Commission Minutes 8-17-23 with Attachments<\/a><\/p>\nTo read the minutes, please open or download the pdf from the link above, or you may see more below.<\/p>\n
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Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission<\/strong><\/p>\n1703 Gloucester Street, Brunswick, GA 31520<\/strong><\/p>\nThursday, August 17, 2023, at 2:00 PM<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nCOMMISSION MINUTES\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\nPRESENT: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\nG. Ben Turnipseed, Chairman<\/strong><\/p>\nTripp Stephens, Vice-Chairman<\/strong><\/p>\nCharles Cook, Commissioner<\/strong><\/p>\nWayne Neal, Commissioner<\/strong><\/p>\nKendra Rolle, Commissioner<\/strong><\/p>\nClayton Watson, Commissioner<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nALSO PRESENT:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\nAndrew Burroughs, Executive Director<\/strong><\/p>\nCharles A. Dorminy, HBS Legal Counsel <\/strong><\/p>\nLaDonnah Roberts, Deputy Executive Director<\/strong><\/p>\nDavid Owens, Director of Finance<\/strong><\/p>\nTodd Kline, Director of Engineering<\/strong><\/p>\nJanice Meridith, Executive Commission Admin.<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\nABSENT:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\nChad Strickland, Commissioner<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nChairman Turnipseed called the meeting to order at 2:00 PM.<\/p>\n
Chairman Turnipseed provided the invocation and Commissioner Rolle led the Pledge of Allegiance.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nPUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD<\/strong><\/p>\nChairman Turnipseed opened the public comment period.<\/p>\n
There being no public comment, Chairman Turnipseed closed the public comment period.<\/p>\n
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION<\/strong><\/p>\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Frankie Ferra \u2013 Retirement \u2013 22 Years of Service (2001 \u2013 2023)<\/strong><\/p>\nChairman Turnipseed and Mr. Burroughs congratulated Frankie Ferra on her 22 years of service and retirement.\u00a0 They presented Ms. Ferra with a plaque commemorating her achievement.<\/p>\n
COMMITTEE UPDATES<\/strong><\/p>\nFacilities Committee<\/strong> \u2013 Chairman Turnipseed stated that the Facilities Committee met the previous day.\u00a0 Approval items that were recommended to move forward to the full Commission were FY2024 Watershed Protection Plan and contract awards for PS4044 rehab, PS3101\/4001\/4002 rehab, and for construction of the North Mainland Water Loops. An easement was dedicated. The Water Production Report showed that all water production facilities are producing very well.\u00a0 The treatment plants performed at: Academy Creek 45%; Dunbar Creek 78%; and South Port 31%.\u00a0 The Capital Projects Report provided great photos of projects and good reporting on the projects in progress.<\/p>\nFinance Committee<\/strong> \u2013 Commissioner Cook stated that the Finance Committee met the previous day. Approval items that were recommended to move forward to the full Commission included the same items as approved in Facilities, in addition to Capital Equipment purchases for the Dunbar Deionized Water System used in laboratory testing and a half-ton work truck to replace the current truck for pre-treatment staff.\u00a0 The Resolution for GEFA Loan modification #2 extending the time frame for repayment was also moved forward for approval. The financial report was reviewed by Mrs. Wilson.\u00a0 The Accounting staff is in the early stages and doing trial balance to prepare for the audit, and the Director of Finance reported on short term investments.<\/p>\nAPPROVAL<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Minutes from the July 20, 2023, Regular Commission Meeting <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Commissioner Stephens made a motion seconded by Commissioner Rolle to approve the minutes from the July 20, 2023 Regular Commission Meeting.\u00a0 Motion carried 6-0-1. (Commissioner Strickland was absent from the meeting.)<\/u><\/p>\n
Chairman Turnipseed requested a motion to move the approval of Executive Minutes to end of agenda approval section.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Stephens made a motion seconded by Commissioner Cook to move the approval of Executive Minutes to the end of the approval section.<\/u><\/p>\n\n- FY2024 Watershed Protection Plan<\/strong> \u2013 A. Burroughs<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Mr. Burroughs advised that JWSC is required by NPDES permit to maintain a watershed protection plan (WPP) for each of the JWSC-operated water pollution control facilities (WPCF).\u00a0 The plans require both dry and wet weather sampling at multiple locations throughout the watershed that each plant discharges into. The plans require quarterly dry and wet weather sampling plus additional metals and bacterial sampling.\u00a0 Samples are taken from 7 locations in the Academy Creek watershed, 3 locations in the Dunbar Creek watershed, and 2 locations in the South Port watershed. JWSC has a longstanding relationship with Integrated Science & Engineering (ISE) for the completion of the sampling protocol, analysis, and production of the annual reports required by permit for these watershed protection plans.