Also present: Joe Wiszowaty, Town Manager; Wayne Pondinas, Town Council Liaison, and Tom Nagle, Robinson Engineering.
Mr. Czarnik nominated Joan McInerney for Vice-President. Mr. Gembala seconded the motion. Motion carried with 3 ayes and 0 nays.
Mr. Nagle reported they have seven (7) projects they are working on:
1. The Acorn project design is done and sent to IDEM for permit. They are ahead of schedule on it.
2. The computerized hydraulic model is about 50% done and plan to be done around May 1st.
3. Wells 7, 8 and 9 pilot studies are in progress, with an issue on Well 9 as the ground is not frozen.
4. Wells 8 and 9 well house is moving forward with the design.
5. They’ve reviewed the SCADA contract and have a meeting with the contractor.
Mr. Gembala mentioned about posting the Acorn project progress on the website. Mr. Dravet responded that the project is still in the permit phase so there is nothing yet to report. Mr. Wiszowaty stated that the office will send letters to the residents affected. Mr. Nagle added that the idea of holding an open house for the residents once the contractor is selected.
Mr. Pondinas added a few additional updates with the SCADA system, Lift Station One, and the Gates Treatment Plant.
Ms. McInerney asked what the process would be to establish the round-table meeting. Mr. Nagle suggested having it in the afternoon so that Public Works could participate. Mr. Wiszowaty added that since it would be a Study Session, it would require at least 48 hours for notice. Mr. Wiszowaty offered to coordinate the schedule for the Board. Mr. Nagle suggested discussion on the Acorn project be addressed at the Study Session first and invite the residents to attend.
Respectfully Submitted:
Anastasia Lowery, Recording Secretary
St. John Waterworks Board
Approved This 21st Day of February, 2023:
___________________________________
Ken Gembala, Waterworks Board President
Board Members absent: John Kennedy, Patricia Sims-Smierciak
Also present: Joe Wiszowaty, Town Manager; Wayne Pondinas, Town Council Liaison
Sanitary Sewer Agenda:
1. Schererville Wastewater Billings – He provided a chart of the annual costs.
2. Inflow and Infiltration Strategy Inspection Areas study revealed that the older parts of Town have the most problems. He addressed the costs estimated to be associated with locating the problems in each zone area, which is about $1 million in total.
3. Acorn Drive Lift Station Abandonment – He reviewed the IDEM Rules and Regulations and an alternative method.
4. Five-Year Roadway Improvement Plan – He asked the Boards to interlay the improvement plans as the Town as a whole and referred to a map of the roads for improvement for each of the five (5) years.
Water Agenda:
1. Schererville Water Billings – He provided a chart of the annual costs which is driven by the consumption of the population. A discussion on altitude valves ensued.
2. Acorn Water Main – He expects the IDEM permit to be available in the second week of March. Once received, the project will be going out for bid. Once the permit is in place and the cost is determined and funded, there will be a town hall meeting with the contractor and the residents within the neighborhood.
3. Interconnecting Water Mains – He described the 18” raw water mains and the locations for placement to Wells 8 and 9 as well as a new regional treatment plant. 2,500’ of 12” water main will be installed at US 41 in 2024. A discussion about low rate loans and financing ensued.
4. Hydraulic Water Model – The process includes hydrant testing for calibration and workshopping the model.
5. Wells 7, 8 and 9 Pilot Study – He described the studies as verifying the Town can hydraulically load more water at each well on the new filter media in lieu of building more water treatment plants.
6. Well Houses Wells 8 and 9 and Regional Water Treatment Plant – The well houses are being designed and should be operational in 2024. For the new Treatment Plant, there is an issue with the property and the Town is resolving it.
7. SCADA – He presented the list of items remaining on the SCADA system.
8. Altitude Valves at Killkenny and Hack Street Tanks – Install two new altitude valves to improve the operations of the water system to occur in fall/winter 2023.
