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Commission Meeting Minutes – Wednesday, June 14, 2023

Written by Janice Meridith on . Posted in Commission Meeting Minutes.

For your consideration, please read the minutes from the Commission Meeting held on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room.

Commission Minutes 6-14-23 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

Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at 2:30 PM 

COMMISSION MINUTES 

PRESENT:                             

G. Ben Turnipseed, Chairman

Tripp Stephens, Vice-Chairman

Charles Cook, Commissioner

Clayton Watson, Commissioner 

PRESENT VIA TEAMS:       

Wayne Neal, Commissioner 

ALSO PRESENT:                  

Andrew Burroughs, Executive Director

Charles A. Dorminy, HBS Legal Counsel

LaDonnah Roberts, Deputy Executive Director

David Owens, Director of Finance

Todd Kline, Director of Engineering

Janice Meridith, Executive Commission Administrator

Catina Lewis, First Coast Benefits Solutions

 Vanessa Shearer, Teamwork Services, Inc. 

ABSENT:                               

Kendra Rolle, Commissioner

Chad Strickland, Commissioner 

Chairman Turnipseed called the meeting to order at 2:30 PM.

Chairman Turnipseed provided the invocation and Commissioner Watson 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.

EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION

Brian Lewis Savage – Water Distribution Operator Certification

Angela Gladys Walker – Wastewater Industrial Operator Certification 

Chairman Turnipseed presented Brian Lewis Savage with his Water Distribution Operator Certificate and congratulated him on his accomplishment. Chairman Turnipseed and Water Distribution Superintendent Derrick Simmons also recognized and congratulated Brian for his hard work and achievement which he promptly began working on while working as an equipment operator.

Chairman Turnipseed presented Angela Gladys Walker with a copy of her Wastewater Industrial Operator Certificate.  He noted that she has been with JWSC for 9 years with many various responsibilities during her tenure.  Ms. Walker has several certifications in wastewater operations and works with the local industrial companies such as GP which dump into public systems.  The Chairman also provided that the EPD has requested instructional services from Ms. Walker as well 

COMMITTEE UPDATES

Facilities Committee – Chairman Turnipseed stated that the Facilities Committee met on the same day at 1:00 p.m.  Approval items that were recommended to move forward to the full Commission were Change Order No. 3 for the Dunbar Creek Rehab Project, a contract award for ground storage tanks rescreening, and dedications of infrastructure and easements from private projects. The Water Production Report showed that all water production facilities are producing very well.  The treatment plants performed at: Academy Creek 39%; Dunbar Creek 68%; and South Port   34%.  The Capital Projects Report provided great photos of projects and good reporting on the projects in progress.

APPROVAL

  1. Minutes from the May 18, 2023, Regular Commission Meeting

Commissioner Cook made a motion seconded by Commissioner Watson to approve the minutes from the May 18, 2023 Regular Commission Meeting.  Motion carried 5-0-2. (Commissioners Strickland and Rolle were absent from the meeting.)

*          Excuse Absent Commissioners From Meeting

Commissioner Cook made a motion seconded by Commissioner Watson to excuse Commissioner Rolle and Commissioner Strickland from the meeting.  Motion carried 5-0-2. (Commissioners Strickland and Rolle were absent from the meeting.)

  1. FY2023-2024 Rate Resolution – A. Burroughs

Mr. Burroughs advised that each year the BGJWSC reviews the resolution previously passed by the Board to document rates and fees associated with JWSC’s products and services to our customers (the “Rate Resolution”).  He provided a red-lined Rate Resolution setting forth the rates and charges necessary to support the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2024, JWSC budget.  Mr. Burroughs reviewed the three proposed revisions with the Commissioners.  Staff requests that the BGJWSC approve the Rate Resolution as presented for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

Commissioner Cook made a motion seconded by Commissioner Watson that the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission approve the attached Rate Resolution for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.  Motion carried 5-0-2. (Commissioners Strickland and Rolle were absent from the meeting.) 

  1. Health Insurance Annual Renewal – Catina Lewis

Ms. Catina Lewis presented the Commissioners with the background information and status of the self-funded program JWSC has with United Healthcare. She highlighted various details on the JWSC claims history and discussions with JWSC staff regarding possibilities for the upcoming renewal year.  There were very few changes necessary to be made to the employee health benefit packages.  The Stop Loss Coverage was increased. The coverage levels for dental benefits were increased and the carrier was changed for similar rates to current premiums. The employer provided life insurance for staff was significantly increased.  The carrier for vision was changed also.  For those electing similar coverage to what they had previously, the premiums had very little increase to employees.

Commissioner Stephens made a motion seconded by Commissioner Cook to move that the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission renew the employee insurance coverages to be effective August 1, 2023 as presented with the selection of Alternative coverage on Health Insurance. Motion carried 5-0-2. (Commissioners Strickland and Rolle were absent from the meeting.) 

