WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=4h40wnhI0ak

Part: 1

1
00:00:10.800 --> 00:00:26.400
So, this is uh the uh July 7th, 2006, 2026 uh meeting of the Franklin Township Sewage Authority. April, can we have a roll call vote? Roll call, please. >> Yes. Uh Mr. Anne Baronson,

2
00:00:26.400 --> 00:00:55.440
>> here. Miss Ford. >> Hey, Mr. Schmidt >> here. >> Mr. Miss Franua >> here. >> Miss Davenport, >> are you here? I was muted. >> Okay. And I don't believe Chairman Ferui has joined us yet.

3
00:00:55.440 --> 00:01:16.080
Uh, next order of business is the pledge of allegiance. Everyone can stand and I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation

4
00:01:16.080 --> 00:01:39.159
under God, indivisible, with ally and justice for all. Um, April, I still haven't received your email for the chairperson's statement. >> Check that now. I just pushed it again.

5
00:01:46.960 --> 00:02:34.720
Still nothing. Oh, here it comes. Okay. >> Yeah. Now you'll probably get it like three times. >> I just got it. So, chairperson statement uh in accordance with the provisions of chapter 231, New

6
00:02:34.720 --> 00:02:51.280
Jersey Public Laws 1975, the Open Building Meetings Act. Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by giving a notice to the Curry News, posting the agenda in the public lobby of this building 48 hours prior to this meeting, delivery of this notice to the

7
00:02:51.280 --> 00:03:06.879
town of Franco Township Clerk at least 48 hours prior to this meeting, and mailing notice to those persons properly requesting to be mailed notification of meetings at least 48 hours prior to this meeting.

8
00:03:06.879 --> 00:03:42.799
Um, next is the uh we're having a hearing on the connection fee. All >> right. Uh, did you do public uh comment >> and in minutes?

9
00:03:42.799 --> 00:04:02.799
>> Let me I did not. Uh, hold on a sec. >> Yeah. After the person statement, it's a motion to open. >> I just got the working agenda. I got it. So, okay. Uh, I need a motion to open the meeting uh for public comments.

10
00:04:02.799 --> 00:04:33.520
>> Still moved. >> Second. >> Uh, any members of the public wishing to speak? >> Seeing no members from the public, I make a motion to close the public session. I'll >> second. Okay.

11
00:04:33.520 --> 00:04:58.600
Um, next order of business is the approval of the minutes of the June 2nd, 2026 uh, working session regular board meeting. Is there a motion? Motion to approve.

12
00:04:58.800 --> 00:05:41.120
>> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Mr. Baronson, Mr. Baronson. I'll come back. Miss Ford. >> Mr. Schmidt. >> Here. >> Yes.

13
00:05:41.120 --> 00:05:56.400
>> Miss Francois. >> Yes. >> Miss Davenport. >> Yes. >> And I'm not sure who caller two is or caller one. Is chairman Farooqi joined us?

14
00:05:56.400 --> 00:06:23.720
>> Yes, this is the Muruki. >> Okay, you're number two and Miss Ford. >> Is she on? >> She doesn't look like she's on anymore. >> Yeah. Okay.

15
00:06:25.440 --> 00:06:48.560
>> Okay. >> She sent me a message that she's having a trouble connecting. >> Amazon, but you didn't get his vote yet. >> I'm sorry, I was muted. If I was called, >> so that was a yes vote by Commissioner

16
00:06:48.560 --> 00:07:07.199
and Bar. Yes. >> All right. We can move on to the executive summary professional reports. >> Brian, I'm actually going to send you right now um the agenda that would have the connection fee um discussion and

17
00:07:07.199 --> 00:08:40.560
also the uh budget introduction. It's coming now. And Joe, you're CCed on that as well. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Uh I'm still waiting for it. There it goes. Okay.

18
00:08:40.560 --> 00:08:57.440
>> Amended agenda. That's what I'm looking at. >> Yeah. Okay. >> So, it'll just be a little bit out of order where we go back to the connection fee number four and then number five with the budget introduction. >> Okay. So, number four is the connection

19
00:08:57.440 --> 00:09:18.320
fee. >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. So, uh this is the hearing on the connection fee for 2026. Um, >> wait a minute. Uh, Brian, I still got to ask why we go from the working agenda.

20
00:09:18.320 --> 00:09:33.360
Why are we going out of order? >> The working agenda did not include the connection fee or the budget introduction. The regular agenda did. So, I just forwarded you both that one. Ah, >> okay. All right.

21
00:09:33.360 --> 00:09:59.519
>> So, we're on the connection fee. Um, Joe, we have the revision to the connection fee. >> I'm sorry, Brian. Repeat your question. >> We uh we have your uh report on the revision to the connection fee.

