Waterworks Board Meeting Minutes 2017

CALL TO ORDER:

Mr. Volk called the January 12, 2017, regular Waterworks Board meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.

ROLL CALL:

Clerk Treasurer, Beth Hernandez took roll call with the following members present: Michael Forbes, Greg Volk, Christian Jorgensen. Attorney David Austgen was present. Town Manager, Steve Kil, was present.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS:

Mr. Volk asked for nominations for President of the Water Board. Mr. Forbes nominated Greg Volk for President. Mr. Jorgensen seconded that motion. The motion was carried by voice vote (3/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- none.

Mr. Volk asked for nominations for Vice President. Mr. Jorgensen nominated Mr. Forbes. Mr. Volk seconded that motion. The motion was carried by voice vote (3/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- none.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Mr. Volk stated he would like to entertain a motion to approve the meeting minutes from November 29th. Mr. Volk said that they are in the agenda packets, and Ms. Hernandez forwarded them yesterday. He asked if there were any questions. There were no questions. Mr. Volk entertained a motion to pass the minutes. “So Moved,” from Mr. Jorgensen. Mr. Forbes seconded the motion. The motion was carried by voice vote (3/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- none.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Consider professional services agreement with Cender & Company

Mr. Volk said that the agreement is in the packet. Mr. Volk said that he did look it over, but he does not remember if these are the same numbers. He asked Mr. Kil to confirm. Mr. Kil responded that an executive was $180-$220 an hour, and he is now proposing $185-$225 on the low end. Director was $160; he is proposing $170. Associate is staying the same. Admin is going from $65-$70. Those would be hourly rates. Mr. Kil said that they are very small, but he is proposing an increase this year. Mr. Volk asked if all legal language seems the same. Mr. Kil told him that it is identical to what they have been approving in the last several years with the exception of the rate schedule.

Mr. Volk asked if there were any questions on this proposal. Mr. Volk asked Mr. Kil how long have we been using Cender. Mr. Kil said that we used to have Umbaugh. Mr. Kil said that he would say we have been with Cender for at least eight years now. Since the Dyer Annexation.

Mr. Volk stated that he would entertain a motion to accept the proposal. Mr. Forbes made a motion. Mr. Jorgensen seconded the motion. Motion was carried unanimously by voice vote (3/0). Ayes---all. Nays---none.

REPORTS and CORRESPONDENCE:

Mr. Volk noted there were no reports or correspondence.

PAYMENT OF BILLS:

Mr. Volk stated the Water District APV’s totaled to $16,899.76. Mr. Volk said it is a shorter APV. He does not see anything that looks out of place. He asked if there were any questions. Hearing none, Mr. Volk stated he would entertain a motion to pay the bills. Mr. Forbes clarified that there are also Water Utility APV’s. Mr. Forbes said that the Water Utility APV’s are $109,646.38.

Mr. Forbes made a motion to authorize the payment of both of those dockets. Mr. Jorgensen seconded the motion on the term that someone explain what the Lake Hills Beaver Trap was for. Mr. Volk responded that it was to trap beavers. Mr. Kil mentioned they had received several phone calls from the residents in Lake Hills and that Mr. Volk had explained it perfectly. Mr. Jorgensen seconded the motion. Motion was carried unanimously by voice vote (3/0). Ayes---all. Nays---none.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Mr. Volk opened the floor to public comment related to the Waterworks Board only. There were no public comments.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Volk stated that hearing no comments he would entertain a motion to adjourn. “I’ll make that motion,” by Mr. Jorgensen. Mr. Forbes seconded the motion. The motion was carried by voice vote (3/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- none.

(The meeting adjourned at 7:16 p.m.)

