For your consideration, please read the minutes from the Commission Meeting held on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room.
Commission Minutes 05-15-25 with Attachments
To read the minutes, please open or download the pdf from the link above, or you may see more below.
Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission
1703 Gloucester Street, Brunswick, GA 31520
Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 2:00 PM
COMMISSION MINUTES
PRESENT:
G. Ben Turnipseed, Chairman
Clayton Watson, Vice-Chairman
Charles Cook, Commissioner
Wayne Neal, Commissioner
Lance Sabbe, Commissioner
Dave Ford, Commissioner
Bill Edgy, Commissioner
ALSO PRESENT:
Andrew Burroughs, Executive Director
Charles A. Dorminy, HBS Legal Counsel
LaDonnah Roberts, Deputy Executive Director
Donnie Bankston, Superintendent – Water Production
Tina Ruppe, Wastewater Operator
Angela Walker, Assistant Director of Wastewater Operations
Michael Allen, Utility Service Worker
Harry Patel, Assistant Engineer
Kevin Davenport – AWWA
Benjamin Moss – GAWWA
Tim Ransom, Planning & Development Coordinator
Annette Cornely, Planning & Development Coordinator
Mary Smith, Billing Coordinator
Willie Walker, Utility Inspector
Jason Vo, Project Manager-Design Engineer
Luke Orser-Schwalm, Finance Manager
Pam Crosby, Director of Procurement
Caleb Lovell, Water Operator – Class 2
Christa Free – Procurement Coordinator
MEDIA PRESENT: None
Chairman Turnipseed called the meeting to order at 2:00 PM.
Commissioner Watson provided the Invocation, and Commissioner Cook led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Chairman Turnipseed opened the public comment period. There being no public comment, Chairman Turnipseed closed the public comment period.
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION
Water Operator Class 2 – Caleb Lovell
Water Distribution Operator – Michael Allen
Wastewater Operator Class 2 – Tina Ruppe
Golden Hydrant Society – Jason Vo
COMMITTEE UPDATES
Facilities Committee – Chairman Turnipseed provided an update on the Facilities Committee Meeting held on May 14, 2025.
Finance Committee – Commissioner Watson provided an update on the Finance Committee Meeting held on May 14, 2025.
APPROVAL
- Minutes from April 17, 2025, Commission Meeting
Commissioner Cook made a motion seconded by Commissioner Sabbe to approve the minutes from the April 17, 2025, Regular Commission Meeting. Motion carried 7-0-0.
- Minutes from April 17, 2025, Executive Session
Commissioner Cook made a motion seconded by Commissioner Neal to approve the minutes from the April 17, 2025, Executive Session. Motion carried 7-0-0.
- Contract Award – Lakewood Avenue Water Main Extension – A. Burroughs
Mr. Burroughs provided an update on the proposed water main extension project along Lakewood Avenue, located in the North Mainland community just outside the city limits in Glynn County. The area is currently served by approximately 685 feet of aging PVC water main, which extends from Community Road past the City Public Works building and ends at a hydrant. Numerous residents in the area have requested to connect to the public water system due to failing private wells and increasing reports of water quality issues, including sand infiltration. As a result, the area has been identified as a priority for water system expansion.
An immediate need has arisen involving a resident who is demolishing and rebuilding a home located 360 feet from the existing main. The residents are required to connect to public water, which would normally involve extending a 2-inch main to their property. To avoid duplicating future efforts, staff requested that the resident’s contractor, J.H. Stone, provide a cost estimate to install a full-sized 8-inch main instead. The contractor submitted a proposal to extend the water line 560 feet, which includes installation of a new fire hydrant and flush connection to allow for future system growth.
Under the proposed arrangement, the customer will pay J.H. Stone the original $7,500 cost for the 2-inch main, while the Joint Water & Sewer Commission would cover the remaining $55,000 for the 8-inch extension. This project will be funded through the SPLOST referendum designated for water and sewer system expansions. Staff also noted that additional projects will be brought forward in the coming months to further extend the water system along Kingsland Avenue, Burroughs Avenue and the remainder of Lakewood Avenue to complete a looped connection in the area.