22
00:09:59.519 --> 00:10:14.880
>> Yeah. So uh so the connection fee is for new connections uh to our system and the amount of the connection fee is uh determined by our auditor

23
00:10:14.880 --> 00:10:31.920
who has uh quite a complex assessment. the um dictated by statute of um the value of our assets and the cost of uh running those assets

24
00:10:31.920 --> 00:10:51.839
and uh down to the cost of edus and comes up with connection fee and every year we go along we're not required to go along with it but every year we go along with the proportionate

25
00:10:51.839 --> 00:11:07.920
um connection fee equation that the auditor gives us. >> And uh the connection fee for this fiscal year, June 1st, 2026 through May 31st, 2027,

26
00:11:07.920 --> 00:11:23.839
is $4,337 as compared to last year, which was $3,915. Uh there's a resolution uh in the packet for uh approval later uh in the meeting.

27
00:11:23.839 --> 00:11:40.000
Um but uh we need to open up this to uh comments from the public on the connection fee. So is there a motion to open uh the connection fee hearing to members of the public?

28
00:11:40.000 --> 00:11:54.560
>> So move. >> Second. Any members of the coh public wishing to make comment on the connection fee revision for this fiscal year?

29
00:11:54.560 --> 00:12:41.279
>> No members of the public. Uh can we have a motion to close? >> Okay. Thank you. Uh next item on the agenda is the uh budget introduction. Joe, you have comments and question. >> Yes, I just uh shared my screen.

30
00:12:41.279 --> 00:12:58.720
Uh so this is a straightforward budget um for uh June 1st, 2026 to May 31st, 2027. I'm just bringing up uh I'm displaying

31
00:12:58.720 --> 00:13:16.639
page F1 of the budget which summarizes um it's the P&L page basically uh revenue and appropriations. So, um I'm anticipating a 3.2%

32
00:13:16.639 --> 00:13:33.680
increase in revenue for the year. And that is anticipating that the board increases the connection fee in October to be effective October uh November 1st, 2026.

33
00:13:33.680 --> 00:13:50.560
So, the difference between a 2.9 and a 3.2 too. Uh is basically coming from other sources of revenue from our industrial and um and uh all the other categories of revenue sources, but it's pretty much in

34
00:13:50.560 --> 00:14:08.959
line with the rate increase that I am anticipating. Appropriations. Uh I'm going to note that most categories of the state budget under appropriations that's our expenses are um going down slightly. Um for

35
00:14:08.959 --> 00:14:26.240
example, administration is going down 4.8% 8% mostly due to uh vacant positions that we experienced uh this past year and we anticipate experiencing in the following year and

36
00:14:26.240 --> 00:14:41.440
in the in the current fiscal cycle. However, there are two categories that are pretty large that are going up and that is with our involving our debt service. That's the principal on our loans that we anticipate paying and the

37
00:14:41.440 --> 00:14:57.519
interest on those loans. And for the benefit of the the public, they should know that all the money we borrow, 50% of it is interest free and the remaining 50% is extremely low uh

38
00:14:57.519 --> 00:15:14.560
interest through the infrastructure bank of New Jersey. So these are not publicly bidded bonds. These are government ran loans. Um, our appropriations for the year is 17.4

39
00:15:14.560 --> 00:15:38.000
million. And um, that's a pretty stable uh, uninteresting budget compared to the last five years, if you will. Um the next page I'm going to jump to is

40
00:15:38.000 --> 00:16:06.320
going to be CB3. That's our capital budget, which is also our capital um projects plan. Just get down in there. Scrolling. Okay. CB3 is on page 50.

41
00:16:06.320 --> 00:16:21.360
Um, first pro capital project listed is building security glass wall. But I've been I've been kind of putting that off for about four years. the build, this building that was designed in the early 80s doesn't really have any security to

42
00:16:21.360 --> 00:16:38.079
it. So, we should um build a glass wall with a security door that um is uh starts uh in the vestibial area and I plan on paying cash for that

43
00:16:38.079 --> 00:16:54.959
um or paying for it by cash in our accounts. will be writing a check. Uh the next project is a Belmont trunk rehabilitation project will be about 200,000 paid from our cash reserves.

44
00:16:54.959 --> 00:17:09.919
That I'm guessing that'll be that'll take uh Alex uh would that take what a week to do to reline that, rehabilitate that? >> I would say between a week and two weeks tops. Yeah. >> Okay.

45
00:17:09.919 --> 00:17:25.839
Uh next project is uh Shirley Avenue pump station rehabilitation and upgrade. Uh that that uh will be reinstituted this month. I intend to select the um engineer on that and begin working on

46
00:17:25.839 --> 00:17:42.160
it. Um however, I don't know if I'll be spending any money by the end of the fiscal cycle. Um so it's discretionary should any money on CB3 be shown for this project but it is shown the money

47
00:17:42.160 --> 00:17:59.200
for this project on CB4 and CB5. The next project is the Wesson Canal pump station rehabilitation. Um, that's a $20 million project and I expect to be spending 300. And

48
00:17:59.200 --> 00:18:16.000
that project is also somewhat on pause now, though we're going to have to reinstitute that in uh the short term. But I do spend I do anticipate spending $350,000 on this project this year. And I put

49
00:18:16.000 --> 00:18:33.919
that amount in because we will be paying PSCG maybe this month for the land easement, the permanent land easement for that. And that's a big step in this project. The next project is almost completed and

50
00:18:33.919 --> 00:18:52.080
that's the Commerce Drive pump station and I plan on spending this year um $2 million and that project um project total cost is um yeah it's about two million.

