Meeting Minutes of July 8, 2008
Chairman Starling called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. A roll call was taken and present were: Chairman Mike Starling, Vice Chairman Joseph Burrow, Secretary/Treasurer Mike Williamsen, District Secretary Karen Dunn, Water Supply Operator Ron Lada, Trustees Debbie Wheetley, Tammy Davis, Steve Williams, Jenny Jaros, and Wally Earll.
Visitor in attendance was Mr. Praveen Sunny, Asaturian Eaton and Associates.
The meeting opened by reviewing the minutes of June 2008 meeting. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Burrow and to accept the minutes. Seconded by Mrs. Davis and with 6 yes and 0 no votes, the minutes were approved.
Under the order of visitor and customer requests, a letter was presented from Ms. Cathy Hutchison related to a request to mow letter from the District to Mr. Lewellyn Hendrix, Mater #77800. The procedure outlined in District Ordinance, Chapter 3, Items 3.01 H Accessibility to Meter was discussed and it was decided there was no extenuating circumstances that should prevent Mr. Hendrix from complying with this ordinance. A letter of response outlining the procedure and the Board decision will be composed by the District Secretary and sent to Mr. Hendrix whose name is on the account.
Next presented was a request for service disconnection in the form of a cut off agreement from Mr. John Newsome for Meter #07800 in downtown Makanda. Mr. Lada explained related to the unused meter and there was no argument against the disconnection. The contract was executed by the Chairman and given to the District Secretary for completion.
No communications were received for presentation at this time.
Under the order of old business, Mr. Lada explained plans for relocation of the payment drop box to a graveled area to assure clean and safe access to customers. Mr. Lada also noted that he had been communicating with the individual who had painted the previous District Office sign about constructing a new one. Estimated cost of a new sign $100.00. A motion was made by Mr. Williams to purchase a new sign not to exceed $100.00. Seconded by Mrs. Davis, and with 6 yes and 0 no votes, the motion carried.
Related to the replacement of the water main located behind the Makanda Post Office leading downhill, Mr. Sunny proposed several options, the first and best solution being one solid piece which is HDEP pipe. The Board requested that Mr. Sunny prepare preliminary pricing for future consideration. It was noted that costs for previous repairs during 2008 have already exceeded $10,000 with accumulating water loss at approximately 625,000 gallons. Mr. Sunny indicated that grant money minimums start at $100,000 and EPA loans are available at low interest.
Ron Lada reported that status of the backup generator was awaiting funds. He noted that incorporating the generator with the system would be a sizable and expensive project. It was considered whether or not installation of the Generator could be included in a grant along with the previously discussed water main replacement. Mr. Lada noted that an operable generator is not yet mandated by the EPA, but will be required in the near future. The Board requested that Mr. Sunny check if the generator installation would qualify under the same grant.
Under the order of new business, nothing was presented at this time.
There was no South Highway Water District related business.
It was discussed and agreed to change the renovation of the Asset Depreciation Report to a high priority. Board Members volunteered to assist in researching files necessary to acquired updated information for the report. Karen Dunn is to arrange an evening session with volunteers to research data.
It was recommended by the Secretary/Treasurer Williamsen that the District Secretary participate in continuing education class to become familiar with the newly purchased QuickBooks Pro 2008 software program.
The Secretary/Treasurer Report was presented by Mike Williamsen. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Burrow to accept the Secretary/Treasurer Report and to pay the bills as presented. Seconded by Mr. Earll and with 6 yes and 0 no votes, the motion carried.
The Water Supply Operator Report was presented by Ron Lada with no discrepancies. Mr. Lada noted that a recent repair had been made to a water main break on Springer Ridge Road.
No additional public comment or questions were presented.
There was no move for an executive session.
There being no further business, a motion was made for adjournment. A voice count was taken and with 6 yes and 0 no votes, the meeting adjourned.