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MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE

BINGHAMTON-JOHNSON CITY JOINT SEWAGE BOARD

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Johnson City, 2nd Floor Conference Room

 

Members Present: Thomas R. Augostini, Chairman

                                                                                                       Thomas Dellapenna, Jr.

                                                                                                                     Eugene Hulbert

                                                                                                                  Kenneth Kinsman

                                                                                                                          Arthur Ospelt

Kevin Transue

 

Also Present:          Robert C. Murphy, Esq., Co-Counsel--ABSENT

                                                                                   Kenneth Helisek, Esq., Co-Counsel

                                    Catherine P. Aingworth, Interim Superintendent

                                    Beverly J. Palmer, Fiscal Officer--ABSENT

            Michele Cuevas, Confidential Secretary

            Kathleen C. Carney, Transcriptionist

 

Guests:     Bob Bennett, Engineer, Village of Johnson City

                                                                                         Art Van Gelder, C&S Engineers

                                                                                          Bob Palladine, C&S Engineers

                                                                                              Luke Day, Binghamton DPW

                                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                                               

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Chairman Tom Augostini called the meeting to order at 1:31 p.m.

 

PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR

 

C&S Engineers

 

 

Bob Palladine of C&S Engineers updated the Board on the Flood Damage Assessment Report.  C&S is currently compiling a list of impacted areas.  FEMA visited the Plant on July 12, 2006.  A progress coordination meeting was held for the construction, at which time each contractor was asked to assess their portion of the work and notify C&S in writing of the impact to equipment and schedule. 

 

The DEC (Sandy Lizlovs), FEMA and SEMO visited the Plant.    Dr. Michael Saddler represented FEMA.  Dr. Saddler is a consultant to FEMA representing New York Technical Assistance Contract Service. 

 

At a general meeting with the DEC, FEMA, SEMO and the Plant, Art Van Gelder presented the photos of the flood damage, gave a general overview of the Plant and the general history of the project.  They presented an overview of the damages and also provided a walk through of the existing Plant. 

 

Interim Superintendent Aingworth and Elliott Wagner had itemized all impacted areas and the tour included all those impacted areas. 

 

They also discussed the rules for applying for aid.  The DEC, FEMA and SEMO scheduled a second meeting at the Plant on July 14, 2006 and at that time reviewed the new construction work under Contracts 3 and 4. 

 

FEMA explained that that if the Plant did not own the equipment (under Contracts 3 and 4), FEMA might not be able to reimburse for it.  Mr. Palladine explained that ownership was an issue and under the contract meant different things with regard to substantial completion and occupancy.  C&S requested a meeting with FEMA to explain the ground rules.  On Friday, July 14, 2006 they reviewed the FEMA rules and it was determined that for projects under construction, those damages for which the municipality is responsible are reimbursable and those for which the contractor is responsible under the contract are not.   Currently everything is reimbursable. 

 

As the BAF equipment was previously procured by the owners under Contract 1 and was bought, paid for and stored by the owner and turned over as needed to Contract 3, it is considered owned by the Plant and is reimbursable.  For the existing work under Contracts 3 and 4, for the owner supplied centrifuges and equipment, they are at 90% completion.  The equipment had been supplied and inspected, installed and paid for. Although performance and assessment testing had not been completed, the owner has taken the equipment.  The DEC and FEMA concurred and believed that this would all be reimbursable. 

 

Mr. Palladine explained that for all equipment not owned by the Plant (owners), the owner's protective liability insurance for this project is the builder's risk insurance and this was procured by the Board (for the owners).  Mr. Palladine felt that the conditions of purchased, paid for and installed have been satisfied. 

 

He explained that FEMA and the DEC need to understand the scope of what was damaged and then will get into the details and order of magnitude of the cost.  They explained that it was more important that the all damaged items and areas be included in the scope of what was damaged versus narrowing down the actual costs.  The costs will be paid for on a reimbursement basis.  The Plant will spend the money for repairs and submit documentation for reimbursement.    He stressed that all damage be included in the documentation to FEMA. 

 

FEMA and the DEC have asked for a Damage Assessment Report and under Work Order #4, C&S will perform this inventory of damage for the existing plant.  They are preparing the same report under Contracts 3 and 4.  They will compile one report that lists all the areas and equipment that were impacted.  He provided the setup for the report and explained the procedure for completing the report. 

