Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, January 10, 2019
For your consideration, please read the minutes from the Commission Meeting held on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.
Commission Meeting Minutes 1-10-19 with Attachments
To read the minutes, please open or download the pdf from the link above, or you may see more below.
Brunswick-Glynn County Joint Water and Sewer Commission
1703 Gloucester Street, Brunswick, GA 31520
Thursday, January 10, 2019 at 2:00 PM
COMMISSION MINUTES
PRESENT:
Donald M. Elliott, Chairman
Mike Browning, Vice-Chairman
Cornell L. Harvey, Commissioner
Bob Duncan, Commissioner
Steve Copeland, Commissioner
Tripp Stephens, Commissioner
G. Ben Turnipseed, Commissioner
ALSO PRESENT:
Jimmy Junkin, Executive Director
Charlie Dorminy, Legal Counsel HBS
Andrew Burroughs, Deputy Executive Director
Todd Kline, Director of Engineering
Pam Crosby, Director of Procurement
John D. Donaghy, Director of Finance
Jay Sellers, Director of Administration
Mark Ryals, Superintendent
Derrick Simmons, Superintendent
Cindy Barnhart, T.S.I.
Janice Meridith, Exec. Commission Administrator
MEDIA PRESENT:
Pamela Permar Shierling, The Islander
Taylor Cooper, The Brunswick News
ABSENT:
Clifford Adams, Commissioner 2015-2018
Chairman Elliott called the meeting to order at 2:00 PM.
Commissioner Turnipseed provided the invocation and Chairman Elliott led the pledge.
COMMISSIONER’S SWEARING-IN CEREMONY- Probate Judge Debra Godwin Duncan
Bob Duncan, Commissioner 2019-2022
Judge Debra Godwin Duncan read the oath to incoming Commissioner Bob Duncan swearing him into his new position, and also prompted him to sign all 3 original copies of the formal oath of which she also signed. Judge Debra Godwin Duncan congratulated Commissioner Duncan and wished him success.
RECEPTION
Commissioner Copeland made a motion seconded by Commissioner Stephens to add item #4 to the Discussion agenda, Health Insurance Workshop Discussion. Motion carried 7-0-0.
Commissioner Copeland made a motion seconded by Commissioner Browning to remove Discussion item #1, North Cottages Encroachment Response from the regular meeting agenda and move it to Executive Session. Motion carried 7-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Chairman Elliott opened the public comment period.
There being no citizens for public comment, Chairman Elliott closed the public comment period.
COMMISSION SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Donald Elliott, Commission Chairman 2018
Mike Browning, Commissioner 2017-2018 and Commission Vice-Chairman 2018
Clifford Adams, Commissioner 2015-2016 and 2017-2018 and Commission Vice-Chairman 2016 & 2017
Mr. Junkin thanked Chairman Elliott, Vice-Chairman Browning and Commissioner Adams (who was absent from the meeting) for everything they have done for JWSC during the past year, and for their time and extra effort that they have put forth during their terms as Officers of the Commission and as Commissioners. He also recognized that JWSC could not have achieved everything they have without the help they have provided over the course of the past year.
Chairman Elliott thanked Commissioner Browning for serving as the Vice-Chairman. He also noted his appreciation to Commissioner Browning for assisting him with everything during the past year.
Commissioner Browning commented that he has enjoyed working with Mr. Junkin and the JWSC staff during the past two years, and noted that the JWSC operation is very important to the health and welfare of Glynn County. He commented that he would miss being on the Commission, but is grateful for the time he had as JWSC Commissioner.
ELECTION OF THE CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN
Commissioner Duncan nominated Commissioner Turnipseed to serve as Chairman for the year 2019. No additional nominations were received. The nomination carried 7-0-0.
Commissioner Duncan nominated Commissioner Copeland to serve as Vice-Chairman for the year 2019. No additional nominations were received. The nomination carried 7-0-0.
APPROVAL
- Minutes from the December 20, 2018 Regular Commission Meeting
Commissioner Browning made a motion seconded by Commissioner Stephens to approve the minutes from the December 20, 2018 Regular Commission Meeting. Motion carried 7-0-0.
