Luzerne panel says accounts being paid
LUZERNE TWP. – Since the Luzerne Township Sewage Authority decided to crack down on individuals who have not paid their sewage accounts by threatening to shut off the water to any home that is delinquent, nearly a dozen accounts have been paid up to date. During Monday’s monthly meeting, sewage plant clerk Tony Capuzzi reported that 34 certified letters were sent out notifying individuals who were four months delinquent of the possibility of water termination, and 11 of those accounts have been paid in full.
Of the remaining 23 in jeopardy of losing water service, Capuzzi said 14 of the homes may be vacant, leaving approximately nine that haven’t paid. In August, the authority decided to take a hard line on individuals who hadn’t paid their accounts.
Capuzzi also reported that 134 tap-ins have been received into the system and 27 are outstanding. He said all 27 are needed for the authority to break even.
Although the cost is now $1,417 to tap in, the authority has taken action to only charge an amount of $1,289 until Oct. 18, when the cost will go back up. For new construction, the cost is $1,500 plus the cost to connect to the lateral line.
In other action, the authority approved a guarantee for a three-year extension on the Phase II sewerage project. The resolution guarantees the repayment of a $400,800 note to PNC Bank by the authority.
Lisa Chiesa, bond counsel from Thorpe, Reed and Armstrong, said the action is necessary to extend a loan from 2001 because Phase II has not yet been built. The new note will expire on July 27, 2007, and will include a variable rate that is 65 percent of the prime rate. The agreement is the same as the one that is already in place.
Engineer Rob Kuchar estimated that there will be approximately 500 customers for Phase II. Chiesa said if the money is obtained before the note expires, it can be paid off without penalty.
Authority member Bob Miller reported that Phase II is moving ahead. He said only about three or four properties should require legal action regarding rights of way and 40 have been recorded at the courthouse. He said, overall, he believes they will meet the Halloween deadline for right-of-way acquisition.
Following a discussion on the matter, the authority voted to pay Kranick Environmental Contractors (KEC) of McKeesport approximately $5,000 of the $10,435.50 owed to the company in order to have the company begin the landscaping work.
Capuzzi said Kranick wanted all the money before he would finish the landscaping and the authority initially wanted to withhold all the money until the work is done. As a compromise, Kranick submitted a written proposal of the work that will be done.
Capuzzi reported that a rebuilt sludge pump is being used at the plant and he is awaiting two new pumps.
Board treasurer James “Fish” Lent said now the plant can handle up to 100,000 gallons per day, but it should soon be able to handle up to 460,000 gallons per day.
Miller said since the rebuilt pump was installed, the plant smells better than it has in the last six months.