Entries from May 2010

Board Meeting Date:  April 26, 2010 ~ 4:00 P.M.

PERSONS PRESENT: Gary Winchester, Buzz Ahrens, Nancy Martin, Eric Wilmarth, Steven Woodruff, Chris Wilbanks, Tom Heard, David Kubala, Bill Graham, Rick Dobbs, Tom Roach, Wesley Banks, Beth Williams, Clint Blackwell, Jeff Hooper, Dwayne Fowler, Randy Mitchell, Dwight Turner, Mike Venters, Dan Carson, Ryan Sarks, Ron Banks, Bob Bartlett, Jess Kash, and Gene Michael.

Gary Winchester, 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. TOM HEARD REPORTED THAT THE AUTHORITY IS IN RECEIPT OF A LETTER FROM JESS KASH, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER OF COMMUNITY RADIO OF NORTH GEORGIA, INC. In this letter, Mr. Kash noted that Community Radio of North Georgia (WLTS-90.7 FM) requests authorization to attach its radio tower/antenna to the CCWSA water tank in Mica, Georgia. Mr. Kash stated that it is the belief of Community Radio of North Georgia that this installation would not interfere with the operation or aesthetics of the current site, and this radio station would be a significant local service to the citizens of Cherokee County. Mr. Kash noted that radio is still the most vital way to keep the mass population informed and updated on current events.Mr. Kash further noted that WLTS-90.7 FM has been licensed by the Federal Communications Commission to operate as a non-profit and non-commercial educational (NCE) radio station. The radio station’s plans are for a conservative Christian radio station offering the best programming in Christian music, Christian education with Biblical principals, local news, and live coverage of local events. The funding and support for this radio ministry and charitable organization will be totally from the gifts and/or donations from the listeners in the coverage area.Mr. Kash stated that Community Radio has an FCC Construction Permit (effective as of March 2008), operating on a frequency of 90.7 FM and a power output of 600 watts, utilizing a directional antenna approximately 200 feet above the ground. The tower/antenna height and watts will vary with actual transmission location and elevation. The possible tower/antenna adaptation to the CCWSA water tank is shown in an engineering attachment to the letter.Tom Heard noted that Jess Kash and Gene Michael are in attendance of today’s meeting to further discuss this issue.Bill Graham noted that it is difficult to determine from the engineering drawings how exact attachment to the tank would occur.Tom Roach noted that the Authority has had prior issues with this type of service. Mr. Roach stated that a third party is responsible for the maintenance of CCWSA tanks, and noted that the Authority would need to determine if installation of the proposed tower/antenna would interfere with routine maintenance of the tank.Mr. Roach also noted that issues regarding leasing and payments would need to be finalized if this request is approved.Jess Kash noted that Community Radio of North Georgia would be interested in a negotiated lease.MOTION BY ERIC WILMARTH AND SECOND BY NANCY MARTIN TO DENY THE REQUEST BY COMMUNITY RADIO OF NORTH GEORGIA FOR PERMISSION TO ATTACH A RADIO TOWER/ANTENNA ON THE CCWSA WATER TANK IN MICA, GEORGIA, IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE BOARD’S PRIOR INCLINATION TO MINIMIZE THE NUMBER OF ATTACHMENTS ON AUTHORITY TANKS. Members Wilmarth, Martin, and Ahrens voted for the motion. Members Woodruff and Wilbanks voted against the motion. Motion passed 3-2.
3. MOTION BY ERIC WILMARTH AND SECOND BY BUZZ AHRENS TO AUTHORIZE DECLARATION OF A VACANCY FOR THE “AT LARGE” POST OF THE CHEROKEE COUNTY WATER AND SEWERAGE AUTHORITY FOLLOWING THE PASSING OF MR. GENE CORNELISON. AUTHORITY COUNSEL WILL NOTIFY THE CLERK OF COURT TO INSTITUTE THE PROCESS OF APPOINTMENT FOR FULFILLMENT OF MR. CORNELISON’S UNEXPIRED TERM, AS WELL AS ADVERTISEMENT IN THE COUNTY’S LEGAL ORGAN. NOTIFICATION WILL BE PROVIDED TO AUTHORITY CUSTOMERS THROUGH THE BILLING PROCESS. All members voted for the motion.
4. MOTION BY STEVEN WOODRUFF AND SECOND BY CHRIS WILBANKS TO APPOINT NANCY MARTIN AS SECRETARY OF THE CCWSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS. All members voted for the motion.
5. DWAYNE FOWLER AND RYAN SARKS REQUESTED AN AMENDMENT TO THE AUTHORITY’S SPECIFICATIONS REGARDING GENERAL LIABILITY REQUIREMENTS. This proposed amendment is for third-party contractors and/or customers who are not directly contracted by CCWSA, but are tapping into CCWSA infrastructure.

