Meeting Minutes of July 12, 2011
Chairman Joseph Burrow called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. A roll call was taken and present were: Chairman Joseph Burrow, Vice Chairman Robert Jacobini, District Secretary Karen Dunn, Trustees Jenny Anderson and Charles Travelstead. Absent were Secretary/Treasurer Mike Williamsen and Water Supply Operator Ron Lada.
Visitors in attendance were Ms. Audrey Wagner, SIU Grad Student; Mr. Armen Asaturian, Asaturian Eaton and Associates; and Mr. Scott Hickam of Beussink and Hickam CPA.
Ms. Wagner began by extending to the Board her thank you for allowing her the opportunity to learn project planning and technical aspects while preparing maps of the Water District. Ms. Wagner presented the finished products to the Board and explained the content in detail. After related discussion, the Board unanimously expressed approval and a motion was made by Ms. Anderson to approve the payment to Ms. Wagner in the amount of $648.00 and Mr. Wang in the amount of $690.00. Seconded by Mr. Travelstead and with 4 yes and 0 no votes, the motion carried.
Changing to subject to the Water Main Expansion Project, Mr. Asaturian opened by reporting his findings related to financing for the project, such as IEPA, USDA and private financial organization possibilities. He noted that in a conversation with executives of a local banks, there is interest in local financing. IEPA financing criteria is based on violations, of which this District has none. To receive finance from the USDA, we must first qualify and, if so, compile further information such as a preliminary Engineering Report.
Mr. Asaturian referred to his conversation with Mr. Sean Henry, Acting Public Works Director, City of Carbondale, related to their interest in the possible connection. He instructed that a letter to Mr. Henry indicating our desire to connect to Carbondale was required; and, likewise, it would be necessary to receive confirmation, in writing, from the City that they are willing to sell water directly to the Buncombe Public Water District.
Easements will be required from property owners along Springer Ridge Road and Mr. Asaturian recommends the Board Members approach homeowners personally. It was discussed that a standard easement form and suggestion for verbal presentation to prepare so the proposal is preseneted to all homeowners in the same fashion.
In order to pursue financing through the USDA, Mr. Asaturian suggests a resolution be passed to do what is necessary to submit the initial application. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Jacobini to further pursue financing with the USDA. Seconded by Ms. Anderson and with 4 yes and 0 no votes, the motion carried.
Mr. Hickam, Audit Accountant, began by presenting the completed 2010 annual audit for review. Mr. Hickam continued by explaining numerous sections of the audit in detail; considerable discussion followed. Upon completion of the presentation, a motion was made by Vice Chairman Jacobini to accept the audit as presented. Seconded by Ms. Anderson and with 4 yes and 0 no votes, the audit was approved.
The meeting continued by reviewing the minutes from the June 14, 2011 regular meeting. A motion was made by Mr. Travelstead to accept the minutes as presented. Seconded by Vice Chairman Jacobini and with 4 yes and 0 no votes, the minutes were approved.
No other visitor or customer requests at this time.
There were no communications for July.
There were no matters of new business for July.
Under the order of old business, items indicated on the agenda were addressed earlier following presentation of the visitors.
Related to the legal situation with South Highway Water District, no new information was available for discussion.
Financials for May 2011 were presented for review with related discussion.
The Edward Jones Investment Report for June 2011 was presented and reviewed.
The Secretary/Treasurer Report and the Accounts Payable Report detailing bills for payment in July 2011 were presented. Mr. Travelstead made a motion to accept the reports as presented and to pay the bills. Seconded by Vice Chairman Jacobini and with 4 yes and 0 no votes, the motion carried.
The Water Supply Operator Report was presented by Mr. Lada with no discrepancies.
At this time, District Secretary Karen Dunn informed members of the Board of an upcoming personal health matter that would require a temporary leave of approximately two weeks from the office. Ms. Dunn explained how billings, deposits, etc., would be handled during the absence. After discussion, a motion was made by Vice Chairman Jacobini to pay the District Secretary regular salary during the absence; seconded by Mr. Travelstead and with 4 yes and 0 no votes, the motion was approved.
There was no move for executive session.
There being no further business, a motion was made by Mr. Travelstead to adjourn. Seconded by Vice Chairman Jacobini and with 4 yes and 0 no votes, the meeting adjourned.