The Utilities Board of the Town of Cedar Bluff

June 19, 2018

STATE OF ALABAMA

CHEROKEE COUNTY

The Utilities Board of the Town of Cedar Bluff met for their regular business meeting Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. in the Utility Board room located at 4971 AL Hwy 68, Cedar Bluff Alabama. Meeting was called to order at 4:02 p.m.

Roll Call:

Norman Burton	Present	Linda Pickelsimer Present

Cindy Early	Present Donald Sanders Present

James Bo Martin Present

Minutes for the May 15, 2018 meeting were presented for approval. A motion to approve was made by Cindy Early. The motion was seconded by Norman Burton.

Motion Carried (5-0)

AYE: Burton, Early, Martin, Pickelsimer, Sanders

NAY: None

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

Treasurer Linda Pickelsimer presented financials for the month of May. The water department had a gain of $2,579.18 and year to date gain of $34,316.40. The sewer department had a monthly loss of -$719.53 and year to date loss of -$12,772.73. Both departments combined had a monthly gain of $1,859.65 and year to date gain of $21,543.67. Treasurer Pickelsimer made a motion to accept the financials as presented. Motion was seconded by Bo Martin.

Motion Carried (5-0)

AYE: Burton, Early, Martin, Pickelsimer, Sanders

NAY: None

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

In Manager's Report, Manager Jeff Harrell presented the Board with a printout of work performed by utility workers for the months of May. The log consisted of 28 water leaks, 3 water taps, and 1 sewer tap with a total of 110 work orders performed.

Chairman Martin addressed the excessive water loss. After some discussion of causes for the loss, the Board asked Manager Harrell to contact Johnny with Northeast Alabama Water concerning the accuracy of readings on the master meters.

In new business, Chief Utility Clerk Jenni Burt presented the Board with a letter from Alabama Retired State Employees' Association concerning a one-time addition to the benefits of retirees. Former employee Harvey DuPree is eligible to receive a bonus of $300.00. After some discussion, Norman Burton made a motion to participate in the one-time funding. Motion was seconded by Cindy Early.

Motion Carried (5-0)

AYE: Burton, Early, Martin, Pickelsimer, Sanders

NAY: None

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

In unfinished business, after lengthy discussion concerning water rates Norman Burton made a motion to leave the minimum water rate at $21.25 and revise the rate schedule to have increments every 2,000 gallons used based on ARWA rate study. Motion was seconded by Cindy Early. Treasurer Pickelsimer questioned the rate in these increments. After, further discussion the motion was rescinded. Mr. Burton made a motion to leave the minimum at $21.25, anything over 2,000 gallons will be charged at the rate of $6.93 per thousand gallons effective September 1, 2018. Motion was seconded by Cindy Early. *This action was rescinded on July 17, 2018

Motion Carried (5-0)

AYE: Burton, Early, Martin, Pickelsimer, Sanders

NAY: None

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

Sewer rates were addressed. Discussion was concerning an increase of the minimum and an increase to the percentage of water use charged to sewer. Norman Burton made a motion to add $2.00 to the minimum bringing it to $23.25 for residential and $25.33 for commercial. Also, Board would reevaluate the percentage next year. Motion was seconded by Cindy Early.

Motion Carried (5-0)

AYE: Burton, Early, Martin, Pickelsimer, Sanders

NAY: None

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

Chairman Martin addressed the issue of the Country Side Village Mobile Home Park. Chief Utility Clerk Jenni Burt presented the Board with a worksheet stating the financial loss of the Board since installing water meters in the park. Rates charged by NEA Water has increased since the installation in July 2017. Combined total increase in the monthly bills is $8,985.47 for the 11 months thus far. Also, total billing to individual customer accounts in the park total $11,454.83. Monies collected total $8,420.89, and a total of delinquent accounts are $3,033.94. After discussion, it was decided contact should be made to the town building inspector concerning raw sewage at the Country Side Village. Donald Sanders made a motion to increase all new service deposits to $400.00 effective immediately. Motion was seconded by Bo Martin.

Motion Carried (5-0)

AYE: Burton, Early, Martin, Pickelsimer, Sanders

NAY: None

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

After assuring there was no other business, Norman Burton made the motion to adjourn. Motion was seconded by Cindy Early.

Meeting was adjourned at 5:43pm.

*Action taken of $6.93 per thousand gallons after minimum rates was rescinded in the regular Board meeting on July 17, 2018.

APPROVED July 17, 2018:

________________________________________________

JAMES W. MARTIN, CHAIRMAN

________________________________________________

JENNI BURT, SECRETARY