Meeting Minutes December 13, 1979
The Buncombe Public Water District held its December regular meeting on December 12, 1979 at Trustee Simpson’s residence. Meeting was called to order at 7:22 p.m., by Chairman Walter Brieschke. On roll call the following members were present: J. Hastings, J. Simpson, R. McCleland, B. Schauwecker, Walter Brieschke. Absent: Richard Jackson and J. Hawkins. Employees John Nannie and Cecilia Cottingham were also present. Guests: R. Pauls, J. Calwell, B. Trent, L. Casteel, B. Castee., W. Hull and friend, M. Wells, J. Abels, H. Kopalantz, S. Rowan, T. Weber, P. Zozack.
Motion by Hastings seconded by McCleland to approve the November minutes. Vote: all members present votes yes, no nays: Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report was presented. Motion by Simpson, seconded by McCleland to accept the treasurer’s report as presented. Vote: all members present voted yes, no nays. Motion carried.
Customer protest and/or comments: This portion of the meeting is usually conducted in closed sessions unless the customer declares to the Board that she/he wants to waiver his/her rights to privacy in discussion personal problems. At this point, Mrs. Casteel made it known that she wished to do the above. Mrs. Casteel was protesting against the $500 minimum tap fee for her rental place tap #161. She was reminded by the Board that records show that tap 161 was pulled on 12-10-78 and that she had incurred a fee for disconnection in the amount of $10. District records show that she was informed but failed to communicate with the board. Discussion between attorneys and Board with comments from the Casteel proponents. They were asked for a reasonable proposal. They proposed to give the Board the benefit of the doubt, pay the reconnect and disconnect fees, and back bills with the renter paying the $35 deposit and water service be turned on immediately. Board deliberated on the proposal and decided in lieu of the $500, Mrs. Casteel will be charged $75, meter will be installed and water turned on after necessary application procedures have been taken. This will go on record as a one time incident due to extenuating circumstances. Motion by Simpson, seconded by Schauwecker that Mrs. Casteel be charged $75 and service returned. Mr. Weber will be charged the normal water usage after that. Roll call vote: Schauwecker – yes, Hastings – yes, McCleland – yes, Simpson – yes, Jackson – Absent, Hawkins – Absent. 4 yes, no nays. Motion carried. Mr. Weber and Mrs. Casteel were informed of the proper procedures for application.
Cathodic Protection Calibration: Mr. Warren Hull explained to the Board what this is, how one goes about doing and the cost. He offered to do the job for $475.00 and the district will be billed in April or May. Motion by Hastings, seconded by McCleland that the board accept Mr. Hull’s figure of $475.00 and have him do the cathodic protection calibration etc. on the water tower. Vote: All members present voted yes. No nays. Motion carried.
Back to customer complaints: Mr. Pauls waived his rights to privacy. He proposed to the Board that he will pay the labor charge on his bill but not for water loss. He contents he is not liable. Board contends that he is. He was also informed of the consequences which he will incur if the bill remains unpaid.
Dan McGuire’s situation was discussed. Secretary will write a letter informing MR. McGuire that (a) district has been absorbing the water loss for the years the line was leaking. (b) the loss is his responsibility now. (c) advise him to pay the bill and then a rebate will be given after the next season when figures are available to compare the two seasons. (d) meter was and is working when tested. (e) offer a prorated payment plan over a period of months – a $100 a month plus water usage.
Presentation of the bills: Handout. Motion by Simpson, second by Schauwecker that bills be paid when the district is able. Vote: all members present voted yes, no nays. Motion carried.
Discussion on meeting place for the winter – January meeting tentatively set for Presley Tour’s office. Policy on distribution of ordinances. Chairman will write status of the district letter.
Board went into executive session to discuss Secretary/Treasurer evaluation. Files.
Secretary will write to Henkels and McCoy in response to their letter.
Maintenance Report: Outline listed on agenda. See files.
Secretary was instructed on procedures to take when Mrs. Castell fills in application for water service.
Maintenance committee appointed: McCleland and Hastings
Motion to adjourn by Simpson, seconded by Schauwecker. Schauwecker tabled her seconded for more business. Chairman asked that the Board no longer give water at cost to customers with high bills. Chair called for vote on the motion to adjourn. Vote: all members present voted yes, no nays. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 11:05 p.m.