (4) A right-of-way entering Prince George’s County already exists. This would enable water to be supplied to the WSCC system. Specific staff members of that organization have indicated that they might be interested in this project, 25-30 years in the future. The Navy has also expressed its interest.

 

As a sidebar issue, he understands that applications are being made for several groundwater appropriation permits allowing the use of potable groundwater from the County’s confined aquifers. This would involve removing significant volumes of potable groundwater supplies from the Patapsco to aid in the processing of natural gas. This action should be avoided if at all possible, and he intends to inform MDE of his various concerns.

 

C. Non- Residential Billing Corrections

 

Mr. King noted that he is not prepared to discuss this issue in detail at today’s meeting. However, he informed the Board that staff has done a lot of work over the past month reviewing many of the Commission’s non-residential accounts to determine if they are being accurately billed. This issue will be discussed further at the August Board meeting.

 

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S REPORT

 

A.  Accounts Receivable Report

 

Ms. Shick presented the Accounts Receivable Report. A copy is attached to the Minutes.

 

B. Securities Report

 

Ms. Shick presented the Securities Report, a copy of which is attached to the Minutes.

 

C. Updated Capital Improvements Budget Approval

 

Mr. King reviewed the following documents relating to this issue. Copies are attached to the Minutes: “Reasons for Amending 6-Year CIB;” “MetCom Capital Improvements County Commissioner Approval Process;” and “HB969 Capital Improvement Rate Restructuring – Proposed Implementation Schedule.”

 

Ms. Shick subsequently reviewed the Revised Capital Improvements Budget in  its entirety, summarizing similar formats in both water and sewer, as follows:

 

  • Listing of Individual Projects;
  • Summary of Fund Source for Individual Projects;
  • Individual Annual Financing Summary Sheets for FY2007-2012;
  • Comparison of Rates.

 

For their easy reference, Board members were provided with CD’s containing all backup sheets for individual projects, which Mr. Frederick reviewed.

 

D.  Preliminary System Improvement Charge/Capital Improvement Charge

          Estimate

 

A copy of the document presented by staff is attached to the Minutes.

 

Mrs. Shick then requested approval of Resolution 2007-01, which she read into the record.

 

Commissioner St. Clair so moved. Commissioner Cranford seconded the motion, and approval was unanimous.

 

At this point Ms. Meiser reviewed a Memorandum prepared by Mr. King, which staff proposes to distribute to all engineering design firms and developers. It will also be included in each Public Works Agreement package provided to developers. This clarifies how the Commission will manage its customary fees and charges during the transition period. Following a brief discussion, the Board authorized its release.

 

E. Customer Billing Forms

 

Following Ms. Shick’s recommendation, Commissioner Cranford moved to award the Open-End Contract for Customer Billing Forms to Proforma Docuprint Services of Crofton, in response to their proposal dated June 19, 2007. Commissioner St. Clair seconded the motion, and approval was unanimous.

 

ENGINEER’S REPORT

 

A. Recommendation, Lexington Park Pump Station

 

Mr. Frederick briefly reviewed related spreadsheets, and recommended award of the Lexington Park Wastewater Pump Station Contract 8-30-S (Rebid #2), to Gradient Construction, LLC, for its July 17, 2007 base bid of $689,300 and a contingent bid of $5,700, for a grand total of $695,000. This award is dependent on the approval of MDE.

 

Commissioner Lancaster so moved. Commissioner St. Clair seconded the motion and approval was unanimous.

 

B. Standard Report

 

Mr. Frederick presented his Standard Report, a copy of which is attached to the Minutes.

 

C. Proposed Engineering Fees

 

Mr. Frederick received tentative approval to proceed with the proposed charges listed on the “Engineering Department Fee Schedule”, copies of which are attached to the Minutes. Staff anticipates that the Public Hearing Notice will be advertised on August 3rd, and the Hearing held on August 22nd.  The Board will be notified of the exact location when it has been determined.

 

CHIEF FACILITIES & OPERATIONS MANAGER’S REPORT

 

A. Draft Backflow Prevention Valve Plan

 

Mr. Sullivan distributed copies of the Plan for the Board’s later review. A copy is attached to the Minutes.

 

B. 2006 Water Quality Reports

 

Mr. Sullivan presented the 2006 Water Quality Reports, and reported that there were no violations for any of the water systems operated by the Commission.

 

C. FY07 Customer Response Surveys

 

Mr. Sullivan reviewed the predominantly positive Customer Service Surveys, copies of which are attached to the Minutes.

 

D. Quality Reports – Water/Wastewater Systems, FY07

 

Mr. Sullivan presented Quality Reports for Water and Wastewater Systems for FY07. A copy is attached to the

 

 

 

Minutes.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business, Commissioner St. Clair moved to adjourn at 4:26 p.m. Commissioner Werner seconded the motion, and approval was unanimous.