51
00:18:52.080 --> 00:19:09.919
Uh going back up next project is pump controls uh upgrade. There's four of them about $50,000 a piece. So that's that we're going to get that going. That'll be $200,000. Um the next three projects are annual

52
00:19:09.919 --> 00:19:26.799
projects. Manual rehabilitation, pump impeller rehab, and e grinder pump replacement. Those are things we do every year. We just don't know how many we're going to do or uh when exactly. So since they are capital upgrades, they

53
00:19:26.799 --> 00:19:44.160
have to be listed in this report. So manhole upgrade, we usually state we're going to spend 75. We we we almost always spend much less or none of that. Pump impeller, the same thing. Um

54
00:19:44.160 --> 00:19:59.679
we put in a budget 50,000 and e grinder replacement, we do about $30,000 each year. So, those are standing projects. Um, next one is the building interior renovations. So, we're going to do some

55
00:19:59.679 --> 00:20:16.640
improvements in the office. Uh, namely the uh break room that hasn't been touched since 1983. Uh, we're going we're setting aside $50,000 for that. And then office painting for 10,000. Then the last

56
00:20:16.640 --> 00:20:31.280
project is a capital upgrade and replacement is our um computer network server that's seven or eight years old >> and we're putting in $40,000 for that.

57
00:20:31.280 --> 00:20:58.240
>> So all in all, it's a pretty stable uh uneventful budget and gives us pretty solid numbers. >> And that concludes my summary of the budget. If anyone has any questions, >> the question I have, Joe, is we're going

58
00:20:58.240 --> 00:21:13.919
to bond for $10,000 for painting the office. >> No, not none of that's all being paid for out of our cash position with the exception of Commerce Drive, the $2 million.

59
00:21:13.919 --> 00:21:28.799
Everything else is coming out of cash. >> Okay. >> Um now with one exception to the exception, the $350,000 to purchase

60
00:21:28.799 --> 00:21:45.600
a land easement I think can eventually be added to the I bank loan. Uh will >> Yes, that's correct. if we want to or we could just pay it in cash. >> Correct.

61
00:21:45.600 --> 00:22:02.880
>> But on this on this sheet it says capital budget. So that's what through me. >> Yeah. So for capital uh we can you utilize our our unrestricted net cash. We can use our

62
00:22:02.880 --> 00:22:34.720
designated cash. We could use loan or capital grants or other uh legally allowed sources of money. >> Okay. Okay. >> Uh who's the caller on the telephone? There's a Ford.

63
00:22:34.720 --> 00:23:14.559
>> Okay. I have no more questions. So Brian, what uh if there are no more questions, the next step uh now this is just the introduction. I don't uh do we have to vote to introduce it? >> We just present it to the public and put

64
00:23:14.559 --> 00:23:37.679
it on the website. >> Brian, you're you're muted. >> Yes, you should vote to uh introduce it. I make a motion to introduce the budget >> and I send in that motion. >> Mr. Anne Baronson.

65
00:23:37.679 --> 00:23:53.400
>> Yes. >> Miss Ford. >> Yes. >> Okay. Mr. Schmidt. >> Yes. >> Miss Francois. >> Yes. >> Uh, Chairman Farugi.

66
00:23:55.440 --> 00:24:25.360
I think he's on but he's driving. >> Uh, yes, I'm Can you hear me? >> Yes. Gotcha. Thank you. >> Brian, I think that'll take us down to the minutes, right? The approval. Yes, we already open uh to public comment. We did the minute. We already voted on the

67
00:24:25.360 --> 00:24:48.960
minutes. >> So, now we're on reports, executive uh project status summary. >> Excuse me. We're >> on the executive project status summary.

68
00:24:48.960 --> 00:25:35.760
>> Oh, thank you. Bring it up. on the screen. Okay. Uh under legal uh our legal services include the public bids, um Green Hill litigation, meetings, resolutions, handbook, PSNG easement,

69
00:25:35.760 --> 00:25:51.200
bankruptcies, general support, and the solar development project. under the solar development project. We I did receive a request to execute an agreement PSCG. I didn't quite understand all the details and implications. So, I've delayed signing

70
00:25:51.200 --> 00:26:08.400
it. Uh that precipitated a request to have a meeting with me with the vendor uh where we will need to and in fact discuss that that agreement more. Uh so that meeting will be uh scheduled next

71
00:26:08.400 --> 00:26:25.919
week uh with the Schneider Electric. I'm gonna ask Dr. Roach to give us an update on the Edmonds uh financial platform upgrade and implementation. >> Sure. Um we are currently just uh working on getting everything prepared

