MACON WATER AUTHORITY AUTHORITY MEETING. Thursday, August 7, :30 PM

Transcription

1 MACON WATER AUTHORITY AUTHORITY MEETING 4:30 PM MEMBERS PRESENT: STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: COUNSEL PRESENT: Dr. R. Kirby Godsey, Chair Frank Patterson, Vice-chair Ed DeFore Dorothy Black Dwight Jones Javors J. Lucas Tony Rojas, Executive Director/President Ray Shell, Executive VP, Field & Plant Operations Guy F. Boyle, Executive VP of Business Operations Kris Hattaway, Sr. Exec Asst. of Strategic Planning LaToria Porter, Executive Assistant Gary McCoy, Water Treatment Operations Director Kirk Nylund, Customer Service Director Larry Reynolds, Wastewater Operations Director Arleen Samuels, Accounting Manager Kellie Giles, Human Resources Director Mark Wyzalek, Laboratory/Environmental Compliance Dir. Harold Blevins, IT Manager Michel Wanna, Field Services Director Virgil Adams, Adams & Jordan CONSULTANTS PRESENT: Chris Wood, Wood & Associates VISTORS PRESENT: Sam Hart Trae McCombs, Macon-Bibb TV Robert Woodford Samantha Maddox, Liberty National Joshua Thompson, Boy Scouts of America Brittany Giles, Industrial Authority

2 Page 2 CALL TO ORDER Chair Godsey called the meeting to order asked Vice-chair Patterson to give the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Chair Godsey called for the approval on the agenda. Member DeFore motioned to approve. Member Black seconded the motion. All those in favor say aye. (AYE votes by members DeFore, Patterson, Jones, Black & Godsey). Chair Godsey called for the approval of the minutes (listed below) All those in favor say aye. (AYE votes by members DeFore, Patterson, Jones, Black & Godsey). Confirmation of Minutes A. : 7/10/2014 B. Finance Committee Meeting: 7/24/2014 PETITIONS AND REQUESTS FROM THE PUBLIC Mr. Robert Woodford, a resident of Macon, GA who lives at 2229 New Clinton Road, approached the Board and stated that he was representing senior citizens. Mr. Woodford stated that senior citizens are having a problem paying their water bill; therefore, he requested the Board consider implementing a discount for senior citizens. AWARDS & RECOGNITION 1. Pass a resolution recognizing Mr. Richard Pryor who is retiring with over 28 years of dedicated service to the Authority. Director Rojas stated that Mr. Pryor was a supervisor in the Water Distribution Department. A luncheon was previous held for Mr. Pryor. Director Rojas added that Mr. Pryor is sentimental about his retirement and declined on attending the meeting. A copy of the resolution was provided to the Board. *Note* At this point, Mr. Javors Lucas arrived at the meeting

3 Page 3 Member DeFore motioned to approve the resolution. Member Black seconded the motion. All those in favor say aye. (AYE votes by members DeFore, Patterson, Lucas, Jones, Black and Godsey). Finance Committee REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEES 1. Discuss forward funding the defined benefit Pension Plan to gain Large Plan status. Member Black stated that the forward funding would be accomplished in incremental steps with a contribution of approximately $908,363 during the 4 th quarter of 2014, and an additional $600,000 during fiscal year The initial contribution would allow the plan to obtain large status by reducing the unfunded actuarial accrued liability just below 25% of the plans total assets. The contribution in 2015 would further reduce the unfunded actuarial accrued liability below 25%. The initial contribution of approximately $908,363 would be borrowed from the Authority s capital reserve fund. The Authority s budget currently includes a $600,000 contribution to the defined benefit pension plan over and above the 6.2% matching funds provided by MWA based on employee payroll. The Authority would continue to budget the $600,000. After 2015, the $600,000 would be used to pay down the debt of $908,363 owed to the capital reserve fund. Chair Godsey called for the question on approving the Finance Committee s recommendation. All those in favor say aye. (AYE votes by members DeFore, Patterson, Lucas, Jones, Black and Godsey). 2. Discuss the management of an MWA residential property at Javors Lucas Lake. Member Black stated that the Authority owns a residential property at 102 River Chase Court, Macon, GA. Currently an Authority employee provides caretaker services for the reservoir in lieu of rent for the property. The Finance Committee recommended that at such time as this employee retirees from the Authority, rent for the property would no longer be paid by in-kind services, but at the fair market rental value of the property. Chair Godsey called for the question on approving the Finance Committee s recommendation. All those in favor say aye. (AYE votes by members DeFore, Patterson, Lucas, Jones, Black and Godsey).

