Caln Township Municipal Authority
253 Municipal Drive
Thorndale, PA 19372
Monday February 24, 2025
7:00 PM
Those Present and Absent:
George Chambers – Chairperson
Paul Mullin – Vice Chairperson
William A. Schew – Treasurer
Tony DiSario – Assistant Treasurer/Assistant Secretary (Absent)
Noel Bernard – Secretary
Scot Gill – Wastewater Department Director
Don Vymazal – Township Manager
Jennylyn Tanedo – Recording Secretary
Ross Bickhart – Gilmore & Associates, CTMA Engineer
Vince Pompo- LambMcErlane, CTMA Solicitor (Absent)
Call to Order
The meeting of the Caln Township Municipal Authority was called to order by Mr. Mullin at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held in person at the Caln Township Municipal Building Meeting Room located at 253 Municipal Drive Thorndale, Pa and via Zoom. The regular scheduled meeting of the Caln Township Municipal Authority was advertised in the Daily Local News on December 18, 2024, and the agenda was posted on the Caln Township Website and Lobby on February 21, 2025. Copies of the Agenda were made available to the public.
Executive Session
Mr. Mullin announced that an Executive Session was held following the January 27, 2025, Meeting to discuss Legal Matters.
Minutes of January 27, 2025, Meeting
Mr. Mullin called for additions or corrections to the January minutes. There were none. After discussion, Mr. Chambers motioned, seconded by Mr. Schew, to adopt the January 2025 minutes as presented. The vote passed 4.0.
Public Comment
Mr. Mullin called for public comments. There were none.
Act 537 Plan/ Additional Capacity Update/ Dara Update
Mr. Gill presented to the Board a spreadsheet showing the status of pending projects that will be needing capacity in the future, the 52-week average chart, Dara weekly flow report and DARA Tributary Area Total Adjusted Flows Hydraulic Loadings Charts. Mr. Chambers informed the Board that DARA is still progressing with expansion.
I/I Reduction Program
Mr. Gill updated the Board on the 2025 Grouting Project which will involve the testing of all pipe joints and grouting of joints that fail the test for approximately 4,100 linear feet of 8” diameter gravity in the upper portion of the Colonial Gardens Area. The apparent lowest bidder being Sewer Specialty Services Company Inc. in the amount of $142,073.35. Award recommendation was presented to the CTMA at their December 2024 meeting. A Notice of Intent to Award was issued to the contractor on January 3, 2025.
Caln Meetinghouse/Granger Lane Project
Mr. Gill updated the Board on Caln Meeting House/Granger Lane Sewer Extension Project and informed the Board that the project went live on Penn Bid on January 15th with an anticipated bid opening of March 13, 2025
Raye Road Project
Mr. Gill informed the Board that Gilmore is currently working on the design, permitting and has finalized the easement exhibits for the phase 2 portion of the project which will involve the relocation, lowering and installation of a new sanitary sewer main and associated appurtenances, so we can get the exposed laterals below the stream bed and encased in concrete, which is anticipated being completed this year. Mr. Gill stated that the department sent out the easement agreements to the property owners of 3203 Norma Drive and 3204 Raye Road for their review. Mr. Bickhart presented to the Board the Raye Road design plan for the sewer replacement. Mr. Bickhart informed the Board that at 3204 Raye Road the proposed sewer had to be shifted a little bit to the east and it’s the closest we can get to the existing house and to try to maintain a good separation from the house. Mr. Bickhart then stated that the stream bank to the west of the proposed sewer has significant erosion and almost a vertical surface stated that if the erosion continues it will impact the new sewer line. Mr. Bickhart added that the Department and Gilmore were discussing at this point that we might want to construct a retaining wall as part of the sewer project to stabilize the stream bank in this area, which will be beneficial in preventing further erosion that could potentially impact on the new sewer line. Mr. Bickhart stated that the added cost for the retaining wall would approximately $50, 000. The Board stated they had no objection to proceeding with the new retaining wall.
Pa Small Water and Sewer Program
Mr. Gill presented to the Board the Dogwood and Scott Phase 2 Sewer Extension project. Mr. Gill added that The Commonwealth Financing Authority is accepting applications through the PA Department of Community & Economic Development PA Small Water and Sewer Grant Program to Improve Public Water Supply and Sanitary Sewer Systems and the applications are due by April 30, 2025. Mr. Gill stated that staff is requesting Board approval to start compiling the information to submit an application for the Dogwood/Scott Drive Phase 2 Sewer Extension Project. Mr. Gill informed the Board that the amount we will be requesting will cover 85% of the overall project costs for the engineering, legal, additional consulting and construction of a new Low-Pressure Sewer Extension. The proposed project will help provide public sewer to 14 existing homes that weren’t included as part of the Phase 1 portion and once completed, the project will provide a reliable new public wastewater collection system for the remaining part of the neighborhood in need of the utility. Mr. Gill added that if the Board has no objection staff and Gilmore would like to proceed with the preparation and submission of the grant application. Mr. Gill also added that in the Boards packet were drafts of the letters that will be forwarded for signature to the appropriate agencies which are required to have prior to submission. After discussion, Mr. Chambers made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schew, to authorize Gilmore to proceed with the preparation of the grant application for the Dogwood/Scott Drive Phase 2 Sewer Extension Project, which will be presented to the Authority at their March 24, 2025, CTMA meeting for authorization to submit. The vote passed 4.0.