9. Replace high maintenance water mains one year prior to roadway jobs.
Mr. Schaefer suggested more joint meetings as finances are discussed for prospective projects combining both water and wastewater. Mr. Valois reported that the SCADA system cellular cost for the Town is about $7,200 annually.
Respectfully Submitted:
Anastasia Lowery, Recording Secretary
St. John Waterworks Board
St. John Sanitary District
Approved This 21st Day of March, 2023:
___________________________________
Ken Gembala, Waterworks Board President
Approved This 21st Day of March, 2023:
___________________________________
Patricia Sims-Smierciak, Sanitary District President
Ms. McInerney asked for a copy of the RFP. She also asked if there was a comparison matrix completed. Ms. McInerney asked about the status of the American Relief Act funds.
Respectfully Submitted:
Anastasia Lowery, Recording Secretary
St. John Waterworks Board
Approved This 21st Day of March, 2023:
___________________________________
Ken Gembala, Waterworks Board President
Board Members absent: Ken Gembala
Also present: Joe Wiszowaty, Town Manager; Wayne Pondinas, Town Council Liaison
A. February 21, 2023 Regular Meeting
B. February 21, 2023 Joint WW and SD Study Session
Mr. Czarnik made a motion to approve the February 21, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes as presented. Ms. McInerney seconded the motion. The motion carried with 2 ayes and 0 nays.
Mr. Czarnik made a motion to approve the February 21, 2023 Joint Study Session Minutes as presented. Ms. McInerney seconded the motion. The motion carried with 2 ayes and 0 nays.
Mr. Czarnik made a motion to approve the Consultant Engineering Agreement with First Group. Ms. McInerney seconded the motion. The motion carried with 2 ayes and 0 nays.
Mr. Pondinas asked about the Pilot Study cost. Robinson Engineering referred to the Scope of Work and everything that is entailed on the estimate.
Mr. Czarnik made a motion to approve Task Order 22-04 with Robinson Engineering. Ms. McInerney seconded the motion. The motion carried with 2 ayes and 0 nays.
Mr. Czarnik made a motion to approve Task Order 22-05 with Robinson Engineering. Ms. McInerney seconded the motion. The motion carried with 2 ayes and 0 nays.
Mr. Czarnik made a motion to approve Task Order 22-06 with Robinson Engineering. Ms. McInerney seconded the motion. The motion carried with 2 ayes and 0 nays.
Mr. Czarnik made a motion to approve the Accounts Payable Voucher dated March 21, 2023 representing payment for payroll, purchases, supplies, equipment, services rendered to the Water District in the amount of $11,703.61. Ms. McInerney seconded the motion. Motion carried with 2 ayes and 0 nays.
Respectfully Submitted:
Anastasia Lowery, Recording Secretary
St. John Waterworks Board
Approved This 18th Day of April, 2023:
___________________________________
Ken Gembala, Waterworks Board President
Also present: Joe Wiszowaty, Town Manager; Wayne Pondinas, Town Council Liaison
Mr. Nagle provided an update on the pilot study of the well houses. The property owner granted permission to access the property to continue. The pilot study will provide the volume of treatment plant capacity after changing out the media in the two (2) filter plants. It is anticipated that the capacity will increase by fifty percent (50%). Mr. Nagle explained the process steps to complete the project and a general timeline of about four to five months after the start of it. He also reported that similar processes will continue at the other treatment plants to eventually come off of the Schererville water.
Mr. Nagle reported on the Acorn project to say they are on schedule and will be ready to advertise. Mr. Wiszowaty added that the letter to the residents is about ready to go out, once the project goes out for bid. Mr. Nagle explained the resident outreach process that will take place.
Mr. Pondinas asked about the project with the 600 feet from Redeemer Church to the treatment plant, which is part of well 8. He added that the Town had the permit, therefore, it had to already be engineered and they have the pipe and the valves as well. He wondered why it was not getting done. He referred to some plans created by Haas from 2018 and 2019. Mr. Nagle responded that this is considered a low quantity job and could possibly lump it with some of the other work. He added that they need to get wells 8 and 9 running first. Mr. Nagle asked why the job was stopped 600 feet short at that time. Mr. Pondinas provided an explanation. Mr. Nagle explained that they would not be able to use the plans created by Haas in 2018. Mr. Nagle agreed to review those plans and contact IDEM about a permit and report back to the Board.
