Meeting Minutes of May 8, 2001
Chairman Daniel Cook called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. A roll call was taken and present were: Chairman Daniel Cook, Vice Chairman Joseph Burrow, and Trustees Greg Dunn, James Keller, and Mike Starling. Absent was Trustee Debbie Wheetley. Also present were employees Karen Dunn and Ron Lada.
Visitor to the meeting were Mr. Gary Blumenstock, Board Support Technician of the Illinois Rural Water Association, and Mr. Don Pippins, Proprietor of the Stone Creek Golf Course Development.
First on the agenda was the review of the minutes from the April 2001 meeting. A motion was made by Mr. Dunn to accept the minutes as presented. Seconded by Mr. Starling, and with 4 yes and 0 no votes, the minutes were approved.
A request from customer Millie Weatherford, Meter #85200, for cost reduction to her April water bill due to a leak. After Board discussion, it was decided to honor her request using the calculation for excess water usage. A motion was made by Mr. Starling, seconded by Vice Chairman Burrow, and with 4 yes and 0 no votes, the motion carried.
The only items of communication presented was the monthly financials. Board members quietly reviewed the reports; no questions, comments or discussion followed.
Presented by Mr. Pippins and Trustee James Keller were as-built drawings for the Stone Creek Development for the Board’s review and approval. Also discussed was a 3-inch water line, north of and on golf course property which has been exposed due to excavation. The line currently supplies seven other customers to the north. Mr. Pippins requests that approximately 300 to 350 feet of the line be moved to accommodate the development. Mr. Blumenstock added that a construction permit would be required by the EPA for such a relocation. Engineered drawings must also be submitted 45 days in advance to the IEPA to acquire the permit. Cost and responsibility of the cost for the relocation was discussed but did not decide. It is suggested that Mr. Keller discuss requirements with Engineer Bob Eaton; and the matter be tabled until a future meeting when further information can be provided. At this time, Mr. Blumenstock, Mr. Pippins, Mr. Keller, and Mr. Lada left the meeting to survey the water line in question at the golf course while there is still daylight.
Upon the return of Mr. Blumenstock and Mr. Lada to the meeting, the item next addressed was related to the painting of the tank and tower. Mr. Blumenstock explained procedures and made recommendations. He suggested an inspections inside the bowl was important. Discussion followed regarding primer condition, power washing rough paint and sand blasting. An Engineer can set up specs for for project to use when acquiring bids. A portable numatic tank is helpful when tower is empty and costs around $600.00 to rent. Mr. Dunn recommended using Bob Eaton to make engineers specs for painting.
Under the topic of new business, employee annnual contract renewals were brought up for review. Employees were excused form the room in order for Board Memebrs to freely discuss performance and rate increase information. It was recommented that the Water Supply Operator receive a salary increase of 40 cents per hour and a meter increase from 85 cants to $1.00 per meter. A motion was made for these increases by Mr. Starling; seconded by Mr. Dunn; and with 3 yes and 0 no votes, the increase was approved. Due to lack of a quorum vote and Mr. Dunn’s inability to vote on this issue, the salary adjustment for the District Secretary will be tabled until next month’s meeting.
There was no South Highway Water District business to report.
The Secretary/Treasurer Report was presented by Karen Dunn along with the Accounts Payable Report detailing bills for payment in May. It was suggested that costs for operating supplies form Capital Group and Murphysboro Supply be funded by the Reserve Account in the amount of $690.00. A motion was made for these increases by Mr. Starling; seconded by Mr. Dunn, and with 3 yes and 0 no votes, the motion carried.
The Water Supply Operator Report was presented by Ron Lada with no major problems or discrepancies.
Mr. Blumenstock made an additional recommendation that the District do an annual rate studies and a five year budget plan. He mentioned that rate study can be done once a year through the IRWA at no charge to the District. After discussion, the Board found this to be beneficial and Karen Dunn supplied Mr. Blumenstock with financial information required to begin the study. Mr. Blumenstock recommended a rate increase ordinance of a pre-determined percentage each year. He suggested an increase to current disconnection and reconnection fees in an attempt to reduce the amount of past dues, subsequent notices and shutoffs.
No ordinances were reviewed at this time.
There being no further business, the motion was made for adjournment by the Vice Chairman Burrow and seconded by Mr. Dunn. A voice count was taken and with 3 yes and 0 no votes, the meeting adjourned.