HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.a 031726 Minutes MINUTES
CLAY COUNTY UTILITY AUTHORITY
March 17, 2026
The Board of Supervisors of the Clay County Utility Authority (CCUA) met in Regular Session in the Board
meeting room at the Administrative Office of the Clay County Utility Authority, 3176 Old Jennings Road,
Middleburg, Florida, on the above-stated date.
Item No. 1 —Call to Order
Chairman McNees called the meeting to order at 2:00 P.M.
Item No. 2—Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance
Mr. Hingst offered the Invocation and led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item No. 3—Roll Call
Roll Call was taken with Chairman McNees, Vice-Chairman Petty, Mr. Bourre, Mr. Hingst, Ms. Lebesch, and Mr.
McCall in attendance.
Also present at the meeting were Executive Director Jeremy Johnston, Chief Operations Officer Darryl Muse, Chief
Engineer Darrell Damrow, Assistant Chief Engineer Joe Paterniti, Environmental Compliance Manager Heather
Webber, Procurement Manager Darrin Parker, Customer Service Supervisor Marla Champion, Communication &
Public Relations Specialist Ashley Taliaferro, Development Services Analyst Jennifer Cron, Contract &
Procurement Specialist Courtney Hinson, Administrative Assistant Operations Alicia Ellis, Buyer Claire Smith,
High School Intern Reagan Hughes, and Grady H. Williams,Jr., legal counsel to the CCUA.
Item No. 4—Employee Recognition
a. Jerry Sleezer—5 Years
b. Rita Matti-Coles—5 years
c. Daniel Dawson— 10 years
Executive Director Jeremy Johnston introduced and presented a certificate to Water/Wastewater Mechanic
Jerry Sleezer and Senior GIS Analyst Rita Matti-Coles in recognition of their five years of service. Water
Operator Daniel Dawson was unable to attend the meeting today due to work responsibilities, he will receive
his certificate on April 21,2026.
Item No. 5 - Board Proclamation
Communication & Public Relations Specialist Ashley Taliaferro read the Proclamation encouraging the efficient use
of water, the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association has requested its member organizations to
adopt proclamations declaring April 2026 as Water Conservation Month. This designation offers the opportunity to
increase awareness about the importance of water conservation and encourages water users to take appropriate
actions to conserve and protect our state's water resources. After discussion, Ms. Lebesch moved, seconded by Mr.
McCall, and carried 6-0, to adopt the Proclamation declaring the month of April 2026 - Water Conservation Month,
as read by Mrs. Taliaferro. Intergovernmental Coordinator for the SJRWMD Doug Conkey addressed the Board
regarding the Modified Phase II Severe Water Shortage Advisory which has been issued by the District due to the
current water shortage in the region.
March 17, 2026
Item No. 6—Approval of Minutes
a, Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting,March 3, 2026
After discussion, Mr. Bourre moved, seconded by Mr. McCall, and carried 6-0,to approve the minutes of the
March 3, 2026,Regular Meeting.
Item No. 7—Approval of Consent Agenda
After discussion, Vice-Chairman Petty moved, seconded by Ms. Lebesch, and carried 6-0, to approve the Consent
Agenda as follows;
a. Approval of Financial and Operational Activities
1) Approval of Payment of Warrants
Warrants totaling$3,196,726.37
a. Schedule of payments to Sole Sources—None
b. Schedule of Emergency Repairs/Purchases—None
c. Schedule of items initiated under Emergency Contract-None
d. Schedule of payments from the Emergency Account—None
e. Schedule of claims paid under the Sewage Backup Response Policy-None
2) Request for Asset Disposal Authorization
3) Sole Source Designation—None
b. Approval of Capital Budget Activities
1) Requests for Award of Procurement Contracts and/or Ratification of
Procurement/Construction Contracts or Contract Renewals—None
2) Approval of Supplemental Agreements and Change Orders—None
c. Approval of Financing Requests—None
d. Approval of Contract Usage
(1) Department of Management Services (DMS) of Florida State Term Contract No. 15100000-
25-STC and Sourcewell Contract No. 032824-NAF
e. Approval of Developer Agreements,Warranty Deeds & Easements
1) Developer Agreement KH25/26-8—Settlement Agreement#1 for The Bakery II LLC at 7415
State Road 21 (Flamingo 21 LLC) — 0.408 ERC's water, 0.408 ERC's wastewater, 0.408
ERC's AWS, 0.408 ERC's SJRWMD, 0.408 ERC's environmental impact, 0.408 ERC's debt
service - $2,671.96
2) Release of Easement — Parcel No. 37-05-25-010149-099-00, Tract "A" of the McRae
Landing Plat—Grantor—Clay County Utility Authority
Item No. 8 —Customer Account Adjustments - Request for an additional Leak Credit on account A00069149 -Ariel
Foard, 479 Charles Pinckney Street
Customer Service Supervisor Marla Champion presented a request on behalf of Ms. Ariel Foard of 479