\u00a0 ISE provided WPP services to Glynn County prior to the formation of the JWSC.\u00a0 The combined total for all three WPCF\u2019s is $65,300 and is budgeted for in the individual plant Technical Services budget.\u00a0 This item was approved by the Facilities and Finance Committees.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Cook made a motion seconded by Commissioner Neal that the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission approve a contract award to Integrated Science & Engineering for the Fiscal Year 2024 Watershed Protection plans in the amount of $65,300.00. \u00a0\u00a0Motion carried 6-0-1. (Commissioner Strickland was absent from the meeting.)<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Contract Award \u2013 Pump Station 4044 Rehab<\/strong> \u2013 A. Burroughs<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Mr. Burroughs stated that Pump Station 4044 is located adjacent to the existing Brakes For Less facility.\u00a0 This station has an undersized wet well that is causing short circuiting of the pumps.\u00a0 The pumps cycle on and off very quickly and this station needs to be improved to allow additional flow from the commercial district there.\u00a0 This station handles all of the flow from the area around Home Depot, Glynn Place Mall, and residential areas in the vicinity. Land was acquired from Prime South Bank to build a new pump station there.\u00a0 The proposed construction consists of construction of a new pump station including a new wet well, force main, electrical systems, and SCADA systems.\u00a0 The existing station will be demolished above ground with the wet well turned into a receiving manhole for the new station. This project was started 3.5 years ago, and the budgeted amount then was $550,000 and an engineer\u2019s cost estimate of $1,396,142.\u00a0 The lone bid received on July 11, 2023 was from Popco, Inc. in the amount of $1,980,656.90 which far exceeded both the original budgeted amount and engineer\u2019s cost estimate.\u00a0 Staff worked with Popco to reduce the bid.\u00a0 Given the critical nature of this pump station, the challenging location adjacent to a busy street, and the need to increase pumping capacity to handle current flow conditions, staff recommended moving forward with the negotiated price presented by Popco.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Cook made a motion seconded by Commissioner Watson to move that the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission award a contract to Popco, Inc. for the rehab of Pump Station 4044 in the amount of $1,980,656.90. Motion carried 6-0-1. (Commissioner Strickland was absent from the meeting.)<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Contract Award \u2013 Pump Stations 3101\/4001\/4002 Rehab<\/strong> \u2013 A. Burroughs<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Mr. Burroughs advised that the rehab of Pump Stations 3101, 4001, and 4002 were all identified as high priority projects in the Master Plan due to the condition of the electrical systems. This project was previously bid with the lowest bid at $3,853,309.\u00a0 The bids far exceeded the budget of $1,425,000 and the engineer\u2019s estimated cost of $1,659,000. The project scope was reviewed by staff and reduced to include only the items as specified in the Master Plan.\u00a0 The proposed construction consists of electrical upgrades, minor building rehab, and temporary flow bypassing at all three stations.\u00a0 The lone bidder for the revised project was Popco, Inc. in the amount of $2,334,460.\u00a0 Staff worked with Popco to find potential ways to reduce the project cost.\u00a0 The solution presented was for JWSC to provide flow bypassing utilizing existing equipment, which resulted in Popco\u2019s bid being reduced to $1,755,317.\u00a0 The revised bid still exceeded the budgeted amount and engineer\u2019s estimated cost, however JWSC staff recommended moving forward with the project due to the current pricing environment.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Cook made a motion seconded by Commissioner Stephens to move that the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission award a contract to Popco, Inc. for the rehab of Pump Stations 3101, 4001, and 4002 in the amount of $1,755,317. Motion carried 6-0-1. (Commissioner Strickland was absent from the meeting.)<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Contract Award \u2013 North Mainland Water Loops <\/strong>\u2013 A. Burroughs<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Mr. Burroughs noted that the proposed construction for the North Mainland Water Loops Construction Project consists of watermain interconnections which are located at separate areas within the JWSC service area. He provided the details for the following: 12\u201d diameter PVC watermain to be installed along Hautala Drive; 12\u201d diameter PVC watermain constructed along Bailey Road; 12\u201d diameter PVC installed along Old Jesup Road; 16\u201d diameter HDPE watermain installed under two water courses along Old Jesup Road; and, 10\u201d diameter HDPE constructed along Perry Lane Road. Vallencourt Construction provided a bid of $2,996,458.60, and TB Landmark Construction, Inc. provided a bid of $3,110,253.00.\u00a0 Mr. Burroughs noted that this Project will definitely improve water distribution in the North Mainland area.