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Facilities Committee Meeting Minutes – Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Written by Janice Meridith on . Posted in Facilities Committee Minutes.

For your consideration, please read the minutes from the Facilities Committee Meeting held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.

Facilities Minutes 11-20-24 with Attachments

Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water & Sewer Commission

1703 Gloucester Street, Brunswick, GA 31520

Commission Meeting Room

Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM 

FACILITIES COMMITTEE MINUTES

PRESENT:                             

Ben Turnipseed, Chairman

Charles Cook, Commissioner

Dave Ford, Commissioner

Andrew Burroughs, P.E., Executive Director                                   

ALSO PRESENT:                  

Lance Sabbe, Commissioner

LaDonnah Roberts, Deputy Executive Director

Todd Kline, Director of Engineering                                     

Pam Crosby, Director of Procurement

David Owens, Director of Finance

Janice Meridith, Executive Commission Admin. 

Chairman Turnipseed called the meeting to order at 1:00 PM.

Chairman Turnipseed provided an invocation.

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD

Chairman Turnipseed opened the Public Comment Period.

There being no citizens that wished to address the Committee, Chairman Turnipseed closed the Public Comment Period.

APPROVAL

  1. Minutes from October 16, 2024, Facilities Committee Meeting

Commissioner Cook made a motion seconded by Commissioner Ford to approve the minutes from the Facilities Committee Meeting held on October 16, 2024.  Motion carried 3-0-0.

  1. Fiber Optic Sharing Agreement – A. Burroughs

Mr. Burroughs stated that JWSC and Glynn County share a high-speed fiber optic data network which connects our facilities to a data center. This speeds up the transfer of data between systems and eliminates the duplication of services by the County and JWSC. In 2014, a ten-year agreement was entered into concerning this shared fiber optic network. The agreement expires November 25, 2024. At the October 16, 2024, Facilities Committee meeting, the Committee reviewed and recommended approval of this item. Once approved, additional edits were requested by Glynn County upon review by legal counsel. 

Commissioner Ford made a motion seconded by Commissioner Cook that the Facilities Committee recommend the full Commission renew the fiber optic sharing agreement with the Glynn County Board of Commissioners.  Motion carried 3-0-0. 

  1. Glynn-Brunswick 911 Services Agreement for External Entities – A. Burroughs

Mr. Burroughs advised that Glynn County and the City of Brunswick established a Joint Public Safety Communications Department (JPSCD) to provide radio coverage for police, fire, and emergency medical services. It also provides radio coverage for other public entities that provide a benefit to the citizens of Glynn County and the City of Brunswick. Radio coverage is provided through a 800 MHz system. JWSC purchased a total of ten (10) of these radios in three total purchases in 2015, 2017, and 2021 to utilize during emergency response efforts in the event of loss of cellular service.  The primary method of communication for JWSC operations during emergency response is through company-issued cell phones. However, at times, cellular service has been impacted during these storms. Most recently, this occurred during the Hurricane Helene response. During this period, the JWSC utilizes the ten (10) 800 MHz radios to be able to communicate with key team members during the event. When cellular service is restored, radio usage is discontinued.  The attached agreement outlines responsibilities for the JWSC when considering using these radios and provides for a service charge to be paid by the JWSC to Glynn County for their usage. The service charge is $55 per month per radio, or $6,600 annually. This item will be paid from the Admin Services annual operating budget.

Commissioner Cook made a motion seconded by Commissioner Ford that the Facilities Committee recommend the full Commission enter into the Glynn-Brunswick 911 Services Agreement with the Glynn County Board of Commissioners. Motion caried 3-0-0.

  1. 1703 Gloucester Subdivision Plat – A. Burroughs

Mr. Burroughs stated that In June 2021, Glynn County and the JWSC executed an intergovernmental lease agreement with purchase option for the property previously occupied by CVS at 1709 Gloucester Street. The lease agreement was for $5,500 per month with a purchase option for $280,000, with any lease payments made being contributed towards the purchase price. The County and JWSC have been working through the subdivision process as required by the City of Brunswick to finalize the sale of the property.  Shupe Surveying was contracted by Glynn County to perform the necessary field work and documentation to subdivide the property. The JWSC retains ownership of 1703 Gloucester (main office) and 1715 Gloucester (annex). Glynn County will purchase 1709 Gloucester (Board of Elections and the parking lot in front of 1709 Gloucester. The generator for 1703 Gloucester will be located on the newly created parcel at 1709 Gloucester. Easements for the generator, access, and parking will be recorded separately.  From commencement of the lease agreement, Glynn County has paid $231,500 in monthly lease payments to the JWSC. Through execution of the purchase option, the County will pay the remaining balance of $48,500 to the JWSC.

