Entries from March 2010

BOARD MEETING DATE:  February 22, 2010 ~ 4:00 P.M.

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

 Buzz Ahrens, Vice-Chairman, called the meeting to order in the absence of Chairman Gary Winchester, who is recovering from surgery.

1. AN INVOCATION WAS GIVEN BY ERIC WILMARTH, FOLLOWED BY THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
2. TOM HEARD REPORTED CONCERNING CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FROM PHIL ROBERTSON, PRESIDENT OF AIR ACRES PROPERTY OWNERS.  In this correspondence, Mr. Robertson stated that he is requesting a refund of the charges CCWSA has assessed to Air Acres Property Owners in regards to a flood repair project that Air Acres has undertaken.  As many places in south Cherokee County were flooded last September, so was the airpark at Air Acres.  Mr. Robertson noted that a culvert running under the runway was severely damaged and in need to emergency repair.  Mr. Robertson noted that a contractor came out the next day with heavy equipment to shore up this area until Air Acres could come up with a permanent plan for repair.  Mr. Robertson stated that Air Acres was able to decide on a course of action, secure a contractor, and arrange financing within a few weeks.

   Mr. Robertson further noted that the contractor contacted Cherokee County immediately to receive permission to proceed with replacement of the culvert.  Mr. Robertson noted that the county officials were aware of this predicament and eager for Air Acres to begin.  Air Acres then contacted utilities to mark their lines.  Mr. Robertson noted that this is where the project came to a stop.  Mr. Robertson stated that CCWSA informed Air Acres that the Authority’s main water line ran down the runway and that this main water line was made of plastic.  To expose this pipe, it would have to be replaced with a metal pipe. Mr. Robertson stated that he had been informed by CCWSA that CCWSA would perform this work at no cost to Air Acres.  Mr. Robertson also noted that he had been informed by CCWSA that CCWSA was backed up with work at the time, due to the recent flooding, until late January.  Air Acres then arranged with the contractor to leave some equipment on-site in case of further emergencies.

   Mr. Robertson further noted that a few weeks ago, CCWSA informed Air Acres that the Authority was ready to proceed with the line replacement, and noted that $3900.00 was due to the Authority as a fee for these services.  Mr. Robertson stated that Air Acres has paid this fee under duress, as they could no longer delay the repair.  Air Acres feels that this unanticipated charge is not justified.

   Mr. Robertson feels that Air Acres was verbally told there would be no cost for this line replacement, that the main line is the property of CCWSA running to a fire hydrant, and that this plastic main line would have originally been a metal line.  Mr. Robertson feels that placing a plastic main line over a galvanized culvert placed Air Acres in this situation.  While this culvert has lasted 30 plus year, it is not realistic to believe it will never need replacement.

   Mr. Robertson stated that a 30’ x 15’ hole was left by erosion due to the flood on the east side of the runway.  Mr. Robertson feels that if this damage had happened on the west side of runway, (where the water line lays), CCWSA’s main water line would have failed.  This would have been another area where flood waters caused damage to the CCWSA system and repaired accordingly.  Mr. Robertson feels that, by repairing this culvert, Air Acres is protecting CCWSA’s main water line.

   Mr. Robertson concluded that this damage is the result of record flooding in south Cherokee County, exceeding records set in 1919.  Mr. Robertson stated that the residents of Air Acres are trying to be responsible neighbors.  He noted that Air Acres consists of approximately twenty customers of CCWSA, which are located next door to the Authority’s Fitzgerald Creek Treatment Facility.  Mr. Robertson requests that the Authority honor its original proposal to bring the pipe up to standards that will allow Air Acres to repair the flood damage.  Mr. Robertson also requested that the Authority refund the $3900.00 fee to Air Acres.

   Tom Heard noted that Edward Kobs and Bill Johnson are present to discuss the Air Acres issue.

   Mr. Johnson noted that he is disappointed in the actions of the CCWSA Board from a commitment standpoint, and noted that Air Acres waited on this project because they were under the impression that the Authority would perform this scope of work at no charge to Air Acres.

   Mr. Johnson and Mr. Kobs could not provide information regarding who among Authority staff had indicated that there would be no charge for this scope of work.