Charles Pickney Street, Orange Park, Florida. Ms. Foard has a residential account for her rental home located
at 479 Charles Pinckney Street. Ms. Foard had continuous usage reflected on her meter at a rate of 1,400
gallons per hour beginning November 17, 2025, at 9:00 A.M. and continued until December 4, 2026. On
December 4, 2026, a CCUA technician was dispatched to investigate the continuous usage which was found
at the time of billing and found a broken pipe in the customer's backyard draining through the yard and into
March 17, 2026
the retention pond behind the home. The meter was immediately turned off, and the customer contacted her
landlord to make the repair. The repair was made the same day. As a result of the leak, Ms. Foard was billed
$5,534.14, for 597,650 gallons of water. She received a leak credit in the amount of$2,780.74 per CCUA
policy and established a payment plan to repay the remaining balance of $2,783.40 in six (6) monthly
installments of $463.90 each. Ms. Foard is requesting 100% credit for the overage charged outside of her
normal usage. Her monthly bill averages approximately $70, and she is requesting an additional credit equal
to 100% of the overage which would be $2,683.40. After discussion, Vice-Chairman Petty moved, seconded
by Mr. Bourre, and carried 6-0, to uphold CCUA's existing Leak Credit Policy, denying the customer's
request for additional monetary relief in excess of the 50% credit which was previously issued by staff The
Board also requested staff extend an offer of a twelve (12)month repayment plan to Ms. Foard.
Item No. 9—Business discussed at Committee Meetings -None
Item No. 10—Executive Director's Business
a. Proposed Supplemental Agreement No. 3 with Ardurra Group, Inc. for Civil and Environmental Engineering
Professional Services Agreement RFQ 2023/2024-A01 to provide professional engineering services for the
Biosolids Management Evaluation and Alternatives Analysis Project
Chief Engineer Darrell Damrow presented proposed Supplemental Agreement No. 3 with Ardurra Group,
Inc. for Civil and Environmental Engineering Professional Services Agreement RFQ 2023/2024-A01 to
provide professional engineering services for the Biosolids Management Evaluation and Alternatives
Analysis Project. CCUA intends to initiate this Biosolids Management Evaluation and Alternatives Analysis
to evaluate CCUA's current biosolids treatment and disposal practices and to develop a long-term,
sustainable, and cost-effective biosolids management strategy through 2050. Evolving environmental
regulations and associated risks, increasing operations and disposal costs, emerging contaminants (including
PFAS and PFOA), and potential opportunities for beneficial reuse require a strategic assessment to ensure
continued regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and alignment with future utility growth. The
proposed services are planning level only and do not include design,permitting, construction,pilot testing, or
facility condition assessments. Approval will allow CCUA to proactively plan for future biosolids
management needs, ensure regulatory compliance, evaluate regional partnership opportunities, and position
the Authority for sustainable long-term operations. After discussion, Vice-Chairman Petty moved, seconded
by Mr. McCall, and carried 6-0, to approve Supplemental Agreement No. 3 with Ardurra Group, Inc. in the
amount of$198,394.92, as presented.
b. Staff requests authorization to utilize a portion of the project's contingency amount to compensate BCR
Environmental Corporation for the Fleming Island Water Reclamation Facility Project
Assistant Chief Engineer Joe Paterniti presented a request for authorization to utilize a portion of the
project's contingency amount to compensate BCR Environmental Corporation for the Fleming Island Water
Reclamation Facility Project. CCUA awarded the construction of the second biosolids processing facility at
the Fleming Island Water Reclamation Facility on August 8, 2021. This project contract included a base fee
of $4,195,586, with a 10% contingency of $419,550. The contingency was to be utilized for increases in
material and labor costs. Due to delays in obtaining building permits from Clay County, the project was
significantly delayed. The project reached substantial completion on March 14, 2025, and is operating
successfully. As a result of the delay, BCR experienced an escalation in materials and labor costs. BCR
originally requested the entire contingency amount of $419,550. Staff evaluated BCR's claim for
contingency funds and agreed on $120,696.14 in documented costs. After discussion, Ms. Lebesch moved,
seconded by Mr. Hingst, and carried 6-0, to approve utilization of the project's contingency in the amount of
$120,696.14,to compensate BCR Environmental Corporation for their additional costs, as presented.