2024 Chapter Report
Mr. Gill presented and reviewed the 2024 Chapter 94 Annual Sewage Report which is the year-end report for the sewer system that will be needed to be submitted to the DARA and PAWC Treatment Plants. After discussion, Mr. Chambers made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schew, to authorize the Staff to forward the final documents to DARA and PAWC so that they can be included in their submission to the PADEP.
Financials; Sewer Fund,
Mr. Gill reviewed the sewer financial summary and revenues and expenditures for the Sewer Operating Fund for the month of January 2025 and the balances in Act 57 and Sewer Capital Funds. After discussion, Mr. Chambers made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schew, to accept the January financials, as submitted. The vote passed 4.0.
Delinquent Collection Update
Mr. Gill presented to the Board a memo from the finance department that gives an update on the status of the prior year’s delinquent collections.
Penalty Waiver Request Update
Mr. Gill presented to the Board the 2025 penalty waiver request from the finance department and informed the Board that there is no penalty waiver request that was made in the month of January.
16 Grange Lane
Mr. Gill presented to the Board a Settlement Agreement for 16 Granger Lane. Mr. Gill informed the Board that on January 28, 2025 the department sent a letter to 16 Granger Lane informing them that it was brought to the Township’s attention that the property hasn’t been billed for public sewer since 2013 and based on the records, the property was connected on May 22, 2013, and a partial bill was issued on June 25, 2013, in the amount of $31.50 which was paid on July 23, 2013. Mr. Gill then stated that on February 13, 2025, 16 Granger Lane sent an email requesting that due to the large amount of $4,845.00 that the Authority consider reducing the amount due to $3,500.00 and allowing them to make 12 monthly installments. After discussion, Mr. Chambers made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schew, to authorize the Vice Chairperson to sign the Settlement Agreement for 16 Granger Lane in the form as presented. The vote passed 4.0.
Director’s Report
Mr. Gill discussed his Director’s Report and noted a list of current projects which the Department is working on and their progress.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mr. Schew made a motion, seconded by Ms. Bernard, to adjourn the February 24, 2025, meeting at 7:55 pm. The vote passed 4.0.
Respectfully Submitted
Jennylyn Tanedo,
Recording Secretary
253 Municipal Drive
Thorndale, PA 19372
Monday February 24, 2025
7:00 PM
Those Present and Absent:
George Chambers – Chairperson
Paul Mullin – Vice Chairperson
William A. Schew – Treasurer
Tony DiSario – Assistant Treasurer/Assistant Secretary (Absent)
Noel Bernard – Secretary
Scot Gill – Wastewater Department Director
Don Vymazal – Township Manager
Jennylyn Tanedo – Recording Secretary
Ross Bickhart – Gilmore & Associates, CTMA Engineer
Vince Pompo- LambMcErlane, CTMA Solicitor (Absent)
Call to Order
The meeting of the Caln Township Municipal Authority was called to order by Mr. Mullin at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held in person at the Caln Township Municipal Building Meeting Room located at 253 Municipal Drive Thorndale, Pa and via Zoom. The regular scheduled meeting of the Caln Township Municipal Authority was advertised in the Daily Local News on December 18, 2024, and the agenda was posted on the Caln Township Website and Lobby on February 21, 2025. Copies of the Agenda were made available to the public.
Executive Session
Mr. Mullin announced that an Executive Session was held following the January 27, 2025, Meeting to discuss Legal Matters.
Minutes of January 27, 2025, Meeting
Mr. Mullin called for additions or corrections to the January minutes. There were none. After discussion, Mr. Chambers motioned, seconded by Mr. Schew, to adopt the January 2025 minutes as presented. The vote passed 4.0.
Public Comment
Mr. Mullin called for public comments. There were none.
Act 537 Plan/ Additional Capacity Update/ Dara Update
Mr. Gill presented to the Board a spreadsheet showing the status of pending projects that will be needing capacity in the future, the 52-week average chart, Dara weekly flow report and DARA Tributary Area Total Adjusted Flows Hydraulic Loadings Charts. Mr. Chambers informed the Board that DARA is still progressing with expansion.
I/I Reduction Program
Mr. Gill updated the Board on the 2025 Grouting Project which will involve the testing of all pipe joints and grouting of joints that fail the test for approximately 4,100 linear feet of 8” diameter gravity in the upper portion of the Colonial Gardens Area. The apparent lowest bidder being Sewer Specialty Services Company Inc. in the amount of $142,073.35. Award recommendation was presented to the CTMA at their December 2024 meeting. A Notice of Intent to Award was issued to the contractor on January 3, 2025.
