- BLAIRSVILLE MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 22, 2025 1. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 by Chairman Thomas Lawton. 2. Pledge to the Flag 3. Moments of Silence 4. Roll Call - The Authority Members present included Mr. Thomas Lawton, Mrs. Patricia Evanko, Mr. Michael Ritts and Mr. John Bertolino. Mr. Daniel Vresilovic was not present. Others in attendance included Mr. Matthew Kalina, Solicitor, Mr. Randy Krause, Bankson Engineers, Mr. Kevin Wilmot, Remington and Vernick Engineers, Mr. John Emerson, Gibson Thomas Engineers, Mr. Thomas Barberich, Sewer Plant Operator, and Mrs. Jody Poorbaugh, Manager. 5. Additions to the agenda - None 6. Reorganization: a. The meeting was turned over to the solicitor to run the reorganization for 2025. b. A motion was made by Mr. Bertolino and seconded by Mr. Ritts to retain all the members in their current positions. Approved 4/0. Roll Call Vote: Yes No Mr. Bertolino Mr. Ritts Mrs. Evanko Mr. Lawton C. A motion was made by Mr. Bertolino and seconded by Mrs. Evanko to retain the current professional services and the current depository. Approved 4/0. Roll Call Vote: Yes No Mr. Bertolino Mrs. Evanko Mr. Ritts - Mr. Lawton 1 Blairsville Municipal Authority Regular Meeting Minutes January 22, 2025 7. Public Comments: a. Mrs. Brenda Shutter voiced her concerns about Fluoride in the water. The new Administration has recommended fluoride be removed. Surrounding Counties do not put fluoride in the water. Fluoride is known to lower a child's IQ, cause Neurobehavior problems, and it is known to affect the bones. b. Mr. Krause and the Board stated that they had discussions earlier in 2024. Fluoride is still being recommended by health and dental experts. The fluoride is being fed in accordance with DEP Permit. C. The Board will research the use of Fluoride and Mr. Kalina will get studies from PMAA. d. Mr. Emerson stated that DEP takes a neutral stance. It is corrosive to the plant but has shown to prevent tooth decay. The Board would have to hold a public meeting to remove the fluoride from the water. 8. Engineer's Report: a. Gibson Thomas Engineering: a. Project should be ready to be put out for bid in February or March. b. Mr. Emmerson is currently putting the finishing touches onto the bid package. It will be ready for the end of February or beginning of March. b. Bankson Engineers: a. DEP Consent Order - Water Plant i. Public Water Supply Permit - Technical Deficiency letter stated that the Authority must provide certification NSF approved. Mr. Krause will respond to other concerns in the letter within the 20- day response time. b. DEP Letter - Construction Permit i. Permit for construction for new corrosion pump. The Authority has 24 months to complete the project. C. EPA Lead and Copper Rule - Mr. Krause supplied a handout for regulations for lead service lines moving forward. d. SOP- - Revised Submission to DEP - Waiting approval. e. Grant Appropriations Request Grant - Mr. Krause to send contact information for Civil Rights Personnel. 2 Blairsville Municipal Authority Regular Meeting Minutes January 22, 2025 9. Engineer's Report (continued): a. Remington & Vernick Engineers a. Storm Water - None b. Channel Monster - JWC/Pump Man Pittsburgh: i. Received a warranty letter from JWC stating that the change that Pump Man wants to make will still be under warranty. ii. The Solicitor has no issues with the warranty letter. iii. Will move forward with installation. C. BLD Sewer Lateral Issues: i. Completed the laterals. ii. Issues with two laterals that had resin sag into the opening from installer error. AlL lateral "top hats" were jetted and re-televised at BLD's expense and are free of any sagging resin. BLD dug up and repaired the backed-up lateral at their expense. d. 85% Capture Rate for CSO's - None e. NPDES Permit/LTCP: i. Completed and transmitted final information, analysis, sample results from the pollutant testing group 1-5, industrial user information, and forms were filled and sent to DEP in reply to their request to add to the application of their new permit period. f. BTSA Tap-in Fees - None g. LSA Grant - East Campbell Drainage Project - Was submitted November 2024. h. Grant Local Share Account Grant - Martha/McClure Sanitary Sewer Replacement: i. Waiting to get the survey crew out once the snow melts. ii. COG Camera the area on January 24, 2025, to mark all the taps. i. Grant - Local Share Account Grant - S. Liberty Street - Received. J. Mr. Barberich stated that they were still waiting for parts for the #2 digester mixer. 10. Solicitor's Report - None - 3 Blairsville Municipal Authority Regular Meeting Minutes January 22, 2025 11. Manager's Report: a. Received signed contract for LSA Grant for Martha Street project. b. Significant water break on January 17, 2025, on Indiana Avenue near the power station. Al large volume of water was lost from the tanks. The tanks have since recovered. We are still currently trying to locate another leak. We are feeding more water into town then we normally do. 12. Unfinished Business: a. LaMantia Lane Main Sewer Line - None b. Waste Management Landfill Closure - No word yet. C. Drought Surcharge - Will continue for about another two months. 13. New Business: a. Public Works Laborer - A motion was made by Mr. Ritts and seconded by Mr. Bertolino to hire Mr. Nicholas Pawlik as a Public Works Laborer. Approved 4/0. Roll Call Vote: Yes No Mr. Ritts Mr. Bertolino Mrs. Evanko Mr. Lawton b. Administrative Assistant - A motion was made by Mr. Ritts and seconded by Mrs. Evanko to authorize Mrs. Poorbaugh to advertise for an Administrative Assistant to replace an employee who is retiring in the Spring. Approved 4/0. Roll Call Vote: Yes No Mrs. Evanko Mr. Bertolino Mr. Ritts Mr. Lawton 4 Blairsville Municipal Authority Regular Meeting Minutes January 22, 2025 14. Approval of Minutes: a. A motion was made by Mrs. Evanko and seconded by Mr. Bertolino to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held on December 19, 2024. Approved 4/0. Roll Call Vote: Yes No Mrs. Evanko Mr. Ritts Mr. Bertolino Mr. Lawton 15. Financial Report: a. Financial Statement - Was given to the Board for review. b. Accounts Payables - Was presented in the amount of $185,852.49. C. Ar motion was made by Mr. Ritts and seconded by Mrs. Evanko to accept the Financial Report and to pay the bills totaling $185,852.49. Approved 4/0. 16. Executive Session - None 17.Adjournment - A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 6:55 P.M. - D4 Secretary - 5