Commission Minutes 6-19-24 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>\nWednesday, June 19, 2024, at 2:00 PM<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nCOMMISSION MINUTES<\/h3>\n
PRESENT: \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>\nClayton Watson, Vice-Chairman (via Teams)<\/strong><\/p>\nCharles Cook, Commissioner (via Teams)<\/strong><\/p>\nWayne Neal, Commissioner<\/strong><\/p>\nLance Sabbe, Commissioner<\/strong><\/p>\nChad Strickland, Commissioner<\/strong><\/p>\nDave Ford, Commissioner<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nALSO PRESENT: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\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>\nPam Crosby, Director of Procurement<\/strong><\/p>\nJanice Meridith, Executive Commission Administrator<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nMEDIA PRESENT:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\nTaylor Cooper, The Brunswick News<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nChairman Turnipseed called the meeting to order at 2:00 PM.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Neal provided the invocation and Commissioner Ford 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> \u2013 Chairman Turnipseed<\/p>\nKeith Hopkins<\/strong> \u2013 Georgia Association of Water Professionals 2024 Top Operator of the Year\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\nAnthony Fuller<\/strong> \u2013 Wastewater Collection System Operator Certification<\/p>\nCOMMITTEE UPDATES<\/strong><\/p>\nCombined Facilities & Finance Committee Meeting<\/strong> \u2013 Chairman Turnipseed provided an update on the Combined Facilities & Finance Committee Meeting held earlier the same day, June 19, 2024.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nAMENDED AGENDA APPROVAL<\/strong><\/p>\nCommissioner Neal made a motion seconded by Commissioner Sabbe to approve the agenda as amended.\u00a0 Motion carried 7-0-0. (Commissioner Cook and Watson each voted YES via Teams).<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nAPPROVAL<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Minutes from the May 16, 2024 Regular Commission Meeting <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Commissioner Neal made a motion seconded by Commissioner Strickland to approve the minutes from the May 16, 2024, Regular Commission Meeting.\u00a0 Motion carried 7-0-0. (Commissioner Cook and Watson each voted YES via Teams).<\/u><\/p>\n\n- Approval of Virtual Card Program and Limit<\/strong> \u2013 D. Owens<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Commissioner Sabbe made a motion seconded by Commissioner Neal to defer agenda item #2 until the July Commission Meeting. Motion carried 7-0-0. (Commissioner Cook and Watson each voted YES via Teams).<\/u><\/p>\n\n- Health Insurance Annual Renewal<\/strong> \u2013 A. Burroughs \/ Catina Tindall, First Coast Benefits Solutions<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Catina Tindall with First Coast Benefits Solutions highlighted the background of JWSC\u2019s health insurance, historic numbers, plan details, current options and benefits considered, etc. There were no increases in employee premium costs.\u00a0 Based upon expected claims projections by United Healthcare, increasing the individual stop loss coverage to $150,000 decreases expected costs by $23,508.72 annually. If claims were to come in under projections by UHC, this would result in additional savings to the JWSC. Total annual maximum liability would increase $7,940.\u00a0 Mr. Burroughs noted that in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, Group Insurance is budgeted at $1,599,100 from JWSC funding with expected staff contributions to be around $350,000 based upon currently enrolled employee count. As vacant positions are filled, the employee contributions could increase to approximately $400,000 annually, depending on coverage levels elected.\u00a0 This provides a total funding for the year at $1,949,100-$1,999,100 for health insurance. Should costs exceed this total, JWSC has established a Group Insurance Reserve with a current balance of $952,862.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Ford made a motion seconded by Commissioner Strickland that the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission renew the employee insurance coverages to be effective August 1, 2024 as presented.\u00a0 Motion carried 7-0-0. (Commissioner Cook and Watson each voted YES via Teams).<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Pension Plan IRS Addendum<\/strong> \u2013 D. Owens<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Mr. Owens stated that the Internal Revenue Service requires that the BGJWSC periodically requests IRS\u2019s review of our defined benefit retirement plan to be granted a favorable determination letter. A favorable determination letter expresses the IRS’ opinion that the plan’s terms (as stated in the plan document) meet the Internal Revenue Code’s tax-qualification requirements. This is mandatory for:<\/p>\n
\n- BGJWSC to deduct contributions made to the plan up to the applicable limits;<\/li>\n
- The plan participants to be able to defer income taxes on the amounts contributed to the plan; and<\/li>\n
