Cleveland Utilities

The meeting included reports on the organization's receipt of Diamond-Level designations from the American Public Power Association for reliability and safety. Significant discussion took place regarding new state legislation affecting municipal electric systems and annexation projects. The fiber division announced reaching a milestone of 3,000 customers. Staff presented the comprehensive proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, which covers capital projects, debt, and rate adjustments across the electric, water, wastewater, and fiber divisions. The Board reviewed various procurement requests for equipment and infrastructure improvements, and received updates on ongoing engineering and construction projects.

The board meeting included a manager's update regarding mutual aid efforts provided during Winter Storm Fern, recognition for the 25th Tree Line USA award, an upcoming public information session, and a status update on the fiber construction project. The meeting covered detailed financial, electric, and water/wastewater reports for January 2026. Action items approved included purchase orders for sewer claim reimbursements, fiber customer residential gateways, water line replacements, a wastewater plant centrifuge rotating assembly, and the acquisition of new pickup trucks. Additionally, the board reviewed 2025 safety internal performance measures.

The board meeting agenda included several key updates, such as the APPA reliable public power provider and safety award designations, legislation and fiber updates, a fundraiser report, and information regarding drinking water week. The consent agenda featured the approval of various financial, electric, and water/wastewater division reports, along with several purchase order approvals for fiber drops and installations, new bucket trucks, half-ton crew cab pickup trucks, a new camera system for maintenance, and stone backfill procurement. New business included a presentation of the fiscal year 2027 budget.

The board discussed potential impacts of state legislative bills regarding board representation and utility service area restrictions following annexation. Staff provided updates on a new workforce development program, progress on the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, and the performance and expansion of the fiber division. Operational reports covered various infrastructure projects, including electric system upgrades, water and wastewater system improvements, and meter installation initiatives. Several purchase orders were approved for fiber optic equipment, secondary pedestals, fleet vehicles, a backhoe, and a new septage receiving station. The board also formally authorized management to send correspondence in opposition to specific state annexation legislation.

The board meeting agenda includes a manager's update covering retirement news, the Tech Goes Home program, fiscal year budget updates, and fiber infrastructure progress. The consent agenda focuses on various procurement approvals, including purchase orders for optical network terminals for the fiber division, secondary pedestals for new developments, new pickup trucks for the fiber and electric engineering departments, a replacement loader backhoe for the line department, and a new septage receiving station to improve reliability.