Williamsburg Authority Makes Decision on Apartment Tap Fee

A newly constructed apartment owned by Dylan Baker of Williamsburg was the subject of discussion during the Williamsburg Municipal Authority’s regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 2.

The apartment is behind a property owned by Baker. Questions arose about a multi-use connection and whether to charge a tap fee.

Authority Chairman Ed Patterson said, “there’s no clear-cut solution.”

The Authority ultimately decided to have Baker pay for two units of water and sewer – one for the house and one for the apartment he made.

The authority had received notification of a violation of air quality from the Pa. Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP), which stemmed from miscommunication between engineering firm Stiffler McGraw and the contractor for the demolition of the old water plant.

The correct permits – one for demolition and one for asbestos – were not applied for, which resulted in the apparent violation. Stiffler-McGraw engineer John Clabaugh said of violation, “the authority is not to blame for this situation,” and Stiffler-McGraw communicated this to the Pa. DEP.

At last month’s meeting, the authority authorized the purchase of a bypass pump. Stiffler-McGraw was then asked to get a quote for materials associated with a permanent bypass pump hook-up at the water treatment plant.

LB Water of Ebensburg provided a quote of $3,700 and authority Boardmember Daryl Cole made a motion to purchase materials with Boardmember David Myers seconding, and the motion passed.