Entries from January 2009

BOARD MEETING DATE:  December 17, 2009 ~ 4:00pm

PERSONS PRESENT: Don Stevens, Barry Mansell, Gene Cornelison, Gary Winchester, Eric Wilmarth, Buzz Ahrens, Nancy Martin, Tom Heard, Janice Henderson, David Kubala, Bill Graham, Darrell Caudill, Jim Carpenter, Ryan Sarks, Rick Dobbs, Jeff Hooper, Mike Venters, Clint Blackwell, Dan Carson, Randy Mitchell, Ron Banks, Dwight Turner, Dwayne Fowler, Dave Hatabian, Dan Owen and David Swales.

Don Stevens, Chairman, called the meeting to order.

1. TOM HEARD NOTED THAT DAN OWEN, SCOUTMASTER OF BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA TROOP 241, WAS IN ATTENDANCE. Mr. Heard noted that Mr. Owen is concerned about an area of Greenspace or “Pocket Wilderness” along the Etowah River connecting Boling Park with the National Veterans Cemetery. Mr. Heard noted that Mr. Owen would like for the greenway currently under development by the City of Canton to be extended. Mr. Owen would also like for this issue to be considered as a part of the County’s parks bond referendum.Mr. Heard noted that Mr. Owen may return at a later date to address the Board concerning this issue.
2. TOM HEARD READ A LETTER OF REQUEST FROM MELBA BLACKWOOD, VICE PRESIDENT OF PROVINCE DEVELOPMENT, CONCERNING WATER AND SEWER BILLING FOR THE OVERLOOK AT BRIDGE MILL. In this letter, Ms. Blackwood noted that Province Development is in receipt of minimum rate billing in the amount of $1760.80 for the project listed above. However, Province Development still has no homeowners living in the development. Therefore, Province Development requests that it be billed for actual usage rather than a minimum charge until such time as there are enough homeowners to pay the minimum rate.

   Rick Dobbs noted that Province Development chose installation of a master-meter as opposed to individual meters; therefore, the minimum bill is more costly. Mr. Dobbs noted that approximately 6-8 units have been constructed and none have been sold.

   MOTION BY BARRY MANSELL AND SECOND BY GENE CORNELISON TO ABIDE BY AUTHORITY POLICY AND DENY THIS REQUEST. All members voted for the motion.

3. DWIGHT TURNER READ A LETTER RECEIVED FROM AUTHORITY CUSTOMER LINDA BARCLAY AT 126 SHADY LANE CIRCLE. In this letter, Ms. Barclay stated that on 9/19/08 she had left Canton to visit with family out-of-state. Before she left, she had paid her water bill in advance in case she was delayed in coming home. Ms. Barclay noted that she did not return to Canton until 11/16/08. Ms. Barclay noted that upon returning home, she noticed that her water pressure was not normal, and also noticed water coming out of the ground in her front yard. Immediately, she called a plumber as well as the Authority to turn off the water. Ms. Barclay noted that the plumber informed her that the water from the ground had been running for some time.

   Ms. Barclay noted that she had received her September and October billing from CCWSA in the mail, as well as a statement from CCWSA indicating that at the last meter reading on 10/20/08 there had been a substantial increase in her average monthly use. Ms. Barclay noted that her October billing was for $1243.20, and is normally around $10.00 per month. Ms. Barclay noted that at the time of this billing, she was not at home, and did not return until 11/16/08.

   Ms. Barclay reported a total due of $5087.36 on her November billing. She noted that it would have been much better for everyone if this water had been cut off when no response was received from the letter in October. Ms. Barclay noted that the amount of water that was spilled on the ground was more water than she could consume in 20 years, and it was sad that this water was lost during a severe drought; it was not intentionally wasted or lost because of carelessness.

   Ms. Barclay noted that her decision to go to the CCWSA office was hampered not only by the Thanksgiving holiday, but the inability to get a correct bill from the plumbing company to present to the agents at CCWSA. Ms. Barclay noted that this statement was received on 11/29/08 and she came to the CCWSA office on 12/1/08. Ms. Barclay was informed by CCWSA that the bill would be reduced to $1800+ and that she could pay it monthly over a two year period. Ms. Barclay requested that the Authority forgive this debt entirely.

   MOTION BY BARRY MANSELL AND SECOND BY NANCY MARTIN TO ABIDE BY AUTHORITY POLICY AND DENY THIS REQUEST. All members voted for the motion.