72
00:26:25.919 --> 00:26:43.120
for the uh annual audit. Everything is good on the financial side. We've uh wrapped up a full year on using the the software which is great. The utility billing um we have uh come to successful conclusion with that and as of tomorrow we will be having the installation of

73
00:26:43.120 --> 00:26:58.799
the credit card reader. So our our customers will be able to now pay by credit card as well in the office in addition to online and mailing. So that's progress being made there. So we're we're we're we're pleased. Next thing is the audit, but it's good. It's

74
00:26:58.799 --> 00:27:18.480
all good. Uh, Dr. Ro, is there a going to be a fee for, uh, paying by credit card? >> I will have to look into that, uh, Commissioner, and I'll get back to you. >> Okay. >> Okay. Thank you, Dr. Roach. >> You're very welcome.

75
00:27:18.480 --> 00:27:34.480
>> And you're doing a great job with that project, too. >> Thank you, Joe. >> Uh, High Bay Garage is, uh, moving along still. Uh but uh the engineers continue to coordinate with the uh authority staff to stage the final work items that

76
00:27:34.480 --> 00:27:50.640
are remaining. Nothing more to really say about that project. Uh Brookline Avenue sewer rehabilitation uh project um final six laterals were unable to be lined uh as as was all the others and

77
00:27:50.640 --> 00:28:07.760
they are going to be need to be excavated. that's a more indepth laborious type work with an expense associated with it. There's no way around it. They tried everything they could. So, the vendor was asked to uh provide a cost proposal to replace those

78
00:28:07.760 --> 00:28:24.559
laterals with PVC pipe and then continue with work and lining. Uh we're waiting for that and uh I'm sure that'll come in due time. Uh the project complete date is still being maintained and anticipated to be completed in August.

79
00:28:24.559 --> 00:28:39.919
Uh will is that is that still an accurate? >> Yes, it is. That's that's accurate. >> All right. Thank you. Um our $5 million of grants uh grant money was received and well spent. The Wesson Canal pump

80
00:28:39.919 --> 00:28:55.760
station project NJDP did submit comments and questions regarding the easement work. We responded to that. the agreement. Um, uh, Dr. Roach, the chairman did sign the agreement

81
00:28:55.760 --> 00:29:12.960
>> or with PSCG. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. And we'll uh we will be sending them the inked copy and u the attorney as reported last year uh last month it started the title work and once the

82
00:29:12.960 --> 00:29:28.320
title work comes in we're going to uh execute a check to pay for it. >> That's correct. >> Commerce Drive pump station rehabilitation is going by really good. Um the plumbing and interior work and

83
00:29:28.320 --> 00:29:45.279
fixture work was completed. Um I think we're still waiting for a township inspection or will did they inspect that yet? >> They did. Yes, it was a uh passed. >> Good. The installation of the mechanical piping and equipment uh instrumentation

84
00:29:45.279 --> 00:30:01.760
devices is complete. Control wiring is all complete and the canopy construction as you can look across the street is in progress. Uh, nothing to report on our municipal partnerships of Southbound Brook and um,

85
00:30:01.760 --> 00:30:20.720
New Brunswick. I'm going to um append another topic on this report that's not in the report. Western Canal uh, road pump station had a failure on one of its two pumps.

86
00:30:20.720 --> 00:30:36.480
I' I've discussed this with some of you already. These parts in these pumps are nonreplaceable. They're non-manufactured. You cannot source them. And um I mean we have contingencies for

87
00:30:36.480 --> 00:30:53.760
this and we're utilizing that. We brought in um uh a vendor that is very familiar with this pump station, best in the industry. They looked at it and they basically said, uh, you need a new, um, pump drive, which is basically a

88
00:30:53.760 --> 00:31:10.640
connection of, u mechanics and electronics. So, we're really in a position we have no choice but to upgrade and replace these controls. Um, we're taking a a blind guess

89
00:31:10.640 --> 00:31:26.720
thinking it's going to be $150,000. We don't know, but we asking the vendor to give us a quote. I think the attorney would probably agree with me. This is this this happened dur during a storm

90
00:31:26.720 --> 00:31:42.799
and it puts us into an emerent condition and this probably in my opinion anyway um qualifies for an emergency purchase. um which if that's the case that'll

91
00:31:42.799 --> 00:31:59.919
shortcut the bureaucracy of our purchasing limitations. Uh but Brian, I'm sure you and I can review this further as we go, but um this is kind of this is going to be a very quick emergency project that's got

92
00:31:59.919 --> 00:32:15.600
to go on the board. it. There is a an there is a possibility that once this does get upgraded and replaced, one the old parts will be saved because we still have the other pump and its

93
00:32:15.600 --> 00:32:31.279
controls and drive that could utilize them. So, we're going to warehouse these parts, all of them. But the new parts, there's a good chance they could be used in the new pump station, but we're not sure right now because that hasn't been designed yet.

