Call to Order – Chairman White called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. Board members present were J. B. White, Harvey Norris, Eddie Roberts, Jr. & Eddie Ford. Also present were Wendy Harper, a customer on Shannon Way, and Marcie Seleb, general manager, and Alyssa Hopson, clerk to the board.
Approval of Minutes from August 09, 2016 Meeting – Mr. Roberts made a motion to dispense with the reading of and to approve the minutes from the August 09, 2016 meeting. This was seconded by Mr. Norris and approved unanimously.
Wendy Harper Complaint about Water- Ms. Harper complained about her water smelling like sulfur and chlorine. Ms. Seleb reported that a recent sample taken at Ms. Harper’s house had excellent quality results. Ms. Harper requested that Shannon Way, a dead end, be flushed monthly. This was agreed to by the board.
Level One Drought Declaration – The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has declared a Level One drought for 53 Georgia counties, including Butts County. EPD requires that public water systems implement a public information campaign regarding the drought conditions. Information about the declaration has been posted on the Authority’s website and Facebook page.
Confirm Hiring of Water Plant Operator Trainee – The board confirmed the hiring of Lane Hamby as a water treatment plant operator trainee. Mr. Norris made a motion to confirm, seconded by Mr. Roberts and approved unanimously.
Consider University of Central Florida (UCF) Water Assessment Proposal – Ms. Seleb presented a water assessment proposal from UCF. This fifteen month study will assess Authority’s source water, treatment processes, and distribution system. Mr. Ford made a motion to accept the proposal priced at $119,394. This was seconded by Mr. Roberts and approved unanimously.
Potential Grant to Study Bromide in Raw Water – Ms. Seleb reported that a Regional Water Plan Seed Grant Program has been announced that could be used to study bromide in the system’s raw water supplies. Mr. Norris made a motion to apply for the grant. This was seconded by Mr. Roberts and approved unanimously.
Manager’s Report
Construction
Bucksnort Ranch Land Application System Harkness Pond Liner – Ms. Seleb reported that she and staff have met with three different engineers to get opinions on how to repair pond liner and handle ground water infiltration. The Authority’s crew is mobilizing to rework drainage around the pond so that any rainwater running under the liner is stopped.
Nathan Thaxton Road – The project is complete and tied in from Georgia Highway 36 to High Falls Road.
Brownlee/East Ball Road – Work will resume on Brownlee and East Ball Roads begin as soon as Harkness pond bank is completed.
Operations
Dollar General Employment Incentive Program Grant – The Dollar General EIP grant has been submitted. Water and sewer installation is expected to begin January 2017 and be completed by April 2017.
Ernest Biles Golf Tournament – Bob Ryan has asked for a contribution to this tournament. All donations are used to provide scholarships for youth to play sports at Butts County . Mr. Ford made a motion to make a $550.00 sponsorship donation. This was seconded by Mr. Roberts and approved unanimously.
Financial Report – The monthly financial report for Water & Sewer Operations and SPLOST was presented.
Review Bills Paid – Board members were given copies of check registers for August to review.
Adjourn – A motion was made by Mr. Norris to adjourn the meeting at 6:48 p.m. This was seconded by Mr. Roberts and approved unanimously.