December 8, 2008
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Water Commissioners of
Columbus, Georgia was held at the office of the Columbus Water Works on Monday,
December 8, 2008, at 1:30 p.m., the following Commissioners being present:
Harry Vernon, Chairman
Philip Thayer, Treasurer
Billy Blanchard
Dr. Carole Rutland
Absent: Mayor Jim Wetherington
Receipt of the Minutes of the regular meeting on November 10, 2008 was
amended to show Billy Blanchard as present. Also, Mr. Blanchard abstained from
voting on the sewer and pumping station for the National Infantry Foundation.
The Board acknowledged and approved the Minutes with the above changes.
President Turner introduced Brookie Tate, Chairperson for the Columbus
Water Works? United Way Committee. Mr. Tate provided the Board with a history
of contributions and the departmental pledges. He advised that the Water
Works? goal for 2008 was $82,000 and $79,950 has been raised to date. The
Board acknowledged Mr. Tate?s report.
Mr. Turner introduced Dr. Bill Birkhead of Columbus State University to
present the Columbus Water Works Environmental Science Scholarship Award to
this year?s recipient Ms. Sheena Holley, biology major. The Board
congratulated Ms. Holley upon receiving this scholarship award.
Management recognized Gene McCrary, an employee of the Columbus Water
Works. He was asked to attend the meeting so that the Board could recognize
him upon his retirement. Mr. McCrary has served 38 years with the Water
Works. The following resolution was presented as follows:
A Resolution
Whereas, Earnest E. McCrary, has been an employee of the Columbus Board
of Water Commissioners since September, 1970, is retiring; and,
Whereas, Earnest E. McCrary, has served in the capacity of Dispatcher
in the Customer Service Department with the Columbus Water Works; and,
Whereas, Earnest E. McCrary, has performed in an outstanding and
productive manner throughout his thirty-eight years of service;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that the Board of Water Commissioners of
the City of Columbus, Georgia, on behalf of all the people of the City, hereby
publicly expresses appreciation and heartfelt thanks to Earnest E. McCrary for
his diligent and faithful service on behalf of the Columbus Water Works; and,
Be It Further Resolved that this resolution be spread upon the official
minutes of this Board this tenth day of November, 2008, and that the Secretary
of this Board be directed to furnish copies of this resolution to the said
Earnest E. McCrary and to the Clerk of Council of Columbus, Georgia.
____________________________ _______________________________
PRESIDENT, COLUMBUS WATER WORKS CHAIR, BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS
____________________________________________
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF
FINANCE, CUSTOMER AND EMPLOYEE SERVICES
Following the reading and presentation of the resolution to Mr.
McCrary, motion was made and seconded to adopt the above resolution. Motion
carried.
Mr. William Kent, Manager of Environmental Programs, advised the Board
that the Georgia Association of Water Professionals presented the
Cross-Connection Control Program of the Year Award in the Large System Category
to the Columbus Water Works November 18, 2008. Mr. Kent acknowledged
Gerald Hall, Jr. for his dedication and hard work on this program. The Board
congratulated Mr. Kent and Mr. Hall for all their hard work.
Next, Secretary Blount advised that Management held a public hearing
concerning the 2009 water and sewer rates in conjunction with the City Council
meeting on November 18, 2008, as requested by the Board. A copy of the Minutes
from the City Council meeting was presented and is on file at the Water Works
office. Also, Secretary Blount presented the following resolution to the Board
for their approval on the new water and sewer rates for bills rendered on or
after January 2, 2009.
A RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, a thorough study and evaluation was made of the water and
sewer system facilities in 2001-02 resulting in the adoption by the Board of a
five and ten year Capital Improvement Plan in July 2002, and
WHEREAS, in 2007-08, with the assistance of a consultant, Raftelis
Financial, Inc., a comprehensive financial assessment of the Columbus Water
Works was performed which led the Columbus Board of Water Commissioners to
proceed with the final phase of the five year Capital Improvement Plan adopted
in 2002; and
WHEREAS, the Board did direct, as part of that process, that an annual
review of Columbus Water Works? financial condition be conducted and any
necessary adjustment to the proposed rates be identified, and
WHEREAS, at its regularly scheduled meeting on November 10, 2008 the
Board did receive the Columbus Water Works annual Financial Audit performed by
Robinson, Grimes and Company and examined said financial review performed by
Raftelis Financial and directed the staff with the financial consultant to
conduct a public hearing at City Council on November 18, 2008, and
WHEREAS, the Board has reviewed Columbus Water Works? Annual Audit, the
FY 2009 Rate Update Report and a record of the aforementioned public hearing;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the recommendations contained in the
financial review entitled FY 2009 RATE UPDATE dated November 10, 2008 be hereby
adopted, and become effective for all water use initially included in bills
rendered on or after January 2, 2009, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Columbus Board of Water Commissioners
will continue the practice of making an annual financial review and the planned
rate program and make any necessary adjustment.
SO RESOLVED THIS 8TH DAY OF DECEMBER 2008.
________________________________
Chair
___________________________________
Treasurer
___________________________________
Member
___________________________________
Member
___________________________________
Member
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Secretary
Following discussion, motion was made and seconded to adopt the above
resolution regarding the 2009 water and sewer rate increase. Motion carried.
Secretary Blount reminded the Board that at the November 10, 2008
meeting they authorized Management to make a presentation to City Council
regarding the Ft. Benning Contact Modification which is a result of BRAC and a
new Bond Issue.
Secretary Blount provided the Board with a resolution which was
approved and adopted by the City Council at its meeting held on Tuesday,
November 18, 2008. This resolution also authorizes Management to issue revenue
bonds totaling $43 million to support the construction of capital projects as
named in the Contract Modification.
The legal and financial team that is in place to complete this
transaction is as follows:
Bond Counsel ? King and Spalding/Hatcher-Stubbs
Group Underwriters ? Merchant Capital, Synovus and SunTrust
Secretary Blount stated this financial group has been involved with
previous bond issues of which all have been very successful. Following
discussion, the Board approved Management to proceed with the Ft. Benning
Contract Modification and Bond Issue.
President Turner introduced Mr. Jeff Mills with Jordan, Jones &
Goulding. Mr. Mills was present at the meeting to discuss plans for the
Environmental Learning Center at Oxbow Meadows Park. The following is an
overview of the plans for Phase 1 funded through the SPLOST funds:
Environmental Learning/Education - Program
Focus
Ecology, Flora, and fauna of the Chattahoochee River and similar
riparian environments
Wetlands
Water Quality
Participants
Muscogee County Schools
Columbus State University
Chattahoochee Valley Community College, Columbus Technical College
Local civic groups
Charter schools, grades 4-6
Pre-school nature program
Special community-wide nature festivals and events for the general
public
Environmental Research
Wetlands Research Station, through CSU College of Science
Canopy Field Research, through CSU College of Science
Exhibits
Canopy trail
Arboretum and sculpture garden and picnic area
Water conservation and treatment, through CWW
Live aquatic and non-aquatic local animal displays
Chattahoochee River and Fall Line environments
Associated Revenue-Generating Activities
Uses
Building maintenance support
Staff support
Future improvements and expansion
Elements
Structured access fees to exhibits, tours and events
Naturalist Center retail store, through the CSU College of business
TreeTop espresso bar, through the CSU College of Business
Light catering kitchen, in support of catered events
Tours: canopy trail, guided nature walks, tram tours, bird watching
events
Phase 1 funded through SPLOST funds
Expansion:
Classroom/lecture/general purpose
Exhibit
Laboratory
Retail
Reception/orientation
Exterior Improvements:
Wetlands trails additions/completions
Boardwalks
Floating piers/research stations
Center access improvements
Renovations to Current Facility:
Solar panels
?Green? [LEED] features
Handicap access
General repairs
President Turner introduced Mr. David Arrington with the City and
advised the Board that he would be leading the presentation at the City Council
meeting Tuesday, December 9, 2008. Following discussion, the Board acknowledged
Mr. Mills? presentation.
Management gave a brief update on the activities for the month of
November in the Engineering Department.