94
00:32:31.279 --> 00:32:48.559
But in any case, we really have no choice. Right now, we're working on we only have one working pump out of two. If that goes down, we have to go on Well, we don't like to, but we would have to go on bypass so we don't have sewage overflowing and

95
00:32:48.559 --> 00:33:05.919
running down the street. Uh, so that concludes that report. Um, Brian, I could go into the executive director's report. You okay with that? >> Yes. Yes, please, Joe. >> Okay. Um,

96
00:33:05.919 --> 00:33:25.679
for the month of June, the revenue for the month of June, we received checks and deposited the same in the amount of $916,210.73, which is high for a June. Year-to- date collected is the same because this is

97
00:33:25.679 --> 00:33:44.559
the first month. Penalties for the month of June generated is $14,24421 which is low for June. Under expenses as of May 31st, this is our last month of the fiscal cycle. That is expenses

98
00:33:44.559 --> 00:34:08.720
were 2,794,7745. For the year ending of that fiscal cycle, our expenses were 13,96,356 thou85 that so our expenses for the year were significantly lower than what we

99
00:34:08.720 --> 00:34:26.399
forecasted uh almost a million dollars lower. I'll say that we spent 92% of what we budgeted last year. So it's an 8% savings give or take.

100
00:34:26.399 --> 00:34:58.640
Our net cash position for as of May 31st 2026 in the category of unrestricted we have 3,69,434.88. Under restricted is 15,343,51.72. Under designated we have 6,722,931.31 giving us a total net cash position of

101
00:34:58.640 --> 00:35:21.119
25,135,417.91. Under discussion items, budget address. Tonight we are doing the budget introduction where the appropriations are approximately 17.2 million. The revenue anticipation is approximately 18 million and capital

102
00:35:21.119 --> 00:35:37.520
expenditures for this fiscal cycle are three million. That budget is presumed to receive uh but not yet a user rate increase of 2.9 to 3.9% increase as determined by

103
00:35:37.520 --> 00:35:53.440
the board in October of this year. Under the audit, no change as reported last month. The 2026 fiscal year ending audit fieldwork will begin in either July or August under IT and computers.

104
00:35:53.440 --> 00:36:09.920
Um we just received um a number of new workstations that needed to be replaced and this budget does in fact include money for a new server. Under projects, all projects are under the green category as they are on time within

105
00:36:09.920 --> 00:36:26.160
budget and moving forward as expected. The connection fee was approved tonight uh and is within the budget for uh $4,337 per connection.

106
00:36:26.160 --> 00:36:42.960
Under internal engineering, 21 new connections were completed in the month of May for two May of 2026. We had six TRC applications. One was completed, five are in progress. under our personnel and staff

107
00:36:42.960 --> 00:36:59.920
constraints. Um it should be noted that we did in fact offer the position of operations manager and that position was accepted. Um the person is uh Chris Gonado.

108
00:36:59.920 --> 00:37:16.240
Chris Gonado uh 30 years ago started his career here at the Franklin Township Sewage Authority where he went on after five or six years to go on to other sewage authorities and

109
00:37:16.240 --> 00:37:33.200
treatment plants. He quickly acquired his um collection certifications and most of the time after Franklin Sewage Authority almost entirely that time he maintained a management position

110
00:37:33.200 --> 00:37:49.520
in all these other locations. He was born and raised and still lives in Franklin Township where he is not only a volunteer firefighter, he's been a the fire chief for the last 5 years and one of the busiest

111
00:37:49.520 --> 00:38:06.320
uh fire departments in town. he is uh he'll be begin his employment here on July 20th where um maybe we'll do something to um welcome him aboard and give the

112
00:38:06.320 --> 00:38:25.520
opportunity for the um board members to come and meet him. uh under commercial opportunities. Uh as reported last month, Councilman Rahm and Barrison brought to my attention the water department's reports

113
00:38:25.520 --> 00:38:41.920
on industrial users in town. Some of the you water usage was stunning. Um he thought a million at the time he thought a million gallons uh a year was a lot. Turns out that's nothing. We have

114
00:38:41.920 --> 00:38:57.440
some users using 20 30 million gallons of water a year. So what we're doing is we did a review of that and then we compare that to their sewage account

115
00:38:57.440 --> 00:39:14.200
to see if our billing model was appropriate and if our billing model was accurate. at least six accounts popped up to me that without question they are worthy of auditing.

116
00:39:14.640 --> 00:39:32.480
However, we're not going to stop there. And that's just looking at the top 20, 15 or 20. We're going to keep on looking maybe to the top 20, 30, 40 of them, even even the smaller users. But we have warehouses, data centers, machining

117
00:39:32.480 --> 00:39:47.680
shops, chemical companies, pharmaceutical companies, marijuana cultivators. We're all using a lot of water. And what we need to do is charge them appropriately and accurately.

