Finance Committee Meeting Minutes – Wednesday, May 14, 2025
For your consideration, please read the minutes from the Finance Meeting held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.
Finance Minutes 05-14-2025 with Attachments
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Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water & Sewer Commission
1703 Gloucester Street, Brunswick, GA 31520
Commission Meeting Room
Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 3:00 PM
PRESENT:
Committee Chairman Ben Turnipseed
Commissioner Dave Ford
Commissioner Wayne Neal
Executive Director Andrew Burroughs
ALSO PRESENT:
LaDonnah Roberts, Deputy Executive Director
Harry Patel, Assistant Engineer
Pam Crosby, Director of Procurement
David Owens, Director of Finance
Christa Free, Procurement Coordinator
MEDIA PRESENT: None
Chairman Turnipseed called the meeting to order at 1:01 PM.
Chairman Turnipseed provided an invocation.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Chairman Turnipseed opened the Public Comment Period. There being no citizens that wished to address the Committee, Chairman Turnipseed closed the Public Comment Period.
APPROVAL
- Minutes from April 16, 2025, Facilities Committee Meeting
Commissioner Ford made a motion seconded by Commissioner Neal to approve the minutes from the Facilities Committee Meeting held on April 16, 2025. Motion carried 3-0.
- Contract Award – Lakewood Avenue Water Main Extension – A. Burroughs
Mr. Burroughs discussed the potential expansion of the JWSC water system along Lakewood Avenue, located just north of the City limits off Community Road. Currently, there is approximately 685 feet of existing 8-inch PVC water main extending southward from Community Road, with properties beyond this section relying on private wells. Several residents in the area have reported significant issues with their wells, including sand intrusion and poor water quality, and have requested access to JWSC’s system.
A new residential structure is currently under development approximately 360 feet from the existing water main. The property owner obtained a quote from J.H. Stone Construction to install a 2-inch line to service their home, which would meet minimum requirements for a single residence. However, in consideration of long-term infrastructure needs and resident concerns, a proposal was developed to install a more robust 8-inch water main over a 560-foot span, including a fire hydrant and a flush connection to preserve water quality until additional customers are connected or the system is looped further.
There was a noted discrepancy in the GIS mapping system, which appears to be missing a section of the water main; however, the presence of an existing fire hydrant confirms that water infrastructure is in place, even if it is not properly documented. This area had previously been identified as a strong candidate for water system expansion under the SPLOST 2021 program. Based on current needs and future growth potential, it was recommended that JWSC proceed with the installation of the 8-inch main, fire hydrant, and flush connection at a total estimated cost of $55,000, to be funded through SPLOST 2021 proceeds.
Commissioner Neal made a motion seconded by Commissioner Ford that the Facilities Committee recommend awarding a contract to J.H. Stone Construction, Inc in the amount of $55,000 for the Lakewood Avenue Water Extension. Motion carried 3-0.
- Contract Award – On-Call Boring Services – A. Burroughs
Mr. Burroughs shared that there was a new bid process that was initiated for horizontal directional drilling services, expanding on a similar contract awarded several years ago. This updated solicitation included labor, equipment, tools, and incidentals for the installation of 2″, 4″, 6″, 8″, 12″, and 16″ pipe sizes—an increase from the previous bid, which covered only up to 8″. The expanded pipe diameters were included to accommodate occasional needs for larger casings beneath roads and right-of-way. All pipe materials will be supplied by JWSC, with the contractor responsible solely for the installation. Contractors are required to complete work within three weeks of receiving a purchase order.
One bid was received from TB Landmark Construction, a contractor with a strong track record and extensive prior experience with JWSC. Their pricing was deemed reasonable and consistent with expectations, with per-foot rates ranging from $70 to $90 for standard sizes, and higher rates for the 12″ and 16″ pipe installations. TB Landmark Construction has already expressed interest in available work and is prepared to begin immediately. This contract will streamline the execution of small-scale projects by eliminating the need for separate bids on each job.