\u00a0 It connects long dead-end lines and will help keep water flowing to the schools, hotels, and restaurants when part of the system may go down.\u00a0 Staff recommended JWSC award a contract to the lowest bidder Vallencourt Construction.\u00a0 Vallencourt Construction is a new contractor to JWSC and came in highly recommended from their references from prior projects.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Watson made a motion seconded by Commissioner Cook to move that the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission accept the bid for the IFB 23-011 Construction Services for the North Mainland Water Loops, in the amount of $2,996,458.60. Motion carried 6-0-1. (Commissioner Strickland was absent from the meeting.)<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Capital Equipment Purchase \u2013 Dunbar Creek Deionized Water System <\/strong>\u2013 A. Burroughs<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Mr. Burroughs stated that deionized water is used in a lab setting due to its lack of contaminants and impurities that can interfere with chemical reactions or damage sensitive equipment.\u00a0 The Dunbar Creek WPCF lab needs a new water purification system. This equipment was approved in the Wastewater Lab Capital purchase line item of the FY2024 budget.\u00a0 The amount of the final quotation is $31,714.00.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Watson made a motion seconded by Commissioner Neal that the JWSC approve the purchase of a deionized water system from Evoqua in the amount of $31,714.00.\u00a0 Motion c<\/u>arried 6-0-1. (Commissioner Strickland was absent from the meeting.)<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Capital Equipment Purchase \u2013 Half-Ton Work Truck<\/strong> \u2013 A. Burroughs<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Mr. Burroughs stated that the Wastewater Pretreatment Inspection personnel submitted a capital equipment request of $35,000.00 for replacement of an existing vehicle. JWSC Fleet staff solicited quotations for Half-Ton Work Trucks. The lowest quote was received from Murray Ford in Kingsland, Georgia for a Ford F-150.\u00a0 The amount of the final quotation dated July 6, 2023, is $34,997.00.\u00a0 Additional quotes were received for Dodge Ram and GMC models.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Cook made a motion seconded by Commissioner Watson that the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission approve the purchase of a half-ton work truck from Murray Ford in the amount of $34,997.00.\u00a0 Motion carried 6-0-1. (Commissioner Strickland was absent from the meeting.)<\/u><\/p>\n\n- GEFA Loan Modification<\/strong> \u2013 L. Roberts<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Mrs. Roberts provided that on September 19, 2019, the Commission approved a Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) loan in the amount of fifteen million ($15,000,000) dollars for improvements to the Academy Creek WPCF as well as the gravity sewer systems (the \u201cProject\u201d). The original loan documents showed repayment of the loan commencing on February 1, 2022.\u00a0 At the February 20, 2022, meeting the Board approved a loan modification for an extension of time until November 1, 2022.\u00a0 Staff is now bringing modification #2 for consideration. Due to the impacts of COVID on the construction industry and associated materials suppliers, the Project has experienced significant supply chain issues and delayed delivery schedules. These issues have likewise impacted the project schedule. As a result, JWSC has submitted an official request to GEFA for an extension of time to commence loan repayments. GEFA has approved the modification and the date will be extended to July 1, 2024, or the completion date of the work, whichever comes first. GEFA has provided documents for approval of this loan modification with an accompanying requirement that JWSC provide confirmation of the Board\u2019s support for this change in the form of the attached Resolution. Aside from the time extension there are no changes to the original loan terms and conditions.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Cook made a motion seconded by Commissioner Watson that the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission approve the modification for time extension on GEFA Loan CW2019008 in the form of the attached Resolution.\u00a0 Motion carried 6-0-1. (Commissioner Strickland was absent from the meeting).<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Dedication of Private Infrastructure & Easements<\/strong> \u2013 T. Kline<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\n- 113 Circle Drive \u2013 Easement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Mr. Kline provided that the Developer of the above-mentioned project wishes to convey an easement to JWSC.\u00a0 They have submitted necessary legal documents defining the transfer of ownership and conveying the easement for access and maintenance. All requirements of the JWSC Standards for Water & Sewer Design and Construction and Development Procedures have been met, and all related documents submitted.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Stephens made a motion seconded by Commissioner Cook that the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission approve the 113 Circle Drive Easement Dedication. \u00a0<\/u>Motion carried 6-0-1. (Commissioner Strickland was absent from the meeting.)<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Minutes from the July 20, 2023, Executive Session Meeting <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Commissioner Cook made a motion seconded by Commissioner Watson to approve the minutes from the July 20, 2023 Executive Session Meeting.\u00a0 Motion carried 6-0-1. (Commissioner Strickland was absent from the meeting.)<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR\u2019S UPDATE<\/strong><\/p>\nMr. Burroughs advised that the State of the Workforce and Education Luncheon at 11:30 on Friday at Epworth. Mr. Dorminy will give us an update on the Grand Jury process.<\/p>\n