4 Page 4 REVIEW OF THE MONTHLY FINANCIAL AND HEALTH INSURANCE REPORT Director Rojas reviewed the financial report and health insurance account report for the month of June. Water sales totaled $16,922,563 through June, which was $324,107 below budget. Sewer sales totaled $15,327,240 through June, which was $260,846 below budget projections. Other operating revenues exceeded the budget by $297,766 and totaled $1,994,341. Total non-operating income exceeded the budget by $348,758 and totaled $478,396 through June. When the above items were totaled, the Authority had income through the month of June of $34,722,540, which was $61,572 above budget projections. Operating expenses through June totaled $21,117,859, which was $1,687,109 below budget projections. Non-operating expenses totaled $6,408,130, which was $745,620 below budget. The balance of the health insurance account increased by $75,033 during the month of June and included the retiree health insurance fund balance of $1,225,214. This brought the total increase in the account through seven months of this fiscal year to $525,527. At the end of the fiscal year, any increase in the account balance from the October 1, 2013 opening balance of $3,150,190 will be moved to the Authority s operating cash account. REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Director Rojas stated that the Macon-Bibb Commission will conduct a working session on the next Tuesday and he will attend the meeting to represent the Water Authority for the request of an ordinance that would allow the creation of special tax districts for the sewer line extensions. Director Rojas informed the Board that the Macon Water Authority launched its Facebook page: Director Rojas stated that Ocmulgee Alive is scheduled for October 4 th. Sign-up forms will be available on the Authority s website in the coming weeks. A copy of the budget binder was handed to the Board. Director Rojas reminded the Board that the first budget session will be held on August 11th. The following referrals were made: Referrals to Committees Pension: Quarterly Pension Committee meeting

5 Page 5 Finance: Bids Request from Mr. Woodford concerning discounts for senior citizens Consider approving the transfer and assignment of the Tamglow Note in favor of State Bank & Trust Engineering: Consider a request to assist with the acquisition of a sewer line easement Consider approving an amendment to the contract to manage stormwater projects funded with SPLOSTS funds Chair Godsey welcomed and introduced Mr. Virgil Adams, the Authority s new General Counsel, to the Board and public. Chair Godsey also acknowledged Mr. Sam Hart, who was elected to become Chairman of the Authority effective January 1, Board Member referrals: Member Jones suggested the possibility of forming a non-profit LLC within the Macon Water Authority that could be used to solicit funds for events such as the Annual Fishing Derby, Ocmulge Alive, etc. Member Jones referred this item to the Finance Committee for discussion. Member Jones motioned to refer that administration research the possibility of providing an educational outreach on pharmaceuticals within the water supply. A report will be provided to the Board after research. Member DeFore seconded the motion. All those in favor say aye. (AYE votes by members DeFore, Patterson, Lucas, Jones, Black and Godsey). Vice-chair Patterson motioned to go into Closed Session to discuss land acquisition. Member Black seconded the motion. All those in favor say aye. (AYE votes by members DeFore, Patterson, Lucas, Jones, Black and Godsey). At 5:05 pm, the Macon Water Authority Board went into Closed Session. At 5:18 pm, the Macon Water Authority Board returned to Open Session. Vice-chair Patterson motioned to re-open session. Member Black seconded the motion. All those in favor say aye. (AYE votes by members DeFore, Patterson, Lucas, Jones, Black and Godsey). There being no further discussion, Chair Godsey adjourned the Board meeting at 5:20 pm. NOTE: VERBATIN MINUTES AVAILABLE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.