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June 2020

Board Meeting:  June 29, 2020 ~4:00 P.M.

PERSONS PRESENT:  Gary Winchester, Eric Wilmarth, Doug Dabbs, Harry Johnston, Lisa Woodruff, Nancy Martin, Barry Mansell, Tom Heard, David Kubala, Dwayne Fowler, Darrell Caudill, Wesley Banks, Joey Buice, Corey Ghorley, Melanie Stephens, Clint Blackwell, Garry Hensley, Rodney Satterfield, Ryan Sarks, Brian Breeden, Mark Cochran, Jeff Hooper, Gaye Blackwell, Eric Wright, Greg Long, and Grant Grimes.

Gary Winchester, Chair, called the meeting to order.

1.   AN INVOCATION WAS GIVEN BY ERIC WILMARTH.

2.   MOTION BY ERIC WILMARTH AND SECOND BY BARRY MANSELL TO AMEND THE AGENDA TO INCLUDE THE ITEM “STAFF RECOMMENDATION TO REJECT ALL RECEIVED BIDS AND REBID THE ROSE CREEK ODOR CONTROL PHASE 3 PROJECT.”  All members voted for the motion.

3.   COREY GHORLEY REQUESTED APPROVAL OF AN ENGINEERING PROPOSAL FROM FREESE & NICHOLS FOR THE PLATE SETTLER UPGRADE (PHASE 1) AT THE WATER TREATMENT FACILITY IN THE AMOUNT OF $93,215.00.  Mr. Ghorley noted that this project is listed as Item #4 under Asset Replacement on the Authority’s current CIP list.  Mr. Ghorley noted that the proposal will consist of design, bidding, and construction phase services.

MOTION BY DOUG DABBS AND SECOND BY BARRY MANSELL TO APPROVE THE ENGINEERING PROPOSAL FROM FREESE & NICHOLS FOR THE PLATE SETTLER UPGRADE (PHASE 1) AT THE WATER TREATMENT FACILITY IN THE AMOUNT OF $93,215.00.  All members voted for the motion.

4.   COREY GHORLEY REQUESTED APPROVAL OF THE CONSTRUCTION/CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL “SPECIAL INSPECTIONS” PROPOSAL FROM GEOHYDRO ENGINEERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,191.60 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION COMPLEX PROJECT.

MOTION BY ERIC WILMARTH AND SECOND BY LISA WOODRUFF TO APPROVE THE CONSTRUCTION/CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL “SPECIAL INSPECTIONS” PROPOSAL FROM GEOHYDRO ENGINEERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,191.60 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION COMPLEX PROJECT.  All members voted for the motion.

5.   DWAYNE FOWLER NOTED THAT THE AUTHORITY IS IN RECEIPT OF A REQUEST FROM JEFF SMITH OF RIDGE PLANNING & ENGINEERING FOR A PUMP STATION FOR THE PROPOSED SIXES ROAD TOWNHOMES DEVELOPMENT.  Mr. Fowler noted that LDS Partners, LLC is the developer of this project, and noted that the proposed development consists of approximately 142 units.  Mr. Fowler noted that Mr. Smith has informed him that he does not have access to gravity sewer.

Mr. Fowler noted that this is the first reading of this issue; therefore, no Board action is necessary at this time.

6.   DWAYNE FOWLER NOTED THAT THE AUTHORITY IS IN RECEIPT OF A PETITION FOR EXTENSION OF WATER MAIN FROM TWO RESIDENTS OF THE LOWER DOWDA MILL ROAD AREA.  Mr. Fowler noted that the installation of approximately 4,181 feet of 3” pvc water main would be required to serve this area, at an approximate cost to the Authority of $25,086.00.  Mr. Fowler noted that the Authority would realize tap fees in the approximate amount of $3,500.00 from this scope of work.  Mr. Fowler noted that nine additional parcels are in the surrounding area; however, at this time, the owners of those additional parcels have not signed the petition.

MOTION BY NANCY MARTIN AND SECOND BY ERIC WILMARTH TO TABLE THIS ITEM TO ALLOW STAFF TO GAIN MORE INFORMATION REGARDING ANY POTENTIAL ISSUES WITH WELLS IN THIS AREA.  All members voted for the motion.