March 17, 2026
c. Supplemental Agreement No. 1 with CPH Consulting, LLC for Civil and Environmental Engineering
Professional Services Agreement RFQ 2023/2024-A01 to provide Professional Engineering Services for the
construction of the Keystone Water Main Loop Project
Mr. Damrow presented Supplemental Agreement No. 1 with CPH Consulting, LLC for Civil and
Environmental Engineering Professional Services Agreement RFQ 2023/2024-A01 to provide Professional
Engineering Services for the construction of the Keystone Water Main Loop Project. CCUA owns and
operates potable water facilities within the Keystone Heights Service Area (KHSA). The KHSA serves the
City of Keystone Heights in southwestern Clay County, FL, and nearby portions of Bradford County. Staff
previously engaged an engineering consultant to prepare a Basis of Design Report (BODR) which evaluated
recommendations for a phased plan to increase system reliability, address water quality issues, and
consolidate plants by extending and interconnecting water mains. Specifically, the BODR recommended the
piping connections being designed under this supplemental agreement to loop the Keystone/Postmaster Grid
to the Geneva Lake Estates service area, to increase system reliability and allow decommissioning of the
Geneva Lake Estates WTP. Completion of this project will also allow CCUA to serve new areas of
anticipated future development. After discussion,Vice-Chairman Petty moved, seconded by Mr. McCall, and
carried 6-0, to approve Supplemental Agreement No. 1 with CPH Consulting, LLC for Civil and
Environmental Engineering Professional Services Agreement RFQ 2023/2024-A01 to provide Professional
Engineering Services for the construction of the Keystone Water Main Loop Project, in the amount of
$365,550, as presented.
d. FY26 Capital Improvement Program Update Presentation
Mr. Paterniti provided a presentation updating the Board on the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Capital Improvement
Program. This report was for the Board's information only,no action was requested or required on this item.
Mr. Bourre left the meeting in progress at 2:46 P.M. and returned at 2:54 P.M
e. Request for Consideration and Approval of Property Acquisition—2886 Robinette Drive
Development Services Analyst Jennifer Cron presented a request for consideration and approval of property
acquisition at 2886 Robinette Drive, Orange Park, Florida. Mrs. Cron requested authorization for the
Executive Director to proceed with the purchase of a 0.126-acre vacant parcel to secure and protect CCUA's
existing wastewater infrastructure, which includes an 8-inch gravity wastewater main and manhole, currently
located within the property. Approval will also authorize reimbursement to the property owner for reasonable
costs incurred to date associated with survey, permitting, and related activities tied to the parcel. On January
29, 2026, CCUA was notified that during clearing and grading activities associated with the construction of a
new residential home, the contractor encountered an existing CCUA manhole located within the subject
parcel. Subsequent review of CCUA records and field verification confirmed that an existing 8-inch gravity
system including a wastewater main and manhole were located on the subject property. The parcel is
privately owned and was being prepared for the development of a single-family residential home. Following
the notification, CCUA staff conducted a review and evaluation of potential options to resolve the conflict
between the planned development and the existing wastewater infrastructure. One option considered was the
relocation of the existing gravity wastewater main to accommodate the proposed construction. Preliminary
analysis determined that relocation of this gravity main would require significant engineering design,
permitting, and construction, including potential impacts to adjacent properties and restoration of disturbed
areas. Based on initial estimates, the cost to relocate the infrastructure substantially exceeds the property
owner's proposed purchase price for the parcel, even when considering costs the property owner has already
incurred for surveying,permitting, and site preparation. Based on this analysis, acquisition of the parcel
March 17, 2026
represents the most cost-effective and operationally responsible solution. Ownership of the parcel will allow
CCUA to:
• Protect and maintain the existing 8-inch gravity wastewater main and manholes
• Ensure unrestricted access for maintenance, repair, and future replacement activities
• Prevent future conflicts between utility infrastructure and private development
• Avoid the substantially higher costs associated with relocating the existing main and manhole
The total acquisition cost will include the negotiated purchase price of$75,000 plus associated closing costs
for the 0.126-acre parcel. After discussion, Vice-Chairman Petty moved, seconded by Mr. McCall, and
carried 6-0,to authorize the Executive Director to proceed with acquisition of the parcel as presented.
f. Other
Mr. Johnston shared the Lower Sante Fe and Ichetucknee River MFML has been approved and is currently
awaiting Governor DeSantis' approval. He and members of staff are actively working on the proposed
2026/2027 Fiscal Year Budget. He also recognized Mrs. Champion and Mrs. Cron for successfully
completing their first presentations to the Board today.
Item No. 11 —Legal Business
a. Other—None
Item No. 12—Old Business/New Business -None
Item No. 13 —Public Comment-None
Item No. 14—Supervisor Comments
Chairman McNees thanked everyone for their efforts, congratulated Mrs. Champion and Mrs. Cron on their
presentations, and wished everyone a safe St. Patrick's Day.
Item No. 15—Adjournment
Chairman McNees adjourned the meeting at 2:59 P.M.
Michael C. McNees, Chairman
Janice Loudermilk, Recording Secretary
March 17, 2026