November 2009

Board Meeting Date:  November 30, 2009 ~ 9:00 A.M.

PERSONS PRESENT:  Buzz Ahrens, Gene Cornelison, Eric Wilmarth, Nancy Martin, Steven Woodruff, Chris Wilbanks, Tom Heard, Janice Henderson, David Kubala, Bill Graham, Tom Roach, Jim Carpenter, Wesley Banks, Clint Blackwell, Rick Dobbs, Dwayne Fowler, Mike Venters, Dan Carson, Randy Mitchell, Dwight Turner, Ryan Sarks, Jeff Hooper, Ron Banks, Gaye Blackwell, Beth Williams, Craig Ferguson, Gene Hobgood, and Debra Carpenter.

Buzz Ahrens, Vice-Chairman, called the meeting to order.

  1. AN INVOCATION WAS GIVEN BY NANCY MARTIN, FOLLOWED BY THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
  2. DWIGHT TURNER REFERENCED CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FROM AUTHORITY CUSTOMER KEN TORTORELLO.  In this letter, Mr. Tortorello stated that 2009 had been a bad year for his business.  Therefore, he is requesting a refund in the amount of $50.00 for reconnection of his water service.MOTION BY GENE CORNELISON AND SECOND BY ERIC WILMARTH TO ABIDE BY EXISTING POLICY AND DENY THIS REQUEST.  All members present voted for the motion.
  3. MOTION BY NANCY MARTIN AND SECOND BY ERIC WILMARTH TO AMEND THE 11/30/09 AGENDA TO INCLUDE A REQUEST FROM THE ZION TEMPLE CHURCH OF GOD.  All members present voted for the motion.
  4. DWIGHT TURNER REFERENCED CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FROM SAM WRIGHT, CHURCH CLERK OF THE ZION TEMPLE CHURCH OF GOD.  In this letter, Mr. Wright stated that the church had been notified by the Authority of a substantial increase in the church’s average monthly water usage, which could possibly be the result of a water leak at the church.  Mr. Wright stated that, upon investigation, it was discovered that the church had a toilet that was still running after it was flushed.  Mr. Wright stated that he feels that this problem alone would not result in the total usage of 34,000 gallons for the month of October.  Mr. Wright stated that the problem with the toilet had been fixed, and now he is requesting that an adjustment be made on the church’s water bill.  Mr. Wright also requested that the Authority recheck the church’s meter to confirm that the meter reading is correct, and not confused with any other meter in the surrounding area.Dwight Turner noted that the church had subsequently been notified by Gaye Blackwell, Customer Service Supervisor, that in regard to Mr. Wright’s request for a bill adjustment, no adjustment could be given.  The only time a discount is given due to water loss is when the service line breaks.  This is the line going from the meter to the building.  No adjustments are given when a fixture fails.  Ms. Blackwell had stated that since this is a church and no one was on the premises for much of any given month, she suggested that the water be turned off at the meter when the church was vacant.  This would prevent a large bill due to a toilet that would not shut off.Ms. Blackwell had also noted that after review of adjacent accounts, she has determined that meter readings of adjacent accounts are drastically different and could not have been confused with the meter reading for the church.Mr. Turner noted that Mr. Wright subsequently had notified the Authority that he feels that the Authority is being unfair by not making an adjustment since the problem was fixed quickly.  Therefore, Mr. Turner requests that the Board take action with regard to this issue.

    MOTION BY ERIC WILMARTH AND SECOND BY NANCY MARTIN TO DENY THE REQUEST FROM ZION TEMPLE CHURCH OF GOD FOR AN ADJUSTMENT ON THEIR WATER BILL.  All members present voted for the motion.

  5. JEFF HOOPER PRESENTED A PROPOSED UNDERGROUND EASEMENT FROM CCWSA TO THE GEORGIA POWER COMPANY REGARDING THE TRACT OF LAND OWNED BY CCWSA LOCATED ON THE NORTHWEST SIDE OF UNIVETER ROAD (PARCEL #15-N19-181) IN CANTON, GEORGIA IN LAND LOT 99 OF THE 15TH DISTRICT, 2ND SECTION OF CHEROKEE COUNTY, GEORGIA.  Mr. Hooper noted that this proposed easement has been reviewed and approved by Authority counsel.MOTION BY NANCY MARTIN AND SECOND BY ERIC WILMARTH TO APPROVE THE GEORGIA POWER EASEMENT.  All members present voted for the motion.
  6. MOTION BY ERIC WILMARTH AND SECOND BY GENE CORNELISON TO APPROVE THE 10/26/09 BOARD MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED.  All members present voted for the motion.
  7. BUZZ AHRENS REVIEWED THE FOLLOW-UP ITEMS FROM THE 10/26/09 BOARD MEETING:   

     

    1)   GAYE BLACKWELL, CUSTOMER SERVICE SUPERVISOR, PRESENTED PROPOSED REVISIONS TO THE AUTHORITY’S CUSTOMER SERVICE AND LEAK ADJUSTMENT POLICIES (ATTACHED).MOTION BY STEVEN WOODRUFF AND SECOND BY ERIC WILMARTH TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED REVISIONS TO THE AUTHORITY’S CUSTOMER SERVICE AND LEAK ADJUSTMENT POLICIES, EFFECTIVE 11/30/09.  All members present voted for the motion.

