Board Meeting: January 31, 2022 ~9:00 A.M.
PERSONS PRESENT: Gary Winchester, Eric Wilmarth, Lisa Woodruff, Harry Johnston, Nancy Martin, Barry Mansell, Becky Dabbs, Tom Heard, David Kubala, Dwayne Fowler, Darrell Caudill, Wesley Banks, Corey Ghorley, Beth Jones, Clint Blackwell, Joey Buice, Greg Long, Mike Venters, Keith Allen, Mark Cochran, Jennifer Arp, Melanie Stephens, Garry Hensley, Jeff Hooper, Gaye Blackwell, Eric Wright, and Sharon Clark.
Gary Winchester, Chair, called the meeting to order.
1. AN INVOCATION WAS GIVEN BY BARRY MANSELL, FOLLOWED BY THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
2. COREY GHORLEY REQUESTED APPROVAL OF CONTRACT INCREASE REQUEST #2 FROM GEO-HYDRO ENGINEERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,857.00 FOR MATERIALS TESTING ON THE BLANKETS CREEK CAPACITY EXPANSION PROJECT. Mr. Ghorley noted this increase is due to additional testing of backfill soils for the wet well. Mr. Ghorley noted a current contract amount of $12,085.15, and an increased contract amount of $14,942.15.
MOTION BY ERIC WILMARTH AND SECOND BY BARRY MANSELL TO APPROVE CONTRACT INCREASE REQUEST #2 FROM GEO-HYDRO ENGINEERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,857.00 FOR MATERIALS TESTING ON THE BLANKETS CREEK CAPACITY EXPANSION PROJECT. All members voted for the motion.
3. COREY GHORLEY REQUESTED APPROVAL OF THE LOW BID RECEIVED FROM HEAVY CONSTRUCTORS, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $572,700.00 FOR THE LITTLE RIVER WASTEWATER PUMP STATION – VFD AND SCADA UPGRADE PROJECT. Mr. Ghorley noted that this project is listed as Item #5 under Asset Replacement on the current CIP list, with a total original estimated cost of $350,000.00.
MOTION BY NANCY MARTIN AND SECOND BY LISA WOODRUFF TO AMEND THE AUTHORITY’S CURRENT CIP LISTING TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR THE LITTLE RIVER WASTEWATER PUMP STATION – VFD AND SCADA UPGRADE PROJECT FROM $350,000.00 TO $572,700.00. All members voted for the motion.
MOTION BY NANCY MARTIN AND SECOND BY ERIC WILMARTH TO APPROVE THE LOW BID OF HEAVY CONSTRUCTORS, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $572,700.00 FOR THE LITTLE RIVER WASTEWATER PUMP STATION – VFD AND SCADA UPGRADE PROJECT. All members voted for the motion.
4. COREY GHORLEY REQUESTED APPROVAL OF CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER #2 IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,232.00 FOR THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT PLATE SETTLER PROJECT – PHASE 1. Mr. Ghorley noted this change is an addition of eight ladders to the basins for access to the top of the plates for maintenance purposes. Mr. Ghorley reported a current contract amount of $1,858,408.00, and a revised contract amount of $1,888,640.00.
MOTION BY BARRY MANSELL AND SECOND BY ERIC WILMARTH TO APPROVE CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER #2 IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,232.00 FOR THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT PLATE SETTLER PROJECT – PHASE 1. All members voted for the motion.
5. DWAYNE FOWLER NOTED THAT THE AUTHORITY IS IN RECEIPT OF A LETTER FROM CAROL KETTERING. In this letter, Ms. Kettering noted that she would like to thank the Board for their service to our community and for allowing her to bring to the Board’s attention some major concerns that the residents of McCurley Road have. In this letter, Ms. Kettering noted that she has a petition signed by most of the residents, with the exception of those on the lake in a private gated community that she has no access to. Ms. Kettering noted that those residents live off of Big K Drive that runs off of McCurley Road.
In this letter, Ms. Kettering noted that in addition to major road renovations needed, the residents of McCurley Road also have problems with their outdated water line. She feels that since the lines were installed decades ago, and a lot of growth has occurred, the lines are not efficient anymore.
Ms. Kettering further noted in this letter that McCurley Road has several residents that have very low pressure. Ms. Kettering feels this will only worsen with the new tap-on not yet completed to Big K Drive. It will run to a community with several homes on the lake that currently has well water.
In this letter, Ms. Kettering also noted that there was horrible house fire at 7168 McCurley Road a couple of months ago. When the fire trucks arrived, they had no hydrants to hook up to. Waiting for a third truck with water, when it arrived, they had to move cars and the second truck around to even get water to the fire. Ms. Kettering noted this wasted valuable time. Ms. Kettering stated that she feels the narrow street didn’t help matters, as well.
