MINUTES
DALLAS AREA MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY
June 12, 2008
The monthly meeting of the Dallas Area Municipal Authority was held Thursday, June 12,
2008 at the DAMA Administrative Building. All Board Members were present. Also in
attendance were Brent Berger of Quad Three Group, Attorney Benjamin R. Jones, III, Larry
Spaciano, and Carol Kieser.
Audience participants included:
Joe Lakowski
David Chmarney
72 Country Club Road, Dallas, PA.
68A Country Club Road, Dallas, PA.
Vice-Chairman Ken Rogers presided over the meeting.
Ken Rogers called the meeting to order and asked for any comments from the audience
participants. Mr. Chmarney asked the Board to reconsider the option which would reroute a
large portion of the sewage flow from Country Club Road through Oval Drive and into the
Elmcrest Woods Pump Station. Mr. Chmarney stated “by rerouting the flow (1) would add an
extra artery to a overtaxed sewer system, (2) allow connections from upper Country Club
Road and eliminate the need for grinder pumps for a savings to DAMA, (3) break the system
into distinct areas of flow to help troubleshoot any problems effectively, and (4) would upgrade
the upper end of the system.”
Brent Berger explained that the Board has not abandoned this option but is concerned about
the short term problems if another flooding situation should occur. The individual grinder
pump is a positive disconnect between the owner’s home and the public sewer main. Brent
Berger voiced his concern over basement connections, the serious groundwater drainage
problems, in relation to the location of the laterals from the homes on Country Club Road.
Joseph Lakowski commented that he is also in favor of the option to reroute the flow into the
Elmcrest Woods Pump Station but understands the necessity of the grinder pumps. He spoke
of signing the waiver after his lawyer reviews the document. Discussion was held concerning a
proposed maintenance contract for the grinder pump systems. No action taken by the Board
regarding a maintenance contract.
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Minutes-June 12, 2008
Dallas Area Municipal Authority
Larry Spaciano reported that he received two signed General Waivers and Home Surveys
from residents who have experienced sewage backup problems on Country Club Road. The
Board asked Larry Spaciano to send a registered letter to the Country Club residents, who
have not returned their signed waivers, requesting a response by August 1, 2008.
Brent Berger reported, pending receipt of the home surveys, the tentative bid opening for the
Country Club Road grinder pump project is for the September meeting.
A review of the May 8, 2008 minutes was held. A motion was made by Tim Carroll and
seconded by Craig Tupper to approve the minutes as recorded. Motion carried with all in
favor.
Tom Doughton made a motion, seconded by Craig Tupper, to approve the Wastewater
Operation Invoices in the amount of $94,309.14 and the Solid Waste and Recycling Invoices in
the amount of $118,978.09 for payment. Motion carried on a roll call vote with all in favor.
Larry Spaciano reported that he received a call from Attorney Dave Gromelski stating the
General Municipal Authority of Harveys Lake is working on a rate settlement offer to DAMA.
No further information has been received.
Attorney Jones explained that Attorney Wilson has asked the Judge to rule on the pleadings
from GMAHL and present a Summary Judgment on the case.
Brent Berger reported the site preparation for the flow equalization tank project was not
advertised for bid. Brent Berger expressed concern with the micro-pile structural supports, as
designed. Quad Three Group will get telephone quotes for test boring in the compost
operations area of DAMA for investigation to relocate the equalization tank project into that
area. Quad Three Group will continue to consult with geo tech specialists to finalize the site
preparation project. Another option discussed was using a two tank arrangement. The tank
shop drawings have been approved by Quad Three and Brent Berger will contact CB&I for
status on the steel fabrication for the tank.
Larry Spaciano presented a memorandum from Attorney Malak, Solicitor for Jackson
Township Board of Supervisors, confirming that an Ordinance was passed by the Jackson
Township Board of Directors dissolving the General Municipal Authority of Jackson
Township. Pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding between Jackson Township and
DAMA, John Wilkes was appointed by the Jackson Township Supervisors to serve as its
DAMA representative and Attorney Malak as Jackson Township/DAMA Special Counsel and
will attend the DAMA meetings beginning in July.
Larry Spaciano reported that approval from DEP for the Masonic Homes Sewer Planning
Module has been stalled because of I&I issues on Country Club Road. The planning module
was submitted by Masonic Homes to replace the clubhouse and construct new apartments.
DAMA’s position is to accept the connection from the new clubhouse, if the flows remain the
same as the existing clubhouse.
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Minutes-June 12, 2008
Dallas Area Municipal Authority
Larry Spaciano reported that the Visual Utility Billing System is in operation and the third
quarter bills will be printed in the new format.
Larry Spaciano presented the following requisitions for approval.
Requisition #1151 to pay Quad Three Group, Inc. for Flow Equalization Tank Project (Phase
II) in the amount of $13,700.66. Project is 70% complete.
Requisition #1152 to pay Quad Three Group, Inc. for Elmcrest Woods P.S. miscellaneous
project closeout expenses in the amount of $1148.07.
A motion was made by Tim Carroll and seconded by Chuck Steever to approve the
requisitions for payment. Motion carried.
The Board approved a donation to the Back Mountain Police Association in the amount of $50.
No other business. Meeting was adjourned at 9:15PM.
Respectfully submitted:
Joseph Youngblood
Secretary
Dallas Area Municipal Authority
LJS/cak