Board Members:
Joan McInerney – Ms. McInerney asked how the Board could obtain a professional opinion on the outlook for the summer with regards to water. Mr. Wiszowaty responded that it is difficult to gauge at this time and would have to see how it is once it warms up. He also stated that it may be possible that the Town implement the even and odd sprinkling schedule. Mr. Wiszowaty continued to explain the water usage in additional detail. Ms. McInerney continued to ask for a more specific response considering the money spent on improvements. Mr. Nagle added some perspective to addressing the anticipation of actions based on the water modeling. Mr. Czarnik asked about the peak flows to which Mr. Nagle responded that he has that and can provide it to the Board members. Mr. Gembala added that some of the solutions for solving the water issues are still in the works.
Respectfully Submitted:
Anastasia Lowery, Recording Secretary
St. John Waterworks Board
Approved This 16th Day of May, 2023:
___________________________________
Ken Gembala, Waterworks Board President
Board Members absent: Jim Czarnik
Also present: Joe Wiszowaty, Town Manager; Wayne Pondinas, Town Council Liaison; Tom Nagle, Robinson Engineering
Mr. Wiszowaty stated that they will table any further action on all of these task order, but authorize the payments for the work already done.
Mr. Gembala asked Wayne Pondinas, Town Council Liaison, about the cleaning of the water towers. Mr. Pondinas informed the Board that it is too costly to do at this time, based on the estimates provided to the Board. Discussion about the cleaning and painting of the water towers ensued. Mr. Nagle suggested an internal review of the inside and outside of them and come up with a recommendation and cost. Painting and paint colors were discussed as well as action to be taken in the fall.
A. Accounts Payable Voucher dated May 16, 2023 (document is incorrectly dated March 17, 2023) representing payment for payroll, purchases, supplies, equipment, services rendered to the Water District in the amount of $44,895.35
Ms. McInerney made a motion to approve the Accounts Payable Voucher in the amount of $44,895.35. Mr. Gembala seconded the motion. Motion carried with 2 ayes and 0 nays.
B. Accounts Payable Voucher dated May 16, 2023 representing payment for payroll, purchases, supplies, equipment, services rendered to the Water Utility in the amount of $1,090,721.37
Ms. McInerney asked about transactions for Lake City Bank. Mr. Wiszowaty explained that those are the reinvestments and are balances on the balance sheet. Mr. Gembala asked about the KorTerra line item. Mr. Dravet explained that KorTerra is the software used by Public works for locates and is an annual renewal. Mr. Dravet added that the cost will be going up significantly next year. Ms. McInerney made a motion to approve the Accounts Payable Voucher in the amount of $1,090,721.37. Mr. Gembala seconded the motion. Motion carried with 2 ayes and 0 nays.
Respectfully Submitted:
Anastasia Lowery, Recording Secretary
St. John Waterworks Board
Approved This 20th Day of June, 2023:
___________________________________
Ken Gembala, Waterworks Board President
Board Members absent: Joan McInerney
Also present: Joe Wiszowaty, Town Manager; Wayne Pondinas, Town Council Liaison; Tom Nagle, Robinson Engineering
Mr. Pondinas reported that this is a different truck than what Mr. Gembala had viewed before as this truck doesn’t have some of the bells and whistles. This truck could take one and a half to two years for delivery and that the purchase is done through Sourcewell, therefore, there is no need for three bids. It is a basic truck that does everything we need it to do. Mr. Wiszowaty added that the split would be thirty percent for Water, forty percent for Sanitary and thirty percent for Storm Water and figured into the next year’s budget. Mr. Wiszowaty explained that they are looking for authorization to move forward on the purchase. Mr. Czarnik stated that his understanding was that the current equipment is failing and requires $200,000.00 of repairs to which Mr. Wiszowaty confirmed and that it is part of the five year capital plan. Mr. Czarnik made a motion to approve and authorize Town Manager to proceed with the purchase process for the Vactor. Mr. Gembala seconded the motion.