   Tom Heard noted that the Authority does not have a permanent easement on this property, and noted that the Authority’s legal counsel could address any issues regarding master meters or easement conflicts with regard to this property.

   MOTION BY ERIC WILMARTH AND SECOND BY GENE CORNELISON TO TABLE THIS ISSUE UNTIL LATER IN THE MEETING WHEN AUTHORITY LEGAL COUNSEL IS PRESENT.  All members present voted for the motion.

3. DWIGHT TURNER REFERENCED CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FROM LEONARD JACKLETT, PRESIDENT AND OWNER OF JACKLETT CONSTRUCTION, INC.  In this correspondence, Mr. Jacklett noted that he is the owner of White Oak Lake Subdivision, which is located in the southeast corridor of Cherokee County off of Lower Union Hill Road.  Mr. Jacklett noted that he had been notified of a water leak at the subdivision, and stated that the leak was not apparent through daily inspections because it was running into a creek.  The main water line into the regulator was frozen and broken, even though Jacklett Construction followed the County’s guidelines with the approved water main cover and installation.  Mr. Jacklett noted that he had challenged the pipe that was broken when it was being installed by CCWSA code regarding the above ground method of the backflow preventer.

   Mr. Jacklett noted that these preventers should be allowed to be installed in a box below ground, as opposed to above ground.
   Mr. Jacklett stated that Jacklett Construction had shut the water off at the main regulator.  Mr. Jacklett is now in receipt of a bill from CCWSA in the amount of $518.20 for the period 12/14/09-01/18/10, and is requesting assistance with this bill.  Mr. Jacklett noted that there are currently no homeowners living at the site.

   Dwight Turner noted this meter is a commercial meter.

   Rick Dobbs noted that the meter has been tested twice.

   MOTION BY ERIC WILMARTH AND SECOND BY NANCY MARTIN TO ABIDE BY EXISTING POLICY AND DENY THE REQUEST MADE BY JACKLETT CONSTRUCTION.  All members present voted for the motion.

4. DWIGHT TURNER REFERENCED CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FROM AUTHORITY CUSTOMERS CRAIG AND RITA WILLIAMS.  In this correspondence, Mr. Williams noted that he had discovered that a valve in his backyard had been running due to a busted sprinkler pvc pipeline.  Mr. Williams noted that approximately 71,000 gallons of water ran out of the line before Mr. Williams became aware of the problem.  Mr. Williams noted that he has two accounts with the Authority, and noted that the leak was coming from the sprinkler line.  Mr. Williams requested assistance with his current bill of $420.00.

   Dwight Turner noted that he had informed Mr. Williams that the Authority does not provide adjustments for sprinkler meters, and offered to set up a payment plan for Mr. Williams.  This was unacceptable to Mr. Williams.

   MOTION BY GENE CORNELISON AND SECOND BY ERIC WILMARTH TO ABIDE BY EXISTING POLICY AND DENY THE REQUEST MADE BY CRAIG AND RITA WILLIAMS.  All members present voted for the motion.

5. DWIGHT TURNER REFERENCED CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FROM AUTHORITY CUSTOMER CYNTHIA LYLES, IN WHICH MS. LYLES IS DISPUTING CHARGES INCURRED FROM A BROKEN WATER PIPE.  In this correspondence, Ms. Lyles noted that she has made several phone calls explaining the financial hardship she is facing due to the broken water pipe.  Ms. Lyles noted that she had been contacted by Dwight Turner, who informed her that her account had been given a one month leak adjustment in the amount of $1399.25, as well as a second month leak adjustment in the amount of $819.80.  Ms. Lyles requested further assistance with this bill.

   Dwight Turner noted that this meter was initially read on Friday, January 15, 2010.   At that time, the initial high consumption was discovered, and the Authority, in order to verify the accuracy of the reading, sent a work order to Bermex to reread the meter.  Upon receipt of a confirmation of the reading from Bermex on Tuesday, January 19^th, a leak letter detailing the high consumption was sent to the customer.

   Mr. Turner noted that, in lieu of this issue, the Authority has revised its procedures regarding notification to customers that have high consumption readings, which could indicate a possible leak.  Mr. Turner noted that Authority staff is now, on a daily basis, rereading meters that have consumption higher than 30,000 gallons.  Once the readings are verified, Authority staff will attempt to discuss the reading with the customer.  If the customer is unavailable, water service may immediately be disconnected and a doorhanger placed at the customer’s home to inform the customer that a possible leak may exist.

