TELFORD, PENNSYLVANIA                                                               JANUARY 19, 2023

The Telford Borough Authority Meeting held this date was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairman John Harrell. The following members were in attendance: Dan Cole, and Robert Nice. Also present were Solicitor Jim Jacquette, Engineer Patrick DiGangi, Public Works Director Gary Yoder, Interim Manager Cary Vargo, and Recording Secretary Diane Windfelder. Dave Musselman was absent.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of the December 15, 2022, Authority meeting were approved unanimously (3-0) by a Cole/Nice motion.

COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE: No comments from the audience

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

The proposed 2023 rates for the Authority were presented to the Board. A Nice/Cole motion carried unanimously (3-0) approving the Rates Resolution and Charges as presented.

Mr. DiGangi reported that we received a proposal from Eastern Environmental Contractors Inc for the installation of a Docking Station Manual and transfer switch for Well #7 in the amount of $54,295.00. After a brief discussion, a Nice/Cole motion carried unanimously (3-0) authorizing the purchase and installation of the switch as reported on the proposal.

Engineer Patrick DiGangi presented the Authority an overview of the new Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water PFAS MCL Rule that was published January 14, 2023, establishing maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and maximum contaminant level goals (MCLGs) in drinking water for two PFAS chemicals; perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). The MCL established for PFOA is 14 ppt and the MCL for PFOS is 18 ppt. The MCLG established for PFOA is 8 ppt and the MCLG for PFOS is 14 ppt. Beginning January 1, 2024, TBA will have to test quarterly at each well and be under the limits. Prior testing by the TBA indicates the presence of both PFOA and PFOS in the wells. Those levels are below the respective MCLs. Options to address PFOA/PFOS contamination include treatment or the purchase of surface water through TBA’s interconnections with North Penn Water Authority (NPWA). Treatment typically involves the use of a Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filter system which cost approximately $1.7 million dollars per well, total project cost. In June 2022, EPA also issued new interim health advisory limits (HALs) for PFOA and PFOS. Those limits are 0.004 ppt and 0.02, respectively and are “advisory”. The prior HAL was 70 ppt combined PFOA and PFOS.

TREASURER’S REPORT: No report.

WATER DEPARTMENT REPORT: We received a written report for the file.

COLLECTION REPORT: No report.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT REPORT: We received a written report for the file.

PTWA REPORT: No Report

SOLICITOR’S REPORT: Solicitor Jim Jacquette provided a verbal report.

Solicitor James Jacquette reported that he had a conversation with PWTA’s lawyer on their 50-year agreement and was trying to get an understanding on this agreement. John Harrell would like to set up a meeting with PWTA to get a better understanding of this 50-year agreement.

Home Depot has paid the new tapping fees in full, and we received the signed water and sanitary sewer service agreements.

ENGINEER’S REPORT: We received a written report for the file.

MANAGER’S REPORT: Gave a verbal report.

Manager Cary Vargo reported that we hired Blaine Bergey for the Finance Director, and he will be starting Monday, January 30, 2023. He also reported that we have advertised for a borough manager and are getting a few potential candidates. Mr. Vargo also reported that there has been a delay in the work on the new website due to his illness.

OTHER BUSINESS:

John Harrell reported that he would like to lien the properties that have water turned off. He asked Diane Windfelder to give a report of all the current properties that have their water shut off and are currently vacant.

PENDING ITEMS:                                       

Mr. DiGangi to prepare a proposal with recommendations as to how to improve treatment and flow at the WWTF.

Pursue cost information (lease vs. purchase) for generators at TBA’s wells; also, research used equipment.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm by a Coll/Nice motion.

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                                Diane Windfelder

                                                                                                Recording Secretary