Respectfully submitted:

Beth R. Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer

CALL TO ORDER:

Mr. Volk called the February 23rd regular Waterworks Board meeting to order at 7:13 p.m

ROLL CALL:

Clerk Treasurer, Beth Hernandez took roll call with the following members present: Greg Volk and Michael Forbes. Attorney David Austgen was present. Town Manager, Steve Kil, was present.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Mr. Volk stated that the first item on the agenda is to approve the meeting minutes from December 15, 2016 and January 12, 2017. Mr. Volk asked for any questions or amendments. There were none.

Mr. Volk entertained a motion. Mr. Forbes made a motion to approve the minutes. Mr. Volk seconded the motion. The motion was carried by voice vote (2/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- none

NEW BUSINESS:

Mr. Volk noted there was no new business

REPORTS and CORRESPONDENCE:

Mr. Austgen stated the refunding bonds closed since the last meeting. The sale had been moved from December into January. They were waiting on the financial conditions and to analyze everything. He wanted that to be reflected on the record.

PAYMENT OF BILLS:

Mr. Volk stated the Board has Water Utility APVs for $973,910.03 and Water District APVs for $28,970.96.

Mr. Forbes made a motion to approve the Water Utility and Water District APVs. Mr.Volk seconded the motion. Motion was carried unanimously by voice vote (2/0). Ayes---all. Nays---none.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Joe Hero, 11723 South Oak Ridge Drive:

Mr. Hero asked if the Water Board raised the rates for this year. Mr. Volk stated that the new rates were effective and should have been on the last bill. Mr. Hero questioned why the rates were increased. Mr. Kil said there was a sewer rate increase last year.

Mr. Hero also had a question regarding the Water Utility and the Workers Comp insurance. Mr. Kil explained that at the beginning of each year they give the insurance company a copy of the previous year’s payroll to account for any raises or classification changes. For example, there are different rates for a secretarial position versus someone working outside in a more dangerous position such as Public Works. We pay an increase premium based on our payroll. You are not paying for the audit, but for the rate increase based on changes in payroll.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Volk stated he would entertain a motion to adjourn. “So Moved,” by Mr. Forbes. Mr. Volk seconded the motion. The motion was carried by voice vote (2/0). Ayes --- all. Nays --- none.

(The meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m.)

Respectfully submitted:

Beth R. Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer

CALL TO ORDER:

The meeting was called to order at 6:20 p.m., with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL:

In attendance were Greg Volk, Michael Forbes, Kenneth Gembala and Steve Kil.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Mr. Volk entertained a motion to approve the February 23, 2017 meeting minutes. Mr. Gembala abstained. Mr. Forbes so moved. Mr. Volk seconded. 2-0-1.

NEW BUSINESS:

Mr. Kil asked the Board if retired water operator, Derwin Neitzel could be employed as an independent contractor to GPS all water main valve location and update the Town’s water atlas. The project would take approximately two years and would cost $20,000 over this time frame. Board members indicated that they would like to review a formal proposal with a scope of work prior to authorizing the contract/work.

IDEM requires the Town to meet the maximum daily demand with our largest well out of service.

REPORTS and CORRESPONDENCE:

No reports from Board members.

PAYMENT OF BILLS:

Mr. Volk entertained a motion to approve the bills in the amount of $19,042.07. Mr. Gembala so moved. Mr. Forbes seconded. Motion carried. 3-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

No one from the public is present.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Volk entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:30 p.m. Mr. Gembala so moved, Mr. Forbes seconded. Motion carried. 3-0.

Respectfully submitted:

Kathleen A. Falaschetti, Recording Secretary
St. John Waterworks Board

CALL TO ORDER:

The meeting was called to order at 6:25 p.m. with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL:

In attendance were Greg Volk, Michael Forbes, Ken Gembala and Stephen Kil.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Mr. Volk entertained a motion to approve the March 28, 2017 meeting minutes. Mr. Gembala so moved. Mr. Forbes seconded. Motion carried. 3-0.

