PSMA Board of Directors Meeting Minutes January 24, 2010

Transcription

1 January 24, 2010 The Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Septage Management Association (PSMA) met on Sunday, January 24, 2010 at the Marriot on Penns Square in Lancaster, PA. Mr. Walters welcomed those present and called the meeting to order at 2:08 p.m. Mr. Smetaniuk announced a quorum present for the meeting. Mr. Walters thanked those present for coming. Present Steve Walters, President Mike Biros Lew Crawford Ray Erb Bruce Fox Dennis Fox Dave Hapchuk Chip Heffern Calvin McCutcheon Frank Parker Mark Patterson James Prettyman Jeff Rachlin Ryan Ray Kyle Rigby Steve Rogers Igor Smetaniuk Georgia Wick Rachel Evangelista, guest Sue Miller, guest Tom Ferraro, guest Vince Phillips, guest Denise Calabrese, staff Lisa Herron, staff Approval of Minutes Mr. Walters asked for any changes to the minutes from the October 2009 meeting. Motion made and seconded to accept the minutes, as distributed. Motion passed. Executive Committee Report Mr. Walters noted that the minutes of the Executive Committee were distributed. Executive Director Report Ms. Calabrese reported on staff work over the past 4 weeks. There were no questions regarding the report. Treasurer s Report Mr. Rachlin reported on the account balances in various accounts. He further noted that an investment policy and protocols are being developed for Board consideration. Mr. Rachlin reported that investment proposals were requested of three different organizations and one responded. A copy of that proposal was included in the Board packets. Mr. McCutcheon noted that it would be prudent to have three different proposals to review. He further noted that Raymond James is a large proponent of the waste industry and they have a lot of experience in the waste industry. Mr. Walters asked for the investment proposals to be tabled until such time as there was a recommendation to make to the Board.

2 Page 2 Mr. Smetaniuk asked if there is a plan of action for where the investments will be spent for the organization. He expressed his opinion that the Board does not discuss specific programs for PSMA funds. Mr. Fox stated that Board committed to developing the Vac Truck training several years ago and the money spent came back to the organization. Mr. Smetaniuk stated that it would be good for the organization to fund more projects like Vac Truck Training. Mr. Rogers stated that PSMA went for some time without an Executive Director and that money was able to be saved. He further noted that many companies donated monies towards Vac Truck Training, as well, and that helped to build a nest egg for the organization. Mr. Fox also noted that the Biosolids issue keeps coming at the organization and PSMA needs to be prepared to handle that item when it comes up, as well. Mr. Rigby reminded those present that there are going to be a lot of big ticket items coming down the road related to biosolids and the money in the accounts will go very quickly. He noted that the organization needs to be prepared for any issues that come up in the future. Mr. Fox commented that he believes PSMA has been prudent in its business dealings and some of the upcoming issues, like biosolids, could drain the organization. Mr. Smetaniuk stated he believes that there should always be an active project that is helping members. It was noted that the Executive Committee meets monthly and anyone with ideas for specific projects to be considered should bring them to the Executive Committee or the President. Committee Reports Biosolids Mr. Walters introduced Susan Miller as the Biosolids Committee Chair. Ms. Miller reported on the Shrewsbury Township ordinance that made transporting of biosolids illegal. She noted that the Attorney General s office was contacted and it is an ongoing issue. Ms. Miller stated that a committee has been formed with seven (7) different groups and they have been meeting over the past few months. Mr. Fox noted that Penn State and DEP have printed pieces that are beneficial to the industry and the members. Mr. Ray commented that this is a big issue and PSMA needs to be proactive in responding to these issues. Ms. Miller and Mr. Fox stated that they are working on being proactive and are meeting regularly. Mr. Walters stated that he met with his DEP representative and that he was informed that this type of township ordinance could occur anywhere. ByLaws There was nothing to report. Membership Mr. Patterson reported on membership numbers for the organization and stated that the committee would be making calls to non renewing firms in the near future. Newsletter Mr. Smetaniuk reported that everyone should have received the newsletter. Mr. Fox stated that the newsletter looks great and gave kudos to the committee and staff. Website Mr. Smetaniuk noted that the website is being worked on to have the database online. He further reported that online credit card processing is available online and being used by members. Education Mr. Erb reported on the Education Committee events. He referred those present to the new standards developed. Mr. Fox noted that there are higher numbers for Vac Truck training outside of Pennsylvania because those states require continuing education where Pennsylvania does not require that. Mr. Smetaniuk stated that licensing could cost too much to put in place, but perhaps a program that wouldn t cost the state too much money, like registration, could be considered. A powerpoint presentation was shown to those present on the proposed standards for Board review and approval. Motion made and seconded for the education committee to look into providing reviews by module or core competency to examinees. Motion passed.

