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

September 4, 2020

 

BBWA Board Members Present: Howard Hart, Wendell McKinnon, Margaret Corbin, W.C. Mills, Stan Ridgeway and Charlie Norwood

BBWA Board Members absent:  Malcolm Page

 

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

Also Present Via Teleconference: BBWA Engineer Mike Murphy, 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: Board Member McKinnon gave the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  

III.  Approval of Agenda: Board Member McKinnon made a motion to approve the Agenda.  Board Member Mills seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.

IV.  Approval of July Invoices: Board Member Mills made a motion to approve the invoices.  Board Member Norwood seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.

V.    Approval of July Financials: Board Member McKinnon made a motion to approve June financials.  Board Member Mills seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.

VI.  Approval of August 6, 2020 Board Meeting Minutes: Board Member Mills made a motion to approve the August minutes.  Board Member Norwood seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.

VII.        Citizens Input: None

VIII.      Mark Reblin

          1.  Purchasing Office Equipment: GM Reblin stated that we are in great need of new office computers and he received 3 quotes. GM Reblin advised we also got quotes on computer/tech support as well. There was discussion of whether to go with a monthly contract for technical support or pay an hourly rate (as needed) it was decided to hold off on signing a contract for tech support. Board Member McKinnon made a motion to move forward with purchasing new computers.  Board Member Norwood seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.

2. Miscellaneous: GM Reblin advised that we are currently running the sewer lines to  Maddie’s Market, it will stop there. If new customers want sewer we will review it at that point. GM Reblin advised the tower got struck by lightning and we had to repair several different things. Reblin advised we are keeping up with the cost and plan on filing an insurance claim.

Engineer Mike Murphy advised the DEP hearing on August 12 BBWA was on their list for funding that was for the engineer and design for the waste water treatment plant expansion. DEP awarded BBWA $407,300.00 of which $325,840.00 is principal, forgiven for grant, and $81,460 is in loan. That is 80% grant and a 20% loan, the next step is to turn around and apply but that will be simple, the money is guaranteed.

 

IX.  Mark Logan:

a. Miscellaneous: None

X.     Board Members’ Request: Board Member Norwood advised he will not be able to attend the next board meeting.

Chairman Hart stated that he would like to propose to the board,  the board consider him purchasing 15 acres belonging to BBWA and asked if anyone has questions for him, if not he will excuse himself from the meeting and let Vice Chairman McKinnon finish out the meeting. Board Member Norwood asked which property? The land that was donated to us by Mitch Mitchell. It is located off of 51 behind Kings Creek. Chairman Hart advised there will be no hard feelings if it cannot be done; he just wanted to present it to the board. Chairman Hart excused himself.  Vice Chair McKinnon asked Attorney Logan did he hear what Chairman Hart was requesting?  Attorney Logan advised he had discussed this with Chairman Hart and advised him things needs to be transparent and avoid all conflicts of interest, this is just for discussion at this meeting and the board would have to decided whether they want to sell to him or anyone else, the important part is being transparent. Vice Chairman McKinnon asked for the board and the manager’s opinions. GM Reblin advised personally he doesn’t want to comment on it or get in the middle of it. Board Member Corbin asked so the question is does the board need this piece of property or do we want to get rid of it, she thinks we should keep it in case we may need it later down the road. Board Member Mills asked does this property join up to property that we already own, no it does not. Board Member Mills and Board Member Ridgeway agreed that if we were to do this it would have to be voted on, advertised and go up for bid. Board Member Mills thinks it would not be wise to sell.  Board Member Norwood agreed to keep as well, he did think it would be wise to try and sell or trade to get more property that is adjacent to the plant. Board Member Norwood stated he would like to know a lot more on this; he would like to do what will benefit the Authority. There was discussion on the area of land around the plant, possibly if we can sell the property that we don’t really need and purchase land we need. Vice Chairman McKinnon asked Attorney Logan what we need to do on this.  Attorney Logan advised if they did want to do anything and move forward, it would have to be on the agenda make it transparent put out for bid but this is just for discussion tonight. Vice Chairman McKinnon said so tonight the general consensus is the property is not for sale.

 

XI.  Announcements: The next BBWA board meeting will be held October 1 at 5:00 p.m.

XII.         Adjournment: Board Member Norwood made a motion to adjourn.  Board Member Corbin seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.  Board meeting dismissed at 6:04 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attest:

 

 

 

 

___________________                                                          _______________________

Laura Valentine, Clerk                                                        Howard Hart, Chairman