Michael Cherico

The public meeting focused on the proposed tunnel project intended to capture combined sewer overflows. Key topics included environmental concerns regarding vibration impacts on historic structures and the risk of flooding during construction, as well as community health concerns related to existing facility emissions, odors, and environmental equity. DELCORA representatives provided information on their odor control master plan, the role of a new community engagement liaison, and clarifications regarding the permitting and approval process for the tunnel project. The discussion also addressed administrative compliance issues related to air quality monitoring and the necessity of the project for improving water quality in the region.

The committee discussed the monthly report and activity status, noting a good month in July with 4,587 trucks received for a total of 22,054,381 gallons. Upcoming activities were reviewed, including weekly contractors' meetings, management meetings, and a monthly facility tour to discuss continued disinfection during construction of the proposed UV project. An in-person meeting was held with the Delaware County Health Department to discuss permitting of liquid waste haulers, clarifying that only domestic waste needs to be permitted. A mid-year performance appraisal was conducted, and a meeting with Vector Security was held to address obsolete alarm panels. Updates to the website and SAS system were also discussed.

The meeting included reports from various committees such as Human Resources and Administration, Strategic Planning and Goals, Operations and Engineering, Finance, Pension, and Legal Liaison. The board discussed monitoring influent for viruses, including COVID and EV-D68. They also discussed operating fund payments, construction fund payments, and the authorization to advertise contracts. The board approved professional services for solids management alternatives evaluation, assistance with the Long Term Control Plan Program Management, sludge removal, analysis of vibration equipment, migration of Hexagon information to Maintain-X System, and Equivalent Dwelling Unit re-evaluation. Additionally, the board approved the purchase of a Flygt pump rebuild, FRP weir and scum baffle panels, a clarifier mechanism, and a Ford F-150 truck. An executive session was held to discuss pending legal issues and the Chester bankruptcy litigation.

The meeting covered monthly reports from the Director of Operations & Maintenance and the Director of Engineering, addressing items such as NPDES violations, reportable incidents, and ongoing projects like the Townsend Street project and the I&I Reduction Program. Discussions also included the Long Term Control Plan, UV project, and the T-27 and Odor Control project. The committee reviewed and recommended approval for various professional services, including CEMS maintenance, Relative Accuracy Test Audits, corrosion services, and Howden blower services. Additionally, authorizations were recommended for advertising bids for the Pocopson Riverside Biosolids Removal Project and for purchasing aeration tank diffusers, PLCs, spare parts, a modular building, and Roots blowers.

The meeting included a report from the Director of Human Resources covering staffing, short-term disability, workers' compensation claims, grievances, and HR updates, including union negotiation meetings and employee support activities. The Administration Report covered contract awards, insurance claims, sewer planning module applications, and the creation of the 2025 meetings schedule and Board agenda.