SPECIAL CALLED JOINT MEETING
CEDAR BLUFF TOWN COUNCIL AND CEDAR BLUFF UTILITY BOARD AND SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY MEETING
MONDAY, APRIL 24, 2006 AT 10:00 A.M.
The Town Council and the Utility Board of the Town of Cedar Bluff, County of Cherokee, State of Alabama, met in a Special Session in the Council Room at Town Hall, 3420 Spring Street, Cedar Bluff, Alabama, Monday, April 24, 2006 at 10:00 p.m., pursuant to notice duly posted as prescribed by law. Mayor Martha Baker presided and called the meeting to order. Members in attendance were as follows:
Martha Baker Billie Burkhalter
Mayor Pro Tem District 1
Rick Sides Forrest Pearson
District 2 District 3
Ethel Sprouse Leatha
Harp
District 4 District 5
Nathan
Thacker
Utility Board Member
Others in attendance were as follows:
Bill Allen Matt Green Representative Richard Lindsey Doug Crawford (Crawford & Assoc) Amanda Gober, WEIS Radio Curtis Costley (Rhemna LLL) Larry Whitley (LADD Environmental) Curt Gielerg (RP-LIN & Associates)
Jimmy Wallace, CB Zoning Enforcement Jeff Harrell, Utility
The Invocation was given by Council Member Leatha Harp.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: General
discussion of the condominium project located at Highway 68 and
Mayor Baker advised that this meeting was
to discuss the water and sewer issues in the Town of
At this time Mayor Baker asked the
applicants to let everyone know exactly what we were there to discuss. Mr. Matt Green advised that Overlook
Development, LLC was attempting to build a twenty-four (24) unit four (4) story
condominiums at the corner of Highway 68 and
Mayor Baker advised she understood they were asking for a letter from the utility board for water and sewer. Questions the utility board had asked were if the flow rate of a 500 gallon flow would be sufficient, what the sprinkler system might require and what it would do with the flow rate. Mr. Crawford, advised that a 500 gallon flow would probably work, but we need to test to get a status pressure and Mr. Larry Whitley with Ladd Environmental advised the fire department had already checked the flow and he had brought testing supplies to test it again today.
Mayor Baker advised the issue is the non compliance and she asked Mr. Whitley to explain. He advised that the water is not the issue, but the waste water is the problem and what we need to focus on. He advised that the last average for the lagoon flow was about 240,000 gallons per day and it should be 150,000 gallons a day and that is a major problem. We need to look at the number customers on the sewer system. The infiltration is probably more that the lagoon can process. He noted that we had applied for an increase to the state but the state is doing a study on the entire lake so they are holding off on issuing any increases until about the end of the year. He also, noted the Utility Board would be meeting with Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) on May 3, 2006 to try to get an increase and a permit for the sewer system. The board is trying to work on the problem. Mr. Whitley advised that per ADEM, the town can continue to add customers as long as we are working on the problem.
The Mayor noted that both Overlook Development and Curtis Costley needed a sewer acceptance letter from the Utility Board and advised it will probably be 12-14 months before the first project is completed and at least 7 months before any usage.
Mr. Curtis Costley was also present and has plans for another condominium of about 115 units and the first phase will probably be in August, 2006 and probably be completed in 2008.
Mr. Nathan Thacker, Utility Board member asked if we get something in writing from ADEM to allow the projects to continue. It was also noted that if we have to build a plant we are looking at 18 to 24 months. Mr. Whitley advised that ADEM will sometimes issue an Interim Limitation while we are under construction. At this time, Council Member Sprouse advised that lots on the lake are in great demand and will be sold as soon as they are available.
Representative Richard Lindsey advised that after the May 3 meeting with ADEM if there is no moratorium on putting any additional units and the City is willing to pursue improving their system “we should have a go”. Mrs. Sprouse advised the town will still have to come up with lots of funding in order to do the minimum.
Mr. Green inquired if he would be able to leave with a letter today and was advised by Mrs. Sprouse that after the May 3 meeting we should know if the needs could be met in the long term. This upgrade is not for this issue only, but it must be for massive growth. Mrs. Sprouse also advised the town and utility board is looking for any funding from the state or developers to help with costs of the upgrade on the sewer.
Mr. Costley advised that he did not think the visions of the Utility Board were to big and he was willing to help in any way he could and that he was excited about the entire project.
The Mayor advised that the Town would have to see what ADEM would allow us to do to rehab old sewer lines and asked Representative Lindsey if the state had monies available. He advised that ADEM had revolving funds and grants available for some circumstances and he asked if he could attend the meeting on May 3, 2006 with ADEM. It was also noted that there may be some USDA monies available. Representative Lindsey also advised that he would invite Mr. Trey Glenn with ADEM and Mr. Steve Pellam with USDA to attend the meeting. Representative Lindsey also advised he would try to set up a meeting with Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) also on May 3.
Mr. Whitley suggested other options for funding may be a Special Option Sales Tax. Also, Alabama (ARC) may be an option for a grant.
There being not further business do be discussed, Mayor Baker thanked everyone for attending and the meeting adjourned.
___MARTHA BAKER________
MAYOR
(S E A L)
ATTEST:
DeLANA MARTIN________
TOWN CLERK
APPROVED 05/08/06
______________________________ MAYOR
ATTEST:
(S.E.A.L.)
__________________________________
TOWN CLERK