Minutes: April 16, 2015

Call to Order

The regular meeting of the Vernon Township Municipal Utilities Authority (VTMUA) of the Township of Vernon was convened at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2015 in the Vernon Municipal Center, 21 Church Street, Vernon, New Jersey.

Statement of Compliance

Adequate notice of this meeting had been provided to the public and the press on January 15, 2015 and was posted on the bulletin board in the municipal building in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6.

Roll Call

1. Roll Call of Professionals

Attorney Richard Wenner, Engineer Ceren Aralp, Auditor Charles Ferraioli, and Executive Director John Scerbo were present.

2. Presentation

The VTMUA presented a plaque of appreciation to Attorney John Ursin for his service to the authority since its inception. Mr. Ursin resigned as VTMUA attorney in January 2015 to serve as attorney for the Vernon Township Council.

3. Open Meeting for Public Comment

Motion to open the meeting to the public was made by James Kensek.
Seconded by Edward Snook
All were in favor.
The public portion of the meeting was declared open. No one from the public came forward.

4. Close the Meeting for Public Comment

Motion to open the meeting to the public was made by James Kensek.
Seconded by Edward Snook
All were in favor.
The public portion of the meeting was closed.

5. Consent Agenda

Resolution 15-25: Authorizing the Payment of Bills for April 2015

Motion to approve the bills was made by James Kensek.
Seconded by Thomas Buchney

Further Discussion: None

Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Thomas Buchney, Gloria Gallo, James Kensek, Edward Snook, and Vincent Zinno
Nays: None

6. Approval of Minutes

A. March 19, 2015 Regular Meeting

Motion to approve the March 19, 2015 regular meeting minutes was made by Vincent Zinno.
Seconded by Edward Snook

Further Discussion: None

Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Edward Snook, and Vincent Zinno
Nays: None
Abstentions: Thomas Buchney, Gloria Gallo, and James Kensek

B. March 19, 2015 Executive Session Meeting

Motion to approve the March 19, 2015 regular meeting minutes was made by Edward Snook.
Seconded by Vincent Zinno

Further Discussion: None

Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Edward Snook, and Vincent Zinno
Nays: None
Abstentions: Thomas Buchney, Gloria Gallo, and James Kensek

7. Correspondence

A. Letter from Ferraioli, Wielkotz, Cerullo, & Cuva Regarding the 2014 Audit

Auditor Charles Ferraioli said the procedures and finances of the VTMUA are in very good shape. It was a very clean audit, and there are no recommendations for change.

Motion to receive and file the letter and have the executive director execute the instructions contained in the letter was made by James Kensek.
Seconded by Gloria Gallo

Further Discussion: None

Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Thomas Buchney, Gloria Gallo, James Kensek, Edward Snook, and Vincent Zinno
Nays: None

B. Letter from Valley View Apartments Requesting a Hardship Payment Plan

The authority received a letter from Mr. David Bellicha requesting a hardship payment plan for connection to the sewers. Mr. Bellechia referred to a “loan” from the VTMUA. Commissioner Gloria Gallo and Engineer Ceren Aralp expressed concern about the use of that word and said it should be clearly stated that it is not a loan but rather an installment payment plan to cover the required fees. John Scerbo recommended approving the hardship plan. Ms. Aralp recommended the applicant get an engineer’s plan and the VTMUA hold $1500 in escrow for professional review.

Motion to approve the hardship plan and the engineer’s recommendation was made by Gloria Gallo.
Seconded by Thomas Buchney

Further Discussion: None

Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Thomas Buchney, Gloria Gallo, James Kensek, Edward Snook, and Vincent Zinno
Nays: None

8. Other Resolutions

A. Resolution 15-26: Resolution to Cancel Remaining Advertised Work Sessions for 2015 and Notifying the Public of the Cancellation

Motion to approve was made by James Kensek.
Seconded by Edward Snook

Further Discussion: None

Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Thomas Buchney, Gloria Gallo, James Kensek, Edward Snook, and Vincent Zinno
Nays: None

B. Resolution 15-27: Approving the Use of the Grease Trap Handbook for the VTMUA

Motion to approve was made by Vincent Zinno.
Seconded by James Kensek

Further Discussion: Executive Director John Scerbo said he drafted the handbook with the assistance of Ms. Aralp and with the plumbing subcode official. He also recommended the handbook be integrated into the VTMUA’s Rules and Regulations. He will also send copies of the handbook to the food establishments within the sewer area. There is also a form within the handbook for the establishments to fill out and file with the VTMUA so that the grease traps are registered and regulated.

Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Thomas Buchney, Gloria Gallo, James Kensek, Edward Snook, and Vincent Zinno
Nays: None

C. Resolution 15-28: Approval and Acceptance of the VTMUA 2014 Audit

Motion to approve was made by Thomas Buchney.
Seconded by Gloria Gallo

Further Discussion: None

Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Thomas Buchney, Gloria Gallo, James Kensek, Edward Snook, and Vincent Zinno
Nays: None

9. Attorney’s Report

Attorney Richard Wenner reported that Mountain Creek is still delinquent in its sewer fees. He has not received a call back from them and is not paying and wanted direction the VTMUA on how to proceed further. John Scerbo said they are now delinquent $71,000. The commissioners agreed the attorney should take appropriate actions to get the money that is owed to the VTMUA.

10. Auditor’s Report

No report

11. Engineer’s Report

A. Review of New Applications: None

B. Old Business

Dunkin’ Donuts—Block 141 Lot 18

The engineer said Dunkin’ Donuts came back with another revision in its connection plan. She has no further comments for the applicants and recommends issuing a building permit for the connection. Mr. Scerbo said they delivered an escrow check and received a permit and he expects them to begin the work soon.

C. Valley View Apartments

The complex consists of 24 apartments. Ms. Aralp recommended that due to the complex nature of the sewer connection at this location, the applicant has drawings prepared by a professional certified engineer and also submit $1500 in escrow for professional review by the VTMUA.

12. Executive Director’s Report

No further report

13. Commissioner Comments

None

14. Chairman Comments

Vincent Zinno said he spoke with DPW Director David Pullis regarding maintenance of the manholes at Mountain Creek. They need to come up with an alternate method for the manhole covers there. Executive Director John Scerbo is working on the matter with David Pullis and Mountain Creek.

15. Executive Session—Potential Litigation

WHEREAS, the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 permits the exclusion of the public in certain circumstances; and

WHEREAS, this public body is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Vernon Township Municipal Utilities Authority of the Township of Vernon as follows:

1. The public shall be excluded from discussion of and action upon the hereinafter-specified subject matter.
2. The general nature of the subject matter to be discussed is Potential Litigation.

Vincent Zinno, VTMUA Chairman, asked for a motion to go into executive session.
Motion: Edward Snook
Second: James Kensek
All were in favor.
Time: 7:38 p.m.

Return to Open Session

The VTMUA came out of executive session at 8:01 p.m. and reconvened public session.

VTMUA Chairman Vincent Zinno asked for a motion to return to open session.
Motion: Gloria Gallo
Second: Edward Snook
All were in favor.
Time: 8:01 p.m.

Attorney Richard Wenner stated that the Executive Session had been for the purpose of discussing potential litigation. No further action will be taken at this time regarding the Executive Session matter.

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Edward Snook.
Seconded by Vincent Zinno
All were in favor.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:02 p.m.

The next meeting of the VTMUA will be on May 21, 2015 at 7 p.m.

Transcribed and submitted by Jessica Paladini
Vernon Township MUA Secretary