Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
June 8, 2017 4:46 p.m.
It is not routine for Fernandina Beach department directors to receive audience applause following their updates to the City Commission. Yet that was just what happened when Utilities Department Director John Mandrick concluded his presentation on the department’s current and future operations and projects at the June 6, 2017 Regular Meeting of the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC).
Via a series of nine slides, Mandrick explained that since the purchase of the water facility in 2003, water and sewer enterprise funds have contributed almost $6M to the city’s General Fund. This year’s contribution alone is estimated to be $520,000. Mandrick estimated a 3-5 percent growth for FY 2017/18, which translates into a 3 percent growth in revenues. This means that there will be no rate increases for the fiscal year that begins October 1.
In the coming fiscal year, Mandrick expects to continue expanding his department’s use of solar to offset electric bills. He said that the solar cells, which have a 30-year life expectancy, pay for themselves after 9 years.
Utilities Department staff will continue to reduce inflow and infiltration to the city’s sewer lines by relining existing sewer lines. By keeping stormwater from intruding into city sewers, the city has been able to save costs and lessen impact on water treatment facilities by not treating unnecessarily one million gallons of water per day. Wastewater will also upgrade an 80-foot diameter secondary clarifier.
Mandrick plans to install an 8-inch water main on Broome Street between North 2nd and North 6th Streets to improve water pressure for fire hydrants. The inside of the water tower will also be repainted this year. This needs to be done on a 5-year cycle to avoid corrosion in the water storage tank.
In ending his presentation Mandrick expressed his pride in all of his staff. He encouraged the public, especially during the hot days of summer, to take a moment to pass along thanks or a word of encouragement to Utilities staff who often work outdoors in extreme weather.
Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.
JOHN MANDRICK AND CREW: ANOTHER GREAT YEAR FOR THE UTILITY DEPARTMENT, THANKS, GERHARDT
IOW $520000 in taxes called something else!
Is the 6 million net of the court settlement?
Good job on the solar.
That is all great news. When can we revisit waste pick-up? Twice a week is just too much – almost none of my neighbors put their cans out twice a week, yet the trucks continue to noisily storm down our streets, wasting more fuel, time and manpower than our recyclables could ever recover.
I agree with Anne. I understand there is not much difference in the cost of one or two pick-ups, but it would lessen damage to our lanes and streets.