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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-SJC-2017-06-14 2017.06.14 APPROVED SJC minutes.doc 1 SJC MEETING June 14, 2017 SJC Members Staff Cynthia Brock, Chair Steve Thayer Supervisor Bill Goodman CJ Kilgore Supervisor Jason Leifer Mike Raftis Tee-Ann Hunter Dave Warden Absent Brian Davis Rich DePaolo Donna Fleming MaryAnn Sumner (Dryden Alternative) Guest Jim Belcastro; Lystek George Bevington; Gerhardt LLC Cynthia called the meeting to order at 12:33 p.m. Quorum was obtained 12:34. Brian Davis is now a member representing the City of Ithaca. Tee-Ann MOVED to accept the May 10th minutes. Seconded by Bill. Approved 6-0. Following introductions Jim of Lystek gave a power point presentation. He spoke of their patented process - a low temperature thermal-alkaline hydrolysis. Their system is typically installed in a post dewatering fashion - they would retro fit their process after our digesters to produce their beneficial reuse fertilizer. The product (as it is generated) comes in either a liquid (standard) or a solid (currently under development). The liquid has three benefits: 1. Bio fertilizer – for animal crop growth as an EPA class A EQ. 2. Anaerobic digestion enhancement 3. Biological nutrient removal. The scada based system can be powered by propane, natural gas or bio-gas. The process combines heat, high speed shear and alkali which converts biosolids into a nutrient rich pathogen-free Class A product. This beneficial reuse product can be handled and/or managed by Lystek. A low till to no till process is used during land application – the slow release product is injected at plant root zone. George spoke about cost savings including those resulting from using less de-watering polymer. The Lystek product has a higher nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium value than dairy manure. There will always be a byproduct – it will be lessened by the portion that is looped back into the digester and it will have a Class A bio-solid classification (suitable for land application). 2017.06.14 APPROVED SJC minutes.doc 2 The quantity going to the landfill is reduced as more carbon is converted to methane. Bill asked about phosphorous content as compared to manure. Lystek provides nutrient management and monitors application levels of the fields. Action Items – 1. The hiring committee would like to recommend appointment of CJ Kilgore as Chief Operator. The committee is highly confident of his expertise, his infinite knowledge of the plant and his experience level. Tee-Ann MOVED to go into executive session at 1:10 p.m. Seconded by Dave. The regular meeting resumed at 1:22 p.m. Bill Moved to accept the SJC Resolution for Appointment of Chief Operator at the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility. Seconded by Dave. Approved Unanimously (7-0). SJC Resolution for Appointment of Chief Operator at the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility WHEREAS, Daniel Ramer, Chief Operator of the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility (IAWWTF) retired effective February 16, 2017, and WHEREAS, on February 8, 2017 the Special Joint Committee (SJC) authorized the interim appointment of CJ Kilgore as Chief Operator to fill the vacant position, and WHEREAS, the IAWWTF is required by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and United States Environmental Protection Agency regulations to have at all times a Chief Operator with a Grade 4A license certificate in charge of wastewater treatment plant operations and as signatory for the monthly discharge monitoring report, and WHEREAS, on May 26, 2017 an interviewing committee made up of: the Chair of the SJC who is also Commissioner representing of the City of Ithaca; two SJC Commissioners representing the Town of Ithaca; along with the City of Ithaca’s Director of Human Resources; Superintendent of Public Works; Assistant Superintendent of Public Works; and Environmental Engineer, interviewed the two qualified 4A certified Operators who applied for the position, and WHEREAS, the interviewing committee have come to a consensus and recommend to the SJC that CJ Kilgore be appointed Chief Operator, and WHEREAS, the Chief Operator is an existing and funded title under the IAWWTF 2017 budget, now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Special Joint Committee recommends to the City of Ithaca the appointment of CJ Kilgore to Chief Operator at the IAWWTF. 2. Cynthia led a discussion of the letter to be presented to the City regarding zoning and suggested setbacks from the plant. (Presently the City is proposing to allow residential uses in the industrial zone). She added that expansion of the facility must be an available option in the future. The members gave approval for Cynthia to present the letter on behalf of the Board to 2017.06.14 APPROVED SJC minutes.doc 3 the City indicating a setback of 1,200’ and including a disclosure document requirement for anything within that 1,200’. Financial Report – Steve Thayer 2016 Final Activity – December 31, 2016. An additional power bill was posted to the utility account bringing our number within $10,000.00 of the budget figure. The surplus for 2016 activity is $180,000.00. 