JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP SEWER AUTHORITY MAY 21, 2024-F REGULAR MEETING  MINUTES  Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Vice Chairwoman Barbara Mehne  Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was given. present. Matthew Pendrak was absent.  Roll Call:. Jason Hollister, Barbara Mehne, Adeline Rocco, Kayla Zorechak: and Attorney Magnotta were all Announcements: Attorney Magnotta provided an update on the status oft the scheduled Sheriff Sale for ad delinquent account at! 53 ES Shore Dr. Portnoff indicated that it is slated for September/October timeframe and required forms will be submitted to Lackawanna County by. July1,2024.  Jason Hollister read the public participation rules. Public Comment on Agenda Items:  John Peters- Questioned the water shutoff policy- - asked ifi it was fair to those who are on wells. Attorney Magnotta indicated that iti is al legal avenue to pursue for those customers on Minutes from the April regular meeting were posted. A motion was made by. Jason Hollister, seconded Treasurer Report was read by Barbara Mehne. Amotion to accept the report was made by. Jason  publicwater. The option for well customers is to shut off sewer service.  by Adeline Rocco to accept the minutes as presented. Ayes carried (4-0). Hollister and seconded by Kayla Zorechak. Ayes carried (4-0).  Written Communication: None. Unfinished Business: None. New Business:  Purchas complete grinder pump units for new construction: Motion was made by Jason Hollister, seconded by Adeline Rocco to purchase 5 complete units from Site Specific at a cost of $5,861.84/unit. Advertise Repair Technician Position: Mr. Hollister indicated that Tammy. Jensen from Central Wayne Sewer Authority provided a couple example job descriptions that we could review and come up with a description that fits our Authority'sneeds. Amotion was made by Jason Hollster,seconded by Kayla Zorechak to advertise for al Maintenance Repair Technician once thej job description is finalized. Ayes Delinquent collections update/strategies: A motion was made by Barbara Mehne, seconded by Adeline Rocco to sign an agreement with Pennsylvania American Water to allow water shutoffs for delinquent Mr. Hollister thanked the office staff fort their diligent work: sending out more frequent delinquent account notices and noted that they successfully received $10,000 in the last month alone from the  Ayes carried (4-0).  carried (4-0).  sewer accounts after review by Attorney Magnotta. Ayes carried (4-0).  notices that were sent.    JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP SEWER AUTHORITY MAY: 21, 2024-F REGULAR MEETING  MINUTES  Approve and sign yearly audit engagement letter for Murphey & Dougherty to complete 2023 Audit-A motion was made by Jason Hollister, seconded by Adeline Rocco to authorize the Chairman to execute the letter of engagement with Murphy & Dougherty for the 2023 Audit. Ayes carried (4-0). Review proposed raise for current employees for the ability to cover health insurance: Discussion on needing additional time to review finances and see what happens with the maintenance technician job took place. Amotion was made by Jason Hollister to table the topic for further discussion in the future AI motion was made by. Jason Hollister to acknowledge the successful completion of the probationary period for the Office Manager and Office Assistant Manager on their respective 90-day employment mark (5/31/24 for Office Manager and 6/10/24 for Assistant Manager) and to increase hourly rates as per thei terms of their hiring to $23/hour for Office Manager and $20/hour for Assistant Manager.  and was seconded by Adeline Rocco. Ayes carried (4-0).  Motion was seconded by Adeline Rocco. Ayes carried (4-0).  Public Comment:  Frank Kane - Pointed out that 2023 YTD figures on the Treasurer's Report seemed inaccurate. Questioned the amount of the Wind River Environmental bill. Asked rate for maintenance position and Nany Utter - Asked status of forensic audit and when results would be available. Asked if apology to herself and former board members was going to be made. Asked when a specific business in the township would be billed the correct EDUS. Asked if DEP should get involved. Asked ifa all residents should just pay) % of their sewer bills. Questioned why the Board has not lowered sewer rates yet. Asked why. John Peters was not asked to go on the Sewer Authority Board. Asked why Site Specific was Ashley Gevaras - AMG Hair Salon - Spoke about process she went through to open her hair salon that has been attacked by a member of the publici for the last several months. Shei indicated that she followed all proper permitting procedures for her home-based occupation. Indicated she will pursue Jim Ritter- - Indicated he felt the Authority could get al better interest rate on the money invested in CD with Fidelity. Questioned whether there is a process in place for hardship cases where people cannot literally afford to pay their sewer bill. Attorney Magnotta addressed the options for hardships. Mr. John Peters Sr. - Asked where maintenance technician would be working to repair pumps.  asked status of 53 EShore Dr account with Portnoff.  chosen for pump station SCADA: system and not Koberlein.  legal action ifl harassment continues.  Ritter hopes the Authority would not be sold to a private entity. Geraldine Karsnak- - Welcomed Kayla to the Authority Board.  Ar motion to adjourn was made by Barbara Mehne, seconded by. Jason Hollister. Ayes carried (4-0).  Meeting adjourned at 6:29 p.m.