- Acceptance as Public Infrastructure – Silver Oaks Subdivision – T. Kline
Todd Kline presented to the Commission a recommendation to accept the on-site water and sewer infrastructure and associated easements as public infrastructure. He provided the background information that Silver Oaks is a 13-lot single-family development located in mid-north St. Simons Island with the entry lot located off South Harrington Road approximately 2100 feet east of the intersection of South Harrington Road and Frederica Road. He noted that the property was developed by Altamaha Preserve LLC under Tommy Stewart. Mr. Kline provided that with these dedications, there is an easement and water and sewer infrastructure. He commented that all of the milestones for dedication of the property have been met as well as all of the legal requirements. He added that as per the request from the previous dedication, the water and sewer record drawings were included in the Commissioners’ packets for review. Mr. Kline provided that this process of dedication is important in that the ownership and accessibility issues are satisfied and finalized now, with no questions in the future.
Commissioner Duncan made a motion seconded by Commissioner Stephens to move that the Brunswick Glynn County Joint Water & Sewer Commission accept the on-site water system and on-site sewer system along with associated easements within Silver Oaks development as public infrastructure for ownership, operation and maintenance. Motion carried 7-0-0.
- Academy Creek WWTP Oxygen Supply Improvements – A. Burroughs
Andrew Burroughs presented to the Commissioners that the goal of this project was to improve the safety for the staff, decrease oxygen loss possibilities, and to improve monitoring capabilities for tighter operational control of the Academy Creek oxygen supply system. He noted that Hussey Gay Bell was contracted to do the engineering work and design of the upgrades, and that the original scope of the project was to replace the manifold systems, refurbish the LELs (lower explosive limit analyzers), and make SCADA improvements. Mr. Burroughs additionally noted that through the process of talking with Hussey Gay Bell, it was determined that Matheson should do the work on the LELs due to the specific nature of the project relative to the experience of most general contractors in the area. Upon further investigation of the system by HGB and JWSC staff, it was determined that the blower part of the system is in bad shape and is not refurbishable. He also mentioned that the current location of it is near the headworks where there are some gas release situations which have caused significant corrosion, so it will be relocated towards the center of the plant away from the corrosive gases. The cost of the new blower and relocation of it, along with new pad were not included in the original estimate. Bids were advertised on October 2018, with an expected bid opening of December 7. After extra consideration of whether to purchase or lease the new oxygen tank, bids were delayed until January 3, 2019 with the decision to lease the second tank. Mr. Burroughs further advised that two bids were received with the lowest bidder being Allen & Graham, Inc. of Brunswick with an initial bid of $834,547.00. Staff then negotiated with Allen & Graham to reduce the project cost by eliminating piping replacement and reducing the SCADA allowance by opting to go for a wireless radio setup rather than utilizing fiber optics throughout the plant. He provided that these changes reduced the overall bid by Allen & Graham by $276,204.00, for a reduced bid price of $557,843.00. Staff requested quotes from Matheson for the supply of two stainless steel oxygen manifold systems, the installation of a new LEL system on AB1, the refurbishment of the LEL systems on AB2 and AB3, and SCADA improvements to improve process control, safety practices, and ordering. The total cost of these improvements through Matheson is $384,170.00. Mr. Burroughs advised that staff is requesting a budget adjustment for this project in the amount of $390,000.00 to cover the changes in scope of work and material prices increases. The requested budget adjustment would be funded through the R&R Reserve. Mr. Burroughs provided the Commission with three recommended motions; one for the Allen & Graham contract award, one for the Matheson contract award, and one for the requested budget adjustment. After Mr. Burroughs answered a few questions from the Commissioners the following motions were made.
Commissioner Copeland made a motion seconded by Commissioner Duncan to move that approval be granted to award a contract to Allen & Graham, Inc. in the amount of $557,843.00 for rehabilitation of the oxygen treatment system at the Academy Creek Water Pollution Control Facility. Motion carried 7-0-0.
Commissioner Copeland made a motion seconded by Commissioner Duncan to move that approval be granted to award a contract to Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc. in the amount of $384,170.00 for rehabilitation of the oxygen treatment system at the Academy Creek Water Pollution Control Facility. Motion carried 7-0-0.
