MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
ENGLEWOOD WATER DISTRICT BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
AUGUST 5, 2010 – 8:30 A.M.
Board of Supervisors:
Steve Samuels, Chair
Paul Manke, Vice-Chair (absent)
Sydney Crampton
Phyllis Wright
Taylor Meals
Staff:
Michael J. Ray – Administrator
Robert Berntsson – District Counsel
Maureen A. Cronk – Secretary to the Board
1. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call to establish a quorum.
2. ANNOUNCEMENTS – None
3. SERVICE AWARDS – Chair Samuels presented a 15-year Service Award to Dave Larson, WRF Plant Operator with thanks and congratulations.
4. PUBLIC INPUT
a. Ms. Ardi – 1690 Thomas St. – Same request as previous appearance; please install a pit to my property. I am using a neighbor’s washing machine because of my septic system problem. Three of the four who would be connected have no objection.
b. Ms. Mulligan – 1694 Thomas St. – With the plans and specs done in 2005, why can’t they be put out to bid and see if the prices will be what they would have been? We were promised it would be finished at a different price than now. See if it’s feasible to complete 9A instead of waiting for the others in 2012.
Mr. Ray responded that the Board had decided against piece-meal installation. We will look specifically at Thomas Street and report back.
5. CONSENT SECTION – Chair Samuels asked for comments and/or corrections to the consent section. Hearing none, Mr. Meals moved, “to accept the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 15, 2010” Seconded by Ms. Crampton
Unanimous
Minutes of the Regular Meeting July 15, 2010 10-08-05 CS A
6. ACTION ITEM
a. Request Charlotte and Sarasota County Supervisors of Elections to Administer November 2, 2010 election. Mr. Ray advised that this is a formality to be followed whenever we have an item on the General Election. There are 2 candidates for each of our open seats. The typo in dates will be corrected.
Mr. Meals moved, “To accept Resolution 10-08-05 A with the date correction” Seconded by Ms. Wright
Unanimous 10-08-05 A
b. Lime Softening Plant Filter #3 Refurbishment
1) Labor – Leo Pfliger Construction – Mr. Quick introduced the item. This is the final filter to be refurbished. Bids were originally $100-$185,000. We rebid separating labor only and materials. We were able to save close to $40,000 total. This includes a discount for not having to move the crane.
Ms. Crampton moved, “To accept proposal #1033-A dated May 19, 2010 from Leo Pfliger Construction in the amount of $26,200, including the deduct for performing both portions of project at the same time” seconded by Ms. Wright
Mr. Meals questioned the two, what’s the total $61,667 – from the total Operations CIP budget of $225,000
Unanimous 10-08-05 B
2) Materials – All Service Construction – Mr. Ray expanded on the project and purchase of the materials in-house. We’re cutting out the mark-up.
Mr. Meals moved, “To accept the proposal dated June 10, 2010 from All Service Contracting Corp. in the amount of $35,467” Seconded by Ms. Crampton
Unanimous 10-08-05 C
7. DISCUSSION ITEM
a. FY 2010-2011 Budget – Chair Samuels thanked everyone for their input. Mr. Ray advised that two questions had come up; are we going to raise the base rates by 4% ($311,000), and will we include V9A & V9B in the CIP. The budget as presented does not include either item.
Ms. Crampton asked if there was a date on the 4% base charge increase; it was originally set for 5 years. But if it’s is an across the board increase we can still apply it without going to public hearing. After discussion it was determined not to have a base rate increase for the FY 2011 budget. We can look at it again next year.
Mr. Ray continued reviewing the operating expenses, highlighting certain lines. He then reviewed the operating capital items, highlighting the potential savings we will realize on the headworks screens at the WRF by implementing innovative employee ideas.
In reviewing the CIP (revised) some projects that we know will not be done within 5 years were shifted out. A place holder was added in 2011 for Dearborn Street and in 2013 for the County sidewalk project.
Chair Samuels addressed the Board. V9 has been part of the plan since the 90s. It was put on hold to expand facilities because of anticipated growth; which didn’t happen. It’s time to make a decision looking forward. Think we agree that V9 should go forward, it’s when. Mr. Samuels reviewed a lengthy list of studies and publications that point to septic systems of a certain age being a cause of pollution.
A lengthy discussion of Senate Bill 550 which was passed by the Florida Legislature this year took place. It mandates regular testing of septic systems and any that don’t pass must be upgraded. Afraid if we delay again and people are forced to upgrade, we’ll be required to do something and then they’ll be hit again. The current time table is 2015 compliance.
Discussion continued with Mr. Meals expressing his preference with the approach of EWD paying and being reimbursed when the system is available. He would like to see the payment plan more affordable; longer pay back time. See how we can be more sensitive. Would also like to hear from the Counties about their plan for handling SB 550.
Mr. Meals expressed his concerns with the pay additive and how it is set up. EWD is a good place to work and we try to take care and do what’s right. There is a disparity in that some people don’t need all the money and are able to apply it to their retirement. Don’t know of anyone with this type plan; it’s not taking care of the employees. If we’re providing insurance we should provide insurance. We need to look at cost effective way to take care of the District and people; a fair way. I would like the Board to think about it.
8. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT – Michael J. Ray
a. WATER OPERATIONS – Roger Quick
1) Wayne Kershanick – Distribution Foreman
Doing main replacements, line extensions and loops. Water quality in Grove City has improved since this project started.
Beach is complete.
Daily maintenance, flushing, yearly large meter tests are being done.
2) Roger Quick continued – maintenance mostly.
Usage down to 2.2 MGD.
Elevated tank is completely done. We’ve replaced a valve that’s been in since 1962. Changed lettering to Green to match the awnings on the building.
b. JARL ‘JAY’ D. LINDEN, TECHNICAL/OPERATIONS SUPPORT MANAGER – reviewed with updates.
1) Revised reclaimed water schedule giving them 3 days (residential). They had problems with their internal plumbing and couldn’t get coverage because of their small pipes. This is actually easier for us.
2) South Manasota Key Drainage – we still have to monitor because the contractor now starts installation.
3) LID – permitting in September; DMK working on the relocation plans. No knowledge of phases, they say construction to start in January; we have to be ready.
4) Traffic Management System – fiber optic from Selma/776 North to the end of the District tying in all traffic lights. We have many locates to perform. 99.9% sure we won’t have to move anything.
5) Bus Stop @ Englewood Hospital – move a hydrant.
6) Vacuum pit telemetry – Pilot Project – hardware installed. They will be here in August to test.
c. SONIA ZOELLER, FINANCE DIRECTOR (absent)
Mr. Ray continued,
SWFWMD has lowered the watering restrictions. Watering 2 days now.
9. ATTORNEY’S REPORT – Robert H. Berntsson –
a. Another foreclosure lawsuit being defended.
b. SB 550 – not much on the radar of the Counties. Haven’t heard much
10. OLD BUSINESS – None
11. PUBLIC COMMENT – None
12. NEW BUSINESS – None
13. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
a. Ms. Crampton – thanks again for starting the budget early and nice presentation.
b. Ms. Wright – good presentation
14. ADJOURN @ 10:45
Acting Vice-Chair
mac