- The plan participants\u2019 contributions to grow tax-deferred until distributed from the plan.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Mr. Owens added that JWSC has received notification from the Georgia Municipal Employees Benefit System (\u201cGMEBS\u201d) that we must make this request to the IRS so we will be able to receive and file a new determination letter by March 31, 2025. GMEBS will assist us in this process, but they require that certain forms be signed and returned to them.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Ford made a motion seconded by Commissioner Sabbe that the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission Chairman be authorized to sign the forms required to facilitate the Internal Revenue Service review necessary to issue a favorable determination letter related to the JWSC defined benefit retirement plan.\u00a0 Motion carried 7-0-0.\u00a0 (Commissioner Cook and Commissioner Watson voted YES via Teams.)<\/u><\/p>\n\n- Fiscal Year 2025 Rate Resolution<\/strong> \u2013 A. Burroughs<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Commissioner Sabbe made a motion seconded by Commissioner Ford that the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission approve the attached Rate Resolution for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.\u00a0 Motion carried 7-0-0.\u00a0 (Commissioner Cook and Commissioner Watson voted YES via Teams.)<\/u><\/p>\n\n- Newcastle & Sea Palms W. Drive Paving Contract<\/strong> \u2013 A. Burroughs<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Mr. Burroughs provided that the JWSC has two large paving repairs that are over two years old. One is 920 feet of Sea Palms West Drive that needs repaving following issues created by defects in the existing sewer lines. These sections were repaired via CIPP by Insituform. The other is 236 feet of Newcastle Street that needs repaving following issues created by defects in the existing sewer line. This section was repaired via open cut method by JWSC staff.\u00a0 The JWSC has struggled to get paving contractors to price prospective work for the past few years. Staff has been able to make some progress on smaller patch jobs based upon monthly paving lists generated from road cuts by SP&M and Water Distribution. Evans Asphalt Repair, LLC has provided quotes to repair these two larger repairs: Sea Palms West Drive in the amount of $113,344.00, and Newcastle Street in the amount of $83,489.80. Staff have been unable to receive quotes from other contractors to complete these paving repairs. This item will be funded by the SP&M Operations budget.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Ford made a motion seconded by Commissioner Neal that the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission award a contract to Evans Asphalt Repair LLC for paving repairs to Newcastle Street and Sea Palms West Drive in the amount of $196,833.80.\u00a0 Motion carried 7-0-0.\u00a0 (Commissioner Cook and Commissioner Watson voted YES via Teams.)<\/u><\/p>\n\n- Dunbar Creek Change Order No. 4<\/strong> \u2013 A. Burroughs<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Mr. Burroughs gave a brief background on the design-build contract and change orders with BRW Construction Group for the Dunbar Creek WPCF Rehab project. He then explained why Change Order No. 4 is being requested for approval. Aeration Basin No. 2 at Dunbar Creek has an 18\u201d butterfly valve on the effluent line conveying flow to the clarifiers. This butterfly valve has caused issues recently when it has vibrated itself closed, causing backups into the aeration basin. Due to operator intervention, performance issues were not experienced; however, given that Dunbar Creek is not manned continuously, there is significant risk to leaving this valve as is. Due to process changes over time, there is little use for this valve to remain in place. Staff requested BRW to look at installing a line stop downstream of the valve and to remove the valve from the line. The cost to perform this work is $40,253. The new reuse water system that has been installed at Dunbar Creek is currently uncovered. The hope was that the structure over the old filter structured could be reused to cover the reuse system. However, the cost to modify the structure exceeds the cost to install a new structure over the reuse system. The cost to install a new structure over the reuse pump skid is $12,840.\u00a0 The combined cost of these two items is $53,093. Staff recommends moving forward with these two improvements which would increase the total value of the contract for the Dunbar Creek WPCF Rehab project to a total amount of $8,441,508.47 to cover the costs associated with the additional scope of work. This portion of the project is funded by the R&R Reserve and is JWSC Capital Project No. 2106R.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Neal made a motion seconded by Commissioner Sabbe that the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission approve Change Order No. 4 in the amount of $53,093.00 to BRW Construction Group, LLC for scope changes associated with the Dunbar Creek WPCF Rehab project.\u00a0 Motion carried 7-0-0.\u00a0 (Commissioner Cook and Commissioner Watson voted YES via Teams.)<\/u><\/p>\n\n- Contract Award \u2013 Exit 42 Elevated Storage Tank<\/strong> \u2013 A. Burroughs<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Mr. Burroughs advised that elevated water storage is a vital component for reliability and operational efficiencies for a water system.\u00a0 The GA EPD recommends public water systems provide for an elevated storage volume equal to their average 24-hour demand to accommodate peak flows and fire flows.\u00a0 The JWSC North Mainland continues to experience increased residential and commercial growth which brings an associated demand for potable water and fire protection provision.\u00a0 In concert with the JWSC Master Plan, recent planned improvements have included water production (well) facilities such as Ridgewood WPF and Canal WPF as well as the construction of multiple water main loops to improve flow, operational and quality conditions.