Commission Ford made a motion seconded by Commissioner Edgy that the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission award a contract to J.H. Stone Construction, Inc. in the amount of $55,000 for the Lakewood Avenue Water Extension. Motion carried 7-0-0.
- Contract Award – On-Call Boring Services – A. Burroughs
Mr. Burroughs presented an update regarding the on-call horizontal directional drilling (HDD) contract, which is essential for installing water and sewer mains in congested areas or beneath major roadways where traditional trenching would be disruptive or impractical. This trenchless installation method has been utilized successfully in previous years, and the utility recently re-bid the contract to include six pipe sizes: 2″, 4″, 6″, 8″, 12″, and 16″. Bids were opened on May 6, 2025, following a solicitation released on April 15, 2025. The 16″ pipe size is primarily intended for casing installations under roadways rather than full water main installations, which are not currently anticipated at that diameter.
TB Landmark Construction, Inc. submitted the only bid and is the apparent low bidder. They have a strong track record with the utility, having completed several successful projects, including the Palm Drive job and extensive work on the North Mainland project. Under this contract, TB Landmark Construction will provide all labor, tools, equipment, and related services, while JWSC will supply the necessary materials. This agreement allows smaller HDD projects to proceed efficiently without requiring individual quotes for each job.
Mr. Burroughs noted that pricing increases steadily across pipe sizes, with a significant cost jump at the 16″ size due to the need for a larger boring rig. This equipment is more expensive to mobilize and operate, justifying the higher cost. As part of future planning, the utility anticipates purchasing its own four-inch missile boring equipment in the upcoming budget year. However, directional drilling remains a highly specialized skill set that Landmark performs daily, offering a level of efficiency and capability that is currently beyond JWSC’s in-house resources.
Commissioner Sabbe made a motion seconded by Commissioner Neal that the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission award a contract to TB Landmark Construction, Inc. as listed in the attached bid tabulation. Motion carried 7-0-0.
- Surplus Inventory– A. Burroughs
Mr. Burroughs presented a request to declare several outdated servers and pieces of electronic equipment as surplus. These items have been replaced with new servers due to forced obsolescence and are now fully depreciated, though they remain listed on the utility’s fixed asset register. In accordance with policy, Commission approval is required to dispose of surplus property in a manner most beneficial to the Joint Water & Sewer Commission (JWSC). While the initial plan was to recycle the equipment through an electronics recycling program, Commissioner Cook suggested there may be a resale market for some of the items. As a result, staff may attempt to sell them via GovDeals before proceeding with recycling. Approval was requested to formally declare the items as surplus and proceed with the appropriate disposal process.
Commissioner Watson made a motion seconded by Commissioner Cook that the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission approve the above listed items as surplus to be disposed of in a manner most beneficial to the JWSC. Motion carried 7-0-0.
- Dedication of Easements and Infrastructure – T. Kline
Mr. Kline explained that there are five items for consideration item.
The first is for Alpine Gateway, located near Canal Crossing, where a portion of gravity sewer within the public right-of-way—from manhole to manhole—is recommended for public dedication. The segment beyond the terminal manhole, serving two buildings, will remain privately owned. The second dedication involves the new Friendly Express on St. Simons Island. This easement connects to an existing easement previously granted by the 50 Oaks subdivision, facilitating access and installation of water and sewer infrastructure that ties back to Frederica Road if needed.
The third easement is for the new Tru by Hilton hotel located on the South Mainland near Exit 29. This includes dedication of off-site water and sewer infrastructure located outside the public right-of-way, adjacent to Highway 17 and near local landmarks such as McDonald’s and Zaxby’s. The fourth dedication pertains to the Point Grand Island View Phase I multifamily development on Highway 17 within the city limits. While all on-site infrastructure is privately maintained and master metered, the easement provides access to the water meters, which are publicly owned. The fifth and final easement is for Southport Parkway Townhomes, a 77-unit development located across from the elementary school and beside the wastewater treatment plant at Exit 29. This dedication covers on-site water and sewer infrastructure that will serve the development.