Caln Meetinghouse/Granger Lane Project
Mr. Gill updated the Board on Caln Meeting House/Granger Lane Sewer Extension Project and informed the Board that the project went live on Penn Bid on January 15th with an anticipated bid opening of March 13, 2025
Raye Road Project
Mr. Gill informed the Board that Gilmore is currently working on the design, permitting and has finalized the easement exhibits for the phase 2 portion of the project which will involve the relocation, lowering and installation of a new sanitary sewer main and associated appurtenances, so we can get the exposed laterals below the stream bed and encased in concrete, which is anticipated being completed this year. Mr. Gill stated that the department sent out the easement agreements to the property owners of 3203 Norma Drive and 3204 Raye Road for their review. Mr. Bickhart presented to the Board the Raye Road design plan for the sewer replacement. Mr. Bickhart informed the Board that at 3204 Raye Road the proposed sewer had to be shifted a little bit to the east and it’s the closest we can get to the existing house and to try to maintain a good separation from the house. Mr. Bickhart then stated that the stream bank to the west of the proposed sewer has significant erosion and almost a vertical surface stated that if the erosion continues it will impact the new sewer line. Mr. Bickhart added that the Department and Gilmore were discussing at this point that we might want to construct a retaining wall as part of the sewer project to stabilize the stream bank in this area, which will be beneficial in preventing further erosion that could potentially impact on the new sewer line. Mr. Bickhart stated that the added cost for the retaining wall would approximately $50, 000. The Board stated they had no objection to proceeding with the new retaining wall.
Pa Small Water and Sewer Program
Mr. Gill presented to the Board the Dogwood and Scott Phase 2 Sewer Extension project. Mr. Gill added that The Commonwealth Financing Authority is accepting applications through the PA Department of Community & Economic Development PA Small Water and Sewer Grant Program to Improve Public Water Supply and Sanitary Sewer Systems and the applications are due by April 30, 2025. Mr. Gill stated that staff is requesting Board approval to start compiling the information to submit an application for the Dogwood/Scott Drive Phase 2 Sewer Extension Project. Mr. Gill informed the Board that the amount we will be requesting will cover 85% of the overall project costs for the engineering, legal, additional consulting and construction of a new Low-Pressure Sewer Extension. The proposed project will help provide public sewer to 14 existing homes that weren’t included as part of the Phase 1 portion and once completed, the project will provide a reliable new public wastewater collection system for the remaining part of the neighborhood in need of the utility. Mr. Gill added that if the Board has no objection staff and Gilmore would like to proceed with the preparation and submission of the grant application. Mr. Gill also added that in the Boards packet were drafts of the letters that will be forwarded for signature to the appropriate agencies which are required to have prior to submission. After discussion, Mr. Chambers made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schew, to authorize Gilmore to proceed with the preparation of the grant application for the Dogwood/Scott Drive Phase 2 Sewer Extension Project, which will be presented to the Authority at their March 24, 2025, CTMA meeting for authorization to submit. The vote passed 4.0.
2024 Chapter Report
Mr. Gill presented and reviewed the 2024 Chapter 94 Annual Sewage Report which is the year-end report for the sewer system that will be needed to be submitted to the DARA and PAWC Treatment Plants. After discussion, Mr. Chambers made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schew, to authorize the Staff to forward the final documents to DARA and PAWC so that they can be included in their submission to the PADEP.
Financials; Sewer Fund,
Mr. Gill reviewed the sewer financial summary and revenues and expenditures for the Sewer Operating Fund for the month of January 2025 and the balances in Act 57 and Sewer Capital Funds. After discussion, Mr. Chambers made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schew, to accept the January financials, as submitted. The vote passed 4.0.
Delinquent Collection Update
Mr. Gill presented to the Board a memo from the finance department that gives an update on the status of the prior year’s delinquent collections.
Penalty Waiver Request Update
Mr. Gill presented to the Board the 2025 penalty waiver request from the finance department and informed the Board that there is no penalty waiver request that was made in the month of January.
16 Grange Lane
Mr. Gill presented to the Board a Settlement Agreement for 16 Granger Lane. Mr. Gill informed the Board that on January 28, 2025 the department sent a letter to 16 Granger Lane informing them that it was brought to the Township’s attention that the property hasn’t been billed for public sewer since 2013 and based on the records, the property was connected on May 22, 2013, and a partial bill was issued on June 25, 2013, in the amount of $31.50 which was paid on July 23, 2013. Mr. Gill then stated that on February 13, 2025, 16 Granger Lane sent an email requesting that due to the large amount of $4,845.00 that the Authority consider reducing the amount due to $3,500.00 and allowing them to make 12 monthly installments. After discussion, Mr. Chambers made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schew, to authorize the Vice Chairperson to sign the Settlement Agreement for 16 Granger Lane in the form as presented. The vote passed 4.0.
Director’s Report
Mr. Gill discussed his Director’s Report and noted a list of current projects which the Department is working on and their progress.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mr. Schew made a motion, seconded by Ms. Bernard, to adjourn the February 24, 2025, meeting at 7:55 pm. The vote passed 4.0.
Respectfully Submitted
Jennylyn Tanedo,
Recording Secretary
| february_24_2025_ctma_minutes.pdf |