118
00:39:47.680 --> 00:40:04.000
Thankfully in the last three years we made amendments to our rules, rates and regulations that now give us the authority to go after them appropriately and also for anyone who's recalcitrant or mitis

119
00:40:04.000 --> 00:40:19.359
we can do it the easy way and just charge him per gallon of water. So, uh, to that said, Councilman Barrison asked for a meeting with me and the engineers to review this water data and,

120
00:40:19.359 --> 00:40:35.839
uh, look at the accounts. Um, the board is also welcome to join that meeting. Unfortunately though, only two commissioners can be present at one time because otherwise it would and more than that would be a quorum. Um, I think

121
00:40:35.839 --> 00:40:52.480
we're meeting on the 13th to go over that. So, it's more of a workstation, a work session, but as things develop with this, uh, we'll report more. But the end result is I'm confident that we will be

122
00:40:52.480 --> 00:41:10.240
bringing in hundreds of thousand dollars, maybe two, maybe four of more revenue because of this. >> Uh, I have one question for the attorney. Um I asked uh our township attorney about

123
00:41:10.240 --> 00:41:27.680
this is apparently um the water bills uh could be adjusted retroactively up to 3 years if our water department made a billing error uh to the um users. And I asked him would would that apply

124
00:41:27.680 --> 00:41:45.440
to the sewage department as well? And uh he was checking that. But I would ask our legal council to check that out if we are able to go back retroactively. In fact, like the water department for 3 years uh to go back and uh build them.

125
00:41:45.440 --> 00:42:06.240
>> Uh Commissioner, I'll have to double check that, but I'm pretty sure we can uh but I will check that and get back to you uh by the next meeting. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Uh you mentioned possibly billing per

126
00:42:06.240 --> 00:42:24.880
gallon. Why wouldn't what would be the downside of doing that? >> Uh they're going to be really angry. >> Aside from that, but that be the No. >> Well, when a gallon of water comes out of the faucet,

127
00:42:24.880 --> 00:42:42.160
a gallon of water does not necessarily go into the sewer system. Right? Because you may drink that gallon of water. You may you may bake cookies with that water. You might make a product with that water. That water may

128
00:42:42.160 --> 00:42:59.119
evaporate. It may not go down the sewer. And some well, everyone is going to claim not all that water goes down the sewer and they they have to substantiate it. Uh there's one account that already told

129
00:42:59.119 --> 00:43:15.680
us, yeah, we're using all that water, but we put it through an evaporation system and it evaporates, right? It's part of their cooling system. Okay. Well, if that's the case, they

130
00:43:15.680 --> 00:43:32.480
have to prove us prove to us they have evaporation system. And if if that is not satisfying our suspicion, we can always said then say, "All right, well, we're going to put a we're going to require you to put a meter on your sewer line

131
00:43:32.480 --> 00:43:46.319
and count the gallons that actually go in." We could take it a step further and say, "You know what? Every three months, we want you to also take a sample of that water and send it to the lab."

132
00:43:46.319 --> 00:44:03.359
Or we could say, for example, we're so familiar with your system and operations, we get it. So, we're not going to meter or sample, but we're going to take a good scientific

133
00:44:03.359 --> 00:44:22.720
equation and calculate the gallons that you're sending into a sewer and just charge you the correct amount of EDUs. So there there are three models that are very common. The fourth model is to say

134
00:44:22.720 --> 00:44:38.880
we're just going to charge you per gallon of water. >> Isn't it true that many townships water authorities and the township storage departments do it that way? >> They do. New Brunswick I know does that. Uh but they don't do it one for one. you

135
00:44:38.880 --> 00:44:57.200
know the a gallon of water is not the same cost as a g a gallon going into the sewer. there's a differential you know they have they have their equation but yes it's based upon the water usage >> what would be your preference

136
00:44:57.200 --> 00:45:15.040
>> depends on the uh account definitely depends on the characteristics of the account >> so we would have different u models for different accounts is what you're saying >> oh yeah we we do Now

137
00:45:15.040 --> 00:45:33.040
we do know because you know if uh let's just take a data center for example uh one data center may say that you have two data centers. One has and they're both using water to

138
00:45:33.040 --> 00:45:49.760
cool down their data center. One may have a closed loop system and one may have an old or out ofdate open uh line system. One's going to go into the sewer, one's going to go a lot less

139
00:45:49.760 --> 00:46:06.400
into the sewer. That one, a closed loop system, that facility may run really similar to just a warehouse with few people in it. In that case, if we confirm the closed loop system, we're

140
00:46:06.400 --> 00:46:21.280
just going to put them on an EDU count. That's an easy one. >> On a closed loop system, uh consequently, they would be using a lot less water also. >> Correct. >> Still using the same amount of water

141
00:46:21.280 --> 00:46:38.960
like the other uh operations, then something is not right. >> Correct. Then um same thing with uh let's talk about a cannabis cultivator.

