The Lowcountry Regional Water System Commission (herein referred to as “LRWS” of the
“Commission”) held its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at 200 Jackson Avenue
East, Hampton South Carolina. The meeting was advertised as prescribed by law.
Commission Present: John Rhoden, Hampton
Henry Tuten, Varnville
Hugh Gray, Hampton County
James Risher, Gifford
Rocky Hudson, Brunson
Officers Present:
Brian Burgess, General Manager
Marlene Marchyshyn, Treasurer
Kari Foy, Staff Engineer
Sharon Barnes, Secretary
Quorum Met:
Yes
1. Call to Order
Chairman John Rhoden called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm
2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation- James Risher gave the invocation
Pledge of Allegiance- Conducted by all.
3. FOIA Compliance Report
As required by Code of Laws of South Carolina, notice of this LRWS Commission meeting was posted
prominently in the offices of the Commission at least twenty-four hours in advance. In addition, the local
news media and all persons requesting notifications of meetings of the LRWS Commission were notified
of the time, date, and place of such meeting, and were provided with a copy of the agenda at least twentyfour hours prior to this meeting.
4. Adoption of the Agenda
Moved by Rocky Hudson seconded by James Risher to adopt the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.
5. Approval of Minutes: February 24, 2015 and April 2, 2015
Moved by Henry Tuten, seconded by Hugh Gray to approve the minutes of the February 24, 2015 and
April 2, 2015 meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
6. Financial Report
The financial reports for the months of February and March 2015 were presented by Marlene Marchyshyn
and is summarized below.
February
Total Actual Monthly Revenue: $178,414.57 (Under-$18,675.57)
Total Actual Monthly Expenditures: $194,077.22(Under $3,012.92)
Cash Account Balances (Unrestricted funds)
Gross Revenue cash account balance: $217,982.71
Operating cash account balance: $6,377.74
Operating Reserves
Capital Replacements, Cushion Reserves, and Loan Payment Reserves: $104,591.30
March
Total Actual Monthly Revenue: $211,993.74($14,903.60 Over)
Total Actual Expenditures: $251,287.84($54,197.70 Over)
Cash Account Balances (Unrestricted Funds)
Gross Revenue: $122,994.05
Operating Account: $26,127.27
Operating Reserves
Capital Replacements, Cushion Reserves, and Loan Payment Reserves $ 122,606.95
Marlene noted that the expenditures for March included the following:
Brunson water tank- riser pipe repairs $22,450.00
Quarterly SCMIT (insurance) $5,204.00
Equipment (Cyndie) $4,500
Payroll-3rd
Moved by Huge Gray, seconded by Rocky Hudson to approve the financial report. Motion carried
unanimously.
7. Operations Report
February
The Operations Report for February 2015 was presented by Brian Burgess and is summarized below:
The water system total gallons produced for the month was 16,313,000 with total gallons sold at
8,944,000. Total percentage inefficiency was 45%. The wastewater system total gallons received was
45,575,000 with a total gallons treated at 8,067,000. Total percentage inefficiency was 82%. Total active
water services was 3,037 with total active sewer services at 2,742. Total work hours were 2,884.00 with
90.75 hours overtime in Distribution and Collection and 14.50 hours overtime in Treatment. There were
no Workers Comp incidents or loss time reported.
March
The Operations Report for March 2015 was presented by Brian Burgess and is summarized below:
The water system total gallons produced for the month was 25,003,000 with total gallons sold at
13,700,000. Total percentage inefficiency was 45%. The wastewater system total gallons received was
53,094,000 with a total gallons treated at 12,354,000.Total percentage inefficiency was 77%. Total active
water services was 3,118 with a total active sewer services at 2,760. Total work hours were 4,060.00 with
161.00 hours overtime in Distribution and Collection and 26.50 hours overtime in Treatment. There were
no Workers Comp incidents or loss time reported.
Moved by James Risher, seconded by Henry Tuten to approve the Operations report. Motion carried
unanimously.
8. (A) Managers Report
The Managers report for March 2015 was presented by Brian Burgess and included the following:
Two utility workers were hired to fill vacancies and are doing a good job.Candidates for the Customer
Service & Billing Lead will undergo an interview with the Commissioners during the March Commission
meeting.
Brian met with the County Admininstrator to discuss the issues and delays with Hampton County Council
executing the resolution for the asset transfers for the Early Branch Industrial Park water and sewer
infrastructure. He also met with County Council during executive session to answer questions and
concerns of Council.
The Town of Brunson’s elevated water tank is still undergoing repair and painting. There have been no
major issues.
The building at 12 Walnut St. in Hampton was viewed by Brian and the Staff as a possible acquisition for
LRWS’s main office. An architect was hired and prepared a sketch along with a rough cost for
renovation of the building.
On March 18, 2015, the sewer and water meter was inspected at Nevamar by Brian and Danny Padgett.
We are receiving over a million gallons of wastewater monthly that is coming from Nevamar as
groundwater infiltration. This issue has been addressed and Danny will replace the water meter as soon as
possible. A letter will be sent to Nevamar addressing to have the sewer meter calibrated and infiltration
in the manholes repaired.
A leadership staff meeting was held on March 18, 2015 and it was decided that the staff would look at the
wastewater loadings from Alpha Genesis in Yemassee.
April
The Managers Report for April 2015 was presented by Brian Burgess and included the following:
On April 23, 2015, LRWS received two new service trucks for the water distribution and wastewater
collection departments. The vehicles that these will replace will be placed on the Gov Deals website for
online auction.
