The Utilities Board of the Town of Cedar Bluff

August 21, 2018

STATE OF ALABAMA

CHEROKEE COUNTY

The Utilities Board of the Town of Cedar Bluff met for their regular business meeting Tuesday, August 21, 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 4:00 p.m.

Roll Call:

Norman Burton	Present Linda Pickelsimer Present

Cindy Early	Present Donald Sanders Present

James Bo Martin Present

Minutes for the July 17, 2018 meeting were presented for approval. A motion to approve as presented was made by Cindy Early. Motion was seconded by Donald Sanders.

Motion Carried (5-0)

AYE: Burton, Early, Martin, Pickelsimer, Sanders

NAY: None

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

Treasurer Linda Pickelsimer presented financials for the month of July. She stated all financials were in order and made a motion to accept as presented. Motion was seconded by Donald Sanders.

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 July. The log consisted of 16 water leaks, 1 water tap, 3 sewer taps, 6 meters replaced, 2 pump station repairs, and 1 sewer leak with a total of 125 work orders performed.

Manager Harrell also informed the Board of a report of sewerage on the ground at a residence on Hidden Point Dr. Manager Harrell expressed a need for a policy that would allow us to turn off the customer's water in cases like this. The problem creates a health hazard and must be repaired. After discussion, Cindy Early made a motion to notify customer of the problem by hand delivered or certified letter. The letter should state that the customer has 48 hours, after receiving letter, to repair the problem or their water service will be disconnected until repairs are made. Also Mrs. Early stated the Board's Rules and Regulations should be amended to include this. Motion was seconded by Bo Martin.

Motion Carried (5-0)

AYE: Burton, Early, Martin, Pickelsimer, Sanders

NAY: None

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

At this time, Chairman Martin presented to everyone a printout containing information on three campgrounds in the town. The printout stated how many structures/ campers were on the premises and amounts their bills have totaled over the course of a year. The campgrounds are on commercial rates instead of a per structure rate. Chairman Martin stated in his opinion the campgrounds are not being billed as they should. He asked the board members to review the information and they would revisit the topic next meeting. After discussion, majority of the board members agreed to have Jenni Burt, Chief Utility Clerk contact the Board's attorney for options on this matter. The topic was tabled until next meeting.

Next on the agenda were service deposits. Donald Sanders made a motion to lower service deposits to $200.00 except Country Side Village Mobile Home Park. The Park is to remain at $400.00 due to excessive usage and delinquent bills. All new customers who have paid $400.00 deposit since implementing would be refunded $200.00. Motion was seconded by Bo Martin. Discussion included the need to have all properties with excessive usage and/or delinquent bills charged the $400.00 deposit. After discussion of possible discrimination Cindy Early suggested credit checks to decide amount of deposits. Mrs. Early made a motion to amend Mr. Sanders previous motion. Her motion was to have office employees' pull credit reports to determine amount of deposits. Credit scores up to 700 will pay $400.00 and 701 and above to pay $200.00. Motion was seconded by Norman Burton. Donald Sanders accepts the amendment.

Motion Carried (4-1)

AYE: Burton, Early, Pickelsimer, Sanders

NAY: Martin

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

In unfinished business, Chief Utility Clerk Jenni Burt presented the Board with a Resolution to adopt in order for the Board to grant a lump sum payment from Retirement Systems of Alabama to retiree Harvey DuPree. The Board had previously voted to grant this. Norman Burton made a motion to adopt and Donald Sanders seconded.

Motion Carried (5-0)

AYE: Burton, Early, Martin, Pickelsimer, Sanders

NAY: None

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

In new business, Chairman Martin informed the Board that he, Donald Sanders, and Manager Harrell had attended a meeting at Town Hall with a developer who is interested in developing a subdivision near the County Store.

Chairman Martin opened the floor to visitor comments. Town of Cedar Bluff Building Inspector brought up the need for Certificates of Occupancy requirements. After some discussion, a motion was made by Norman Burton for the Board to require Certificates of Occupancy be issued by the town inspector before sewer taps are made. This would only apply to new sewer services. Motion was seconded by Cindy Early.

Motion Carried (5-0)

AYE: Burton, Early, Martin, Pickelsimer, Sanders

NAY: None

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

At this time, Chairman Martin resigned as Chairman of the Utilities Board effective immediately. The Board decided to wait until next meeting to appoint a replacement.

Meeting was adjourned at 5:25pm.

APPROVED September 18, 2018:

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NORMAN BURTON, VICE CHAIRMAN

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JENNI BURT, SECRETARY