The committee focused on the increasing problems with private sewer systems, particularly those linked to condominiums and apartments. These systems have not been properly maintained, leading to significant inflow and infiltration beyond the design capacity of the municipal sewer system. This neglect has caused damage to three manholes and connecting pipes in one development, necessitating emergency repairs. Current regulations limit the authority’s ability to act until proposed changes are adopted next month.

Executive Director Danielson provided updates on multiple ongoing projects. The finance platform upgrade and migration to Edmonds is in progress, with Phase one scheduled for June and Phase two for October. The high bay garage project remains uncertain due to issues with the DRCC concerning the 100-year floodplain buffer zone. CDM is preparing a response to DRCC based on documentation from the Franklin Township engineering department.

The Somerset Street Pump Station Rehabilitation project is advancing, with the contractor placing orders for equipment expected within four to eight weeks. Waterproofing work was completed in late August, with future steps including shop drawing approvals and procurement activities. A notice to proceed was issued for the Brookline Avenue sewer rehabilitation project, with an anticipated completion timeline of 550 days and work commencing on September 9th. The project has received approval for the contractor’s utilization plan from NJDE.

In relation to the Western Canal Pump Station rebuild, a meeting on August 7th discussed land easement acquisition, and NJDE is preparing a license agreement. Communication with PSNG regarding land acquisition is ongoing, with coordination needed with state historic offices. The Commerce Street Drive Pump Station project has seen a bid package sent to NJDE on August 14th, with authorization to award the bid received. The next steps involve contract execution and a pre-construction meeting scheduled for October. The attorney is awaiting a response from an objector’s attorney concerning this project.

The Shirley Avenue Pump Station rehabilitation project is moving forward positively, with a reasonable land appraisal for additional space acquisition. Danielson noted the intention to consult with Commissioner Farooqi regarding a third option presented by CME before finalizing decisions.

Financial reports as of August 31st were detailed, noting checks received amounted to $2,887,500, leading to a year-to-date collection of $3,577,465.61. Outstanding non-meter billing totals $4,294,358.2, while penalties for the month reached $2,769, exceeding average expectations. Expenditures for July were reported as $2,394,226.27, with year-to-date totals at $2,743,787.1. Cash positions were disclosed, showing unrestricted funds of $1,898,583.4 and total cash net positions of $2,821,936.

The committee discussed a notable new item: the implementation of an updated form for the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) as of the meeting day. Danielson explained the necessity of adopting the Government Records Council’s request form, alongside plans to enhance public accessibility to documents through a repository and retrieval platform, potentially utilizing the existing website or Dropbox. Additionally, the status of a water meter replacement at Harrison Towers was raised, with prospects of replacement within 30 days communicated from relevant parties.

Traffic safety concerns were also addressed in relation to the Brookline Rehabilitation project. A team of flagmen will be assigned to each street undergoing work, with a roving vehicle and professional necessary to manage safety across multiple streets due to the neighborhood’s unique characteristics. The committee reported zero new connections to the sewer system in the past month, with no new commitments since June 1st. During the technical review committee processes, three reviews were conducted, and one Technical Work Group (TWG) was executed.

Staffing updates revealed that Dr. Roach successfully hired and trained Ivon Gonzalez as the new bookkeeper, who is now a full-time permanent employee. Additionally, a position was retained while another staff member was on maternity leave, bringing the administrative staff to full authorized levels. The committee expressed satisfaction with the current staffing situation.

An issue arose regarding water and sewer billing from New Brunswick. The authority is seeking verification of the accuracy of the flow they are being billed for, despite having a valid contract. New Brunswick proposed modifications to introduce a monitoring system, which the committee found excessively costly. The committee presented alternative quotes from a typical vendor that were approximately half the initial estimates, and discussions on how best to monitor the flow into New Brunswick’s system are ongoing.

Additionally, the committee noted a high rate of foreclosure notices received in the last three months, with plans to keep a record of these notices and share them with legal counsel. There was also a report of a problematic workers’ compensation case, where a third-party administrator failed to issue a check for nearly three months. The committee plans to work on protocols and procedures to ensure more timely management of workers’ compensation claims moving forward.