4. DWIGHT TURNER PRESENTED A LETTER RECEIVED FROM PAM CARNES, PRESIDENT OF THE CHEROKEE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. In this letter, Ms. Carnes noted that the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and the Development Authority of Cherokee County are pleased to announce that Georgia Trend, the magazine of Georgia Business and Politics, will have a feature on Cherokee County in the February 2009 issue. Ms. Carnes noted that it has been two years since Cherokee was last featured. Ms. Carnes also noted that the February 2009 issue would also contain a very popular annual feature: The Legislative Guide.

   Ms. Carnes noted that from an economic development and local business perspective, this is great exposure. A large percentage of state and local business growth comes from Georgia companies expanding operations and locating new facilities within the state. Ms. Carnes also noted that this provides a great opportunity for Cherokee businesses to highlight their services and products.

   Ms. Carnes outlined the following advertising rates:

                             Color                Black & White
   Full Page       $10,389                           $7,983
   2/3 Page        $8, 287                           $5,888
   1/2 Page         $6,460                           $4,210
   1/3 Page         $5,646                           $3,221
   1/6 Page         $4,326                           $1,913

   MOTION BY BARRY MANSELL AND SECOND BY ERIC WILMARTH TO DENY THE REQUEST FOR ADVERTISEMENT WITH GEORGIA TREND MAGAZINE. All members voted for the motion.

5. DAVID KUBALA REQUESTED THAT THE TOILET REBATE PROGRAM CONTRACT WITH THE METROPOLITAN NORTH GEORGIA WATER PLANNING DISTRICT BE EXTENDED UNTIL 12/31/09.

   MOTION BY NANCY MARTIN AND SECOND BY ERIC WILMARTH TO EXTEND THE TOILET REBATE PROGRAM CONTRACT WITH THE METROPOLITAN NORTH GEORGIA WATER PLANNING DISTRICT UNTIL 12/31/09. All members voted for the motion.

6. DAN CARSON PRESENTED THE 2006-2007 GENERAL SERVICES CONTRACT UPDATE. Mr. Carson reported an estimated contract amount of $488,746.87 and a total billing to date of $457,001.06.
7. DAN CARSON PRESENTED THE 2007-2008 GENERAL SERVICES CONTRACT UPDATE. Mr. Carson reported an estimated contract amount of $434,584.76 and a total billing to date of $290,173.95.
8. DAN CARSON PRESENTED THE 2008-2009 GENERAL SERVICES CONTRACT UPDATE. Mr. Carson reported an estimated contract amount of $324,600.00.
9. DARRELL CAUDILL REPORTED CONCERNING THE WORSHAM SPRINKLER ISSUE. Mr. Caudill noted that Worsham Sprinkler had damaged Authority property at an estimated amount of $17,000.00, and noted that at the 10/27/08 meeting, the Board had authorized Authority counsel to file suit against Worsham Sprinkler for illegal access of the Authority’s valves. Mr. Caudill noted that the suit was filed in the Superior Court of Gwinnett County, and stated that the Authority has now received payment from Worsham Sprinkler in the amount of $17,317.39. Mr. Caudill noted that Worsham Sprinkler has refused to pay attorney’s fees or court costs at this time. Mr. Caudill stated that the Authority must decide whether to move forward with the lawsuit or settle for the $17,317.39 payment received from Worsham Sprinkler.

   IT WAS THE CONSENSUS OF THE BOARD TO ACCEPT THE $17,317.39 PAYMENT FROM WORSHAM SPRINKLER FOR ILLEGAL DAMAGE OF THE AUTHORITY’S SYSTEM AND TO FORGIVE THE LEGAL FEES IMPOSED BY THE AUTHORITY AT THIS TIME. IT IS THE ADVICE OF AUTHORITY COUNSEL TO TERMINATE THE LAWSUIT AGAINST WORSHAM SPRINKLER ONCE TIME HAS BEEN ALLOWED FOR PAYMENT RECEIVED TO CLEAR THE BANK.