(Ms. McInerney entered the meeting at 5:18 p.m.)
Motion carried with the following roll call vote: Mr. Czarnik – Aye, Mr. Gembala – Aye, Ms. McInerney – Abstain
Ms. McInerney made a motion to approve the Meeting Minutes from the regular meeting of May 16, 2023. Mr. Gembala seconded the motion. Motion carried with the following roll call vote: Mr. Czarnik – Abstain, Ms. McInerney – Aye Mr. Gembala – Aye, Ms. McInerney – Aye
Mr. Nagle reported on the Pilot Study, which was finished last week. He reported that the hydraulic numbers it is loading is 6 gallons per square foot. Mr. Nagle reported that the Town was experiencing a sulfur smell in the water system over the last several years. It was decided to try to change the media out from sand to an oxy plus 12 media to see if it could absorb the sulfur as well as load it at a higher hydraulic loading rate. This change would create additional capacity by changing the media out. He explained the process of the testing in the Pilot Study. He reported that the study shows the system loading at 6 gallons per square foot, while at present time, it is loading at only 3 gallons per square foot. He reported that the cost is about $450,000.00 per treatment plant, however, the capacity would be doubled. Building additional treatment plants could cost up to $8 million, whereas this option could be about $900,000.00. However, there are contingencies, such as, not know what the interiors of the filters look like, and they won’t know until the current media is vacuumed out. They can then do an inspection on them to determine the need for improvements. The Town will need IDEM’s approval for the 6 gallons per square foot rate. They had a meeting with Peerless Midwest about the tactics of addressing the project with IDEM and explained that they engaged IDEM early on in the process. He stated that the goal is to have something for IDEM by the middle of July. He reported that they are at the preliminary stage, having received the reports, and offered to distribute the reports to the Board. The treatment plant capacity is the major factor in the system’s water capacity, not the wells. At the completion of this process, the Town would not be dependent upon Schererville’s connection. He reported that in the last year, the Town spent about $600,000.00 on water purchased from Schererville. Mr. Gembala explained that the reason they connected with Schererville was for emergencies. Ms. McInerney asked what IDEM’s concern was with going from 5 gallons per square foot to 6 gallons per square foot. Mr. Nagle responded that it was a concern about the quality of the water, but noted that the operators would control the backwash and controlling the output at different times of the year, based on need. He explained about the differences between the capacities of the treatment plants versus the capacity of the well systems. Mr. Nagle explained the breakdown on the cost estimate. The assumption is that there will need to be some maintenance done on the filters. The filter media would be changed out one at a time. The anticipation is to start the process in the fall and be done by the spring. Ms. McInerney asked if Peerless has any other customers using the same media, to which Mr. Nagle responded that Peerless had provided a list of several other towns. Mr. Wiszowaty added that Peerless has been an excellent and impressive partner in this process.
Town Council Liaison: Mr. Pondinas updated the Board on the altitude valve project.
Respectfully Submitted:
Anastasia Lowery, Recording Secretary
St. John Waterworks Board
Approved This 18th Day of July, 2023:
___________________________________
Ken Gembala, Waterworks Board President
Also present: Joe Wiszowaty, Town Manager; Wayne Pondinas, Town Council Liaison; Tom Nagle, Robinson Engineering; and Daniel Dalton, Cender Dalton
Mr. Czarnik made a motion to approve the June 20, 2023 Meeting Minutes. Ms. McInerney seconded the motion. Motion carried with 3 ayes and 0 nays.