   Mr. Turner noted that this procedure should help to minimize the Authority’s loss due to leaks.

   Tom Heard recommended that Ms. Lyles be credited the amount of water going through the meter from the time the initial reading occurred to the time that the customer was notified of the leak.

   MOTION BY ERIC WILMARTH AND SECOND BY NANCY MARTIN TO FURTHER ADJUST MS. LYLE’S BILLING BASED UPON THE LAG TIME FROM WHEN THE METER WAS READ UNTIL THE CUSTOMER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE LEAK.  All members present voted for the motion.

6. MIKE VENTERS REQUESTED APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH ERTH PRODUCTS, LLC FOR SLUDGE PROCUREMENT SERVICES (ATTACHED).  Mr. Venters noted that the current pricing of $43.00 per wet ton would remain in place, and noted that, pending approval, the term of the contract would be effective 2/28/10 for three one-year terms which are annually renewable ending 2/27/2011, 2/27/2012, and 2/27/2013. 
   MOTION BY GENE CORNELISON AND SECOND BY STEVEN WOODRUFF TO APPROVE THE CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH ERTH PRODUCTS, LLC FOR SLUDGE PROCUREMENT SERVICES.  All members present voted for the motion.
7. IN LIEU OF PROPOSED SENATE BILL 370, DAVID KUBALA NOTED THAT VARIOUS AUTHORITY STAFF MEMBERS HAVE DEVELOPED DOCUMENTATION OF THE AUTHORITY’S WATER EFFICIENCY PROGRAM.  Mr. Kubala presented the following precepts of the program:

      *  Minimizing water loss/non-revenue water is a continuum, not a discrete project.

      *  Water efficiency maximization is a team effort.

      *  Water efficiency is an internal challenge, not an external competition.

      *  Major improvements in system efficiency come by accounting for and measuring all water use (to the extent possible).

   Mr. Kubala reported concerning the CCWSA team areas of concentration, leak loss calculations, fire department water usage, meter management procedures, and the IWA-AWWA water audit.

   Mr. Kubala noted that the Authority would present this information to the EPD on March 9, 2010.  Mr. Kubala distributed information concerning the Authority’s annual unaccounted-for water percentage, real loss water volume, infrastructure leakage index, non-revenue water percent by volume, and non-revenue water volume.

   Nancy Martin commended Authority staff for the compilation of this data that will be presented to the EPD.

8. MOTION BY GENE CORNELISON AND SECOND BY ERIC WILMARTH TO APPROVE THE 1/25/10 BOARD MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED.  All members present voted for the motion.
9. BETH WILLIAMS PRESENTED THE FINANCE REPORT.  Mrs. Williams reported that total operating revenues are approximately $1,198,212.00 below budget projections for the period ending 12/31/09.  Mrs. Williams reported that total operating expenses are approximately $377,213.00 below budget projections for the same period.  Mrs. Williams reported a year to date net loss of -$733,731.00 for the period ending 12/31/09.
10. CLINT BLACKWELL PRESENTED THE WATER TREATMENT OPERATIONS REPORT.  Mr. Blackwell reported an average daily treatment of 12.47 MGD for the month of February at the Etowah River Water Treatment Facility.  Mr. Blackwell reported that the Hollis Q. Lathem Reservoir is currently full at 1189 feet.
11. MIKE VENTERS PRESENTED THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATIONS REPORT.  Mr. Venters reported an average daily treatment of 2.443 MGD at the Rose Creek facility, and an average daily treatment of 4.335 MGD at the Fitzgerald Creek facility.
12. MIKE VENTERS REPORTED THAT A WASTEWATER SPILL IN THE AMOUNT OF 1800 GALLONS HAD OCCURRED ON 2/16/10 AT 420 PINTAIL COURT IN CANTON.  Mr. Venters noted that the cause of the spill was due to debris blocking the sewer line.  Mr. Venters noted that the problem has been corrected and was reported to the EPD.
13. BILL GRAHAM PRESENTED THE CONSTRUCTION REPORT.  MR. GRAHAM NOTED THAT THE AUTHORITY IS IN RECEIPT OF A PROPOSED STANDARD UTILITY AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE AUTHORITY AND GDOT FOR THE HWY. 20 WATER LINE REMOVAL PROJECT.