NEW BUSINESS:

Status of New Production Well

The proposed production wells in The Gates and Heartland Park failed to provide the quality and/or quantity of water needed. We need to regroup and take a hard look at our system and look into hiring a residential well drilling company to determine water quality. A fracture was identified at the intersection of White Oak and 101st as having a strong potential for a production well. The property owner, Mr. Schilling, has authorized the Town to drill a test well at this location. The approximate cost of the two test wells that have already been dug is approximately $120,000.00.

GPS Locating of all Water Main Valves

The Town received a quote from Dervalve Inc., to conduct the field investigation work for the water main valves as well as updating the Town’s water atlas. All data will be provided to the Towns Database. The cost is $20,000 over a 2-year period. Project was approved by a 3-0 vote.

Water Meter Fee Change

Mr. Volk entertained a motion to increase the water meter fee charge from $350 to $500 and send a favorable recommendation to the Town Council. Mr. Forbes so moved. Seconded by Mr. Gembala. Motion carried.

REPORTS and CORRESPONDENCE:

There was none.

PAYMENT OF BILLS:

Mr. Volk entertained a motion to approve the bills in the amount of $152,044.95. Mr. Forbes so moved. Mr. Gembala seconded. Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

No one from the public is present.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Volk entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Forbes so moved. Seconded by Mr. Gembala. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Kathleen A. Falaschetti, Recording Secretary
St. John Waterworks Board

CALL TO ORDER:

The meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m. with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL:

In attendance were Michael Forbes, Kenneth Gembala and Steve Kil. Absent Greg Volk.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Mr. Gembala entertained a motion to approve the April 25, 2017 minutes. Mr. Forbes seconded. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

Nothing to report.

REPORTS and CORRESPONDENCE:

A. Water Meter Fee change will go from $350 to $550 after approval by the Town Council.

PAYMENT OF BILLS:

Mr. Gembala entertained a motion to approve the May 2017 water district in the amount of $17,556.55 and the water utility in the amount of $68,691.18. Mr. Forbes seconded. Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

No one from the public is present.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Gembala entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Mr. Forbes. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Kathleen A. Falaschetti, Recording Secretary
St. John Waterworks Board

CALL TO ORDER:

The meeting was called to order at 6:10 p.m. with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL:

In attendance were Michael Forbes, Kenneth Gembala and Steve Kil. Absent Greg Volk.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Mr. Forbes entertained a motion to approve the minutes from the May 25, 2017 meeting. Mr. Gembala so moved. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

Nothing to report.

REPORTS and CORRESPONDENCE:

Report and general discussion regarding the status of additional production wells

Mr. Kil reported that the drilling of the two test wells have failed. There’s a bill from Peerless Midwest that Mr. Kil would like added to the docket for payment. Mr. Kil went on to report that given the fact we have gone 400 feet and both wells failed we are rethinking our philosophy on how we are going to search for a new well site. We are looking at getting prices from a residential well driller to drill 4 inch wells instead of the 16 to 24 inch where we can test water quality. We can’t do a lot of test pumping on a well that size but perhaps we can do it on an 8” well. We’re also concerned about the water quality and under two parts per million is our goal. For example, if we are over two parts per million the Monix Plant filters get backwashed once a day, the Gates Plant once a week. The well at Heartland Park gets backwashed once every five hours. We simply can’t afford to operate a treatment facility like that. To build a new treatment plant would cost a fortune. Test wells are for iron removal. At the next meeting there will be a presentation from the engineer and Peerless Midwest to address any concerns we may have. Mr. Forbes entertained a motion to approve the bill from Peerless in the amount of $93,305. Mr. Gembala so moved. Mr. Forbes seconded. Motion carried.