a. Invoice numbers 23030181 and 23040129 for Task Order 22-07 b. Invoice number 23030182 for Task Order 22-08 c. Invoice Number 23030183 for Task Order 22-09
Mr. Gembala referred to previous minutes regarding the approval of these invoices. Mr. Wiszowaty explained that these are the invoices previously discussed in the meeting with respect to paying for the work that is already complete. These Task Orders have been halted and are not moving forward. Mr. Pondinas said the question was “who authorized the work”. Mr. Wiszowaty responded that he did and explained the agreement with Robinson. Mr. Pondinas expressed his concerns with the approval process on these task orders. Mr. Czarnik asked Mr. Nagle when the work was done to which Mr. Nagle responded it was done in February and March. He also explained some of the field and topography work. Mr. Gembala stated that he agreed with Mr. Pondinas on the process, however, if work has been done, it should be paid for. Mr. Czarnik agreed that these invoices should be paid, but in the future the task orders must be approved before any work moves forward. Mr. Wiszowaty explained that the task order process was new to the Town and the benefits of having them. Ms. McInerney added that sometimes preliminary work is necessary. Mr. Wiszowaty suggested the preliminary work is done on time and billed outside of the task orders. Mr. Czarnik made a motion to approve invoice numbers 23030181 and 23040129 for Task Order 22-07, Invoice number 23030182 for Task Order 22-08, and Invoice Number 23030183 for Task Order 22-09. Ms. McInerney seconded the motion. Motion carried with 3 ayes and 0 nays.Mr. Nagle then reported on the Acorn project and how the project had multiple components to it. They will get the preconstruction meeting started as soon as possible, then they will get a schedule from the contractor. They can then announce to the residents what will be happening. He suggested a ground-breaking with the Water Board, the Sanitary Board and the Town Council there.
Town Council Liaison: Mr. Pondinas explained that the contractor can’t shut the water off on West 93rd Avenue due to connections at US-41. He stated that the water samples from US-41 to the tracks haven’t passed yet. They are changing out different material to determine the cause.
Town Manager: Mr. Wiszowaty referred to a quote for the cleaning of the water towers and was seeking a consensus from the Board. He explained that cleaning the Kilkenny, Gates and Hack towers would be about $34,500.00. He asked if they wanted to clean one a year or all at once. The Board agreed to clean all three of the towers now and to submit to the Town Council for approval on July 26th.
Mr. Czarnik made a motion to approve the Account Payable Voucher for the Water District for $28,915.38. Ms. McInerney seconded the motion. Motion carried with 3 ayes and 0 nays.
B. Accounts Payable Voucher dated July 18, 2023 representing payment for payroll, purchases, supplies, equipment, services rendered to the Water Utility in the amount of $632,527.09
Mr. Czarnik made a motion to approve the Account Payable Voucher for the Water Utility for $632,527.09. Ms. McInerney seconded the motion. Motion carried with 3 ayes and 0 nays.
Respectfully Submitted:
Anastasia Lowery, Recording Secretary
St. John Waterworks Board
Approved This 15th Day of August, 2023:
___________________________________
Ken Gembala, Waterworks Board President
Also present: Joe Wiszowaty, Town Manager; Wayne Pondinas, Town Council Liaison; Tom Nagle, Robinson Engineering; and Daniel Dalton, Cender Dalton
Mr. Czarnik made a motion to approve the July 18, 2023 Meeting Minutes. Ms. McInerney seconded the motion. Motion carried with 3 ayes and 0 nays.
Town Council Liaison: Mr. Pondinas asked Mr. Nagle about the altitude valves for Kilkenny. Mr. Nagle responded that they have to get the written approval from IDEM. Mr. Nagle added that he will need to have a Task Order approved, which he should have at the next meeting. Mr. Pondinas asked about the lead time on receiving the media. Mr. Nagle responded that he does not have that schedule but he will email the Board with the information.
Town Manager: Mr. Wiszowaty reported that the Town is off Schererville water at this time and saving some money. On the W. 93rd Avenue project, the water portions are done on the north end but will need to tie into the south end. Discussion on the W. 93rd Avenue project continued. The job is on schedule. Mr. Gembala stated that the water towers look good.