7.   DWAYNE FOWLER REFERENCED CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FROM JON GRAVES, RIGHT-OF-WAY CONSULTANT FOR CHEROKEE COUNTY CAPITAL PROGRAM MANAGEMENT DIVISION.  In this correspondence, Mr. Graves noted that there is a roadway project planned for Shoal Creek Road (MAPS ATTACHED).  The road alignment will be changing significantly at the sharp curve, which will leave a large area of existing right-of-way through CCWSA property.  Mr. Graves questioned if CCWSA would be willing to consider a swap of the existing right-of-way for the proposed right-of-way and temporary easements.  Cherokee County would need to acquire the proposed right-of-way and temporary easements prior to abandoning the old/existing right-of-way for construction purposes.  Mr. Graves further noted in this correspondence that, at a quick glance, it looks like more property can be abandoned than what is needed in proposed right-of-way.

Mr. Graves further noted that to his knowledge, the only other property owner who would need access through the old right-of-way would be GSA.  Mr. Graves suggested that after the project is over, CCWSA may wish to install a gate at the new driveway to control access.

MOTION BY BARRY MANSELL AND SECOND BY DOUG DABBS TO APPROVE THE REQUEST OF MR. GRAVES FOR A RIGHT-OF-WAY SWAP ON SHOAL CREEK ROAD.  All members voted for the motion.

8.   DWAYNE FOWLER REFERENCED CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FROM GRANT GRIMES, VICE PRESIDENT OF BEAZER HOMES.  In this correspondence, Mr. Grimes noted that there is a proposed residential development that Beazer Homes is attempting to develop on three parcels of land, two of which are in Cherokee County (MAP ATTACHED). Those parcels are Cherokee County Parcel No. 02N13 200 and No. 02N13 202.  The third parcel, by way of information, is immediately south parcel 02N13 200 and is in Fulton County and the City of Milton.

In this correspondence, Mr. Grimes further noted that in researching utility alternatives, specifically water and sewer, he has determined that the least expensive solution for this project would be for the utilities to come from Forsyth County rather than Cherokee County.  The connection distance from available service to the property from Forsyth is roughly one half the distance from the same in Cherokee.

Mr. Grimes noted that given that the least costly solution for water and sanitary sewer service to the proposed community is via Forsyth County, he is requesting that CCWSA agree to allow Forsyth County to provide such services to Cherokee County Parcel No. 02N13 200 and No. 02N13 202.

IT WAS THE CONSENSUS OF THE BOARD TO TAKE NO ACTION WITH REGARD TO THIS ISSUE UNTIL A FORMAL REQUEST FOR RELINQUISHMENT IS RECEIVED FROM FORSYTH COUNTY. MR. FOWLER WILL INFORM THE DEVELOPER OF THE BOARD’S POSITION ON THIS MATTER.

9.   DARRELL CAUDILL PRESENTED A REQUEST FROM SCOT TEVERINO OF NORTH GEORGIA TIMBER FOR APPROVAL OF A PROPOSED CONTRACT EXTENSION AMENDMENT TO THE CURRENT CONTRACT DATED 10/11/18 BETWEEN CCWSA AND NORTH GEORGIA TIMBER.  Mr. Caudill noted that there is an issue with the proposed amendment in that the date of the expiration of the contract in the proposed amendment is unclear.

Mr. Caudill stated that he has sent a revised proposed amendment to Mr. Teverino, and Mr. Teverino has accepted the revision.

Mr. Caudill noted that the revised amendment would extend the current agreement through 12/31/20.

MOTION BY BARRY MANSELL AND SECOND BY ERIC WILMARTH TO EXTEND THE CURRENT CONTRACT WITH NORTH GEORGIA TIMBER THAT WAS ORIGINALLY DATED 10/11/18 UNTIL THE DATE OF 12/31/20.  All members voted for the motion.

