This Commission Meeting was conducted utilizing Communications Media Technology. Some Staff members were present in the Commission Chambers while others were present via the Zoom application.

 

ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:

Shirley Groover Bryant, Mayor

Tamara Cornwell, Vice-Mayor, Commissioner-at-Large 2

Sunshine Joiner, Commissioner, Ward 2

Sheldon Jones, Commissioner-at-Large 1

Harold Smith, Commissioner, Ward 1

Brian Williams, Commissioner, Ward 3

 

STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:

Jim Freeman, City Clerk

Marisa Powers, City Attorney

Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director

Scott Tyler, Chief of Police

Rowena Young-Gopie, CRA Director

Cassi Bailey, Assistant City Clerk (Not Present)

Penny Johnston, Executive Assistant

 

STAFF PRESENT ELECTRONICALLY:

Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant

 

 

   Mayor Bryant opened the meeting at 4:31 p.m.

 

 Mr. Freeman introduced Resolution 2024-29 to be added to the 7:00 p.m. Commission meeting.

 

1.            WADE TRIM: WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT EXPANSION PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION

 

  Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion lead engineer Travis Parson, from Wade Trim, talked about the overview of the reclaimed water system evaluation, pressure data on the west side of the city, upsizing the water main across US41, and the need for additional supply to the eastern side of the city. He continued discussing surface water discharge, expansion plans, and funding.  Mr. Parson presented a very detailed and lengthy report which has been made a part of these minutes.  He offered just the high-level overview today.

 

   Permit renewal must be submitted to FDEP by October 24, 2024.  The Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP) will require additional work for staff but it will be included in the permitting process. New state legislation was approved that surface water discharge is likely to be phased out by 2032.  FDEP will have the authority to require reclaimed water to meet advanced water treatment standards in certain areas of the state.

 

  Mr. Parson talked about the selection of future capacity.  He stressed the importance of having a plan and design in place before going to the FDEP.

 

 

 

City Commission/CRA Workshop

September 23, 2024

Page 2 of 3

 

  Mr. Parson summarized the previous workshop discussion with Veolia and Public Works, including alternative concepts using the property east of the plant, and recommending Alternative 3 or 4 incorporating newer technology.

 

  Mr. Parson talked about effluent management, building the project in phases and finding grant opportunities to help with funding opportunities. He talked about injection well options and recommended a Class V Recharge Well in addition to the current ASR.

 

  Mr. Parson opined that it is most important to start permitting the Aquifer Recharge Well because permitting will take about a year and construction will take another year.

 

  Commissioner Cornwell asked and Mr. Rayan replied that over 95% of the city is on reused water, and he confirmed the tanks are emptied prior to a storm system. Mr. Parson talked about the recharge well and the augmentation well.  Ms. Cornwell also asked about sewage overflow during a storm event.  A new plant would increase storage and vastly decrease the occurrences of SSO’s.

 

  Commissioner Williams asked if there was talk of building a new plant out east.  Mr. Parson replied the expense would be prohibitive and we would be reversing the entire collection system from what is currently in place, plus the cost of the new project. Mr. Parson restated it would take about a year to get permitting and approximately a year to complete the well construction.  The drilling contractor would take an additional 6 months.  Mr. Parson explained some of the phasing choices during the facility’s growth.  Mr. Rayan stated the planning and discussions have been taking place over two years, including flow monitoring and capacity evaluation of the old facility.  Staff is looking for approval to continue planning and permitting discussions.  Commissioners will still have multiple opportunities to make decisions about this project. The cost to operate the new AGS system would typically be less than the old system, because it is more energy efficient.

 

  Mr. Freeman clarified that processing and storage are the issues at hand, how are we going to clean it and where are we going to put it.  While we are upgrading the plant, the City Commission can still instruct Wade Trim to move forward with discharge options.

 

  Commissioner Smith asked Mr. Parson to show where the eastern part of the city was struggling with reclaimed water pressure.

 

  Commissioner Jones inquired about the parcels that were purchased for expansion and if the pipes could handle the additional water pressure. Mr. Rayan confirmed the environmental studies have been conducted.  Mr. Parson confirmed the pipes could certainly handle the 75 psi pressure.  Commissioner Jones was concerned about the price going higher.  Mr. Rayan opined the City would probably include a Guaranteed Maximum Price in the design negotiations. He said the City would continue to maintain the system as they have in the past.

 

  Commissioner Cornwell wanted to ensure there would be a landscape design at the plant.

 

   Commissioner Smith does not feel that many residents are using the reclaimed water system.

 

 

   The Class V Recharge Well Permit is on the 7:00 pm Consent Agenda for approval.

 

 

City Commission/CRA Workshop

September 23, 2024

Page 3 of 3

 

 

2.               MASONIC LODGE FORECLOSURE (CODE ENFORCEMENT/M.POWERS)

Jeff Bowman, Code Enforcement Officer stated this code case started in 2017 with five violations.  The same violations continue after all these years, with the same daily fines, with no action.  Nobody is claiming ownership of the property.  The mailing address changed in 2019 from an individual to the Masonic Lodge in Jacksonville. The property is unsafe, and the staff is asking for authorization to move forward with the foreclosure process.

 

  Commissioner Jones said the grass is cut.  Commissioner Jones said we were negotiating with Henry Parker.  Mr. Bowman stated he contacted both parties.  Mr. Parker said Jasper Green holds the title, but Mr. Green told Mr. Bowman that he does not hold the title and wants nothing to do with it.

 

  Ms. Powers, City Attorney clarified ownership of the property.  Title search shows that the Jacksonville address is the owner of the property.  Commissioner Jones insisted Jasper Green has his name on the deed.  Mr. Bowman added that Mr. Parker was going to have the 501(3)(c) status revoked.  During the foreclosure procedure, the City would have to serve anyone who has an interest in the property.  Ms. Powers confirmed that Mr. Barnebey has been in contact with Masonic Lodge attorney, Mr. Gaines.

 

    Mr. Smith asked about the property’s mailing address.  Mr. Bowman said the details were in the agenda packet, page 2.  He repeated that notice was mailed to Jasper Green’s mailing address in 2017 and the address was changed in 2019 to the Masonic Lodge in Jacksonville.

 

This item is also on the 7:00 pm. Consent Agenda for approval.

 

 

Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 6:07 p.m.