A. Accounts Payable Voucher dated August 15, 2023 representing payment for payroll, purchases, supplies, equipment, services rendered to the Water District in the amount of $23,081.42
Mr. Czarnik made a motion to approve the Account Payable Voucher for the Water District for $23,081.42. Ms. McInerney seconded the motion. Motion carried with 3 ayes and 0 nays.
B. Accounts Payable Voucher dated August 15, 2023 representing payment for payroll, purchases, supplies, equipment, services rendered to the Water Utility in the amount of $1,362,349.52
Mr. Czarnik asked about the Peerless Midwest charge. Ms. McInerney said that is was the stress test on the system. Mr. Wiszowaty added that it was the interference test. Mr. Nagle reported that he read the test which was about the sequence of operations and they came up with a recommendation of how to operate the wells in The Gates Well Field. It was determined not to add any more wells in that area. Mr. Pondinas added that the Town should continue to look for water. Discussion about well 10 ensued. Mr. Wiszowaty added that the Town should also be looking for storage capacity. Mr. Czarnik made a motion to approve the Account Payable Voucher for the Water Utility for $1,362,349.52. Ms. McInerney seconded the motion. Motion carried with 3 ayes and 0 nays.
Respectfully Submitted:
Anastasia Lowery, Recording Secretary
St. John Waterworks Board
Approved This 19th Day of September, 2023:
___________________________________
Ken Gembala, Waterworks Board President
Also present: Joe Wiszowaty, Town Manager; Wayne Pondinas, Town Council Liaison;
Mr. Czarnik made a motion to approve the August 15, 2023 Meeting Minutes. Ms. McInerney seconded the motion. Motion carried with 3 ayes and 0 nays.
A. 2024 Water Utility Budget – Daniel Dalton, Cender Dalton
Mr. Dalton reported that for 2024, the Water District and the Water Utility funds will have budgets. The Form 3, the advertisement to the tax payers was released with a $350,000.00 budget in the Water District Fund and asking for about $355,000.00 in the property tax levy. In addition, they are looking to request a levy excess appeal for $25,000.00. The Water Utility Operating Fund, which is in-house, they are looking at a $4.6 million Budget for 2024 which is in line with the monthly cash flow. The 2023 cash flows through August are at 65%. He listed off the remainder of the funds and how the 2024 Budget reflect the 2023 numbers. Ms. McInerney asked about allocated versus direct expenses. Mr. Dalton responded that all of the expenses are allocated. Mr. Czarnik asked about the Bond proceeds that need to be spent down and what obligations they have. Mr. Dalton responded that he did not have the details on the specific items. Mr. Wiszowaty responded that they have the US41 Water Main, Well houses, and Wells 8 & 9. Discussion on the status of the Well Houses and the media change out continued. Mr. Czarnik asked for a confirmation of when it needs to be spent and Mr. Dalton confirmed it was by 2024. Mr. Czarnik asked for a list of projects. Mr. Pondinas added that the delay on the wells was whether IDEM was going to approve the media change out. Mr. Wiszowaty explained that his understanding is that as long as the projects are determined and the funds are appropriated, it can be spent in 2024. Mr. Dalton will confirm this information. Ms. McInerney asked if the Department Heads and the Clerk-Treasurer reviewed the budget. Discussion on approval of the Budget continued.
B. Service Line Material Inventory Proposal – Tom Nagle, Robinson Engineering
Mr. Shilling, Robinson Engineering, explained that they have a Task Order for the Service Line Material Inventory which is a result from the Flint, Michigan lead issue. The State of Indiana requires that the inventory be completed by October, 2024. Robinson is proposing a fee not to exceed $6,000.00, without field inventory, to review records, work with staff, determine the inventory and submit it by the deadline. If field work or other outreach is necessary, it could be an additional $5,000.00. This is specifically for the lead lines. The State wants the materials of the lines from the main to the homes. According to staff, no one has seen any lead service lines in the Town of St. John. Mr. Gembala asked Mr. Davis, in audience, for possible location of lead lines. Robinson is not recommending the field investigation. Mr. Czarnik referred to the Task Order and the verbiage with regards to unknowns by 2027. Mr. Shilling explained that if it is determined there are lead service lines, they need to be replaced by 2027. Mr. Gembala asked if there is any need to replace any lines, who would be responsible for the expense. Mr. Czarnik made a motion to execute a contract with Robinson Engineering for the Service Line Material Inventory for $6,000.00. Ms. McInerney seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously with 3 ayes and 0 nays.
