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MINUTES
ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN
COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 13, 2006
The meeting commenced at 1:00 p.m. In attendance were
Commissioners Taylor, Suggs, Gant, Cranford, Werner and Wood; staff
members King, Shreve, Frederick, Shick, Cullins, Sullivan and Bryan.
Also in attendance was Jacquelyn Meiser, General Counsel.
MOTION TO APPROVE
AGENDA
Commissioner Werner
moved to approve the Agenda as presented by staff. Commissioner Cranford
seconded the motion and approval was unanimous.
LENGTH OF SERVICE
AWARD
Commissioner Taylor presented Ms. Joy Hamlet, Purchasing
Agent, with a Certificate and Pin commemorating her 20th anniversary
with MetCom. He thanked her on behalf of the Board for her loyalty and
contribution to the Commission.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Commissioner Suggs
moved to adjourn into Executive Session at 1:07 p.m. to discuss
potential litigation and personnel issues. Commissioner Cranford
seconded the motion, and approval was unanimous.
The meeting readjourned into Regular Session at 2:14 p.m.
Commissioner Cranford
moved to approve Minutes of Regular Session dated June 08, 2006.
Commissioner Wood seconded the motion and approval was unanimous.
Commissioner Wood
moved to approve Minutes of Executive Session dated June 08, 2006 as
submitted. Commissioner Werner seconded the motion, and approval was
unanimous.
Commissioner Werner
moved to authorize the Chief Engineer to negotiate and award a contract
to CH2M Hill for the completion of a Facilities Plan for Sanitary
Districts 5 & 8 based upon the conditions discussed in Executive
Session. Commissioner Cranford seconded the motion and approval was
unanimous.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
A. Johns Hopkins Arsenic Study
Mr. King reported that the Commission is not required by
the State at this time to replace the Holland Forrest Subdivision well.
However, should the Board decide to proceed, a determination must be
made by the 1st part of August in order to qualify for the
existing contract bid price. Mr. Frederick clarified that, although the
Contract has no expiration date as such and can be amended, MDE was
informed that the work would be completed by a specific date if the
decision is made to replace the well. He added that results of the most
recent sample have not been received, but staff anticipates that the
level will remain slightly below 10 ppb.
At this point, Mr. King referred to a recent study
performed by Dr. Steven Lamm, Professor of Epidemiology at John Hopkins’
University Bloomberg School of Public Health. A copy is attached to the
Minutes. Professor Lamm has concluded that the risk of cancer and other
serious health effects from arsenic does not occur below a concentration
of ±151 ppb. However, should this significant increase in the ceiling be
implemented, EPA must address the issue of how to deal with additional
cancer agents within drinking water, which performs in a similar fashion
to arsenic.
In conclusion he noted that, all things considered, he does
not believe it would be prudent for the Commission to replace the well
at this time.
Commissioner Suggs questioned whether the cost to drill the
well would be significantly higher should the work have to be performed
at a later date. Mr. King agreed that this is highly probable, and
stressed that regardless of whether or not this law should change in the
future, the Commission is required to comply should current, average
sample results exceed 10ppb.
In answer to a further question from Commissioner Suggs,
Mr. Shreve stated that the only comment received from the sole attendee
at the Public Hearing was that she would like the well to be replaced if
the result remains in the proximity of 10ppb.
After further discussion, Commissioner Wood moved that
the Holland Forrest Subdivision well not be replaced based on its
compliance at this time. Commissioner Cranford seconded the motion, and
approval was unanimous with the exception of Commissioner Suggs who
opposed the motion.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR’S
REPORT
A. Sanitary Sewer Overflow Update
Mr. Shreve referred to his article on sanitary sewer
overflow improvements initiated by staff, which he has forwarded to
Jason Babcock for inclusion in the Enterprise publication. Copies will
also be provided to MetCom employees. A copy is attached to the Minutes.
B. Tri-County Purchasing Co-Op Update
Elaine Kramer has informed him that the Tri-County
Purchasing Co-Operative, which comprises six entities in three counties,
is currently undergoing litigation. She requested the Commission’s
understanding in the subsequent delay that this action will cause in
processing its membership request.
Commissioner Wood questioned whether both Calvert and
Charles counties’ water and sewer utilities departments are included
within this co-operative. Mr. Shreve concurred, and stressed that Ms.