  8. JANICE HENDERSON REPORTED THAT BRYCE HOLCOMB OF CITIGROUP IS CONTINUING TO RESEARCH THE IDEA OF REFUNDING THE 1997, 1998, AND 2001 BONDS.  Mrs. Henderson noted that no monies have been spent with regard to this refunding at this time.
  9. DEBRA CARPENTER OF DONNER, WEISER & ASSOCIATES PRESENTED THE AUDIT REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009.  Ms. Carpenter reported that the audit was a clean audit according to governmental accounting standards.  Ms. Carpenter also noted that the Authority had successfully met its bond coverage requirements for the fiscal year ending 8/31/09.Nancy Martin extended appreciation of Authority management and staff for their efforts during Fiscal Year 2009.MOTION BY ERIC WILMARTH AND SECOND BY NANCY MARTIN TO APPROVE THE FISCAL YEAR 2009 AUDIT REPORT AS PRESENTED BY DEBRA CARPENTER OF DONNER, WEISER & ASSOCIATES.  A COPY OF THE AUDIT REPORT WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE CHEROKEE COUNTY GRAND JURY.  All members present voted for the motion.
  10. CLINT BLACKWELL PRESENTED THE WATER TREATMENT OPERATIONS REPORT.  Mr. Blackwell reported an average daily treatment of 12.7 MGD for the month of November at the Etowah River Water Treatment Facility.  Mr. Blackwell also noted that the Hollis Q. Lathem Reservoir is full at 1189 feet.
  11. CLINT BLACKWELL PRESENTED A WATER FLUORIDATION QUALITY AWARD RECEIVED BY THE AUTHORITY FOR 2008 BY THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION.
  12. MIKE VENTERS PRESENTED THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATIONS REPORT.  Mr. Venters reported an average daily treatment of 2.461 MGD at the Rose Creek facility, and an average daily treatment of 5.550 MGD at the Fitzgerald Creek facility.
  13. MIKE VENTERS REPORTED THAT A WASTEWATER SPILL OCCURRED ON 11/03/09 AT 5115 WILLOW TARN IN ACWORTH, GEORGIA.  Mr. Venters noted that approximately 920 gallons were spilled, and noted that the spill was reported to the EPD.
  14. MIKE VENTERS REPORTED THAT THE FITZGERALD CREEK LAB HAD RECEIVED HONORABLE MENTION DURING THE FALL CONFERENCE OF THE GEORGIA ASSOCIATION OF WATER PROFESSIONALS.
  15. BILL GRAHAM PRESENTED THE CONSTRUCTION REPORT.  MR. GRAHAM REQUESTED APPROVAL FOR THE AUTHORITY TO EXTEND AN 8” DIP WATER MAIN FROM CHEROKEE AVENUE (APPROXIMATELY 400 FEET) ONTO HILLSIDE STREET AND CONNECT TO PICKENS STREET AT THE CITY OF NELSON.   

    MOTION BY NANCY MARTIN AND SECOND BY ERIC WILMARTH TO APPROVE THE EXTENSION OF THE 8” DIP WATER MAIN FROM CHEROKEE AVENUE (APPROXIMATELY 400 FEET) ONTO HILLSIDE STREET AND CONNECT TO PICKENS STREET AT THE CITY OF NELSON.  All members present voted for the motion.

