While the Jackson Energy Authority’s board of directors reviewed and approved eight resolutions during their monthly meeting at the Tennergy Center, Thursday, none were as notable as the final item on the agenda.
Jim Ferrell attended his 142nd and final board meeting as president and CEO of Jackson Energy Authority, and was presented with a resolution of appreciation.
Jim, who became the fifth CEO of JEA on April 1, 2011, is retiring after 35 years of service.
“I can’t say enough about relationships with the board,” Jim said, “I really appreciated the Board’s working relationship. One of my goals when I came into this position was try to leave things a little bit better than when I got here, and to try and do it the right way, and I think we’ve done it the right way. Part of that is our staff … solid, solid staff.”
Monte Cooper becomes president and CEO at JEA, Feb. 1, 2023.
“I am excited about the future, too,” Jim said, “I looked at where we (were) when I got here … financially we are in a whole lot better position than we were 12 years ago. Operationally, our systems are really, really solid.
“I feel good about what I’m handing over to Monte (Cooper).”
Monte Jones, chairman of the board of directors at Jackson Energy Authority, discussed the eighth resolution.
“A final resolution was recorded by the board to honor James F. Ferrell, President, and CEO of JEA for his 35 years of exemplary service to the organization,” Monte said, “Jim began his career as a co-op employee and served in many leadership positions.
“His leadership and professionalism are widely known throughout the industry and the board is very thankful for his work.”
Monte also highlighted JEA’s 2022 audit.
“The board received its June 30, 2022, audit (Thursday) which was presented by Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC, “Monte said, “The audit was “unqualified” and confirmed good financial strength for the organization.
“Also, seven resolutions related to various purchases and contracts for the divisions were all approved at the meeting.”
Resolutions and approved include –
Purchase of 35 galvanized steel distribution poles – Border States of Jackson, TN submitted the low bid of $68,337
Purchase of LED Luminaires – Stuart C. Irby Company of Jackson, low bid of $380,000 – and LED Floodlights – Border States Electric, low bid of $302,580
Purchase of one 161:46kV power transformer for Oakfield Primary Substation – Power Service Agency, Nashville submitted the low bid of $3,135,264
The authorization annual system maintenance and support costs for JEA’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition from HSQ Technology, which submitted the low bid of $52,440
Purchase of one new McElroy Tracstar 28 polyethylene pipe hydraulic butt fusion machine for the Gas Division – Consolidated Pipe and Supply of Collierville submitted the low bid of $55,054.15
Contract labor for installation of the Gas System Replacement 2023-1, Bemis Phase II Project – Team Construction, Nashville submitted the low bid of $565,005
The authorization of the contract extension on Grease Trap Pumping and Hauling for the Wastewater Division – Frazier, Inc., Milan submitted the low bid of $203,000
Appreciation to James F. Ferrell, president & CEO, Jackson Energy Authority – priceless.
(PHOTO: from left – Monte Jones, chairman of the Board of Directors, Jackson Energy Authority; Jim Ferrell, president/CEO Jackson Energy Authority, and Monte Cooper, new president/CEO, Jackson Energy Authority)