Kramer does not perceive any problems arising from the Commission
becoming a member of this organization.
C. Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT) Annual Premium
Comparison
Mr. Shreve presented LGIT’s proposed insurance rates. A
copy is attached to the Minutes. He was pleased to report a slight
decrease in the overall insurance cover; a result of reduced costs in
the Boiler Machinery & Property portion of the Plan. He will request
approval to renew this contract at the August meeting.
FISCAL OFFICER’S
REPORT
A. Accounts Receivable Report
Ms. Shick presented the Accounts Receivable Report, a copy
of which is attached to the Minutes.
B. Securities Report
Ms. Shick presented the Securities Report, a copy of which
is attached to the Minutes.
C. Alternate Contributory Pension Selection Plan
Ms. Shick reported that the passing of House Bill 1737
enables employees’ benefit multiplier to increase from 1.4% to 1.8%, for
service credits earned after June 30, 1998. This Plan requires
employees’ current contribution of 2% to increase to 3% this year, 4% in
2007 and 5% in 2008, and thereafter. Employer’s contribution has been
estimated at 1.76%. Although the increased cost will not be implemented
until FY08, the Commission is required to officially join the plan
between now and the next fiscal year. She noted the County’s
participation and concluded that if the Board follows its lead,
deductions from employees’ paycheck can commence from next week.
Commissioner Wood
moved that the Commission participate in the State Retirement Agency’s
Alternate Contributory Pension Selection Plan and authorize the signing
of a Resolution required by the State to participate in the Plan.
Commissioner Suggs seconded the motion and approval was unanimous.
ENGINEER’S REPORT
A. Standard Engineer’s Report
Mr. Frederick reviewed the Standard Engineer’s Report, a
copy of which is attached to the Minutes.
B. Engineering Design Approval Water & Sewer Lines,
Patuxent Park
Mr. Frederick requested approval to accept the proposal
from EBA Engineering to complete the design for replacing the water and
sewer systems in the Patuxent Park area for the sum of $47,054.54.
Commissioner Cranford
so moved. Commissioner Suggs seconded the motion and approval was
unanimous.
C. Town Creek Well
Following further investigation, Mr. Frederick proposes to
postpone any future well development until next month. Staff is
performing an analysis to determine possible future well locations to
ensure that the Commission’s requirements are completely met.
FACILITIES MANAGER’S
REPORT
A. Consumer Confidence Reports
Mr. Sullivan provided individual copies of the 2005
Consumer Confidence Reports for all water systems to the Board for their
review.
B. Marlay-Taylor Water Reclamation Facility Update
Primary Digester #1 Dome Brackets: Bolt washers and nuts
for these brackets which were stressed during pressure testing will be
replaced next week.
Methane Gas Line: In addition, Mr. Sullivan reported a
problem with burning methane gas in the digesters, and the capability to
flare off excess gas through the gas flare. Staff has requested a price
quote from Strohecker to remedy this problem
C. Sanitary Sewer Overflows Update
Mr. Sullivan concluded his report by stating that, although
the Commission did not escape completely unscathed during the recent
lightning storms and tropical rains, staff’s efforts with inflow
infiltration, surge protection and standby systems significantly reduced
potential damage. Mr. King and Mr. Shreve agreed with his comments, and
specifically noted the efforts of field staff in this regard. The Board
requested that its appreciation be extended to the appropriate staff
members.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Miss Utility Fees
Mr. King distributed supporting documentation, including
staff’s justification, for implementing Miss Utility Fees. A copy is
attached to the Minutes. He requested a decision within the next two
months, as a Public Hearing is required to be held prior to
implementation of the charges.
In the interim, Commissioner Werner requested that Board
members be provided with copies of the COMAR Regulations.
COMMISSIONERS’ TIME
Patuxent River
Privatization: In answer to Commissioner Cranford’s question regarding
status of this issue, Mr. King replied that things have virtually come
to a standstill since the Commission signed a Letter of Intent to
acquire the system. He stressed, however, that the document
categorically states that the contract has not been finalized; and
requires review and approval by the Pentagon, Secretary of the Defense,
and Congress.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Commissioner Wood moved
to adjourn at 3:20 p.m. Commissioner Werner seconded the motion, and
approval was unanimous.
Lilian J. Bryan, Secretary
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