  16. BILL GRAHAM PRESENTED A REQUEST FROM DAVID MCCONNELL, MANAGER OF TOTAL DEVELOPMENT, INC.  Mr. McConnell requested a three-week extension of the December 5, 2009 deadline for the Stockwood Estates Subdivision Water Main Replacement Project.  Mr. McConnell noted this would put substantial completion on December 26, 2009 and final completion on February 2, 2010.  Mr. McConnell noted that this extension is necessary to complete the project due to time consuming difficulties locating the existing water line and extensive work-related delays due to excessive/above average rainfall throughout the construction period.MOTION BY ERIC WILMARTH AND SECOND BY CHRIS WILBANKS TO APPROVE THE THREE WEEK EXTENSION FOR THE STOCKWOOD ESTATES SUBDIVISION WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT.  All members present voted for the motion.
  17. TOM HEARD PRESENTED THE GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT.  MR. HEARD REFERENCED CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FROM ROBERT JONES, COMMISSIONER OF PICKENS COUNTY.  In this correspondence, Commissioner Jones stated that in reviewing records of the Pickens County Water Department for the months since May 2009, he has discovered that the allocation set aside for meter #1616122402 located in Nelson is not meeting Pickens County’s water needs in that area.  Therefore, Pickens County has been pulling more than the 170,929 gallons per day.  This has resulted in Pickens County paying the surcharge on all excess amounts each day including the volume which Pickens sells back to the Authority at the Jerusalem Road connection.  Commissioner Jones is requesting that the allocations for meter #1616109525 (Pickens Street) and meter #0303120695 (Yellow Creek) be allocated to the Nelson meter in order to meet the water needs of Pickens County customers in that area.  Commissioner Jones feels this would simplify the accounting since Pickens County’s total allocation would be moved through a single meter.  In the event that Pickens County needs to utilize the other meters, Pickens County would know that the surcharge would apply to any volume passing through those two meters.Commissioner Jones stated that he would also like to request the Board’s consideration for increasing the allocation by the volume of water the Authority is purchasing back from Pickens County for Authority customers in Northern Cherokee County.  Commissioner Jones feels this would allow Pickens County to serve the water needs of its citizens in the southern end of Pickens County without having to pay the surcharge.  Commissioner Jones questioned if it would be possible for the Authority to give Pickens County a credit on the monthly bill for water purchased at the Jerusalem meter.MOTION BY GENE CORNELISON AND SECOND BY CHRIS WILBANKS TO APPROVE THE REQUEST MADE BY PICKENS COUNTY FOR CAPACITY REASSIGNMENT OF PICKENS COUNTY’S ENTIRE WATER CAPACITY ALLOCATION FROM CCWSA SERVICE TO METER #1616122402.  THIS REASSIGNMENT WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE WITH THE BILLING CYCLE THAT BEGINS ON 12/05/09.  CCWSA WILL EXPECT PAYMENT FOR ANY SURCHARGES INCURRED BY PICKENS COUNTY PRIOR TO THAT DATE.  ANY FUTURE VOLUME OF WATER PASSING THROUGH METERS #1616109525 AND #0303120695 WILL BE CHARGED AT THE SURCHARGE RATE UNTIL AND UNLESS ADDITIONAL RESERVED CAPACITY IS ACQUIRED FOR ASSIGNMENT TO THESE METERS BY PICKENS COUNTY OR REALLOCATION OF BASELINE CAPACITY DURING THE NEXT NORMAL FIVE-YEAR CAPACITY ALLOCATION REVIEW IN 2014.  PICKENS COUNTY WILL RECEIVE A MONTHLY SERVICE AVAILABILITY/MAINTENANCE CHARGE OF $26.95 FOR ANY OF THE METERS THROUGH WHICH NO WATER VOLUME IS USED.  CCWSA ALSO BELIEVES IT MOST APPROPRIATE TO PAY PICKENS COUNTY FOR ANY WATER THE AUTHORITY PURCHASES FROM PICKENS COUNTY AT THE JERUSALEM ROAD METER RATHER THAN CHANGING TO A TRADING MECHANISM.  THE AUTHORITY WILL DRAFT A RESPONSE LETTER TO PICKENS COUNTY DETAILING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE PRECEEDING MOTION.  All members present voted for the motion.
  18. TOM HEARD REFERENCED A LETTER RECEIVED FROM AUTHORITY CUSTOMER DON HUMPHREY IN WHICH MR. HUMPHREY EXTENDED APPRECIATION TO AUTHORITY EMPLOYEES BARRY MCCONNELL AND ROBBIE GRAMLING FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE IN IDENTIFYING AND CORRECTING ISSUES REGARDING MR. HUMPHREY’S SEWER SYSTEM.    

    THE BOARD EXTENDED THEIR APPRECIATION TO MR. MCCONNELL AND MR. GRAMLING.

  19. MOTION BY STEVEN WOODRUFF AND SECOND BY NANCY MARTIN TO APPROVE THE SCHEDULING OF THE DECEMBER BOARD AGENDA MEETING FOR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009 AT 2:30 P.M., AND THE SCHEDULING OF THE DECEMBER BOARD MEETING FOR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009 AT 4:00 P.M.  All members present voted for the motion.
  20. MOTION BY GENE CORNELISON AND SECOND BY NANCY MARTIN TO ADJOURN.  All members present voted for the motion.

The meeting adjourned at 10:40 A.M.

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