The Onondaga County Water Authority met in regular session on May 15, 2013.
Members of the Authority present were F. Picardi, S. Miller, E. Gilligan and J. Bianchini.
Others present: M. Hooker, A. Geiss, L. Khanzadian, G. Miller, and J. Brown.

I.      F. Picardi called the meeting to order at 12:35 p.m.

Minutes of the regular Board meeting of April 24, 2013, were on motion by E. Gilligan, seconded by S. Miller, approved by all Members.

II.     M. HOOKER REPORTED

  • Reviewed the Executive Director’s report.
  • Discussed the recent billing received by Town of Camillus customers and the concerns. Clarified billing details and differences.
  • OCWA’s active customer account total has surpassed 100,000 in April.
  • Reviewed his committee work related to USEPA’s development of all hazards mitigation training modules for water and wastewater utilities.
  • Discussed his role as co-chair of the Critical Infrastructure Protection Advisory Committee charged with updating the water sector’s strategic roadmap for the upcoming 5 year period.
  • Follow-up on open items. Completed a policy draft on Non-Bargaining Unit Compensation and Wage Adjustments.
  • Announced that the US Senate passed the Water Resources Development Act which includes provisions for a Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovations Act. The House of Representatives has to approve its version, which reportedly will include a WIFIA provision as well.

III.    A. GEISS REPORTED:

  • Reviewed the Chief Engineer’s Report
  • Reported on the current Otisco lake level at +2.00”
  • Reported that Northern Concourse garage floor tile removal project has begun and that the area is being prepped.
  • Confirmation that OCWA will terminate services for the Tully Valley Water System on May 31, 2013, Notification will be provided to customers of the system.
  • Reviewed the negotiation of Camillus selling parts to OCWA.
  • Completed letter of recognition from the Board to George German.
  • Reported that Camillus has maintained cell contracts at OCWA leased tanks. A letter has been sent to the Town of Camillus indicating that cell tower companies cannot have 24 hour access and notice needs to be given to OCWA.
  • Completed replacing exterior lights at the Northern Concourse and Fairmount parking lots which was partially funded by National Grid. Proceeding with replacing the lights at tanks and pump stations.
  • Water main breaks were considerably less than last year at this time.  Total of six for April.
  • G. Miller reviewed the Capital projects.
  • Town of Lenox accepted bids and awarded the work for Water District #12 with construction scheduled to begin in the next couple of months. This will result in an addition of approximately 200 new customers for OCWA.
  • Southern Branch project- Review of the project budget and Change Order #2 for patches and repairs at Thurber Street.

On motion by S. Miller, duly seconded by J. Bianchini, with all Members approving, the Board accepted the Change Order as outlined totaling $15,786.17.

  • Discussed the status of the Northern Concourse Emergency exit window project. Currently waiting for quotes from Contractors.
  • The limited flow into the water treatment was discussed. Staff is systematically checking possible causes including testing meters, checking the screen chamber, line valves, air valves and divers scheduled to check intake area.

IV.    LEGAL REPORT

  • J. Brown reviewed the Legal Report.
  • Reviewed a proposed amendment to OCWA’s Procurement policy, specifically clarifying the need for performance security.

On motion by J. Bianchini, duly seconded by S. Miller, with all Members approving, the Board approved the amendment to the Procurement policy as outlined.

  • Follow-up discussion and review of Board document management software. Presented a modified version of the BoardDocs software suitable for smaller organizations with a set-up cost of $1000.00 and annual update fee of $3000.00. Discussed the use of tablets in conjunction with the software noting the elimination of paper and improved availability of reports through better organization and search functions. The project has been coordinated with IT.

On motion by J. Bianchini, duly seconded by E. Gilligan, with all Members approving, the Board authorized the purchase of BoardDocs software and computer tablets for Board meetings.

V.    HUMAN RESOURCES /INSURANCE/RISK MANAGEMENT REPORT

  • L. Khanzadian reviewed the Human Resource and Insurance/Risk Management report.
  • Reported on the Classic Blue plan renewal for July 1, 2013 with a 16.1% rate increase.

On motion by J. Bianchini, duly seconded by S. Miller, with all Members present approving, the Board accepted the Excellus rates for the Classic Blue plan as presented.

  • Reviewed the non-bargaining unit draft policy on Compensation and Wage Adjustments.

On motion by J. Bianchini, duly seconded by E. Gilligan, with all Members approving, the Board approved the policy as outlined.

  • Requested Executive Session to review the up- coming Teamster requested mediation.

VI.    NEW BUSINESS:

  • One Right(s) of Way were presented for consideration.

On motion by J. Bianchini, duly seconded by S. Miller, with all Members approving, the Board authorized the following right(s) of way.

4130028             COR Verplank Road Co., LLC                   8” Ext., Harke Farms, Sec. 1

VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

  • Review of South Avenue Pump station roof rehabilitation bid. Discussed fact that lowest bid was non-responsive due to lack of required insurance and selection of the next lowest responsible bidder, Henderson Brothers.

On motion by S. Miller, duly seconded by E. Gilligan, with all Members approving, the

Board accepted OCWA management’s recommendation of the lowest responsible bidder, Henderson Brothers.

  • Bids:

#7Generator Maintenance – Milton Cat

On motion by S. Miller, duly seconded by E. Gilligan, with all Members approving, the Board approved OCWA management’s recommendation of the lowest responsible bidder, Milton Cat.

On motion by E. Gilligan, duly seconded by S. Miller, with all Members approving, the Board adjourned the regular Board meeting at 2:00 p.m. and convened an Executive Session.

On motion by J. Bianchini, duly seconded by S. Miller, with all Members present approving, the Board adjourned Executive Session at 2:10 p.m.

There being no further business to come before Board, upon motion duly made and seconded, the meeting adjourned at 2:10 p.m.

The next Authority meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at 12:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
Laurie Khanzadian, Recording Secretary