2017 Activity through May – Revenues – septage service is coming in nicely. Debt service will be billed at year end. Expenses – everything looks reasonable. Our deficit to date is $236,000.00 Keep in mind that all expenses do not follow the calendar. Capital Projects – 420J Feasibility Study - Enhanced Primary Treatment – $4,900.00 in engineering services. 2018 Budget – it is time to start thinking about the 2018 Budget. City guidelines will be coming out soon - we will begin putting together preliminary numbers. Operations and Engineering Report – CJ Kilgore 1. Plant Maintenance & Operations a. HMT will be coming next week to perform routine maintenance on our substation. b. CJ will be meeting with GHD to discuss the preliminary design report and moving forward with the plant improvements. He will be working with Erik, Steve and Joanne on establishing a five year capital improvement plan. CJ mentioned his growing list of add-ons including septage receiving improvements, influent screening improvements with regards to solids handling, tank rehabilitation, concrete repairs, rail replacement, scum trough replacement, tanks, an O&M manual upgrade and monitoring system rehab and upgrades. CJ met with Tim Carpenter of MRB Group to begin work on the O&M manual upgrade. 2. Facilities Maintenance & Operations a. Monitoring Stations – Scott has put together an RFP for the Monitoring Stations. CJ will provide the proposal which includes evaluation of the stations to the members. Included is bringing in “real-time” data using cell phone technology and working with Chris of Lectre Solutions. 3. Staff Management a. Noah Cook has been hired as our new Operator Trainee. CJ hopes to have the assistant chief interviews sometime next month. He plans to work on hiring an additional plant operator or operator trainee early fall. 4. Business, Long Term Development – 5. Energy Production Statistics – provided by CJ. 2017.06.14 APPROVED SJC minutes.doc 4 Cynthia added that she attached the DEC report to the agenda. She mentioned how high flow events impact the plant volumes – much can be attributed to inflow and infiltration. Announcements / Other Business Scott Gibson will be leaving the City on June 23rd to take an environmental position with a private power plant. CJ added that Scott said he will be available to us if necessary. Discussion Items a. Joint Sewer Agreement – it’s associated Inter-municipal Agreement lays out a structure that states (as a condition Cynthia believes of the State and Federal grants of 2003 to upgrade the phosphorous system) that the two plants (Cayuga Heights and IAWWTF) would be considered a single unit and would treat the service area through municipal cooperation - the two plants would work together to divert flows. Cynthia, Scott and Steve will meet tomorrow to discuss creating a pricing structure as indicated in the agreement that will use the flow monitoring stations. The agreement adds that municipalities that address I/I issues will be rewarded and those that do not will be punished. Cayuga Heights is exceeding their SPEDES Permit limit; we have excess capacity. There is an initial meeting is scheduled for June 30 th - Bill hopes the six municipalities (City of Ithaca, Town of Ithaca, Town of Dryden, Village of Cayuga Heights, Town of Lansing, and the Village of Lansing) will be able to meet on a regular basis to outline their obligations and work together to solve infiltration and inflow. Dave asked about the monitoring station upgrades as part of the Inter-municipal Agreement. CJ stated that this is one of his priorities moving forward. Bill added that Brent Cross is working to use the monitoring stations affiliated with his plant more effectively. Bill wondered if this inter-municipal cooperation could be a means to obtain grant money from the State of New York as shared services. Bill suggested that we might consider taking over the Cayuga Heights contract to run that plant at some point in the future. Cynthia will keep the members posted with updates. The Chairperson for the July meeting will be Dave (with Bill as alternate) – if there are no urgent action items or nothing is pressing the meeting will be cancelled. Cynthia announced that Jose applied for and received a $50,000.00 Grant from the Park Foundation pertaining to studying micro plastics and micro fibers. Cynthia will share the grant application with the members. Steve offered that we may have to amend the 2017 budget. Dave moved to adjourn. Seconded by Donna. All were in favor. Meeting was adjourned @ 2:15 p.m. The Next Meeting is July 12th, 2017, 12:30 pm.