Franklin Sewerage Authority Tackles Defective Pipe Concerns and Plans for Key Infrastructure Projects
- Meeting Overview:
The recent Franklin Sewerage Authority Committee meeting concentrated on addressing infrastructure issues, particularly a defective pipe section that could implicate financial and logistical responsibilities between the Sewerage Authority and the township. The committee also reviewed a series of ongoing projects, financial updates, and policy adjustments.
10:29At the forefront of concerns was the Brooklyn Avenue rehabilitation project, where the committee discovered a defective 45-foot section of pipe lining within an 8-inch pipe. This issue prompted concerns about potential liability, especially since the road had recently been serviced by the township’s water department. The deterioration was speculated to result from inadequate compaction or a possible water leak causing erosion, raising questions about repair responsibilities. Members, including Commissioners, took proactive measures by inspecting the area and documenting their findings with photographs. The committee resolved to organize a meeting involving the township’s water department, the director of DPW, and key commissioners to establish a contingency agreement regarding repair responsibilities.
14:56In addition to the Brooklyn Avenue issue, the committee received updates on the Wessed Canal pump station rebuild and relocation project. The project timeline extends to the end of November, with legal reviews of access license agreements currently underway.
08:44The finance platform upgrade and migration project, managed by an executive director, is progressing positively. The committee anticipates a training session for utility billing in May, with the system scheduled to go live on June 2. Meanwhile, the high bay garage project awaits approval from the Delaware River Canal Commission. This approval hinges on a stream corridor preservation waiver agreement, requiring land preservation equivalent to the disturbed area during construction.
The street pump station rehabilitation project is approaching completion, with only minor outstanding items remaining. The new grinder is in production, and a pump startup was successfully conducted. In the realm of project updates, the Commerce Drive pump station rehabilitation is currently in the shop drawing review phase, though long lead times for materials are expected. Simultaneously, a title search for the Shirley Avenue pump station upgrade is underway, with plans to purchase a 20-foot land section pending a clean title.
Financially, the committee’s revenue report revealed significant collections and outstanding balances. As of January 31, the authority had collected $3,224,634.3 in checks, maintaining an average year-to-date collection of $14,341,566.74. An open balance of $10,364,561.52 for non-metered sewage remains, with February penalties notably high at $19,195.98. The committee is navigating the transition between financial platforms, a process complicated by the recent resignation of the bookkeeper. Temporary staffing and training are needed to address the bookkeeping gap, with commitments made to provide the expense report by the next meeting.
20:50A financial overview highlighted a cash position of $21,982,278.13 as of February 28, 2025, with a mix of unrestricted, restricted, and designated funds. The fiscal year budget process is underway, with potential user rate increases under consideration. The committee noted the impact of a 20% to 30% increase in PSNG rates beginning in June or July, which will affect operational budgets and connection fee evaluations.
24:49The committee also discussed the development of a volunteer firefighter response policy, currently under final legal review. Additionally, a personnel committee meeting is planned to address staffing matters, especially concerning the bookkeeping office and potential reconfiguration.
In safety matters, the committee reported no injuries for the month, maintaining a positive safety record. The meeting concluded with the approval of routine financial resolutions and a decision to reject and readvertise bids for the School Avenue pump replacement project due to equipment specifications mismatches.
Phillip Kramer
Sewerage Authority Officials:
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Meeting Type:
Sewerage Authority
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
03/04/2025
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Recording Published:
03/24/2025
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Duration:
33 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Somerset County
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Towns:
Franklin (Somerset County)
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