Cape Fear Public Utility Authority

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda and excused absences for two members. Key discussions involved clarifications regarding the Human Resources committee report, which had inadvertently been carried over from the previous month. The Board addressed questions related to Key Indicators, specifically concerning the stagnation of inspection numbers despite an increase in building permits, which was explained as a lagging indicator in the development review process. Further discussion addressed bill affordability metrics, noting a 12-month low in days bills were outstanding and a request to track comparisons with neighboring counties, which was explained as being difficult as the current metric is CFPUA-centric. In the environmental report, a Board member raised a concern regarding a spike in total suspended solids at the Richardson plant, which staff committed to investigating. The Board also discussed a significant sanitary sewer overflow event due to pipe failure, which was attributed to aging infrastructure. Finally, there was a positive reception to the strategic plan update concerning the computer proficiency training program offered to employees in partnership with Capefear Community College, including an offer for Board members to take a proficiency test.

The meeting commenced with establishing a quorum and adopting the agenda, which included amendments for administrative reports concerning an inter-vessel transfer and adding monthly financials to the finance section. A significant portion of the meeting involved honoring a departing member, Charles Haywood Ryvenbark Jr., for his years of service, leadership, and dedication, highlighting his involvement since the authority's inception, handling federal consent decrees, and overseeing executive director selections. The annual report for 2025 was presented, noting the authority's strong financial condition, a $129.35 million budget, and the advancement of 112 capital projects valued at $789.5 million, including the groundbreaking for the Southside Reclamation Facility. Discussions also covered utility consolidation with the Town of Wrightsville Beach, collaboration with university students on efficiency, and receiving national awards for water treatment and management. Action items included approving funds for the 821 fire station water connection, and the attorney requested a closed session to discuss potential and pending litigation.

The meeting involved calling the session to order, excusing a board member, and adopting the agenda. Key discussions included public comments regarding fire hydrant maintenance and ownership for a new development, which was referred to the long-range planning committee for policy guidance. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to presenting the results of the 2025 customer satisfaction survey, comparing them to the 2023 results, and analyzing staff interaction satisfaction, which showed statistically significant increases across the board in staff quality metrics. The presentation also covered respondent perceptions of CFPUA's identity and provided an analysis of service level satisfaction, highlighting areas identified as opportunities for improvement.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda, including the addition of a walk-in item concerning emergency contract services change order. Two new board members were welcomed and sworn in. A resolution honoring the service of Luke Wadell Senior was presented and approved, recognizing his commitment to financial standing and the consolidation of water and sewer systems. The external auditors presented the 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, noting that four unmodified or clean audit opinions were issued for the fiscal year, with no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies identified in the financial statements or federal/state grants reviewed. Required communications regarding accounting policies, management estimates, and auditor independence were shared. Discussions were held regarding pulled items from the consent agenda, including the decision to return Policy 202398 concerning recruitment and selection to the HR committee.

The meeting included public comment regarding an issue discussed two months prior, where the speaker noted a lack of follow-up or discussion at the last board meeting. The speaker also requested documentation related to an investigation that was supposed to occur after a prior presentation. The agenda proceeded to New Business following the confirmation that there were no items on the Consent Agenda.