PAYMENT OF BILLS:

Mr. Gembala entertained a motion to approve the June bills in the amount of $18,074.83. Seconded by Mr. Forbes. Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

No one from the public is present.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Forbes entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Gembala so moved. Seconded by Mr. Forbes. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Kathleen A. Falaschetti, Recording Secretary
St. John Waterworks Board

CALL TO ORDER:

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL:

In attendance were Greg Volk, Michal Forbes and Kenneth Gembala. Absent Steve Kil.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Mr. Forbes entertained a motion to approve the June 27, 2017 meeting minutes. Mr. Gembala so moved. Seconded by Mr. Forbes. Mr. Volk abstained. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

Presentation by Peerless Midwest and discussion regarding additional production wells and test well sites

Mr. Curtis Kent, Project Manager for Peerless Midwest, presented a summary report of the groundwater exploration in St. John. He stated that the growth of the residential market has occurred rapidly over the last five to ten years in St. John. Because of this growth St.John is under pressure to provide a safe and dependable water supply to facilitate the expansion of the community. The Town’s groundwater supply is presently supplied by four (4) active wells and an emergency back up well.

From 2013 through 2015 the average daily groundwater production from the four St. John wells was 1.56 million gallons per day (MGD). St. John has been purchasing water from the Town of Schererville through a cross connection between the two communities. In the meantime the Town has been exploring the area to install additional wells in order to increase their firm capacity.

To assist with exploration, fracture trace analysis (FTA) of the St. John area have occurred over the years. FTA’s are used to identify optimal drilling locations for new production wells. Of five potential sites only one has been granted preliminary approval by the landowner and IDEM for exploratory drilling. In order to pursue the other four (4) sites you need to get the property owner and IDEM’s approval. Any questions can be directed to Mr. Steve Kil, Town Manager.

REPORTS and CORRESPONDENCE:

Nothing to report.

PAYMENT OF BILLS:

Mr. Volk entertained a motion to approve the Water Utility bills in the amount of $166,217.44. Seconded by Mr. Forbes. Mr. Gembala so moved. Motion carried.

For record purposes the $93,305.00 was approved at the June 27, 2017 meeting. (See meeting minutes) Peerless #11950.

Mr. Volk entertained a motion to approve the Water District bills in the amount of $17,638.86. Mr. Forbes so moved. Mr. Gembala seconded. Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

No one from the public is present.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Volk entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Gembala so moved. Mr. Forbes seconded. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m

Respectfully submitted:

Kathleen A. Falaschetti, Recording Secretary
St. John Waterworks Board

CALL TO ORDER:

The meeting was called to order with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL:

In attendance were Michael Forbes, Kenneth Gembala and Steve Kil. Absent Greg Volk.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Mr. Forbes entertained a motion to approve the July 25, 2017 meeting minutes. Seconded by Mr. Gembala. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

General discussion regarding additional production wells and test well sites.

Mr, Kil recommended we use a residential driller for small 4” wells. Test pump and get a water quality sample. If we get water out of the ground that is three and four parts per million it will be very expensive to treat. So before we spend $60,000 to $80,000 with Peerless Midwest why don’t we spend less with a residential driller. Mr. Gembala made a motion to authorize up to three 4” test wells. Seconded by Mr. Forbes. Motion carried.

REPORTS and CORRESPONDENCE:

Covered under New Business

PAYMENT OF BILLS:

Mr. Forbes entertained a motion to approve the Water District bills in the amount of $18,604.19 and the Water Utilities in the amount of $521,161.62. Seconded by Mr. Gembala. Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

No one from the public is present.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Forbes entertained a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Mr. Gembala. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted:

Kathleen A. Falaschetti, Recording Secretary
St. John Waterworks Board

CALL TO ORDER:

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m., with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL:

In attendance were Michael Forbes, Kenneth Gembala and Stephen Kil. Absent Greg Volk.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Mr. Forbes entertained a motion to approve the August 22, 2017 meeting minutes. Mr. Gembala so moved but to change the incorrect date from July 25, 2017 to August 22, 2017. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

General discussion regarding additional production wells and test well sites

Mr. Kil reported they plan on drilling test sites over the winter.

