Commission Meeting Minutes – Thursday, September 19, 2024
For your consideration, please read the minutes from the Commission Meeting held on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 2:00 pm in the Commission Meeting Room.
Commission Minutes 9-19-24 with Attachments
To read the minutes, please open or download the pdf from the link above, or you may see more below.
Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission
1703 Gloucester Street, Brunswick, GA 31520
Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 2:00 PM
COMMISSION MINUTES
PRESENT:
G. Ben Turnipseed, Chairman
Clayton Watson, Vice-Chairman
Charles Cook, Commissioner
Wayne Neal, Commissioner
Lance Sabbe, Commissioner
Dave Ford, Commissioner
Chad Strickland, Commissioner (Via Teams)
ALSO PRESENT:
Andrew Burroughs, Executive Director
Charles A. Dorminy, HBS Legal Counsel
LaDonnah Roberts, Deputy Executive Director
Todd Kline, Director of Engineering
Pam Crosby, Director of Procurement
David Owens, Director of Finance
Janice Meridith, Executive Commission Administrator
Chairman Turnipseed called the meeting to order at 2:00 PM.
Chairman Turnipseed provided the invocation, and Commissioner Ford led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Chairman Turnipseed opened the public comment period.
There being no public comment, Chairman Turnipseed closed the public comment period.
COMMITTEE UPDATES
Facilities Committee – Chairman Turnipseed provided an update on the Facilities Committee Meeting held on September 18, 2024.
Finance Committee – Pro term Committee Chairman Cook provided an update on the Finance Committee Meeting held on September 18, 2024.
APPROVAL
- Minutes from the August 15, 2024, Regular Commission Meeting
Commissioner Neal made a motion seconded by Commissioner Sabbe to approve the minutes from the August 15, 2024, Regular Commission Meeting. Motion carried 7-0-0.
- Contract Award – FY 2025 Long-Term Water Quality Monitoring – A. Burroughs
Mr. Burroughs provided that JWSC is required by NPDES permit to maintain a watershed protection plan for each of the JWSC-operated water pollution control facilities. The plans require both dry and wet weather sampling at multiple locations throughout the watershed that each plant discharges into. The plans require quarterly dry and wet weather sampling plus additional metals and bacterial sampling. Samples are taken from 7 locations in the Academy Creek watershed, 3 locations in the Dunbar Creek watershed, and 2 locations in the South Port watershed. JWSC has a longstanding relationship with Integrated Science & Engineering (ISE) for the completion of the sampling protocol, analysis, and production of the annual reports required by permit for these watershed protection plans. Staff is very pleased with the work product produced by ISE and would like to continue this relationship for another year. These expenses are budgeted in the individual plant Technical Services budget.
Commissioner Ford made a motion seconded by Commissioner Watson that the Brunswick Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission approve a contract award to Integrated Science & Engineering for the Fiscal Year 2025 Watershed Protection Plans in the amount of $79,275.00. Motion carried 7-0-0.
- Capital Equipment Purchase – (2) Two Truck Cranes – A. Burroughs
Mr. Burroughs noted that within JWSC’s Systems Pumping and Maintenance Division Fleet, the addition of an electric service crane to a 1-ton truck body allows the service vehicle to lift materials such as pumps during field repair and replacement. An electric crane’s operation is significantly quieter than a hydraulic crane’s which allows crews to work at times and in locations where reduced noise is essential. Currently, there are (2) two service vehicles with existing Palfinger model PSC 3216 electric service cranes that have reached the end of their life cycle. They are both non-functioning after multiple repairs. After considering factors such as service times in relation to purchase cost and ongoing maintenance and service, the decision was made to select the Stellar model EC4000 to replace the existing Palfinger units. This equipment was approved in the capital purchase line item of the FY2025 budget for the Systems Pumping and Maintenance Division. The original estimated amount of this item was $70,000 for (2) replacement cranes. The estimate to replace each unit is $27,400.00 each including removing the old units and installation of the new units for a total cost of $54,800.00. The estimated lead time for delivery and installation of the new units is (3) three to (5) five months.
Commissioner Watson made a motion seconded by Commissioner Cook that the Brunswick Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission approve the purchase of (2) electric service cranes in the amount of $54,800.00 from DVA Fleet, Dealer Vehicle Accessories. Motion carried 7-0-0.