C. Update GIS Atlases for Water, Sanitary Sewer, and Storm Sewer Proposal – Tom Nagle, Robinson Engineering
Mr. Shilling explained that their proposal is to update the atlases for all three (3) utilities, Water, Sanitary and Stormwater. The Water portion is estimated to be $32,000.00. The number is based on economies of scale and doing all three (3) at once. Mr. Wiszowaty asked about the $1,500.00 subscription as the Town already has a GIS subscription. Mr. Shilling explained that the subscription cost is separate and would be directly between the Town and GIS. Mr. Shilling referred to the Water portion (page 5) of the proposal, which provides subdivisions that are currently not on the Town’s atlas. Robinson would contact the developers of the subdivisions, get their CAD plans and convert it to a GIS format. If they are not able to get those, they would need to do the field work at an additional expense. Ms. McInerney asked when the last time the Town updated the GIS Atlas. Mr. Dravet responded that his predecessor did some but that it was not viable. In about 2012, Robinson Engineering converted the Town from CAD to GIS. Mr. Dravet reported that he updates the Atlases when he gets the data and when time is available. Discussion on the fire hydrants ensued. Mr. Dravet reported that the fire hydrants have to be flushed and pressure tested and that the Town is behind on that. Discussion ensued. Ms. McInerney asked how the systems will remain current after the Town is up to date and who will be responsible. Mr. Wiszowaty responded that developers are required to provide the “as builts” so they could be incorporated into GIS and automatically updated by Robinson as part of the plan review process. Discussion about completion time continued. Ms. McInerney asked if the Town had any leverage with developers that may still have open bonds. Discussion on the current projects and completion time ensued. Ms. McInerney made the motion to approve the GIS Atlas for the Water System with Robinson Engineering for a total of $32,000.00. Mr. Czarnik seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously with 3 ayes and 0 nays.
Mr. Pondinas asked Mr. Shilling about the permits for the altitude valves. Mr. Shilling responded that the focus is on the filter media at one to two weeks. Once done they will move to the altitude valves, which would be about three to four weeks to submit to IDEM.
D. 10920 Thielen Street Water Consumption Summary
Mr. Gembala read off the summary provided. Mr. Wiszowaty explained that going back and charging the owner for all of those years would not be the right thing to do. The water meter has been replaced and the situation has been corrected. Ms. McInerney noted two issues, one being what to do about this one gentleman in this situation and the other thing is whether there is any audit in place to alert when a significant reduction in water consumptions occurs. If there is nothing in place, should there be? Mr. Dravet stated that a system already exists as part of the MDM Harmony Website. He added that you can run reports to check for leaks and tampering. Staff was reporting information from the audience. The Board agreed it is Town equipment that failed. Ms. McInerney noted that having some type of flagging system in place is suggested to monitor to the exception. Russell Vogel stepped up to the podium and explained that he does all of the customer service with the meters. He reported that the meters being installed today are all computerized. The new meters send out readings every twelve hours. Mr. Vogel reported that there are about 1,700 of the old meters remaining. Those old meters will be replaced as they die. Explanation on how the meter replacement process is managed was provided. Mr. Czarnik made a motion to issue a credit to the account of $623.66. Ms. McInerney seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously with 3 ayes and 0 nays.
Town Council Liaison – Mr. Pondinas provided some updates on the W. 93rd Ave project.
Town Manager – Nothing to report.
