About Us

The Big Bend Water Authority was created by Interlocal Agreement pursuant to Section 163.01, Florida Statutes. The counties of Dixie and Taylor are the Parties to that agreement.

The Board of Directors is the head of the Big Bend Water Authority. The Board consists of three (3) representatives of each of the Parties, and each representative is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the governing body of the Parties. A seventh board member is elected by the six (6) appointed representatives. The Board's officers consist of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, each of whom shall serve for a term of one (1) year, or until their respective successor is elected and qualified. The Board is vested with all the powers of the authority.

The General Manager is the Chief Executive Staff Officer of the Big Bend Water Authority, who serves at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. The General Manager administers the Big Bend Water Authority, organizes staff efforts and employs necessary staff with Board approval.

The General Counsel is the Chief Legal Officer of the Big Bend Water Authority, and also serves at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. The General Counsel provides legal advice and support to the Board of Directors and the General Manager.

 

BIG BEND WATER AUTHORITY

1313 1st Ave SE, P O Box 670

Steinhatchee, FL 32359

(352)498-3576

FAX (352)498-3624

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BOARD MEETING MINUTES

January 7, 2021

 

BBWA Board Members present: Howard Hart, Wendell McKinnon, Stan Ridgeway, Michael Newman and Melvin Corbin III and W.C. Mills

BBWA Board Members absent:  Margaret Corbin

 

BBWA Employees present: Mark Reblin, Garrett Dodd and Laura Valentine

Via teleconference: BBWA Engineer Mike Murphy

Also Present:  BBWA Attorney Mark Logan

 

 

I.       Call to order: Chairman Hart called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

II.     Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance: Vice Chairman McKinnon gave the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

III.  Approval of agenda: Board Member Ridgeway had a question before the approval.  Board Member Ridgeway questioned as to why there was a financial statement for USDA Sewer Project.  Board Member Ridgeway also asked about a $27,500.00 check from the State of Florida and why it wasn’t on the agenda.  General Manager Reblin stated the $27,500.00 check was included for informational purposes; we had just received it as reimbursement for the waste water facility.  The financials on the agenda, were for the months of October and November only.  General Manager Reblin advised that the USDA Sewer Project appearing on the financial statement will be looked into.  Board Member Ridgeway made a motion to approve the agenda, Board Member McKinnon seconded the motion.  The vote was unanimous.  There was discussion about the public workshop it will be held immediately following the next board meeting (February 4,2021.)

IV.  Approval of October and November invoices: Board Member McKinnon made a motion for approval.  Board Member Ridgeway had a question about a check written to employee Laura Valentine.  General Manager Reblin stated this was payment for four months of travel using her personal vehicle going to the bank and post office while the company truck was unavailable.  General Manager Reblin also stated that the company vehicle will be used for travel purposes from now on. Chairman Hart asked if there were any more questions and all-in favor say I. The vote was unanimous.

V. Approval of October and November financials: Board Member McKinnon made a motion to approve the October and November invoices. Board Member Mills seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.

VI. Approval of December minutes: Chairmen Hart had a question about December minutes, has Mr. Ridgeway’s driveway been repaired.  General Manager Reblin said no, but BBWA will fix it ourselves.  Another question was about the customer that had requested a temporary water meter, what was the status.  General Manager Reblin stated the customer did not move forward.  Board Member Ridgeway wanted the December minutes to be changed to reflect that a contract between Taylor County Emergency Management and BBWA regarding the instillation of the GMRS Repeater has to be drawn up and reviewed by the counsel and approved by the board.  Board Member Mckinnon made a motion to approve the December minutes as modified. Board Member Corbin seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.

VII. Citizens Input:  None

VIII. Mark Reblin:

1.     Consideration for the approval of engineer contract: After a brief discussion about the contract and work order, contact personnel information would be added to the work order.  Board Member McKinnon made a motion to approve.  Board Member Ridgeway seconded.  The vote was unanimous. 

2.     Consideration for the approval for the work order: Board Member McKinnon made a motion to approve with the additional information.  Board Member Ridgeway seconded.  The vote was unanimous. 

3.     Miscellaneous: GM Reblin advised that we lost a truck motor in one of our work trucks.  He is seeking approval from the board to get quotes to purchase a new 2500 4x4 truck.  Board Member McKinnon made a motion for approval.  Board Member Ridgeway seconded.  The vote was unanimous.

 

GM Reblin asked about hooking an RV Dump Station to our existing station and charging a fee to dump.  There was a brief discussion, it was decided that more information was needed.  Chairman Hart asked if there was anymore discussion on it and all those in favor for getting our manager to come back with more information say I.  The vote was a unanimous yes. GM Reblin advised we did receive a reimbursement check for $27,500, this is for the sewer facilities plan that Engineer Mike Murphy put together and we will be receiving another one for the water facilities plan.

Board Member Ridgeway asked about the status of the water facilities plan.  BBWA Engineer Mike Murphy stated that the goal is to finish it and get it approved and have the request for funding in by August.

                                  

IX. Mark Logan:

      a. Miscellaneous: None

X.  Board Members’ Request: Board Member Newman asked had there been any progress made on the health insurance issue. BBWA Attorney Mark Logan advised that while employees of BBWA do participate in the Florida retirement system they do not qualify for state insurance. Attorney Logan stated he didn’t see any restriction on the ability that either county or local government to allow BBWA to piggyback or provide that kind of service with a contract. Board Member Newman asked would that be something that would be a cost share? GM Reblin advised that BBWA would be paying it, he just would like to piggyback on their rates.  Chairman Hart commented that he was grateful that we are allowed to have the Fiddler Crab Festival for another year.

XI. Announcements: The next board meeting/public workshop is Thursday, February 4.

XII. Adjournment: Chairman Hart asked if there was anything else, if everyone is in favor for dismissal say I. The vote was unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 5:58 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attest:

 

 

 

 

___________________                                                          _______________________

Laura Valentine, Clerk                                                      Wendell McKinnon                

                                                                                                Vice Chairman