Board Meeting: March 31, 2025 @ 9:00 AM

PERSONS PRESENT: Eric Wilmarth, Barry Mansell, Lisa Woodruff, Nancy Martin, Harry Johnston, Becky Dabbs, John Workman, Dwayne Fowler, David Kubala, Darrell Caudill, Wesley Banks, Corey Ghorley, Beth Jones, Clint Blackwell, Jennifer Arp, Garry Hensley, Keith Allen, Eric Wright, Melissa Darvish, Melanie Stephens, George Parks, Jamie Veley, Greg Long, Jody Henson, Tyler West, Jeff Hooper, Alison Payne, Sharon Clark, and Brian Skeens.

Eric Wilmarth, Chair, called the meeting to order.

1.  AN INVOCATION WAS GIVEN BY DWAYNE FOWLER, FOLLOWED BY THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

2.  COREY GHORLEY REQUESTED APPROVAL OF A CONSTRUCTION BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,800,000.00 FOR THE ETOWAH WATER TREATMENT PLANT RAW WATER POND EXPANSION PROJECT. Mr. Ghorley noted this scope of work is listed as Item #9 under Construction Expansion/Upgrade on the Authority’s current CIP list. Mr. Ghorley noted a total original estimated cost of $10,000,000.00.

MOTION BY BARRY MANSELL AND SECOND BY NANCY MARTIN TO APPROVE A CONSTRUCTION BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,800,000.00 FOR THE ETOWAH WATER TREATMENT PLANT RAW WATER POND EXPANSION PROJECT. All members voted for the motion.

3.  COREY GHORLEY REQUESTED APPROVAL OF A PROPOSAL FROM MANHATTAN CONSTRUCTION FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AT RISK SERVICES (CMAR) FOR THE NEW ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLEX. Mr. Ghorley noted this scope of work is listed as Item #11 under Construction Expansion/Upgrade on the Authority’s current CIP list. Mr. Ghorley noted a total original estimated cost of $24,329,049.00.

MOTION BY LISA WOODRUFF AND SECOND BY JOHN WORKMAN TO APPROVE THE PROPOSAL FROM MANHATTAN CONSTRUCTION FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AT RISK SERVICES (CMAR) FOR THE NEW ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLEX. All members voted for the motion.

4.  COREY GHORLEY REQUESTED APPROVAL OF A PROPOSAL FROM AQUA AEROBICS FOR THE GRANULAR SLUDGE PROCESS EQUIPMENT TO BE USED AT THE RIVERBEND WWTP EXPANSION TO 4 MGD. Mr. Ghorley noted this scope of work is listed as Item #16 under Construction Expansion/Upgrade on the Authority’s current CIP list. Mr. Ghorley noted this process was selected via Request For Proposals process.

MOTION BY HARRY JOHNSTON AND SECOND BY BECKY DABBS TO APPROVE THE PROPOSAL FROM AQUA AEROBICS FOR THE GRANULAR SLUDGE PROCESS EQUIPMENT TO BE USED AT THE RIVERBEND WWTP EXPANSION TO 4 MGD. All members voted for the motion.

5.  COREY GHORLEY REQUESTED APPROVAL OF THE LOW BID FROM ASTRA GROUP, LLC IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,459,858.00 FOR THE BELLS FERRY ROAD IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT/VICTORY DRIVE TO SOUTH OF PORT VICTORIA WAY (GDOT PI#0013526). Mr. Ghorley noted this scope of work is listed as Item #8 under Road Relocation/Distribution & Collections System Asset Replacement Projects/Anticipated 2025 on the Authority’s current CIP list. Mr. Ghorley noted a total original estimated cost of $5,200,000.00.

MOTION BY NANCY MARTIN AND SECOND BY HARRY JOHNSTON TO APPROVE THE LOW BID FROM ASTRA GROUP, LLC IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,459,858.00 FOR THE BELLS FERRY ROAD IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT/VICTORY DRIVE TO SOUTH OF PORT VICTORIA WAY (GDOT PI#0013526). All members voted for the motion.

6.  MOTION BY NANCY MARTIN AND SECOND BY BECKY DABBS TO APPROVE THE FY 2025 SURPLUS LISTING AS PRESENTED. All members voted for the motion.

7.  MOTION BY JOHN WORKMAN AND SECOND BY NANCY MARTIN TO APPROVE THE 2/24/25 BOARD MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED. All members voted for the motion.

