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

DECEMBER 3, 2020

 

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

BBWA Board Members absent:  W.C. Mills and Margaret Corbin

 

BBWA Employees present: Mark Reblin, and Laura Valentine

Via teleconference: BBWA Engineer Mike Murphy and 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. Chairman Hart congratulated Dixie County’s new County Commissioner James Valentine and welcomed newly appointed Taylor County Commissioner Michael Newman to the board.

III.  Appointing of Dixie County floater position:  Chairman Hart asked Commissioner James Valentine with Commissioner Mills being absent we just wanted to make sure of the nomination of Melvin Corbin III.  Commissioner Valentine stated yes. Board Member Mckinnon made a motion to nominate Melvin Corbin III as the Dixie County floater.  Board Member Ridgeway seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.  

IV.  Approval of agenda: Board Member McKinnon. Board Member Melvin Corbin seconded the motion.  The vote was unanimous.

V.    Approval of September invoices: Chairman Hart stated that the invoices for what you’re voting on are here for review and if you have any questions please ask. Board Member Newman asked about an Espenship group invoice. GM Reblin advised that invoice was for the extension of the sewer line from Riverside Drive to Maddie’s Market. Maddie’s bill was $15,000 and change. The total cost for project was around $26,000. Basically, the remaining portion will be divided among the new lots. Board Member Newman asked was this a budgeted project? GM Reblin replied no it was a request from a customer we sometimes get these requests for a line extension. Board Member Ridgeway explained that a customer will come to the General Manager for the requested work and GM Reblin presents the request to the board for approval. Newman asked are these projects bid out? Ridgeway stated we do have policies in place as far as bidding etc based on what the request is for. Board Member Ridgeway did state that this project is not complete that his driveway was cut up and has not been fixed. There was a brief discussion and Board Member Ridgeway wants to make sure before this project is closed out that this is taken care of. Board Member Mckinnon made a motion to approval the September invoices. Board Member Newman asked was the vacuum system that was purchased tested or used and what is the warranty. GM Reblin advised it was tested when we received it and the vendor will stand behind it. Board member seconded the motion.  The vote was unanimous.

VI. Approval of September financials: Board Member McKinnon made a motion to approve the September invoices. Board Member Corbin seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.

VII. Approval of October minutes: Board Member McKinnon made a motion to approve the October minutes. Board member Corbin seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.

VI.  Citizens Input:  None

VII.        Mark Reblin:

1.     Selection of engineer: GM Reblin stated that the committee to select an engineer which is made up of myself, Board Member Rideway and Water/Waster water Operator Garrett Dodd ranked the 4 engineers. Based on the ranking, Mott McDonald came out ahead. Board Member Ridgeway and GM Reblin will sit down and have a meeting with a representative from Mott McDonald to determine if we want to go ahead with them. Board Member Ridgeway stated that he does want this contract to be non-exclusive saying they will be our engineer and give the orders on the majority of the work and when our GM Reblin has any questions etc on we will continue to use Mike Murphy which is not affiliated with any of the engineer. During the discussion Chairman Hart stated that in the absence of Commissioner Mills he would like to ask Dixie County Commissioner Valentine if he would like to come sit on the board tonight. Commissioner Valentine did come sit on the board for this meeting. Chairman Hart made sure everyone ok with this.

2.     Miscellaneous: GM Reblin stated that John Louk, a representative from Taylor County Emergency Management asked if they could install a GMRS repeater on our water tower. The repeater will provide reliable communications for Emergency response team during emergency/disasters. A brief discussion was held by the Board. GM Reblin indicated there would be no cost for the Authority and the county will cover any cost. Board Member Newman made a motion that after a contract has been drawn up, reviewed by the counsel, and is approved by the Board, then we can move forward with the installation of the GMRS repeater.  Board Member McKinnon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.

A customer asked could they have a temporary water meter installed at a construction site. Currently we don’t have a temporary installation fees/rates it has always been you completed the necessary paperwork and paid for full installation (regular price). Attorney Logan said that from a policy stand point we would have to adopt some kind of temporary provisions if we wanted to.  There was discussion, Board Member Ridgeway asked are they going to be tying into our sewer and his understanding is this project could be anywhere from 2 to 7 years that is not temporary.  Board Member Ridgeway made a motion that the if the customer wanted this service can come in and apply for a new water and sewer installation. Board Member McKinnon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.                                                                                                                                      

VIII.       Mark Logan:

IX.  Miscellaneous Attorney Logan advised that he got a call from former Dixie County Manager Tim Alexander who is now working for Suwanee River Water District and they have some funds available, he thinks it would be a good idea to invite him and his boss to come for a meeting. Board Member Ridgeway stated he thinks it would be a good idea to reach out to Mr. Alexander to advise of our upcoming projects.

 

X.       Board Members’ Request: Board Member Newman talked about the county concerns with where the sewage from the anchored sailboats was being pumped. There was also discussion of BBWA health insurance being umbrellaed under the county since we are a state entity.  Attorney Logan stated he thinks we should be able to piggy back off the county and he will do some checking.

XI.    Adjournment: Board Member McKinnon made a motion to adjourn.  Board

                   Member Newman seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous,

                          Meeting adjourned at 6:22 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attest:

 

 

 

 

___________________                                                          _______________________

Laura Valentine, Clerk                                                        Howard Hart, Chairman