    Tom Roach noted that he has reviewed the proposed agreement, and cautioned the Board regarding approval due to potential inaccuracies contained within the agreement.  Mr. Roach also noted that the time schedule for this project could be delayed if the Authority chooses to revise and resubmit the agreement.

    MOTION BY STEVEN WOODRUFF AND SECOND BY GENE CORNELISON TO APPROVE THAT THE AUTHORITY REMIT PAYMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $220,176.00 TO THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE CEMENT ASBESTOS WATER LINE ON HWY. 20.  THE PROPOSED AGREEMENT WILL REMAIN UNEXECUTED AT THIS TIME.   All members present voted for the motion.

14. BILL GRAHAM REPORTED THAT THE CITY OF NELSON AND CHEROKEE COUNTY FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES ARE REQUESTING THAT THE AUTHORITY PLACE A FIRE HYDRANT AT 279 DOGWOOD PASS IN NELSON.  Mr. Graham noted that this request lies within the Authority’s standard specifications.

    MOTION BY ERIC WILMARTH AND SECOND BY NANCY MARTIN TO APPROVE THE REQUEST OF THE CITY OF NELSON AND CHEROKEE COUNTY FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR PLACEMENT OF A FIRE HYDRANT AT 279 DOGWOOD PASS IN NELSON.  All members present voted for the motion.

15. TOM HEARD PRESENTED THE GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT.  MR. HEARD REPORTED CONCERNING CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FROM DIANE MINICK, DIRECTOR OF THE UPPER ETOWAH RIVER ALLIANCE.  In this letter, Ms. Minick stated that on behalf of the Upper Etowah River Alliance, she would like to thank the Authority for supporting the UERA over the years and for providing funds for Authority employee Lori Forrester to use to support the UERA’s educational activities.  Ms. Minick also extended appreciation for the Authority continuing to provide time for Lori Forrester and Jennifer Lowe to work with the UERA and provide educational presentations to hundreds of children throughout the county.  Ms. Minick stated that Lori Forrester has been an exemplary Education Committee leader and has worked hard to expand the offerings made available to the teachers and spread the Adopt-A-Stream trainings to more people.  Ms. Minick stated that both Ms. Forrester and Ms. Lowe have done much to further citizens’ understanding of the watershed and its problems.  Ms. Minick stated that she also appreciates the Authority allowing Dwight Turner to belong to the UERA Board.  Ms. Minick also noted that the UERA’s use of the Authority’s Administrative Office Board Room has provided the UERA with a professional atmosphere to meet and discuss Alliance business.
16. TOM HEARD REPORTED THAT NEGOTIATIONS ARE ONGOING WITH THE CITY OF MOUNTAIN PARK REGARDING THE CITY’S DESIRE TO UTILIZE THE AUTHORITY AS AN EMERGENCY CONNECTION FOR WATER SERVICE.  MR. HEARD ALSO NOTED THAT NEGOTIATIONS ARE ONGOING WITH THE CITY OF MOUNTAIN PARK REGARDING SEWER CAPACITY ISSUES.
17. IT WAS THE CONSENSUS OF THE BOARD TO REVISIT THE AIR ACRES ISSUE AT THIS TIME.  The Authority’s legal counsel is now present. 

    Tom Roach stated that the Authority does not have a legal responsibility to reimburse the $3900.00 fee assessed to Air Acres.  Mr. Roach also noted that the Authority may wish to acquire a permanent easement for this property.

    Bill Johnson noted that he would speak with representatives of Air Acres regarding this issue.

18. BUZZ AHRENS NOTED THAT INSERTS REGARDING THE UPCOMING CENSUS ARE BEING PRINTED AND WILL BE INCLUDED IN FUTURE AUTHORITY BILLINGS.
19. MOTION BY ERIC WILMARTH AND SECOND BY CHRIS WILBANKS TO ADJOURN.  All members present voted for the motion. 

The meeting adjourned at 5:55 P.M.

Posted in Meeting Minutes