8.  BETH JONES PRESENTED THE FINANCIAL REPORT. Mrs. Jones reported that total operating revenues are approximately $670,720.00 below budget projections for the period ending 1/31/25. Mrs. Jones reported that total operating expenses are approximately $748,884.00 below budget projections for the same period. Mrs. Jones reported year-to-date net income of $4,657,878.00 for the period ending 1/31/25.

9.  CLINT BLACKWELL PRESENTED THE WATER TREATMENT OPERATIONS REPORT. Mr. Blackwell reported an average daily treatment of 18.100 MGD for the month of February 2025 at the Etowah River Water Treatment Facility. Mr. Blackwell reported that the Hollis Q. Lathem Reservoir is currently at full pool at 1189.2 ft. Mr. Blackwell reported a cumulative rainfall total of 60.66” for the past twelve months.

10.  JAMIE VELEY PRESENTED THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATIONS REPORT IN THE ABSENCE OF MIKE VENTERS. Mr. Veley reported an average daily treatment of 2.99 MGD at the Rose Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility, as well as a total reuse monthly flow of 1.46 MG. Mr. Veley reported an average daily treatment of 5.94 MGD at the Fitzgerald Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility, and an average daily treatment of 0.56 MGD at the Riverbend Wastewater Treatment Facility.

11.  JENNIFER ARP PRESENTED THE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT. Mrs. Arp noted that a wastewater spill occurred during this reporting period near area of Hickory Flat off Hwy. 140. Mrs. Arp noted that approximately 18,870 gallons were spilled due to a line blockage. Mrs. Arp noted that Authority crews jetted the line to remove the blockage, and noted that this location will be monitored for a period of one year.

12.  GARRY HENSLEY PRESENTED THE CONSTRUCTION REPORT. Mr. Hensley noted that Authority crews are continuing work on the Hwy. 372 project, and noted that work will begin soon on the Hwy. 5 Ball Ground Connector Water Line project and the Batesville Road and Sugar Pike Road Roundabout project.

13.  DWAYNE FOWLER PRESENTED THE GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT. MR. FOWLER RECOGNIZED DAVID KUBALA, EXECUTIVE MANAGER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, WHO IS RETIRING FROM THE AUTHORITY WITH 38 YEARS OF SERVICE. MR. FOWLER ALSO NOTED THAT MIKE VENTERS, WASTEWATER FACILITIES MANAGER, IS RETIRING FROM THE AUTHORITY WITH 17 YEARS OF SERVICE.

14.  MOTION BY BARRY MANSELL AND SECOND BY LISA WOODRUFF TO ADJOURN. All members voted for the motion.
 

Board Meeting: February 24th, 2025 @ 4:00 PM

PERSONS PRESENT: Eric Wilmarth, Barry Mansell, Lisa Woodruff, Nancy Martin, Harry Johnston, Becky Dabbs, John Workman, Dwayne Fowler, David Kubala, Darrell Caudill, Wesley Banks, Corey Ghorley, Beth Jones, Clint Blackwell, Jennifer Arp, Garry Hensley, Greg Long, Jody Henson, Joby West, Shayne Fowler, Keith Allen, Tyler West, Bryan Watkins, Melanie Stephens, Melissa Darvish, Ron Price, George Parks, Jamie Veley, Ryan Sarks, Tyler Childers, Joey Buice, Eric Wright, and Sharon Clark.

Eric Wilmarth, 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 A PROPOSAL FROM ATKINS REALIS FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE SOUTHWEST ELEVATED STORAGE TANK IN THE AMOUNT OF $133,266.00. Mr. Ghorley noted this scope of work is listed as Item #6 under Construction Expansion/Upgrade on the Authority’s current CIP.

MOTION BY NANCY MARTIN AND SECOND BY LISA WOODRUFF TO APPROVE THE PROPOSAL FROM ATKINS REALIS FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE SOUTHWEST ELEVATED STORAGE TANK IN THE AMOUNT OF $133,266.00. All members voted for the motion.

3.  COREY GHORLEY REQUESTED APPROVAL OF A PROPOSAL FROM S&ME FOR COATINGS INSPECTION SERVICES FOR THE SOUTHWEST ELEVATED STORAGE TANK IN THE AMOUNT OF $42,785.00. Mr. Ghorley noted this scope of work is listed as Item #6 under Construction Expansion/Upgrade on the Authority’s current CIP.

