November 18, 2008

Minutes of General Meeting

Present:  Karen Nady, President, Don Terry Treasurer, Louie Nady, Finance, Lon Johnston, Utility, Franklin Lamb, Advisory Board, Glenn Robinson, Advisory Board

Absent:  Tomasina Werner, Press Liaison, Cathy Barnette, Governmental Affairs, Ernest Berger, Historic Preservation

Guests and Members: Howard Rose, Frieda Romanchuck, Diane Roberson Hill, Al Guarisco, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Segalla.

Guest Speaker: Rob McElroy, Manager Daphne Utilities

Karen brought the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. and introduced Rob McElroy, Manager of Daphne Utility

Program:

Mr. McElroy thanked OTDA for inviting him back to speak after 2 years.  He started his comments with the dangers of oil in the sewer system, using the example that if all 10,000 Daphne customers put one teaspoon of oil in the system a day that was the equivalent of seven 55 gallon barrels of oil a day.  He has the authority to regulate 75 commercial customers, but he can only ask residential customers to educate themselves and be responsible with what is put into the sewer system. 

Using slides to illustrate his comments his presentation included views of clogged pipes, sewer spills and inside manholes.  He brought a sample waste oil container and discussed proper use, where drop off stations are located etc.  In the last 4 or 5 years there has been a 40% reduction of oils in the sewer system fewer spills. 

The Utility’s award winning Bio-Diesel project was discussed.  The Utility produces about 400 gallons of biodiesel a month, with 50 gal of waste cooking oil yielding 40 gal of biodiesel in 48 hours and costs about $1.00 a gallon.  The Utility mixes the biodiesel 20% with %80 diesel, no engine conversions are needed and a portion of the Utility fleet is run o the product.

Mr. McElroy reported that the Utility has won awards from ADEM, ARWA (?Rural water association) and also an ADECA grant for teaching about the program including Huntsville, Montgomery, Birmingham and Mobile.  He gave numbers for city size and what bro-diesel production could be achieved.  He commented that it is not just biodiesel, but reducing oil in the system and using the oil for something productive. It saves the sewers and protects water supply. He noted that OTDA gave the first award to the Utility in 2006 for innovation with the Bio-diesel program.

Other Utility News:

The 19 acre Campbell swamp, near Bay Bluff and Captain O’Neal, was possibly going to be sold and up to 3 lots created with 16 acres perpetually conserved.  Current ides is to sell to the City as a preserve and use the funds generated for a Utility structure that is needed.

Daphne Dog Park: Utility installed the dog wash station, water, a section on pipe as a dog fun run and an old hydrant for dog use. City Hall: 4 gas lights have been donated by the Utility at the fountain to highlight gas services in town and create a nice effect at night.

Example of a back of a truck hydrant flush with hose and truck to keep water from damaging property or causing erosion while cleaning was shown. They are re-painting hydrants throughout town. They removed a sub-station and created the Elizabeth Yelding Park and included wireless access. The Utility is currently repainting lift stations, including Dryer Ave, understated colors of green or browns to blend with surroundings.  Two wells on 6^th street will be combined, a new chlorine system installed and it will be disguised as a home to blend in with the street.  The pump structure behind the Utility will be torn down eventually and landscaping and rock used to conceal the pumps.

Mr. McElroy discussed chlorination techniques, fluoride in water. He also commented that $1MM was saved by restructuring a loan.  Controlling costs, with a savings of about $50,000 a year, has been achieved by employee cross training.  Through in house educational programs about living safely, employees have also reduced health insurance costs to the Utility, increased safety at home and on the job. Lend-A hand was discussed and signup sheets made available to OTDA.

Questions:

Does the Utility have a way of determining who/where clogs appear frequently?  With pressure changes at lifts they can usually determine clogs, or by use of cameras and physical inspection.

How is our sewer capacity?  We are at about 65% capacity and the plant was doubled in the 1990’s.  We have 25-30 years before enlarging.  Industry goal is to make plants smaller.

Lon commented about management style, long range plan, employee education all being strengths of the department

Karen thanked Mr. McElroy for speaking, providing additional printed information and sample soaps.

Announcements: Karen announced that the next General Meeting would tentatively and informal evening with wine to be held at Uncorked wines in Olde Towne.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.