3 Page 3 Motion made by Education Committee and seconded to approve the revised certification program changes, as presented. Motion passed. Motion made and seconded that the Education Committee send the revised information to the membership as soon as it is available. Motion passed. The inspection standards were shared with the Board by Mr. Erb. Motion made and seconded to approve the revised standards. Motion passed. PASEO Report Mr. Erb reported that PASEO met on January 9 and reviewed many items from the past year. He highlighted a couple of items of interest, as follows: 1. PASEO is working on its budget and has reduced a lot of expenses to try and balance the budget. 2. They are looking at their next conference. PASEO is sending Michelle to PSMA s Right to Know Legislation. 3. PASEO s conference is being held March PSMA was offered the opportunity to exhibit at PASEO. Motion made and seconded to expend up to $3, to develop a new booth and graphics to promote the organization. The motion was amended to allow the Executive Committee the ability to approve the expenditure. Motion passed. 5. PASEO is experiencing a decrease in its membership and is currently at 280 members. Mr. Walters encouraged the Board to continue to cultivate a relationship with PASEO and try to have everyone in the industry attend the new PSMA/Decentralized Wastewater conference. Mr. Fox also noted that Michigan produced a joint conference and had over 300 people in attendance. Conference Mr. Rachlin shared the program for the conference with those present. He thanked those who were on the committee for their assistance. He reported that the organization will not realize a net income from the conference this year, but it is a work in progress. Mr. Rachlin noted that the organization is committed to the same facility for The dates for 2011 will be January 23 25, Portable Toilet There was nothing to report. SAC Report Mr. Fox reported that SAC is not in place anymore, given the DEP budget cut backs and the lack of programs. The committee has meetings scheduled; however, it is anticipated that the March meeting will be cancelled due to lack of an agenda. DEP Mr. Fox stated that DEP representatives are attending the conference. He noted that comments that came from an SEO were responded to by PSMA and DEP agrees with PSMA s assessment and responses to the comments. NAWT Mr. Fox reported that NAWT is doing well and holding its education day in Louisville. Training is taking place in Louisville and in Florida. Vac Truck Training is also taking place in Massachusetts and California is moving towards Vac Truck training. Michigan also held a Vac Truck training session. Legislative Watch Mr. Phillips thanked those present and noted that there are many challenges ahead for the organization. He noted that he is the eyes and ears of PSMA and his job is to develop a report that is relevant to the

4 Page 4 organization. Mr. Phillips shared the details of his report with those present, including SB 215. He stated that he needs feedback on items considered critical by the organization and asked those present to send any comments back to him. Mr. Walters asked that it be placed in the minutes that the report was exactly what the organization was looking for and that the Board appreciates receiving the report. Mr. McCutcheon asked Mr. Phillips about central waste treatment centers and noted that this is an item of interest to PSMA. Mr. Phillips stated he would follow up on the item brought forth. Mr. Rachlin suggested that the monthly reports be placed on the website and e blasts be sent to the membership when the reports are available. Ethics There was nothing to report. Regional Updates There was nothing to report. Action Items Proposed Structure Presentation Mr. Walters stated that he is tabling this until the next administration of PSMA takes over. Officer Elections Mr. Walters opened the floor for Officer elections. Mr. Smetaniuk thanked everyone for his ability to serve and he encouraged those present to attend meetings and participate more in PSMA. Nominations for President Bruce Fox and Ryan Ray both offered to serve as President of the organization. A secret ballot was taken. Motion made and seconded to close nominations for President. Motion passed. Mr. Walters noted that Susan Miller offered to run for Vice President. He asked for any others interested. Motion made and seconded to close nominations for Vice President. Motion passed. Mr. Walters noted that Jeff Rachlin offered to run for Treasurer. He asked for any others interested. Motion made and seconded to close nominations for Treasurer. Motion passed. Mr. Walters stated that Joseph Valentine offered to run for Secretary. He asked for any others interested. Motion made and seconded to close nominations for Secretary. Motion passed. Mr. Walters encouraged those present to volunteer for positions, when asked. He also stated that everyone should keep in touch with PSMA and its committees. Old Business Mr. Rachlin reported that there is $3, in the Frank Sears Scholarship account. He noted that can be added as an agenda item and perhaps an annual award could be developed. Ms. Calabrese asked if there were criteria and Mr. Walters asked that Georgia Wick work with Tom Ferrero on criteria for the fund. Mr. Rachlin noted that a total of $ was budgeted for the NAWT fund and that will be presented at the banquet.

5 Page 5 New Business Mr. Walters shared that the Executive Committee interviewed two law firms and is recommending Fox Rothschild as the counsel of record for PSMA. He shared the experience that law firm brought to the table, particularly in the area of septage management. The firm is requesting a $ retainer fee for PSMA to call them their counsel of record. Motion made and seconded to approve hiring Fox Rothschild as PSMA s counsel of record. Mr. Rigby asked about their knowledge of local township ordinances and Mr. Walters shared that they brought up two ordinances during their interview, without being prompted. Motion passed with one abstention. Mr. Walters shared the results of the 2010 officer vote: Bruce Fox as President; Susan Miller as Vice President; Jeff Rachlin as Treasurer; and Joe Valentine for Secretary. Mr. Patterson thanked the Executive Committee for the PSMA Bucks which were distributed earlier in the year. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Denise R. Calabrese Executive Director