10. MOTION BY GENE CORNELISON AND SECOND BY BARRY MANSELL TO APPROVE THE 11/24/08 BOARD MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED. All members voted for the motion.
11. DON STEVENS REVIEWED THE FOLLOW-UP ITEMS FROM THE 11/24/08 MEETING:
    1. DAVE HATABIAN OF PBS&J REPORTED THAT A SUMMARY OF WORK PERFORMED WOULD BE SUBMITTED AT NEXT MONTH’S MEETING CONCERNING THE CONCRETE WORK AT THE FITZGERALD CREEK FACILITY.
12. JANICE HENDERSON PRESENTED THE FINANCE REPORT. Mrs. Henderson reported total current assets of $41,931,100.00 for the period ending 10/31/08. Mrs. Henderson also reported that operating expenses are currently $72,859.00 above budget projections at this time. Mrs. Henderson also reported a total net income to date of $140,173.00.
13. CLINT BLACKWELL PRESENTED THE WATER TREATMENT OPERATIONS REPORT. Mr. Blackwell reported an average daily treatment of 13.09 MGD for the month of December at the Etowah River WTP. Mr. Blackwell also reported an elevation of 1184.5 at the Hollis Q. Lathem Reservoir.
14. MIKE VENTERS PRESENTED THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATIONS REPORT. Mr. Venters reported an average daily treatment of 1.962 MGD at the Rose Creek facility, and an average daily treatment of 3.450 MGD at the Fitzgerald Creek facility.
15. BILL GRAHAM PRESENTED THE CONSTRUCTION REPORT. MR. GRAHAM PRESENTED CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER #2 FOR THE SR 140 AT SUGAR PIKE ROAD UTILITY RELOCATION PROJECT. Mr. Graham reported a total of -$2408.50 for this change order. Mr. Graham reported a final contract price of $563,297.50 for this project. Mr. Graham stated that the reason for this change order is for adjustment of final quantities to reflect actual quantities installed. Mr. Graham recommends approval of Contract Change Order #2.

    MOTION BY ERIC WILMARTH AND SECOND BY NANCY MARTIN TO APPROVE CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER #2 IN THE AMOUNT OF -$2408.50 FOR THE SR 140 AT SUGAR PIKE ROAD UTILITY RELOCATION PROJECT. All members voted for the motion.

16. BILL GRAHAM PRESENTED THREE OPTIONS CONCERNING WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT AT STOCKWOOD ESTATES SUBDIVISION. Mr. Graham noted that under Option 1, the Authority could replace the entire water main system at this location at an estimated cost of $627,400.00. Under Option 2, the Authority could complete half of the project and allow two years to complete the remainder of the project, at an estimated cost of $313,700.00 per year. Under Option 3, the Authority could complete one-third of the project and allow three years to complete the remainder of the project, at an estimated cost of $209,133.00 per year. Mr. Graham noted that the construction estimate for this project is $627,400.00.

    MOTION BY NANCY MARTIN AND SECOND BY ERIC WILMARTH TO AUTHORIZE THE BIDDING OF THE STOCKWOOD ESTATES SUBDIVISION WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT. All members voted for the motion.

17. BILL GRAHAM REPORTED THAT THE AUTHORITY HAS RECEIVED A REQUEST FROM THE CHEROKEE COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT CONCERNING THE INSTALLATION OF TWO NEW FIRE HYDRANTS AT 1900 AND 1938 TRIPP ROAD. Mr. Graham reported a total cost of $7000.00 ($3500.00 each) to install hydrants at these locations.

    MOTION BY GENE CORNELISON AND SECOND BY BARRY MANSELL TO APPROVE THE INSTALLATION OF FIRE HYDRANTS AT 1900 AND 1938 TRIPP ROAD, AT A TOTAL COST OF $7000.00. All members voted for the motion.

18. TOM HEARD PRESENTED THE GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT. MR. HEARD STATED THAT NEGOTIATIONS ARE ON-GOING CONCERNING THE PROPOSED PICKENS COUNTY CONTRACT.
19. A REPORT FOLLOWED CONCERNING RECENT VCCI COMMUNITY MEETINGS. A presentment was made by the citizens internally. The Authority is unaware at this time if a vote was taken or any results of a potential vote.
20. TOM HEARD REPORTED CONCERNING RECENT GRAND JURY PRESENTMENTS. Mr. Heard stated that he is currently working on a response letter to these presentments, and noted that the Board would receive a copy of the final version of this response letter to be sent to the new Grand Jury.
21. MOTION BY ERIC WILMARTH AND SECOND BY BUZZ AHRENS TO ADJOURN. All members voted for the motion.

The meeting adjourned at 5:40 P.M.

Posted in Meeting Minutes