10.   MOTION BY ERIC WILMARTH AND SECOND BY NANCY MARTIN TO APPROVE STAFF RECOMMENDATION TO REJECT ALL RECEIVED BIDS AND REBID THE ROSE CREEK ODOR CONTROL PHASE 3 PROJECT.  All members voted for the motion.

11.   MOTION BY BARRY MANSELL AND SECOND BY DOUG DABBS TO APPROVE THE 5/27/20 BOARD MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED.  All members voted for the motion.

12.   MELANIE STEPHENS PRESENTED THE FINANCE REPORT IN THE ABSENCE OF BETH JONES.  Mrs. Stephens reported total operating revenues are approximately $1,778,546.00 above budget projections for the period ending 4/30/20.  Mrs. Stephens noted that total operating expenses are approximately $787,323.00 below budget projections for the same period.  Mrs. Stephens reported year-to-date net income of $7,701,256.00 for the period ending 4/30/20.

13.   CLINT BLACKWELL PRESENTED THE WATER TREATMENT OPERATIONS REPORT.  Mr. Blackwell reported an average daily treatment of 18.676 MGD for the month of May 2020 at the Etowah River Water Treatment Facility.  Mr. Blackwell noted that the Hollis Q. Lathem Reservoir is currently at full pool at 1189.2 ft.  Mr. Blackwell reported a cumulative rainfall total of 67.55” for the past twelve months.

14.   TOM HEARD PRESENTED THE WASTEWATER REPORT IN THE ABSENCE OF MIKE VENTERS.  Mr. Heard reported an average daily treatment of 3.0 MGD at the Rose Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility, as well as a total reuse monthly flow of 3.6 MG.  Mr. Heard reported an average daily treatment of 4.5 MGD at the Fitzgerald Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility, and an average daily treatment of 0.270 MGD at the Riverbend Wastewater Treatment Facility.

15.   JENNIFER ARP PRESENTED THE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT.  Mrs. Arp reported that a wastewater spill occurred during this reporting period at Gold Valley Pass off of Bridge Mill Avenue.  Mrs. Arp noted that approximately 500 gallons were spilled due to an air valve that was stuck open.  Authority staff have now repaired the air valve.  Mrs. Arp noted that due to the small quantity and lack of impact to the waterway, Authority staff has suggested a 7-day monitoring plan to the Georgia EPD.

16.   DWAYNE FOWLER PRESENTED THE CONSTRUCTION REPORT.  Mr. Fowler noted that Authority crews are currently working on the roundabout project at Woodstock Road and Victory Road.

17.   TOM HEARD PRESENTED THE GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT.  MR. HEARD NOTED THAT THE AUTHORITY IS IN RECEIPT OF A REQUEST FROM ERIC WILMARTH, CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF BALL GROUND, REGARDING CITY OF BALL GROUND SEWER CAPACITY.  In the request received by Mr. Wilmarth, Mr. Wilmarth noted that the City of Ball Ground would like to reserve ten thousand (10,000) gallons per day of sewer treatment capacity at the Riverbend Wastewater Treatment Facility.

Mr. Wilmarth further noted that it is his understanding that the current CCWSA Board policy allows for limited purchases of sewer capacity at the rate of ten (10) dollars per gallon.

MOTION BY DOUG DABBS AND SECOND BY NANCY MARTIN TO APPROVE THE CITY OF BALL GROUND’S REQUEST TO RESERVE 10,000 GALLONS PER DAY OF SEWER TREATMENT CAPACITY AT THE RIVERBEND WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY AT A RATE OF $10.00 PER GALLON.  THE CITY OF BALL GROUND WILL REMIT PAYMENT TO THE AUTHORITY IN THE AMOUNT OF $100,000.00.  Members Dabbs, Martin, Woodruff, Johnston, and Mansell voted for the motion.  Member Wilmarth abstained from voting.  Motion passed 5-0.

18.   TOM HEARD REPORTED THAT THE CLOSING FOR THE SERIES 2020 BONDS OCCURRED ON 6/25/20.

19.   MOTION BY NANCY MARTIN AND SECOND BY ERIC WILMARTH TO ADJOURN.  All members voted for the motion.

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