The Administrative Customer Service and Billing Lead position was filled by Mrs. Sharon Barnes on
April 20, 2015.
The elevated water tank in Brunson is still under repair and being painted. Expected completion will be in
June.
On April 16, 2015, employees attended a 2 hour training on blood borne pathogens, first aid and CPR.
Brian, Danny Padgett and Daniel Collins attended the SC Rural Water Associations first Expo held in
Columbia SC at the SC Farmer’s Market.This Expo provided much opportunity for training, demos and
discussion with sales representatives and product engineers.
(B) Engineers Report
The Engineers report was presented by Kari Foy and included the following:
The Brunson Tank Rehab Project completion date was moved to June 9, 2015 due to weather delays. The
elevated tank is being sandblasted and painted on the interior and exterior. The interior rehab has been
completed and work is still continuing on the exterior.
The Water/Sewer to SCIC has been put on hold until County property transfer occurs. Brian pointed
out to the Board that DOT was going to require LRWS to do additional work which would raise costs
between $400,000.00 and $500,000.00. Route modifications will be made to minimize roadway impacts
as well as costs.
The Brunson-Gifford Water System Interconnection Project design is 60% complete. Permit applications
have been submitted and easement acquisition is to begin.
The Hampton Sewer Rehab Project CDBG grant application was submitted on April 10, 2015. LRWS is
working with LCOG to complete an environmental review.
Kari also presented an interesting slide show of some of the projects in the before and after stages.
9. Old Business
None
10. New Business
A) 1st Reading of Wastewater Rate Change for the Town of Yemassee
A $2.00 Wastewater Rate increase for the Town of Yemassee will be implemented from May 2015
to October 2015 at $0.33 per month. This will generate an average increase in the amount of
$45,724.08 in Annual Revenue.
Moved by Rocky Hudson, seconded by James Risher to approve the first reading of the Wastewater Rate
Changes for the Town of Yemassee. Motion carried unanimously.
B) Bids on Cost to Remodel Customer Service Intake Area
Kari Foy gave a report that 2 bids were given. The first bid was by Brunson Construction and
ranged from $20,000.00 to $21,000.00. The second bid was made by Gooding Contractors and
was higher at $24,000.00. Mayor Rhoden suggested that we move to discuss the possible property
purchase before we discuss remodeling the existing building we are currently using.
C) Purchase/Renovation Cost on Property at 12 Walnut St.
The building at 12 Walnut Street is 3,200 sq. ft. Kari Foy gave a slide show of the interior and the
exterior of the building. The size would be adequate for LRWS and still have some room for
growth. Kari also showed a drawing that was prepared by an independent architect from
Charleston, Josie Abrams. The sketch showed a proposed layout of the customer service area,
offices, conference rooms and training areas. Renovations will be necessary, but if local labor is
used, costs are anticipated to be much lower. Mayor Rhoden had talked with the USDA and we
should be eligible to receive a 35%-40% grant. Mayor Rhoden suggested that we need to take the
first step and make an offer. It was suggested that we ask Lee Ellis to represent LRWS in making
an offer to acquire the property at 12 Walnut Street. It was decided that a bid of $51,750.00 would
be offered for the property. Rocky Hudson recused himself due to conflict of interest as he works
for Lee Ellis.
Moved by James Risher, seconded by Hugh Gray to contract with Mr. Lee Ellis of Ellis Realty to
represent LRWS and make an offer to the owner for the property at 12 Walnut Street in the amount of
$51,750.00. Motion carried unanimously.
D) Board Member Goal Setting
Brian asked about the list of goals that were presented and which ones would the board want to
set. James Risher mentioned that the list was very large and maybe it could be narrowed down.
Mayor Rhoden suggested that we look at the list of goals and bring back the top five goals for the
next board meeting.
E) Safety Shoe Policy
Brian Burgess stated that LRWS had begun a safety committee this year and they were developing
safety policies to put in place. A safety shoe policy was implemented since certain employees’
jobs required safety shoes. The committee suggested that the employees that were required to
purchase safety shoes would receive an allowance of $100.00 per year to supplement the cost of
protective footwear. The Red Wing Company was suggested as a supplier of the safety shoes.
Brian stated that Brunson Supply stocks some safety shoes also. If we purchase locally with
Brunson Supply, it was suggested that we could inquire about LRWS receiving a discount.
Moved by Henry Tuten, seconded by James Risher to approve the Safety Shoe Policy and
allowance of $100.00 per year to supplement the cost of protective footwear that meets the requirements.
F) Hard Hats, Safety Vest, High Visibility Clothing Policy
Brian Burgess stated that LRWS would provide the safety vests, hard hats and any other personal
protection equipment needed by the employees. He also stated that the LRWS Safety Policy
designates exactly when employees are required to wear safety equipment. Employees are
expected to strictly adhere to this Safety Policy or would be written up if not in compliance.
Moved by Hugh Gray, seconded by James Risher to approve the Hard Hats, Safety Vest, and High
Visibility Clothing Policy. Motion carried unanimously.
G) 2014 Annual Report
Brian stated that the Annual Report had been updated from 2013 and he had also updated the
pictures. The report for 2014 is ready to be published. Brian also mentioned that maybe next year
we could possibly make comparisons from year to year, up to 5 years showing trends. The Board
agreed to finalize the report.
11. Comments or Questions
None
12. Executive Session
No Executive Session.
13. Adjournment
Moved by James Risher, seconded by Rocky Hudson to adjourn, Motion carried unanimously. Meeting
then adjourned at 5:27pm.
Respectfully Submitted By:
Sharon Barnes