All systems have been inspected and approved by Joint Water & Sewer Commission inspectors. Easement and record drawings have been submitted by the engineers of record, and the associated values will be recorded on the fixed asset register.
Commissioner Neal made a motion seconded by Commissioner Ford that the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission approve and accept these requests to accept infrastructure and easements with associated documentation. Motion carried 7-0-0.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S UPDATE
Mr. Burroughs stated that he provided several upcoming schedule updates and reminders. The annual town hall meetings will be held on June 11, 2025, and June 12, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. The June 11 meeting will take place at Howard Coffin Park, and the June 12 meeting will be held at the Casino on St. Simons Island. During these sessions, staff will present information related to the upcoming fiscal year’s budget and rates. While there will be no rate increase for the upcoming year, the presentation will cover budget details and provide updates on current and planned capital projects. Commissioners were encouraged to attend.
Additionally, due to the June regular meeting falling on a company holiday, the schedule has been adjusted. The Facilities and Finance Committees will meet jointly at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 followed by the full Commission meeting at 2:00 p.m. that same day. There will be no meeting on Thursday, in observance of the holiday. It was noted that this meeting is especially important, as it will include approval of the Rate Resolution for the next fiscal year.
Lastly, Mr. Burroughs announced that the annual Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) Conference will take place in Savannah from July 14–16, 2025. Pre-registration is required, and Commissioners interested in attending any portion of the conference were asked to notify staff so arrangements could be made.
COMMISSIONERS’ DISCUSSION
Commissioner Sabbe reported on a productive meeting held with City of Brunswick officials, including Mr. Burroughs and Ms. Roberts from the City’s newly established housing program. The City has recently invested several million dollars into affordable housing initiatives, including the development of new homes on City-owned properties. The discussion focused on identifying opportunities for partnership between the City and the Joint Water & Sewer Commission to support these efforts. Key topics included strategies for bringing new residential customers online and exploring ways to reduce development costs, particularly utility-related costs—which would contribute to the overall affordability and success of the housing projects. The conversation was described as a strong first step toward collaboration that benefits both the community and future homeowners.
CHAIRMAN’S UPDATE
Chairman Turnipseed gave a brief update regarding the recent Georgia Rural Water Association (GRWA) Conference, which was noted as the largest the organization has held to date. The Joint Water & Sewer Commission had a strong presence throughout the three-day event, with staff actively participating in sessions and demonstrating engagement and professionalism. The conference served as a valuable opportunity for workforce development and industry networking. Appreciation was expressed for all employees who represented the organization, especially those involved in planning, recognition efforts, and ongoing professional development.
Special attention was given to the critical role of wastewater treatment operators. It was noted that this field faces significant workforce challenges, with many experienced operators nearing retirement and not enough new professionals entering the field. Staff emphasized the importance of encouraging community interest in water and wastewater careers, highlighting that these roles offer stable, essential employment and are foundational to public health and community investment. Recognition and support for these employees were strongly encouraged.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Chairman Turnipseed requested a motion to adjourn to Executive Session for matters of property. Mr. Burroughs noted that no action will be needed afterward.
Commissioner Neal made a motion seconded by Commissioner Sabbe to adjourn to Executive Session. Motion carried 7-0-0.
Commissioners returned to the Commission Chambers. Chairman Turnipseed entertained a motion to return from Executive Session.
Commissioner Neal made a motion seconded by Commissioner Watson to return from Executive Session. Motion carried 7-0-0.
ADJOURN
There being no additional business to bring before the Commission, Chairman Turnipseed requested a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Commissioner Neil made a motion seconded by Commissioner Ford to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 7-0-0.
The Chairman adjourned the meeting at 3:27 p.m.