- Capital Equipment Purchase – Valve Exerciser – A. Burroughs
Mr. Burroughs explained what valve exercising is and that it is a vital task for maintaining water infrastructure. A valve exerciser is a tool used to turn valves on and off repeatedly to ensure the valve does not become stiff and malfunction. It helps keep valves free of debris and would allow the Water Distribution team to operate valves and identify broken and inoperative valves. By having a routine and effective valve exercise program in place, it will not only keep the valves working properly but also keep the valve boxes cleaned out, improving access to them in emergencies. The existing equipment was purchased by the City of Brunswick in 2006 and needs replacement. This item was approved in the capital purchase line item of the FY2025 budget for the Water Distribution Division. The original estimated amount of this equipment was $80,000 for the valve exerciser. Staff considered two different weight ratings for the trailer chassis as part of their need’s evaluation. The lowest weight-rated chassis, inclusive of the Sourcewell contract discount, came in at $86,709.15 including all associated freight and prep costs.
Commissioner Sabbe made a motion seconded Commissioner Neal that the Brunswick Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission approve the purchase of one (1) valve exerciser in the amount of $86,709.15 from Vermeer Southeast Sales & Service, Inc. Motion carried 7-0-0.
- Contract Award – Academy Creek Influent Pump Base Replacements – A. Burroughs
Mr. Burroughs provided that the Academy Creek Influent Pump Station contains four pump bases that are fixed to the floor of the wet well. When pumps are installed, they are slid down guide rails and are seated onto these bases. In September 2023, BGJWSC ordered two new influent pumps that are scheduled for delivery in early May. Staff had condition inspections performed on the pump bases. Upon inspection, it was determined that the pump bases were no longer properly affixed to the wet well, causing the pumps not to seat correctly, increasing vibration on the pump, and reducing pump capacity and pump lifespan. At the April 2024 Commission meeting, staff recommended a contract award to rehab the existing influent bases at Academy Creek. Two of the bases were rehabbed in early May. The other two were not rehabbed. One of the new Flygt pumps was installed on the rehabbed base, but the pump never seated correctly allowing blow-by to occur reducing efficiency. After multiple attempts to correct the issue, Xylem has agreed to provide new pump bases and reducers to the JWSC at no cost for the materials. The materials are valued at approximately $25,000. Staff requested a quote from BRW Construction Group, LLC to perform the installation of the new bases and reducers to allow for proper installation of the new pumps. In addition, staff wishes to perform the same tasks on the remaining two pump bases once the new pumps are installed. This work will improve pumping efficiency and reduce wear and tear on the influent pumps. Staff is soliciting updated quotes for the purchase of two more new influent pumps for Academy Creek. BRW provided a quote of $55,465.00 to replace the bases, install the reducers, and new 3” guiderails for each pump. This item will be funded from the Academy Creek operations budget.
Commissioner Ford made a motion seconded by Commissioner Neal that the Brunswick Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission enter into a contract with BRW Construction Group, LLC to perform the replacement of the influent pump bases and associated work at Academy Creek Water Pollution Control Facility in the amount of $55,465.00. Motion carried 7-0-0.
- Dedication of Easements and Infrastructure – T. Kline
- McKenzie Drive – Water and Sewer Easement Conveyance
Mr. Kline provided that in 2009 Glynn County realigned McKenzie Road at the intersection with Highway 341, exchanging property with the adjoining property owner. Glynn County received the property outlined in red and blue on the map, in exchange for the property outlined in yellow. The current owner, Skarpalezos Investments LLC, requested Glynn County convey the area in blue which was executed on July 12, 2024 with the condition that Skarpalezos Investments LLC convey a water and sewer easement to JWSC. Glynn County has presented JWSC with a copy of a conveyance deed executed between Glynn County and Skarpalezos Investments LLC on July 12, 2024. A Corrective Deed is being executed by Glynn County and Skarpalezos Investments LLC to correct the Legal Description. JWSC Legal has confirmed the revised Legal Description and Easement Plat exhibit as presented and attached to this memo are correct, and that the easement accommodates the existing JWSC infrastructure.
Commissioner Neal made a motion seconded by Commissioner Cook that the Brunswick Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission approve and accept the McKenzie Water and Sewer Easement with associated documentation. Motion carried 7-0-0.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S UPDATE
Mr. Burroughs provided the Commissioners with a brief update.
COMMISSIONERS’ DISCUSSION
Commissioner Cook commended the staff on all their efforts during the excessive rains since June.
CHAIRMAN’S UPDATE
Chairman Turnipseed provided the Commissioners with a brief update.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
There was no Executive Session.
ADJOURN
There being no additional business to bring before the Commission, Chairman Turnipseed requested a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Commissioner Neal made a motion seconded by Commissioner Ford to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 7-0-0.
The Chairman adjourned the meeting at 2:20 p.m.