Ms. Kettering further noted that the residents live on land with a lot of woods that back up to Corp. of Engineers property on both sides (lake side, creek side, and at the end of the road). Ms. Kettering feels that the fire, if it hadn’t rained a little earlier in the day, could have spread very easily across the entire area, and could have cost lives, as well as wildlife. Ms. Kettering noted that many elderly and disabled people live in the area.
Ms. Kettering noted that the residents are requesting that new lines be run and fire hydrants be installed. Ms. Kettering stated that the residents are all concerned that if another fire occurs, there would be a horrible outcome due to the fact the residents don’t have access to sufficient water.
Ms. Kettering further noted in this letter that not only as a County should we do all we can do to keep up with the new growth, but we should not neglect the residents and their safety. Many of these residents have been here for decades.
Dwayne Fowler noted that this project, if approved, would include the installation of approximately 4,200’ of 8” DIP, at an approximate cost to the Authority of $315,000.00, plus hydrant costs of approximately $20,000.00, resulting in an approximate total of $335,000.00 to obtain fire protection for this area.
Mr. Fowler noted the line would be a 4,200’ dead-end line. Therefore, there may be water quality issues that would require extensive line flushing to maintain water quality.
Mr. Fowler noted that the petition that Ms. Kettering has included is to the Cherokee County Fire Marshal and Cherokee leaders to place fire hydrants on McCurley Road to reduce the risk of another destructive fire. Mr. Fowler noted that there are currently 28 existing meters in this area. Dwayne Fowler cautioned that approval of this request would set a precedent, and noted that this road is a smaller County road. Mr. Fowler noted that if the Authority installed new water lines in this area, and the County decided at a later date to widen the road, the Authority could potentially then have to relocate the water lines.
Tom Heard noted that Ms. Kettering has sent a request to the District Commissioner to have the road widened.
Nancy Martin noted that she feels it is a little premature for the Authority to consider this request since the County has been requested to improve the road first.
Tom Heard noted that the Authority is in the drinking water business and that fire protection is an added benefit where lines are adequate with demands. However, fire protection services are not our original purpose.
NO ACTION WAS TAKEN BY THE BOARD AT THIS TIME WITH REGARD TO THIS ISSUE.
6. DWAYNE FOWLER REFERENCED CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FROM ROB HOGAN, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER – PUBLIC WORKS, OF THE CITY OF WOODSTOCK. In this letter, Mr. Hogan noted that the City of Woodstock requests relinquishment of CCWSA service area in the vicinity of Hames Road at Hwy. 92 as specifically outlined on the attached maps (ATTACHED) and delineated as parcels:
(1) 15N18 075 155 Hames Rd. (Racetrac)
(2) 15N18 074 211 Hames Rd.
(3) 15N18 073 213 Hames Rd.
(4) 15N18 107A 209 Hames Rd.
(5) 15N18 107B 11476 Hwy. 92
(6) 15N18E 016 308 Sunlight Dr.
(7) 15N18E 005 310 Sunlight Dr.
Dwayne Fowler noted that Woodstock City Council has approved acceptance of this service area, pending relinquishment by the Authority.
MOTION BY ERIC WILMARTH AND SECOND BY LISA WOODRUFF TO APPROVE CCWSA RELINQUISHMENT OF THE SEVEN PARCELS LISTED ABOVE THAT ARE IN THE VICINITY OF HAMES ROAD AT HWY. 92 TO THE CITY OF WOODSTOCK. All members voted for the motion.
7. DWAYNE FOWLER REPORTED THAT THE AUTHORITY, IN EARLY DECEMBER, RECEIVED A NOTICE-TO-PROCEED FROM CHEROKEE COUNTY ON THE WILEY BRIDGE ROAD AT COX ROAD ROUNDABOUT PROJECT. Mr. Fowler noted that the Authority needs to relocate water mains on this roundabout at an approximate cost of $20,000.00.
MOTION BY BARRY MANSELL AND SECOND BY NANCY MARTIN TO APPROVE THE EXPENDITURE OF APPROXIMATELY $20,000.00 FOR WATER MAIN RELOCATION FOR THE WILEY BRIDGE ROAD AT COX ROAD ROUNDABOUT PROJECT. All members voted for the motion.
8. MOTION BY LISA WOODRUFF AND SECOND BY ERIC WILMARTH TO APPROVE THE 12/13/21 BOARD MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED. All members voted for the motion.