142
00:46:38.960 --> 00:46:55.440
They both need water to uh grow but depending on their operations that water is going to evaporate at different rates. Also one cultivator might be also manufacturing edible products. Those edible products

143
00:46:55.440 --> 00:47:13.200
are going to consume the water. So you just don't know. Yeah, you that's what the the expertise of the authority um inspector and our engineers, they're going to go in and they're going to look at it. >> Okay. So, you could possibly do categories of industry that have certain

144
00:47:13.200 --> 00:47:28.960
categories >> and then subcategories. Yeah. Yeah. You really have to take it case by case. >> It's very interesting actually. I'm not sure if that is >> if if if we if we if we find a couple of

145
00:47:28.960 --> 00:47:47.520
accounts that are interesting, maybe we'll ask them that if the board members can tort. >> Well, I would think that we would use whatever best practices are out there. We're not reinventing the wheel here. >> Yeah. >> Right. Yeah. Nothing's been actually

146
00:47:47.520 --> 00:48:04.880
nothing's being reinvented. I think it's a I think it's a great line that the councilman Rom came up with and you are you know taking this charge on. It seems unreal that you know we all these years we never we've missed this

147
00:48:04.880 --> 00:48:19.520
>> you know >> really the the big new thing is the data centers >> that's big new thing because they're using new technology new engineering new utilities that's the new new one

148
00:48:19.520 --> 00:48:37.839
that and the uh marijuana cultivators >> yeah the data center discussion that we were having uh with our staff uh prompted me to ask that question and uh accidentally discover uh this uh gap

149
00:48:37.839 --> 00:48:51.760
billing gap. >> Okay, I'm taking >> You're a genius. >> All credit to you, Councilman. >> Thank you. I'll take it. >> Now, you can take you can take that credit, but when you're not around, I'm gonna take it.

150
00:48:51.760 --> 00:49:12.400
>> You take me, too. All right. Um, next on the report is resolutions of the standard resolutions. Payroll, operating expenses, renewal and replacement and escrow. We have resol resolutions. Those are standard on

151
00:49:12.400 --> 00:49:30.240
consent resolutions. We do not have any resol resolution for general fund or north. Under the additional resolutions, we have the following. Resolution five, authorizing the budget. Um, authorizing

152
00:49:30.240 --> 00:49:46.960
the introduction of the budget budget that we just went through. Number six, authorizing the Oh, and also uh Councilman um Schmidt uh to no surprise of me, he found a typo

153
00:49:46.960 --> 00:50:03.680
in the budget document which then got copied to the resolution. The auditor made a numerical uh typo. We fixed it. It was supposed to be a two instead of a three in the appropriations amount.

154
00:50:03.680 --> 00:50:19.440
Uh so that's rel relative to resolution number five. Number six is the authorizing the renewal of a lease with Pittney Bose. Number seven resolution is modifying the sewer connection fee for the fiscal year. And resolution number eight is

155
00:50:19.440 --> 00:50:37.280
authorizing the refund of monies that are due because someone paid made the double payment for their sewer bill. Uh and they're located at 242 Amethyst Way. I uh that concludes my report and I I am

156
00:50:37.280 --> 00:50:52.319
unaware of any reason for any executive session. >> Uh so am I no reason for executive session. Uh and the next item on the agenda is committee reports and first is negotiations

157
00:50:52.319 --> 00:51:09.119
personnel any report. >> Ryan, do we want to um go back to um the consent agenda resolutions and vote on those? Uh well on this we have the committee reports then we have the consent agenda after. >> Okay.

158
00:51:09.119 --> 00:51:26.720
>> On the agenda you sent me the last one. >> Okay. >> So I'm following that. So committee reports negotiation personnel any report? >> Uh yeah the only report I would have is the I sat in the interview with Chris

159
00:51:26.720 --> 00:51:44.640
and I was very impressed by his credentials. uh and I believe that uh he's a great find uh for the authority. Um he's familiar with the staff. He worked here for five years many years ago and he

160
00:51:44.640 --> 00:52:01.359
loves Franklin as you can tell from his background. So I think he's a he's a great a great guy to great man operations manager uh for us and good good work finding him Joe.

161
00:52:01.359 --> 00:52:16.880
He actually found us. He he approached me in person about four years ago. And then two little over two years ago, out of nowhere, he just sent me his resume. And uh you know, when the retirement

162
00:52:16.880 --> 00:52:31.440
came, I didn't think I was going to be able to utilize him. As we all know, we had a succession plan internal that kind of blew up on me. Uh but it all ended up

163
00:52:31.440 --> 00:52:49.760
coincidentally favorable. >> Yep. Good work. >> Thank you. >> That's that's all I have. >> Um municipal lison committee have nothing to >> Can I just add one other thing? Uh in

164
00:52:49.760 --> 00:53:05.119
the meeting here we have Alex Groso who uh quickly stepped up and accepted an offer for promotion to foreman and he's doing a great job. He's here uh promptly uh 6:30 in the morning. He's been not

165
00:53:05.119 --> 00:53:21.520
only running uh all the crews, the operations and the projects, but he's also uh receiving very intimate level of tutoring from uh the engineer and the engineers team and working closely with

166
00:53:21.520 --> 00:53:38.480
me. But he's doing a fantastic job as as foreman and really acting manager shouldering everything. >> Thank you, Jeff. Thanks for staying up stepping up, Alex. Now go get your C3 license.