Plant Operations for November:
NCWRF average daily production 27.8 mgd
SCWRF average daily discharge 26.9 mgd
CSO 0
Ft. Benning Water 5.0 mgd
Ft. Benning Wastewater 2.8 mgd
SCWRF: Green Power Project Update:
2 Cummins generators delivered
Significant Changes to CIP:
Project Budget Adjustments
Reduce DOT Project Budget* $3.35 M
Increase Nitrate Reduction Project $2.21 M
2007 Bond
Estimated budget shortfall $5 M
Proposed funds to meet shortfall:
Interest earned on Bonds (?05 & ?07) $3.5 M
Savings on Ft. Benning Interconnection $ .8 M
Defer Projects** $ .84 M
(Exeter Ct. L.S. & Standby Power Generators)
Sub-Total: $5.1 M
* Former DOT Budget: $11.2 M
Current DOT Budget $7.8 M based on DOT schedule and discussion with
City.
** Intent is to fund with further interest earned and/or project adjustments.
Following discussion, the Board acknowledged Management?s report.
Management updated the Board on the Strategic and Master Facilities
Plan Implementation and continuous improvements as follows:
Project Participation
Enhancement of QualServe Tools to Improve Utility Operations
Optimizing the Water Utility Customer Contact Center
Standard for Communications and Customer Relations
Communications
Management advised that bill inserts and television spots will not be
used during December as a means of providing education and information to our
customers due to the Holiday Season. It is believed that because of the large
number of advertisements being received by customers that normal communication
efforts will be more effective after the holiday season. The Board
acknowledged Management?s report.
The Financial Report for the month of November including Ft. Benning
was presented to the Board. Motion was made and seconded to accept the
reports. Motion carried.
In addition, Management presented a report on the Accounting, Meter
Reading, Customer and Meter Services and Employee Services. They are as
follows:
Accounting staff completing Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for FY ended
June 2008. The report is on track to be submitted to the Government Finance
Officers Association (GFOA) by December 31st.
The second phase of the telephone ACD system was completed on November 13th.
Meter Reading/Meter Services and Customer billing activities remain current for
this cycle.
The Employee Services staff and the United Way Committee members culminated the
2008 United Way Campaign.
President Turner provided the Board with copies of the following items
of information:
E-mail from Katie Kirkpatrick with Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce regarding
letter to Dr. Carol Couch regarding Public Participation Policy Implementation
of State Water Plan
Letter from Gary Zimmerman, AWWA Executive Director
Thank you letter from customer Larry L. Taylor regarding Timothy Walton
President Turner, on behalf of the Board of Water Commissioners and
Management, presented a silver engraved tray in tribute to outgoing Chairman
Harry Vernon. Also, the following resolution was presented and read as tokens
of appreciation to Harry Vernon for his years of service on the Board of Water
Commissioners.
A Resolution
WHEREAS, Harry L. Vernon has served as a member of the Board of Water
Commissioners of the City of Columbus, Georgia, since January 2000, and served
as Chairman of this Board for the years 2007-2008; and,
WHEREAS, the said Harry L. Vernon has performed an outstanding public
service and for eight years has devoted his time and efforts, without
compensation or remuneration, to the work of this Board and the City of
Columbus, Georgia;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Water Commissioners of
the City of Columbus, Georgia, on behalf of all of the people of the City,
hereby publicly expresses appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the said Harry
L. Vernon, for his unselfish and diligent devotion to the public service and
for his able and efficient attention to public work; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be spread upon the official
minutes of this Board this Eighth Day of December, 2008, and that the Secretary
of this Board be directed to furnish copies of this resolution to the said
Harry L. Vernon, and to the Clerk of Council of Columbus, Georgia.
_________________________ ________________________
President Member
_________________________ ________________________
Member Member
_________________________ ________________________
Member Secretary
After the above presentation to Chairman Vernon, motion was made and
seconded to adopt the above Resolution. Motion carried.
There being no further business the regular meeting adjourned and
senior staff and the Board went into Executive Session to discuss a legal
matter.
Upon coming out of Executive Session, the Board and staff went back
into the regular Board meeting. It was noted that no formal action was
required.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned.
________________________________________
Emory E. Blount, Secretary
Attachments
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