Respectfully Submitted:
Anastasia Lowery, Recording Secretary
St. John Waterworks Board
Approved This 26th Day of October, 2023:
___________________________________
Ken Gembala, Waterworks Board President
Also present: Joe Wiszowaty, Town Manager; Wayne Pondinas, Town Council Liaison;
Respectfully Submitted:
Anastasia Lowery, Recording Secretary
St. John Waterworks Board
Approved This 26th Day of October, 2023:
___________________________________
Ken Gembala, Waterworks Board President
Board Members absent: Joan McInerney
Also present: Joe Wiszowaty, Town Manager. Wayne Pondinas, Town Council Liaison was absent.
A. September 19, 2023 Regular Meeting
B. October 9, 2023 Special Meeting
Mr. Czarnik made a motion to approve the September 19, 2023 Meeting Minutes. Mr. Gembala seconded the motion. Motion carried with 2 ayes and 0 nays.
Mr. Czarnik made a motion to approve the October 9, 2023 Meeting Minutes. Mr. Gembala seconded the motion. Motion carried with 2 ayes and 0 nays.
A. 2024 Water Utility Budget Approval
Mr. Wiszowaty reported that Cender Dalton presented the budget at the last regular meeting and the budget is before the Board tonight for final approval. Mr. Wiszowaty reported on the details of the budget for the Water Utility. Mr. Czarnik made a motion to approve the 2024 Water Utility Budget. Mr. Gembala seconded the motion. Motion carried with 2 ayes and 0 nays.
B. Wells 8 and 9 Engineering
Mr. Nagle, Robinson Engineering, explained that Robinson has been working with Haas to get permission to use their plans and specifications. The Town requires an agreement between Haas and the Town.
C. Interconnecting Water Main for Wells 8 and 9
Mr. Nagle reported that this is the same situation. As Haas started the project, Robinson would like their plans to finish it. Mr. Gembala noted that they had bought pipe for it. Mr. Wiszowaty added that the pipe is at Public Works under a tarp.
Town Manager – Mr. Wiszowaty reported that the pressure test on the new pipe on Keilman is complete. The bacterial test is still in progress. He provided additional updates on the Keilman project.
A. Accounts Payable Voucher dated October 17, 2023 representing payment for payroll, purchases, supplies, equipment, services rendered to the Water District in the amount of $26,437.72
Mr. Czarnik made a motion to approve the Account Payable Voucher for the Water District for $26,437.72. Mr. Gembala seconded the motion. Motion carried with 2 ayes and 0 nays.
B. Accounts Payable Voucher dated October 17, 2023 representing payment for payroll, purchases, supplies, equipment, services rendered to the Water Utility in the amount of $346,893.17
Mr. Czarnik made a motion to approve the Account Payable Voucher for the Water Utility for $346,893.17. Mr. Gembala seconded the motion. Motion carried with 2 ayes and 0 nays.
Mr. Gembala reported that the Clerk-Treasurer sent out notice on the Robinson payments for the water bond. Mr. Wiszowaty explained that it was suggested that the expense for the Watermain and resurfacing design and construction engineering be moved to the water bond for a total of $238,800.00 of which $131,700.00 has been expended. The Clerk asked the Town Engineer if the engineering would fall under the water portion of this project and that was confirmed.
Mr. Czarnik made a motion to authorize the Clerk-Treasurer to move the Acorn Water Main, Resurfacing, Design and Construction Engineering for $238,800.00 to the water bond. Mr. Gembala seconded the motion. Motion carried with 2 ayes and 0 nays.
Mr. Czarnik made a motion to authorize the Clerk-Treasurer to move the Study Assistance for Wells 7, 8 and 9 Pilot Study in the amount of $20,000.00 to the water bond. Mr. Gembala seconded the motion. Motion carried with 2 ayes and 0 nays.
Mr. Czarnik made a motion to move Wells 8 and 9 Interconnect Arterial Raw Water Main Design and Construction Engineering for a total of $429,000.00 to the water bond. Mr. Gembala seconded the motion. Motion carried with 2 ayes and 0 nays.
Respectfully Submitted:
Anastasia Lowery, Recording Secretary
St. John Waterworks Board
Approved This 21st Day of November, 2023:
___________________________________
Ken Gembala, Waterworks Board President