\u00a0 An elevated storage tank to support the current and projected demands of the Spur25\/SR99\/I-95 Exit 42 service area will improve the North Mainland system by providing resiliency with demand and operational control. JWSC staff designed and solicited for the construction of a 750,000-gallon composite elevated water tank to be constructed on property obtained from the Golden Isles Development Authority, adjacent to and south of I-95 Exit 42. Staff recommends awarding a contract to the apparent low bidder Phoenix Fabricators & Erectors, LLC in the amount of $4,734,713.00. This item will be funded by the Series 2021 Bond Issuance and is Capital Project No. 2213.\u00a0 The original budget set for this project was $3,000,000, of which $2,977,188 remains uncommitted. The remaining $1,757,525 will come from the currently uncommitted balance of the bond issuance of $2,363,086.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Sabbe made a motion seconded by Commissioner Neal that the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission award a contract to Phoenix Fabricators & Erectors, LLC, for construction of Exit 42 Elevated Storage Tank in the amount of $4,734,713.00.\u00a0 Motion carried 7-0-0.\u00a0 (Commissioner Cook and Commissioner Watson voted YES via Teams.)<\/u><\/p>\n\n- Dedications of Easements and Infrastructure <\/strong>\u2013 T. Kline<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\n- Fifty Oaks Subdivision \u2013 <\/strong>Dedication of Infrastructure and Easement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Mr. Kline provided that the Developer of the Fifty Oaks Subdivision has submitted legal documents to define and execute the transfer of ownership. The infrastructure is understood to have complied with applicable standards at the time of construction.\u00a0 JWSC inspection records indicate the infrastructure was constructed to JWSC Standards, is functioning, and is in acceptable condition. All requirements of the JWSC Standards for Water and Wastewater System Design and Construction and Development Procedures have been met, and all related documents submitted.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Strickland made a motion seconded by Commissioner Sabbe that the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission approve and accept this project with associated documentation.\u00a0 Motion carried 7-0-0. (Commissioner Cook and Watson each voted YES via Teams).<\/u><\/p>\n
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR\u2019S UPDATE<\/strong><\/p>\nMr. Burroughs provided the Commissioners with a brief update.<\/p>\n
COMMISSIONERS\u2019 DISCUSSION<\/strong><\/p>\nCommissioner Sabbe suggested the Commission consider approving June 19th<\/sup> as a holiday same as the City, County, and Federal Governments.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nCHAIRMAN\u2019S UPDATE<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Chairman provided the Commissioners with a brief update and commended staff for their efforts and successful town hall meetings.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nEXECUTIVE SESSION \u2013 Personnel with a vote to be taken after.<\/strong><\/p>\nCommissioner Neal made a motion seconded by Commissioner Strickland to enter into Executive Session to discuss Personnel with a vote to be taken after. <\/u>Motion carried 7-0-0. (Commissioner Cook and Watson each voted YES via Teams).<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/strong>Return to Regular Session<\/p>\nCommissioner Sabbe made a motion seconded by Commissioner Neal to return to Regular Session. <\/u>Motion carried 7-0-0. (Commissioner Cook and Watson each voted YES via Teams).<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Executive Director\u2019s Employment Agreement \u2013 Amendment #4<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Commissioner Neal made a motion seconded by Commissioner Watson to approve the 4th<\/sup><\/u> Amendment to the Executive Director\u2019s Employment Agreement effective July 1, 2024<\/u>. <\/u><\/strong>Motion carried 7-0-0. (Commissioner Cook and Watson each voted YES via Teams).<\/u><\/p>\nADJOURN<\/strong><\/p>\nThere being no additional business to bring before the Commission, Chairman Turnipseed requested a motion to adjourn the meeting.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nCommissioner Neal made a motion seconded by Commissioner Strickland to adjourn the meeting. \u00a0Motion carried 7-0-0. (Commissioner Cook and Watson each voted YES via Teams).<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Chairman adjourned the meeting at 3:12 p.m.<\/p>\n
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For your consideration, please read the minutes from the Commission Meeting held on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room. Commission Minutes 6-19-24 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-62151","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\/62151","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=62151"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.goldenisleslepc.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62151\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goldenisleslepc.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=62151"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goldenisleslepc.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=62151"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goldenisleslepc.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=62151"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}