MOTION BY BARRY MANSELL AND SECOND BY JOHN WORKMAN TO APPROVE THE PROPOSAL FROM S&ME FOR COATINGS INSPECTION SERVICES FOR THE SOUTHWEST ELEVATED STORAGE TANK IN THE AMOUNT OF $42,785.00. All members voted for the motion.

4.  COREY GHORLEY REQUESTED APPROVAL OF A CONSTRUCTION BUDGET FOR THE ETOWAH WATER TREATMENT PLANT HIGH SERVICE REDUNDANCY PUMPING PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $22,500,000.00. Mr. Ghorley noted this amount is based off Engineers Opinion of Probable Cost of $22,447,000.00 estimated at 90% Design Completion. Mr. Ghorley noted this scope of work is listed as Item #7 under Construction Expansion/Upgrade on the Authority’s current CIP.

MOTION BY HARRY JOHNSTON AND SECOND BY LISA WOODRUFF TO APPROVE A CONSTRUCTION BUDGET FOR THE ETOWAH WATER TREATMENT PLANT HIGH SERVICE REDUNDANCY PUMPING PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $22,500,000.00. All members voted for the motion.

5.  MOTION BY BARRY MANSELL AND SECOND BY NANCY MARTIN TO APPROVE THE 1/27/25 BOARD MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED. Members Mansell, Martin, Woodruff, Dabbs, and Workman voted for the motion. Member Johnston abstained from voting. Motion passed.

6.  BETH JONES PRESENTED THE FINANCIAL REPORT. Mrs. Jones reported that total operating revenues are approximately $204,114.00 below budget projections for the period ending 12/31/24. Mrs. Jones reported that total operating expenses are approximately $889,920.00 below budget projections for the same period. Mrs. Jones reported year-to-date net income of $4,363,845.00 for the period ending 12/31/24.

7.   CLINT BLACKWELL PRESENTED THE WATER TREATMENT OPERATIONS REPORT. Mr. Blackwell reported an average daily treatment of 18.919 MGD for the month of January 2025 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 58.42” for the past twelve months.

8.  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 2.0 MG. Mr. Veley reported an average daily treatment of 5.9 MGD at the Fitzgerald Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility, and an average daily treatment of 0.411 MGD at the Riverbend Wastewater Treatment Facility.

9.  JENNIFER ARP PRESENTED THE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT. Mrs. Arp noted that no spills or overflows occurred during this reporting period.

10.  GARRY HENSLEY PRESENTED THE CONSTRUCTION REPORT. Mr. Hensley noted that Authority crews are continuing work on the Dry Pond Road/Wild Azalea Trail water main project, and work has begun on the Hwy. 372 project. Mr. Hensley noted that work should begin soon on the Reavis Mountain Road project.

11.  DWAYNE FOWLER PRESENTED THE GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT. MR. FOWLER NOTED THAT AUTHORITY STAFF HAS PERFORMED AN EVALUATION OF LOCATIONS IN WHICH THE AUTHORITY UTILIZES AUTOFLUSHERS TO MAINTAIN CHLORINE RESIDUAL AND WATER QUALITY. Joby West noted that there are no further areas of inundation to report.

12.  MOTION BY NANCY MARTIN AND SECOND BY HARRY JOHNSTON TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSION REGARDING POTENTIAL LITIGATION. All members voted for the motion.

MOTION BY BARRY MANSELL AND SECOND BY LISA WOODRUFF TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION AND RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION. All members voted for the motion.

13.  MOTION BY NANCY MARTIN AND SECOND BY LISA WOODRUFF TO AUTHORIZE DWAYNE FOWLER TO EXECUTE DOCUMENTS TO CONSUMMATE THE PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS 2025 PARCELS A, B, C, D, and E. All members voted for the motion.

14.  MOTION BY BARRY MANSELL AND SECOND BY NANCY MARTIN TO CONDUCT A CALLED MEETING ON 3/27/25 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE BOARD AGENDA MEETING/WORK SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSION REGARDING THE POTENTIAL DISPOSAL OF REAL PROPERTY. All members voted for the motion.