REPORTS and CORRESPONDENCE:

Nothing to report.

PAYMENT OF BILLS:

Mr. Forbes entertained a motion to approve the Water District APVS in the amount of $26,135.81 except for a bill from H. J. Umbaugh & Associates in the amount of $2,548.42 which needs an exempt status. A motion by Mr. Forbes was also made to approve the Water Utility bills in the amount of $22,892.15 except for a bill from H. J. Umbaugh & Associates in the amount of $1,997.50 which also needs an exempt status. Mr. Gembala so moved. Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

No one from the public is present.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Forbes made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Gembala so moved. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Kathleen A. Falaschetti, Recording Secretary
St. John Waterworks Board

CALL TO ORDER:

The meeting was called to order at 6:50 p.m. with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL:

In attendance were Greg Volk, Michael Forbes and Steve Kil. Absent Kenneth Gembala.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Approval of the October 24, 2017 meeting minutes will be deferred until the next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

The drilling will begin on November 29, 2017 and will start at the intersection of White Oak and 101st “Street, another site at the intersection of Calumet and 109th. We’re going to dig around 300 feet to see what kind of water quality we get.

REPORTS and CORRESPONDENCE:

Nothing to report.

PAYMENT OF BILLS:

Mr. Forbes entertained a motion to approve the Water Utility bills in the amount of $55,984.94 and the Water District bills in the amount of $9,667.04 for a total amount of $65,651.98. Mr. Volk seconded. Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

No one from the public is present.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Forbes entertained a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Mr. Volk. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Kathleen A. Falaschetti, Recording Secretary
St. John Waterworks Board

CALL TO ORDER:

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL:

In attendance were Greg Volk, Michael Forbes and Steve Kil. Absent Kenneth Gembala.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Approval of the October 24, 2017 meeting minutes will be deferred until the next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

The drilling will begin on November 29, 2017 and will start at the intersection of White Oak and 101st “Street, another site at the intersection of Calumet and 109th. We’re going to dig around 300 feet to see what kind of water quality we get.

REPORTS and CORRESPONDENCE:

Nothing to report.

PAYMENT OF BILLS:

Mr. Forbes entertained a motion to approve the Water Utility bills in the amount of $55,984.94 and the Water District bills in the amount of $9,667.04 for a total amount of $65,651.98. Mr. Volk seconded. Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

No one from the public is present.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Forbes entertained a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Mr. Volk. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Kathleen A. Falaschetti, Recording Secretary
St. John Waterworks Board

CALL TO ORDER:

The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL:

In attendance were Michael Forbes, Kenneth Gembala and Steve Kil. Absent Greg Volk.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Mr. Forbes entertained a motion to approve the meeting minutes from October 24, 2017 and November 28, 2017. Mr. Gembala so moved. Mr. Forbes seconded. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Consider award of the Louis Estates water main replacement project. Staff recommends the work be awarded to B&D Sewer in the amount of $31,805.00.

Mr. Forbes entertained a motion to consider award of the Louis Estates water main replacement project to B&D Sewer in the amount of $31,805.00. Mr. Gembala approved. Mr. Forbes seconded. Motion carried.

REPORTS and CORRESPONDENCE:

Lift station is finished. The Town is looking into the possibility of putting up a fence or security cameras.

Water quality of wells turned out fine. Peerless is going to drill bigger holes with the possibility of putting in a water treatment plant.

PAYMENT OF BILLS:

Mr. Forbes entertained a motion to approve the Water Utility bills in the amount of $92,630.88. Mr. Gembala so moved. Mr. Forbes seconded. Motion carried.

Mr. Forbes entertained a motion to approve the Water District bills in the amount of $17,715.79. Mr. Gembala so moved. Seconded by Mr. Forbes. Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

No one from the public is present.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Forbes entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Gembala so moved. Mr. Forbes seconded. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Kathleen A. Falaschetti, Recording Secretary
St. John Waterworks Board