 

  1. Change Order No. 3 – Dunbar Creek WPCF Rehab – A. Burroughs

Mr. Burroughs recalled for the committee the JWSC entered into a contract with BRW Construction Group on January 25, 2022 for the Dunbar Water Pollution Control Facility Rehab project and highlighted Change Order No.1 and Change Order No.2.  The FY2024 Capital Projects Plan was Dunbar Creek WPCF Clarifier Improvements. To increase operational flexibility and allow for the expansion of the treatment capacity to 5.0 MGD, a third clarifier is necessary. BRW quoted the installation of the third clarifier, increase the effluent Parshall flume for accurate flow measurements at higher flows, and complete permitting necessary for expansion of the plant at a price of $3,788,912.00.  BRW also provided pricing for additional instrumentation options for consideration in the amount of $193,764.00.  Staff recommends moving forward with the clarifier, flume, and permitting improvements, and delaying the extra items listed in the quote.

Commissioner Stephens made a motion seconded by Commissioner Strickland that the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission approve Change Order No. 3 in the amount of $3,788,912.00 to BRW Construction Group, LLC for scope changes associated with the Dunbar Creek WPCF Rehab project. Motion carried 5-0-2. (Commissioners Strickland and Rolle were absent from the meeting.) 

  1. Contract Award – Ground Storage Tanks Rescreening – A. Burroughs

Mr. Burroughs advised that during the most recent inspection by Georgia EPD and U.S. EPA, the regulatory agencies identified the need to replace the mesh screens at 11 of the 15 ground storage tanks for water storage. Screening is also required inside the overflow vents at each site, of which there are 28 that require rescreening.  CROM, LLC proposed a cost of $92,228.00 for mobilization, aerator rescreening overflow vent rescreening, guaranteed electric service and bonds. CROM estimates three weeks for completion of the work once mobilized.

Commissioner Watson made a motion seconded by Commissioner Cook that the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission approve a contract award in the amount of $92,228 to CROM Coatings and Restoration, LLC for the rescreening of aerators and overflow vents at ground storage tank sites.  Motion carried 5-0-2. (Commissioners Strickland and Rolle were absent from the meeting.) 

  1. Dedications of Private Infrastructure & Easements – T. Kline
  • Settlers Cove Ph1 – Dedication of Infrastructure and Easement
  • Major Wright Sewer Extension – Dedication of Infrastructure
  • Friendly Express Store #71 – Dedication of Easement
  • Heritage Christian Academy/Christian Renewal – Dedication of Easement

Mr. Kline provided that the Developers of the above-mentioned projects wish to convey easements and dedicate infrastructure.  They have submitted necessary legal documents defining the transfer of ownership and conveying the easements for access and maintenance. All requirements of the JWSC Standards for Water & Sewer Design and Construction and Development Procedures have been met, and all related documents submitted.

Commissioner Stephens made a motion seconded by Commissioner Watson that the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission approve this project with associated Dedications and Easements.  Motion carried 5-0-2. (Commissioners Strickland and Rolle were absent from the meeting.) 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Commissioner Cook made a motion seconded by Commissioner Watson to enter into Executive Session to discuss Property.  Motion carried 5-0-2.  (Commissioners Strickland and Rolle were absent from the meeting.)

Return to Regular Session.

Commissioner Stephens made a motion seconded by Commissioner Cook to return to Regular Session.  Motion carried 5-0-2.  (Commissioners Strickland and Rolle were absent from the meeting.)

 DISCUSSION

  1. Financial Statements Month End May 31, 2023 – F. Wilson

Mrs. Wilson presented the financial statement for the month ending May 31, 2023. She reviewed the Balance Sheet noting the Current Assets and Current Liabilities and briefed the Committee on the Combined Revenue Statement.  The various Operating Revenues accounts were noted, and details on the Summary of Revenues and Summary of Expenses were highlighted.  Mrs. Wilson briefly reviewed line items on the Cash Balances and the Project Report, as well as providing an update on Investments. 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S UPDATE

Mr. Burroughs commented that the Town Hall Meetings were held the previous week.  Staff members were present.  The new fiscal year begins July1, 2023.

COMMISSIONERS’ DISCUSSION

There was no additional discussion. 

CHAIRMAN’S UPDATE

The Chairman stated that he attended the Town Hall Meeting.  BGJWSC has had a good year.

ADJOURN

There being no additional business to bring before the Commission, Chairman Turnipseed requested a motion to adjourn the meeting.

Commissioner Watson made a motion seconded by Commissioner Cook to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 6-0-1. (Commissioner Rolle was absent from the meeting.)

The Chairman adjourned the meeting at 3:45 p.m.