   MOTION BY ERIC WILMARTH AND SECOND BY NANCY MARTIN TO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE AUTHORITY’S SPECIFICATIONS WHEREBY THIRD PARTY CONTRACTORS AND/OR CUSTOMERS THAT ARE NOT DIRECTLY CONTRACTED BY CCWSA, BUT ARE TAPPING INTO CCWSA INFRASTRUCTURE, MUST HAVE MINIMUM INSURANCE COVERAGE OF $1 MILLION GENERAL LIABILITY PER OCCURRENCE, AS WELL AS WORKERS COMPENSATION AND AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY PER STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS. CONSISTENT WITH CURRENT GUIDELINES, ENTITIES PERFORMING CONTRACT WORK DIRECTLY FOR CCWSA WILL BE REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN MINIMUM INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS OF $2 MILLION GENERAL LIABILITY PER OCCURRENCE, $1 MILLION AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY, $4 MILLION UMBRELLA (EXCESS), AND WORKERS COMPENSATION PER STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS, AS WELL AS ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS OUTLINED IN EACH SPECIFIC CONTRACT. ALL CONTRACTORS TAPPING INTO CCWSA INFRASTRUCTURE MUST SIGN AND SUBMIT THE CONTRACTOR HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF WORK. ANY POLICIES HELD BY DIRECT OR THIRD PARTY CONTRACTORS MUST NOT CONTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL EXCLUSIONS. All members voted for the motion.

6. MOTION BY CHRIS WILBANKS AND SECOND BY ERIC WILMARTH TO APPROVE THE 3/29/10 BOARD MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED. All members voted for the motion.
7. BETH WILLIAMS PRESENTED THE FINANCE REPORT. Mrs. Williams reported that total operating revenues are approximately $2,240,290.00 under budget projections for the period ending 2/28/10. Mrs. Williams also noted that total operating expenses are approximately $846,380.00 under budget projections for the same period. Mrs. Williams reported a year-to-date net loss of -$1,265,015.00 for the period ending 2/28/10, and noted that all departments are operating under budget at this time.
8. CLINT BLACKWELL PRESENTED THE WATER TREATMENT OPERATIONS REPORT. Mr. Blackwell reported an average daily treatment of 14.5 MGD for the month of April at the Etowah River WTP. Mr. Blackwell also noted that the Hollis Q. Lathem Reservoir is currently full at 1189 feet.
9. MIKE VENTERS PRESENTED THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATIONS REPORT. Mr. Venters reported an average daily treatment of 2.640 MGD at the Rose Creek facility, and an average daily treatment of 4.582 MGD at the Fitzgerald Creek facility.
10. MIKE VENTERS REPORTED THAT A WASTEWATER SPILL HAD OCCURRED ON 4/11/10 AT A MANHOLE ON AN OUTFALL LINE NEXT TO 268 RIVER LAUREL WAY IN WOODSTOCK, GEORGIA. Mr. Venters noted that the cause of the overflow was grease and debris that blocked the sewer line. Mr. Venters noted that approximately 3900 gallons were spilled.
11. BILL GRAHAM PRESENTED THE CONSTRUCTION REPORT. MR. GRAHAM REQUESTED APPROVAL OF CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER #2 FOR THE SR 92 UTILITY RELOCATION PROJECT (PHASE TWO). Mr. Graham reported a total change order amount of -$113,092.10 and noted the reason for the change order is to reflect actual quantities installed. Mr. Graham reported a final contract price of $4,132,475.90.MOTION BY ERIC WILMARTH AND SECOND BY NANCY MARTIN TO APPROVE CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER #2 IN THE AMOUNT OF -$113,092.10 FOR THE SR 92 UTILITY RELOCATION PROJECT (PHASE TWO). All members voted for the motion.
12. TOM HEARD PRESENTED THE GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT. MR. HEARD PRESENTED THE AUTHORITY’S CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM/FUTURE PROJECTS LISTING. Mr. Heard noted that, if approved, this listing would be forwarded to the County Commission. Mr. Heard also noted that each project included on this listing would be submitted individually to the Board for approval.

    MOTION BY ERIC WILMARTH AND SECOND BY NANCY MARTIN TO APPROVE THE AUTHORITY’S CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM/FUTURE PROJECTS LISTING AS PRESENTED. THIS DOCUMENT WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE COUNTY COMMISSION. All members voted for the motion.

13. MOTION BY ERIC WILMARTH AND SECOND BY CHRIS WILBANKS TO RESCHEDULE THE MAY 2010 BOARD MEETING DUE TO THE MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY. THE MEETING WILL NOW BE HELD ON THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2010 AT 9:00 A.M. NO BOARD AGENDA MEETING/WORK SESSION WILL BE HELD. NOTIFICATION OF THIS CHANGE WILL BE PROVIDED TO THE PRESS AND WILL BE POSTED AT THE AUTHORITY’S ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES. All members voted for the motion.
14. MOTION BY ERIC WILMARTH AND SECOND BY NANCY MARTIN TO AMEND THE 4/26/10 AGENDA FOR INCLUSION OF EXECUTIVE SESSION. All members voted for the motion.
15. MOTION BY NANCY MARTIN AND SECOND BY ERIC WILMARTH TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSION REGARDING A PERSONNEL ITEM. All members voted for the motion.MOTION BY BUZZ AHRENS AND SECOND BY NANCY MARTIN TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION. All members voted for the motion.
16. MOTION BY NANCY MARTIN AND SECOND BY BUZZ AHRENS TO ADJOURN. All members voted for the motion.

The meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.

Posted in Meeting Minutes