Mr. Dorminy advised that there is one Grand Jury appointment coming up.\u00a0 The process started today with the delivery of a letter to the Superior Court Clerk.\u00a0 The ads will run on October 5th<\/sup> and 12th<\/sup>.\u00a0 Applications are due by October 16th<\/sup>.\u00a0 Applications will be reviewed by the Grand Jury on October 18th<\/sup>.\u00a0 Interviews if necessary will be around end of October and beginning of November.\u00a0 Selection date is November 15th<\/sup>.\u00a0 The four-year term will begin on January 1, 2024.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nCOMMISSIONERS\u2019 DISCUSSION<\/strong><\/p>\nThere was no additional update by the Commissioners.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nCHAIRMAN\u2019S UPDATE<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Chairman noted he is concerned about upcoming prices increasing.\u00a0 This is something that we may just have to live with.\u00a0 Every once in a while, we have big increases like this, and they generally do not go down very much.\u00a0 Part of it is due to COVID, general lack of work, and also the government putting so much money into the projects that the contractors are very busy.\u00a0 In this area, the Hyundai mega-site up in Savannah is so large it is taking all the contractors to keep doing that work too. Every project in Southeast Georgia is over-budget, if you can get any bidders. This seems state-wide but is worse down here. Most of the materials increases have somewhat stabilized, but the prices on pipe are going out-of-site.\u00a0 If projects are held on to for 30 to 60 days, then the prices have already increased since their bid. Engineering firms are all behind.\u00a0 Everything is behind schedule, but it should stabilize at some point.\u00a0 Equipment costs have stabilized some, but the cost of electrical materials is increasing, and parts may not even be available. We need to look at innovative ways to afford projects.<\/p>\n
EXECUTIVE SESSION<\/strong><\/p>\nCommissioner Stephens made a motion seconded by Commissioner Neal to enter into Executive Session to discuss Property.\u00a0 Motion carried 6-0-1.\u00a0 (Commissioner Strickland was absent from the meeting.)<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nCommissioner Neal left the Executive Session at 2:55 p.m.<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nReturn to Regular Session.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Stephens made a motion seconded by Commissioner Watson to return to Regular Session.\u00a0 Motion carried 5-0-2.\u00a0 (Commissioner Strickland was absent from the meeting. Commissioner Neal was absent for the vote.)<\/u><\/p>\n
ADJOURN<\/strong><\/p>\nThere being no additional business to bring before the Commission, Chairman Turnipseed requested a motion to adjourn the meeting.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Stephens made a motion seconded by Commissioner Cook to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0-2. (Commissioner Strickland was absent from the meeting. Commissioner Neal was absent for the vote.)<\/u><\/p>\n
The Chairman adjourned the meeting at 3:25 p.m.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
For your consideration, please read the minutes from the Commission Meeting held on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room. Commission Minutes 8-17-23 with Attachments To read the minutes, please open or download the pdf from the link above, or you may see more below.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-53089","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-commission-meeting-minutes"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goldenisleslepc.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53089","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goldenisleslepc.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goldenisleslepc.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goldenisleslepc.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goldenisleslepc.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=53089"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.goldenisleslepc.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53089\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goldenisleslepc.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=53089"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goldenisleslepc.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=53089"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goldenisleslepc.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=53089"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}