Commissioner Cook made a motion seconded by Commissioner Ford that the Facilities Committee recommend that the full Commission approve the subdivision plat of 1703 Gloucester Street. Motion carried 3-0-0.

  1. Academy Creek Influent Pumps Purchase – A. Burroughs

Mr. Burroughs stated that The JWSC operates four (4) submersible influent pumps at Academy Creek to pump the wastewater throughout the treatment process. The existing 125 horsepower (hp), 12” Yeomans pumps are obsolete, and parts are not available for rehabbing the existing pumps. The lack of availability of parts was confirmed by both repair shops and a manufacturer’s representative for the Yeomans line of pumps. In September 2023, the Commission approved the purchase of two new (2) Flygt pumps from Xylem Water Solutions.  In the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, staff requested the purchase of two additional Flygt influent pumps for Academy Creek. At the September 2024 Commission meeting, the Commission approved a contract with BRW Construction to install new bases and guiderails for all four pump slots, with material being provided by Xylem at no cost to the JWSC due to issues matching the new pumps to the existing bases.  To maintain consistency among the influent pumps at Academy Creek, staff requested a sole source quote from Xylem Water Solutions for two new 110 hp Flygt pumps. The cost of these two new pumps including shipping is $168,030. This equipment was approved in the capital purchase line item of the FY2025 budget for the Wastewater Treatment division with a budgeted cost of $160,000.

Commissioner Ford made a motion seconded by Commissioner Cook that the Facilities Committee recommend that the full Commission approve the purchase of two new Flygt influent pumps at Academy Creek from Xylem Water Solutions USA, Inc. in the amount of $168,030. Motion carried 3-0-0.

  1. Dedication of Easements and Infrastructure – T. Kline
  • Vintage Brunswick Apartments – Dedication of Water System and Easement
  • Autumns Wood Phase 4 – Dedication of Water, Sanitary Sewer, and Easement

Mr. Kline noted that The Owners of Record of the infrastructure described within have submitted legal documents to: 1) define and execute the transfer of ownership; and, 2) convey easements for access and maintenance.  The infrastructure is understood to have complied with applicable standards at the time of construction. JWSC inspection records indicate the infrastructure was constructed to JWSC Standards, is functioning and is in acceptable condition. All requirements of the JWSC Standards for Water & Wastewater System Design and Construction and Development Procedures have been met, and all related documents submitted. Staff recommends acceptance and approval of the conveyance of easements and dedications of infrastructure and described herein.

Commissioner Cook made a motion seconded by Commissioner Ford that the Facilities Committee recommend the full Commission approve and accept these projects with associated documentation. Motion carried 3-0-0.

DISCUSSION

  1. Water Production Report – A. Burroughs

Mr. Burroughs presented the Water Production Report for the month of October 2024 to the Facilities Committee. This report provides the Committee with monthly and daily water production in millions of gallons for each of the BGJWSC water production facilities (wells). The following are Brunswick District production facilities: Howard Coffin, Goodyear Park, Brunswick Villa, FLETC, I-95, Golden Isles I, Golden Isles II, Canal, and Ridgewood.  The South Mainland District wells include Fancy Bluff, Exit 29, and Brookman. Mallery, Airport, Harrington, and Hampton South are the wells located in the St. Simons Island District.

  1. WPCF Plant Flows Report – A. Burroughs

Mr. Burroughs reviewed the October 2024 Monthly Wastewater Flow Report with the Committee. This report contains data regarding the influent and effluent flows, concentration of elements and chemicals, plant capacity, etc. October 2024 had a much lower recorded rainfall at Academy Creek than the month of September.  The influent flow at Academy Creek for October was 8.0 MGD as compared to September at 10.3. The effluent flow for October decreased from September’s 12.4 MGD to 7.3 MGD, with the plant operating at 54% of its capacity.  The influent flow at Dunbar Creek for the month of October was 3.5 MGD, and the effluent flow was at 3.3 MGD, with the plant operating at 83% capacity.  The influent flow at South Port was 0.455 and the effluent flow reported at 0.539, with the plant operating at 36% capacity.  JWSC’s wastewater treatment plants continue to operate very well. 

  1. Capital Project Report – T. Kline / A. Burroughs

Mr. Kline and Mr. Burroughs presented an update on the monthly Project Report for Capital Projects currently in process including those in the engineering phase and those in construction.  The Commissioners were provided with a packet containing: the Capital Project Photographs, Capital Project Report Spreadsheet, the Capital Project Gantt Chart of project timelines, and the Earned Value Analysis Report.  Mr. Kline and Mr. Burroughs presented the update by highlighting projects along with excellent photographs and descriptive details on scope of work completed and portions remaining for final project completion. 

Chairman Turnipseed asked if there was any further business to discuss.

Chairman Turnipseed adjourned the meeting at 2:17 p.m.