Commissioner Copeland made a motion seconded by Commissioner Duncan to move that approval be granted to increase the Academy Creek Oxygen Supply Safety Upgrades project budget by $390,000.00 from uncommitted funds in the R&R Reserve to a total updated project budget of $1,040,000.00. Motion carried 7-0-0.
DISCUSSION
- North Cottages Encroachment Response – J. Junkin
This item was removed from the regular meeting agenda.
- BGJWSC 2018 Achievements – J. Junkin
Mr. Junkin provided a list of the JWSC achievements for the year of 2018. In his presentation he discussed various projects and achievements which were completed in the following categories: Visible to the Community, Critical Asset Rehab Being Addressed, Community Coordination & Collaboration, Field Operations Improvements, Energy Maintenance Optimization Changes, Initial Strategic Business Plan – Future Success Key for JWSC, Early Efforts on Key 2019 Initiatives, BB&T Leadership Institute Program, and Fiscal Management Changes.
3. Project Update – T. Kline
Todd Kline presented the Project Update to the Commission. First he reviewed the updated report format and explained sections of it for the Commissioners. Mr. Kline advised that the RFP for the design work on Phase 2 of the North Mainland Sewer Improvements SPLOST Project had been issued and proposals are due February 13th. The camera inspection work is currently being done on Phase 3. He also noted that the proposals for the engineering work on Pump Station 4003 are due January 23rd. Mr. Kline mentioned 2 projects that are being done in cooperation with the City of Brunswick, Magnolia Park Water Improvements and “L” Street Project, and gave an update on those. He updated the Commissioners on the Friendly Express Cooperative Agreement Project, and noted the work that would be happening there in the following week. Mr. Kline further discussed the project report and details contained within with the Commissioners.
- Health Insurance Workshop Discussion – J. Junkin/Catina Tindall
Mr. Junkin introduced Catina Tindall and the Health Insurance Workshop discussion. Ms. Tindall recalled for the Commissioners that the Health Benefits Renewal was briefly discussed back in October and that the renewal must be completed in a timely manner in order to get all of the open enrollment requirements met, have all the employees signed up, cards distributed by March 1st, etc. An ad hoc committee was arranged with Commissioners Elliott, Stephens and Duncan to meet with JWSC staff, Ms. Tindall and TSI staff for discussion on Tuesday January 15, 2019 at 1:00 pm. A full presentation will be made to the Commission at the Commission Meeting on January 24, 2019.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S UPDATE
Mr. Junkin reminded the Commissioners of the Sea Level Rising Predictions Forum coming up at the College of Coastal Georgia on January 22. He also advised that the Coastal Georgia Regional Water Planning Group is meeting at the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Junkin noted that a good amount of maintenance is needed for the sludge dryer and staff will be meeting with the vendor. Representatives from GMA to be at the February 7th Commission Meeting to discuss pension.
CHAIRMAN’S UPDATE
Chairman Turnipseed expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve as Chairman of this Commission. He complimented the staff and noted having a great Board of Commissioners. The Chairman also commented that he is looking forward to working with every Commissioner, meeting the needs and moving the Commission forward. We need to work for every resident and every person in Glynn County. He also commented that we need to be sure we are open to provide good service to all residential and commercial customers and everyone in Glynn County. Chairman Turnipseed then noted he would like to have a mini-retreat, and the time of Wednesday, January 23rd at 1:00 p.m. was agreed on. Location will be confirmed.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Commissioner Elliott made a motion seconded by Commissioner Harvey to go into Executive Session to discuss Property with no vote to be taken. Motion carried 6-0-1. (Commissioner Browning was not present for the vote.)
Return to Regular Session.
Commissioner Copeland made a motion seconded by Commissioner Duncan to adjourn from Executive Session. Motion carried 7-0-0.
Commissioner Harvey made a motion seconded by Commissioner Stephens to adjourn the Commission Meeting. Motion carried 7-0-0.
There being no additional business to bring before the Commission, Chairman Turnipseed adjourned the meeting at 4:25 p.m.