Muhlenberg Township (Water And Sewer) Authority

The meeting included discussions on the 12" water main break that occurred in November 2022, focusing on improving communication with residents during service interruptions. The board also considered the possibility of leasing space at the Township Administration Building and discussed the Authority's Emergency Response Plan, with planned revisions to enhance efficiency and communication. Additionally, there was a discussion about potentially relocating the administrative office building, with a workshop session planned to review employee duties and responsibilities.

The board discussed a draft of the 2023 Muhlenberg/Laureldale Joint Comprehensive Plan and reviewed the consulting engineer's report, which included updates on several projects. The Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for the water system is in progress. The board discussed risk and resiliency of the water system, and potential bulk water haulers who may have an interest in water drawn from the quarry. Updates to GIS mapping are ongoing to incorporate PA DEP lead and copper service line inventory data. The board also discussed a potential water supply interconnection with Maidencreek Township. Dedication of municipal improvements was accepted, and financial security was reduced. A MOU between the Authority and Teamsters Local Union 429 was unanimously approved. The board agreed to proceed with FirstNet for the Authority's cellular service plan and deferred discussion regarding potential implementation of direct deposit for payroll servicing.

The board reviewed the 2022 Audit Reports for the Water and Sewer Divisions, which received an unmodified opinion from Herbein & Co. The potential water supply interconnection with Maidencreek Township was discussed, with plans to contact DEP for a pre-application meeting. Regulatory guidance on PFOS and PFOA pollutants was reviewed, and the Operations Report highlighted repairs and maintenance activities. The board also discussed the City of Reading's Exhibit I reports, a professional services agreement with ARRO Consulting, and the expiration of the maintenance period on the Berks 222 project. They approved a new healthcare plan and authorized the purchase of equipment from Blue Water Construction. An Employment Agreement with Mr. Feltenberger was approved after an executive session.

The meeting included discussions regarding personnel matters, leading to a decision to transition Mr. Calpino to a consultant role and assigning primary responsibility for daily operations to Mr. Feltenberger. Further discussion focused on a water main break on Reading Crest Avenue caused by a storm event, including communication processes during the emergency. The Board emphasized the strict adherence to the Emergency Response Plan and agreed to review it for potential modifications to improve communication flow during similar events.

The Muhlenberg Township Authority's Water Conservation Plan and Drought Emergency Plan aims to improve water use efficiency, prolong supply adequacy, and manage water resources effectively. Key strategic areas include public education, accurate metering, cost-reflective pricing, proactive leakage and loss management, strategic system planning and rehabilitation, promotion of retrofit devices and water-saving new construction, encouragement of water reuse and recycling, and the establishment of clear water use policies, including drought emergency provisions. The plan seeks to provide a safe and adequate water supply at a reasonable cost, minimize inconvenience during emergencies, reduce water consumption and associated costs, and postpone the need for expensive new supply development.