The Jackson Energy Authority board of directors held its monthly meeting at the JEA Training Center, 320 U.S. Highway 45 Bypass, with 20 items on the agenda, Thursday.

Several items were related to equipment purchases designed to enhance the ability for JEA to remotely read and operate meters for the water and gas divisions.

The board also approved resolutions for improvements to the water and wastewater systems, including pipe purchases for updates to areas that will be paved by the city during this fiscal year.

“Changes to an existing contract for improvements to the Miller Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant were approved that will allow this project to be completed after issues with the original contractor,” Monte Jones said, “The board also approved installation of a new south water well which is critical to services in the south Jackson area.

“JEA will begin an engineering study that will improve the disposal of sludge through a Bio-solids drying project at the Miller Avenue wastewater plant.”

Monte Jones is the chairman of the Board of Directors at Jackson Energy Authority.

The board also clarified a prior resolution related to JEA’s Retirement Plan that affects early retirees only.

The board heard from some employees who were concerned with prior changes to the plan and welcomed feedback for future consideration.

Management also expressed a desire to include employees chosen by their peers when reviewing future recommendations to benefits.

(PHOTO: Monte Jones, chairman of the Board of Directors at Jackson Energy Authority)