Board Meeting: February 24, 2020 ~4:00 P.M.
PERSONS PRESENT: Gary Winchester, Eric Wilmarth, Doug Dabbs, Lisa Woodruff, Harry Johnston, Nancy Martin, Barry Mansell, Tom Heard, David Kubala, Dwayne Fowler, Tom Roach, Wesley Banks, Corey Ghorley, Melanie Stephens, Clint Blackwell, Mark Cochran, Garry Hensley, Greg Long, Jamie Veley, Gaye Blackwell, Brian Breeden, Jeff Hooper, Rodney Satterfield, Eric Wright, Ryan Sarks, Tim Dobson, Jennifer Arp, Joey Buice, Bryce Holcomb, and Brian Senne.
Gary Winchester, Chair, called the meeting to order.
1. AN INVOCATION WAS GIVEN BY DOUG DABBS, FOLLOWED BY THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
2. BRYCE HOLCOMB AND BRIAN SENNE OF CITI PROVIDED AN UPDATED REFUNDING ANALYSIS FOR THE AUTHORITY’S SERIES 2010, 2011, AND 2013 BONDS. Mr. Holcomb noted that today’s historically low interest rates provide an opportunity to explore potential refinancing of the Authority’s outstanding bonds, and noted that the Authority could issue taxable bonds to economically advance refund its outstanding tax-exempt bonds. Mr. Holcomb noted that Citi has also analyzed additional tax considerations that may arise with a taxable advance refunding.
Mr. Holcomb noted that, at this time, only the Series 2010 bonds are eligible for a tax-exempt current refunding in 2020. Under current market conditions, the Authority’s callable Series 2011 and 2013 bonds could produce present value savings assuming a taxable advance refunding as a public offering.
MOTION BY BARRY MANSELL AND SECOND BY HARRY JOHNSTON TO AUTHORIZE GARY WINCHESTER TO EXECUTE THE G-17 LETTER WHICH WILL AUTHORIZE CITI TO ACT AS THE AUTHORITY’S UNDERWRITER IN THE PROPOSED REFUNDING OF THE AUTHORITY’S SERIES 2010, 2011, AND 2013 BONDS. CITI WILL REPORT BACK TO THE BOARD IN MAY 2020 AFTER PRICING HAS OCCURRED TO FORMALIZE THE BOND PURCHASE AGREEMENT. All members voted for the motion.
3. GAYE BLACKWELL PRESENTED PROPOSED FIRE HYDRANT METER POLICY REVISIONS (ATTACHED).
MOTION BY ERIC WILMARTH AND SECOND BY NANCY MARTIN TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED FIRE HYDRANT METER POLICY REVISIONS AS PRESENTED. All members voted for the motion.
4. COREY GHORLEY REQUESTED APPROVAL OF A CONSTRUCTION BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,435,975.69 FOR THE CCWSA CONSTRUCTION COMPLEX PROJECT. Mr. Ghorley noted this project is listed as Item #10 on the Authority’s current CIP list. Mr. Ghorley noted a total estimated original cost of $1,750,000.00.
MOTION BY ERIC WILMARTH AND SECOND BY DOUG DABBS TO APPROVE THE CONSTRUCTION BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,435,975.69 FOR THE CCWSA CONSTRUCTION COMPLEX PROJECT. All members voted for the motion.
5. GARY WINCHESTER REVIEWED THE FOLLOW-UP ITEM FROM THE 1/27/20 BOARD MEETING:
1) DWAYNE FOWLER NOTED THAT, AT THE 1/27/20 MEETING, HE HAD PRESENTED A REQUEST FROM KEITH ADAMS OF SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES FOR A PROPOSED LIFT STATION AND FORCE MAIN FOR THE UNIVETER ROAD TRACT. Mr. Fowler noted that the proposed project located at 1548 Univeter Road contains 45 single-family lots on 16.325 acres, and noted that Smith Douglas Homes has evaluated the gravity connection to the south of the subject property which will require the acquisition of 9 off-site easements. Mr. Adams has informed the Authority that his firm will make every effort to obtain these easements; however, all easements may not be attainable.
Mr. Fowler noted that staff recommends approval of this lift station.
MOTION BY DOUG DABBS AND SECOND BY LISA WOODRUFF TO APPROVE THE REQUEST OF KEITH ADAMS OF SMITH DOUGLAS HOMES FOR A LIFT STATION AND FORCE MAIN FOR THE UNIVETER ROAD TRACT. All members voted for the motion.
6. MOTION BY BARRY MANSELL AND SECOND BY DOUG DABBS TO APPROVE THE 1/27/20 BOARD MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED. All members voted for the motion.
7. MELANIE STEPHENS PRESENTED THE FINANCE REPORT IN THE ABSENCE OF BETH JONES. Mrs. Stephens reported that total operating revenues are approximately $2,792,074.00 above budget projections for the period ending 12/31/19. Mrs. Stephens also noted that total operating expenses are approximately $568,896.00 below budget projections for the same period. Mrs. Stephens reported year-to-date net income of $5,760,365.00 for the period ending 12/31/19.
8. CLINT BLACKWELL PRESENTED THE WATER TREATMENT OPERATIONS REPORT. Mr. Blackwell reported an average daily treatment of 14.647 MGD for the month of January 2020 at the Etowah River Water Treatment Facility. Mr. Blackwell also reported that the Hollis Q. Lathem Reservoir is currently at full pool at 1189.2 ft. Mr. Blackwell reported a cumulative rainfall total of 61.18” for the past twelve months.
9. JAMIE VELEY PRESENTED THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATIONS REPORT IN THE ABSENCE OF MIKE VENTERS. Mr. Veley reported an average daily treatment of 2.7 MGD at the Rose Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility, as well as a total reuse monthly flow of 2.3 MG. Mr. Veley reported an average daily treatment of 5.0 MGD at the Fitzgerald Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility, and an average daily treatment of 0.300 MGD at the Riverbend Wastewater Treatment Facility.
10. JENNIFER ARP PRESENTED THE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT. Mrs. Arp noted that an overflow occurred during this reporting period at Old Rope Mill Park. Mrs. Arp noted the reason for the overflow was due to flooding, and no corrective action was necessary.
11. DWAYNE FOWLER PRESENTED THE CONSTRUCTION REPORT. MR. FOWLER NOTED THAT LAST WEEK THE AUTHORITY FILED FOR THE PERMIT FOR THE HWY. 20 PROJECT FOR THE SECTION FROM SCOTT ROAD TO UNION HILL ROAD.
12. TOM HEARD PRESENTED THE GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT. MR. HEARD REPORTED CONCERNING FUNDING FOR THE METRO WATER DISTRICT.
13. MR. HEARD NOTED THAT MR. FOWLER HAS A MEETING SCHEDULED WITH WASTE MANAGEMENT IN THE NEAR FUTURE TO DISCUSS SLUDGE TREATMENT AND PRETREATMENT STANDARDS.
MOTION BY LISA WOODRUFF AND SECOND BY NANCY MARTIN TO ADJOURN. All members voted for the motion.