15.  MOTION BY BARRY MANSELL AND SECOND BY BECKY DABBS TO ADJOURN. All members voted for the motion.

Board Meeting: January 27, 2025 @ 9:00 AM

PERSONS PRESENT: Eric Wilmarth, Barry Mansell, Lisa Woodruff, Nancy Martin, John Workman, Dwayne Fowler, David Kubala, Darrell Caudill, Wesley Banks, Corey Ghorley, Clint Blackwell, Beth Jones, Bryan Watkins, George Parks, Mike Venters, Tyler West, Joey Buice, Greg Long, Garry Hensley, Keith Allen, Jody Henson, Melanie Stephens, Melissa Darvish, Tyler Childers, Eric Wright, Ryan Sarks, Ron Price, Joby West, Jeff Hooper, Sharon Clark, Shayne Fowler, and Carleton Sherrer.

Members Harry Johnston and Becky Dabbs were not present at the meeting.

Eric Wilmarth, Chair, called the meeting to order.

1. AN INVOCATION WAS GIVEN BY CLINT BLACKWELL, FOLLOWED BY THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

2. COREY GHORLEY REQUESTED APPROVAL OF THE LOW BID RECEIVED FROM MID-SOUTH BUILDERS, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,823,535.00 FOR THE SR 20 WIDENING PROJECT – PHASE 2 (SR 369 TO FORSYTH COUNTY LINE; GDOT PI#0002862).

MOTION BY BARRY MANSELL AND SECOND BY JOHN WORKMAN TO APPROVE THE LOW BID RECEIVED FROM MID-SOUTH BUILDERS, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,823,535.00 FOR THE SR 20 WIDENING PROJECT – PHASE 2 (SR 369 TO FORSYTH COUNTY LINE; GDOT PI#0002862). All members present voted for the motion.

3. MOTION BY NANCY MARTIN AND SECOND BY BARRY MANSELL TO APPROVE THE 12/16/24 BOARD MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED. All members present voted for the motion.

4. BETH JONES PRESENTED THE FINANCIAL REPORT. Mrs. Jones reported that total operating revenues are approximately $1,094,740.00 above budget projections for the period ending 10/31/24. Mrs. Jones reported that total operating expenses are approximately $288,575.00 below budget projections for the same period. Mrs. Jones reported year-to-date net income of $3,970,248.00 for the period ending 10/31/24.

Mrs. Jones reported that total operating revenues are approximately $691,690.00 above budget projections for the period ending 11/30/24. Mrs. Jones reported that total operating expenses are approximately $437,667.00 below budget projections for the same period. Mrs. Jones reported year-to-date net income of $4,328,842.00 for the period ending 11/30/24.

5. CLINT BLACKWELL PRESENTED THE WATER TREATMENT OPERATIONS REPORT. Mr. Blackwell reported an average daily treatment of 17.860 MGD for the month of December 2024 at the Etowah River Water Treatment Facility. Mr. Blackwell reported that the Hollis Q. Lathem Reservoir is currently at full pool at 1189.2 ft. Mr. Blackwell reported a cumulative rainfall total of 64.11” for the past twelve months.

6. MIKE VENTERS PRESENTED THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATIONS REPORT. Mr. Venters 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 2.9 MG. Mr. Venters reported an average daily treatment of 5.9 MGD at the Fitzgerald Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility, and an average daily treatment of 0.398 MGD at the Riverbend Wastewater Treatment Facility.

7. DAVID KUBALA PRESENTED THE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT IN THE ABSENCE OF JENNIFER ARP. Mr. Kubala reported that no spills or overflows occurred during this reporting period.

8. GARRY HENSLEY PRESENTED THE CONSTRUCTION REPORT. Mr. Hensley noted that work on the Hwy. 140 road relocation project should be completed soon, and Authority crews are continuing work on the Dry Pond Road/Wild Azalea Trail water main project and the Cowart Mountain Trail water main project.

9. DWAYNE FOWLER PRESENTED THE GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT.

10. MOTION BY LISA WOODRUFF AND SECOND BY NANCY MARTIN TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSION REGARDING POTENTIAL LITIGATION. All members present voted for the motion.

MOTION BY NANCY MARTIN AND SECOND BY LISA WOODRUFF TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION AND RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION. All members present voted for the motion.

11. MOTION BY BARRY MANSELL AND SECOND BY NANCY MARTIN TO ADJOURN. All members present voted for the motion.