 

The Damage Assessment Report is due August 4, 2006. 

 

For all equipment, C&S has requested from the contractor and the supplier whether the equipment can be repaired and if it can, the estimated cost of repair.  If the repair costs are more than 50% of the replacement cost, FEMA will reimburse for new equipment. 

 

Mr. Palladine explained the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.  C&S will keep track of mitigation ideas as they put together the Damage Assessment Report, gather more information on the program and forward that to the Board/Plant. 

 

Mr. Palladine has created a website and provided access information to Board members. 

 

Mr. Van Gelder reported that for planning purposes they are using 6-12 months as the schedule timeframe it will take to repair the plant.  The contractors have been asked to give time estimates with each item for repair/replacement.  They will be generous but realistic with their estimates.

 

Mr. Van Gelder reported that any scrapped materials may be offered to the Plant after insurance review.  Mr. Palladine reported that in the builder's risk policies there is $1 million on Contract 3 and $1 million on Contract 4 and no coverage on the existing plant.  The first $1 million in repairs under Contracts 3 and 4 will be paid from the insurance policies and FEMA will reimburse the remainder.

 

Mr. Van Gelder reported that they are well on their way towards cleaning mud and debris.  Estimates and costs for repair and replacement are being collected from contractors on all three contracts (1, 3 and 4).  Mr. Van Gelder is asking for a repair and a replacement estimate on each and every item damaged.   Some areas have had to be cleaned two or three times to remove the silt.  They are also progressing contract work where possible. 

 

Mr. Van Gelder reviewed the status of the boilers, digesters, TPS system, electrical system and pumps.  They discussed submersible pumps as a possible alternative under the mitigating measures grant.

 

Superintendent's Report

 

Interim Superintendent Cathy Aingworth reported that the switchgear in the pump house is not under warranty and will need to be replaced again.  It will be covered by FEMA.

 

They are proceeding with clean up.  The west side of the plant is a more difficult task.  While tanks 7 through 10 are off line, they are taking the opportunity to install gates and valves that need to be installed under Contract 3. 

 

They are currently meeting their numbers (from the permit). 

 

They are continuing to work on estimates for repairs and recovery.

 

The Plant will be added to the list for Broome County Emergency Services for notification of weather emergencies, etc. 

 

The compost fire was a smoldering fire.  As power was cut off to the compost facility due to the flood, the compost could not be aerated or mixed.  Interim Superintendent Aingworth has listed the compost fire on the list of repairs/recovery items as the fire occurred due to flood damage.

 

Interim Superintendent Aingworth reported that lime stabilization is difficult in hot and humid weather due to clogging issues.

 

Mr. Kinsman had a conversation with Mike Richardson regarding negotiations.  As the union is looking at coming up with an alternative medical plan, negotiations will not convene until late August or early September. 

 

Interim Superintendent Aingworth reported they are continuing with their personnel staffing, job descriptions, etc. 

 

Motion to adjourn at 2:45 p.m. by Mr. Ospelt.  Second by Mr. Hulbert

 

Motion carried:       6 ayes

0 nay

0 absent

 

The next regularly scheduled meeting is Tuesday, August 8, 2006 at 1:30 p.m. in the Second Floor Conference Room in Johnson City.  The second August meeting will be Tuesday, August 22, 2006 at 1:30 p.m. in the Second Floor Conference Room in Johnson City.


 

 

 

TIME & PLACE OF NEXT BOARD MEETING

 

 

Tuesday, August 8, 2006 @1:30 PM

Johnson City, Second Floor Conference Room

 

&

 

Tuesday, August 22, 2006 @1:30 PM

Johnson City, Second Floor Conference Room

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Kathleen C. Carney

Transcriptionist

 

 

 

 

cc:       All Board Members

            Mayor Ryan, City of Binghamton

            Mayor Lewis, Village of Johnson City

            Kenneth P. Helisek, Esq.

            Robert C. Murphy, Esq.

            Beverly J. Palmer, Fiscal Officer

            Catherine Aingworth, Interim Superintendent

            City of Binghamton, City Clerk

Haylor, Freyer & Coon

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