Commissioner Ford made a motion seconded by Commissioner Neal that the Facilities Committee recommend awarding a contract to TB Landmark Construction, Inc. as listed in the attached bid tabulation. Motion carried 3-0.
- Infrastructure Dedications – A. Burroughs
In Mr. Kline’s absence Mr. Burroughs was able to provide the update for the five properties involved with this approval item.
The first dedication pertains to the Alpine Gateway Project near Canal Crossing, involving a section of sewer main beneath the Alpine Court public right-of-way. Only the segment between two manholes is being dedicated; all lateral connections to serve individual buildings will remain private. The second project involves the Friendly Express on Frederica Road, Saint Simons Island. This dedication includes a water and sewer easement connecting to the water main at the rear of 50 Oaks Drive, allowing future access and maintenance.
The third dedication is from the Tru by Hilton hotel at Exit 29 near the “I am Nacho Mama” restaurant. The dedication includes 89 feet of water line, 64 feet of sewer line, and an access easement across the property. It was confirmed that adequate water pressure has been achieved through two improvements: discovery and opening of a closed valve and reprogramming of the SCADA system to trigger pump activation based on local pressure rather than tank levels. The fourth dedication relates to Grand Island View Phase 1, a new multifamily development off Highway 17. While all on-site water and sewer infrastructure is private, the utility is accepting an easement for access to two on-site 8-inch water meters for maintenance purposes.
The fifth and final dedication is from Southport Parkway Townhomes, a 277-unit development with nine buildings located across from the Elementary School and adjacent to the Southport Wastewater facility. All water and sewer infrastructure has been inspected and accepted by the PNC team. Instead of granting easements for individual utility segments, the entire roadway is being dedicated as an easement. All record drawings and legal documents for these dedications have been reviewed and approved. It was also noted that any future maintenance performed by the utility on private property will be billed to the property owner, with prior notification given to the customer.
Commissioner Neal made a motion seconded by Commissioner Ford that the Facilities Committee recommend the full Commission approve and accept these requests to accept infrastructure and easements with associated documentation. Motion carries 3-0.
DISCUSSION
- Water Production Report – A. Burroughs
Mr. Burroughs presented the Water Production Report for the month of May 2025 to the Facilities Committee. This report provides the Committee with monthly and daily water production in millions of gallons for each of the BGJWSC water production facilities (wells). The following are Brunswick District production facilities: Howard Coffin, Goodyear Park, Brunswick Villa, FLETC, I-95, Golden Isles I, Golden Isles II, Canal, and Ridgewood. The South Mainland District wells include Fancy Bluff, Exit 29, and Brookman. Mallery, Airport, Harrington, and Hampton South are the wells located in the St. Simons Island District.
- WPCF Plant Flows Report – A. Burroughs
Mr. Burroughs reviewed the May 2025 Monthly Wastewater Flow Report with the Committee. This report contains data regarding the influent and effluent flows, concentration of elements and chemicals, plant capacity, etc. Aside from ongoing ammonia issues at Academy Creek, the plants are operating well. Improvement is being shown on the ammonia because of improved solids handling.
- Capital Project Report –A. Burroughs
Mr. Burroughs presented an update on the monthly Project Report for Capital Projects currently in process including those in the engineering phase and those in construction. The Commissioners were provided with a packet containing: the Capital Project Photographs, Capital Project Report Spreadsheet, and the Capital Project Gantt Chart of project timelines. Mr. Burroughs presented the update by highlighting projects along with excellent photographs and descriptive details on scopes of work completed as well as portions remaining for final project completion. Mr. Burroughs also reminded the Commissioners of items that are currently out for bids or pending release of bid packages.
Chairman Turnipseed asked if there was any further business to discuss. Hearing none, Commissioner Neal made a motion seconded by Commissioner Ford to adjourn. Motion carries 3-0.
Chairman Turnipseed adjourned the meeting at 1:55 p.m.