9. BETH JONES PRESENTED THE FINANCE REPORT. Mrs. Jones reported that total operating revenues are approximately $90,210.00 below budget projections for the period ending 10/31/21. Mrs. Jones reported that total operating expenses are approximately $431,757.00 below budget projections for the same period. Mrs. Jones reported year-to-date net income of $1,318,094.00 for the period ending 10/31/21.
Mrs. Jones reported that total operating revenues are approximately $686,252.00 below budget projections for the period ending 11/30/21. Mrs. Jones reported that total operating expenses are approximately $742,263.00 below budget projections for the same period. Mrs. Jones reported year-to-date net income of $1,535,781.00 for the period ending 11/30/21.
10. CLINT BLACKWELL PRESENTED THE WATER TREATMENT OPERATIONS REPORT. Mr. Blackwell reported an average daily treatment of 16.458 MGD for the month of December 2021 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 58.86” for the past twelve months.
11. VENTERS PRESENTED THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT REPORT. Mr. Venters reported an average daily treatment of 2.6 MGD at the Rose Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility, as well as a total reuse monthly flow of 1.5 MG. Mr. Venters reported an average daily treatment of 5.0 MGD at the Fitzgerald Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility, and an average daily treatment of 0.290 MGD at the Riverbend Wastewater Treatment Facility.
12. JENNIFER ARP PRESENTED THE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT. Mrs. Arp noted that two spills occurred during this reporting period. The first spill occurred on 1/1/22 at Antler Way. Mrs. Arp noted that approximately 7,200 gallons were spilled due to a blockage in the line. Authority crews cleared the line to correct the problem.
Mrs. Arp noted that the second spill occurred on 1/11/22 at Hidden Valley Drive. Mrs. Arp noted that approximately 9,660 gallons were spilled due to debris in the manhole. Authority crews cleared the line to correct the problem.
13. DWAYNE FOWLER PRESENTED THE CONSTRUCTION REPORT. MR. FOWLER NOTED THAT HWY. 20 PROJECT NUMBER 0002862 HAS BEEN DELAYED FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR.
14. TOM HEARD PRESENTED THE GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT. MR. HEARD NOTED THAT THE DEVELOPMENT IN DAWSON COUNTY THAT IS NEXT TO OUR RESERVOIR AT THE CRYSTAL FALLS GOLF COURSE PROPERTY HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE EPD FOR A VERY SMALL 35,000 GPD WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.
15. ERIC WILMARTH RECUSED HIMSELF FROM THE MEETING SINCE HE IS THE REQUESTOR FOR THE NEXT ITEM ON THE AGENDA.
16. TOM HEARD NOTED THAT THE AUTHORITY IS IN RECEIPT OF A REQUEST FROM ERIC WILMARTH, CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF BALL GROUND. The City of Ball Ground is requesting that CCWSA reserve an additional 30,000 gallons per day of water capacity for wholesale purchase by the City of Ball Ground to be initially designated for use at the “Leo Taylor Lane” meter location on Ball Ground Hwy.
The City of Ball Ground further requests that 30,000 gallons per day of sewer capacity be reserved for wholesale treatment for the City of Ball Ground at the Riverbend Wastewater Treatment Facility.
It is the City’s understanding under the current rate structure that the cost of this capacity reservation is $2.50 per gallon for water and $10.00 per gallon for sewer treatment for a total of $375,000.00.
Tom Heard noted that staff recommends approval of this request.
MOTION BY NANCY MARTIN AND SECOND BY BARRY MANSELL TO APPROVE THE REQUEST OF THE CITY OF BALL GROUND FOR CCWSA TO RESERVE AN ADDITIONAL 30,000 GALLONS PER DAY OF WATER CAPACITY FOR WHOLESALE PURCHASE BY THE CITY OF BALL GROUND AT THE LEO TAYLOR LANE METER LOCATION ON BALL GROUND HIGHWAY, AND FOR CCWSA TO RESERVE AN ADDITIONAL. 30,000 GALLONS PER DAY OF SEWER CAPACITY FOR WHOLESALE PURCHASE BY THE CITY OF BALL GROUND AT THE RIVERBEND WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY AT A TOTAL COST OF $375,000.00. All members present voted for the motion.
17. MEMBER WILMARTH RE-ENTERED THE MEETING.
18. MOTION BY NANCY MARTIN AND SECOND BY LISA WOODRUFF TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSION REGARDING A REAL ESTATE ITEM. All members voted for the motion.
MOTION BY NANCY MARTIN AND SECOND BY BARRY MANSELL TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION AND RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION. All members voted for the motion.
19. MOTION BY LISA WOODRUFF AND SECOND BY NANCY MARTIN TO ADJOURN. All members voted for the motion.