167
00:53:38.480 --> 00:54:03.359
>> I'm on it. >> Okay. >> Yeah, have that done by Thursday. >> Municipal leazison. >> Nothing to report. >> Uh construction committee. who I don't know who the construction

168
00:54:03.359 --> 00:54:20.480
committee person is, but >> chap chairman is usually uh in uh charge of that. I think he he's not on the call. I don't have anything to report.

169
00:54:20.480 --> 00:54:41.920
>> Okay. Uh and then um safety committee I will report there are no uh authorized injuries for the month. >> Okay. Uh now we're on resolutions. The consent

170
00:54:41.920 --> 00:54:58.079
agenda. Uh all of the items listed are considered to be of routine nature, thereby requiring one motion and one second for all items. If any member wishes to remove an item from the consent agenda, please please advise

171
00:54:58.079 --> 00:55:13.599
me at this time which uh resolution or resolutions need to be handled separately and they will be addressed and voted on separately. Uh we have the st as Joe indicated the standard resolutions payroll uh operating expense account

172
00:55:13.599 --> 00:55:29.599
renewal and replacement and escrow account. Is there a motion? So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Mr. Baronson.

173
00:55:29.599 --> 00:55:46.480
>> Yes. >> Miss Ford. >> Yes. >> Mr. Schmidt. >> Yes. >> Miss Francois. >> Yes. >> And Chairman Farooi. >> Garage door opened.

174
00:55:46.480 --> 00:56:12.160
>> Yeah. Okay. >> And I say yes to Okay. So, Commissioner Davenport, I'll put your vote in there. >> Okay. Uh, next is the additional separate resolutions. Uh resolution

175
00:56:12.160 --> 00:56:26.720
number five uh is the resolution for the uh 2027 authority budget resolution fiscal year June 1st 2026 to May 31st 2027.

176
00:56:26.720 --> 00:56:53.799
Is there a motion? >> I move >> and a second. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Mr. Baronson. >> Yes, >> Miss Ford. >> Mr. Schmidt.

177
00:56:54.000 --> 00:57:22.319
>> Uh, was that changed to 17,491? It's >> changed to 17,291 as per Joe Danielson. 17 million291670. >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. >> Yeah, it was changed.

178
00:57:22.319 --> 00:57:44.160
>> Garage door. >> Then yes. >> Okay. Thank you. U Miss Francois. >> Yes. >> Miss Davenport. >> Yes. >> Chairman Farugi. Okay.

179
00:57:44.160 --> 00:57:58.720
>> Okay. >> Can you hear me? >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I didn't hear you first time, but you are you saying yes? >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you.

180
00:57:58.720 --> 00:58:14.240
>> Uh the next resolution is number six. This is a resolution authorizing the renewal of a lease agreement with Pittney Bose, Inc. Uh, is there a motion? >> So moved.

181
00:58:14.240 --> 00:58:34.400
>> And a second. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Anne Baronson. >> Yes. >> Miss Ford. Mr. Schmidt, >> yes.

182
00:58:34.400 --> 00:58:51.920
>> Miss Brans, >> yes. >> Miss Davenport, >> yes. >> And Chairman Farugi, >> yes. >> Uh, next resolution is number seven. This is a resolution modifying the sewer

183
00:58:51.920 --> 00:59:14.720
connection fee for the fiscal year June 1st, 2026 through May 31st, 2027. Is there a motion? Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Ambaronson. >> Yes.

184
00:59:14.720 --> 00:59:30.000
>> Miss Ford. >> Got it. Um, Mr. Schmidt. >> Yes. >> Miss Francois. >> Yes. >> Miss Evanport. >> Yes. and chairman Farooqi.

185
00:59:30.000 --> 00:59:46.640
>> Yes. >> And the final resolution is number eight. This is the resolution authorizing the refund of monies due to a double payment on property located at 244 242 Amethyst Way.

186
00:59:46.640 --> 01:00:04.480
Is there a motion? >> I move >> and a second. Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Baronson. >> Yes.

187
01:00:04.480 --> 01:00:21.040
>> Miss Ford. >> Okay. Mr. Schmidt. >> Yes. >> Miss Francois. >> Yes. >> Miss Davenport. >> Yes. >> And Chairman Farugi. >> Yes.

188
01:00:21.040 --> 01:00:38.960
>> Okay. We already discussed that there's no need for executive session action items from the meeting. There are none. And finally, a motion to adjurnn. >> Second.

189
01:00:38.960 --> 01:00:58.200
>> All in favor? >> I. >> All right, everyone. Great. >> Thank you everybody. >> Have a good night. Have a good night. I'm still driving. >> Have a good evening.