BIG BEND WATER AUTHORITY
1313 1st Ave SE, P O Box 670
Steinhatchee, FL 32359
(352)498-3576
FAX (352)498-3624
PUBLIC BOARD HEARING/BOARD MEETING MINUTES
JULY 13, 2023
BBWA Board Members present: Howard Hart, Michael Della Poali, Stan Ridgeway, Margaret Corbin, David Osteen, and Michael Newman
Absent: Wendell McKinnon
BBWA staff present: Mark Reblin, Laura Valentine
Also present: BBWA Attorney Mark Logan
- Call to order: Chairman Hart called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
- Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance: Board Member Newman gave the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Consideration of proposed budget for FY2023-2024: GM Reblin stated that the budget had changed, revenues had to be increased to compensate for accrual interest and note principal reduction ($129,391). The budget amount is different than what was advertised. BBWA Attorney Mark Logan stated that this is a public forum to discuss the budget and in the regular board meeting it is subject to be amended or changed.
- Public Comment: None
Board Comment: Board Member Osteen asked who holds the water/sewer operator license? GM Reblin advised Garrett Dodd. Board Member Osteen asked several questions regarding paying a manager and an operator, and went on inquiring do we advertise for bids on our small projects. GM Reblin stated that we have 3 contractors that BBWA currently works with but they are not sent out for bid. Chairman Hart and Board Member Ridgeway explained that this was a question of every new board member. Chairman Hart explains that we can’t lump together new installations for contractors to bid on, this is a one at a time process. Board Member Ridgeway stated that if the project was engineered it would go out for bid. Small installations are usually done in house but sometimes we get backed up, can’t get to in a timely manner then GM Reblin will have a contractor do the work. Attorney
