Austin Shettler

The Authority meeting covered the ratification of significant bill payments totaling $1,959,029.18 and the approval of Board Reserve Fund requisitions amounting to $228,272.87. Five new water connection applications from S&A Homes were approved, subject to Authority Rules and Regulations. The Board approved the 2026 Board Meeting Calendar and adopted the 2026 Operating and Board Reserve Budgets. Revisions to the Employee Handbook and Policy Manual were also approved. The Source Water Protection Committee reported on discussions with the CRPC regarding land use changes and source water protection, and a request for a $120,000.00 donation for the Hess Farm Conservation project. The Executive Director provided updates on community service efforts (Toys-for-Tots, food bank donations) and operational activities, including main break repairs, production permit approvals (SRBC permit for Wellfield 7), meter migration progress, and planning for various capital projects such as Atherton Street, Honeysuckle Drive, Sleepy Hollow Drive, and Park Forest Avenue. The Solicitor reported on a grievance filed regarding the 2023 Tank 7 painting project. The regular meeting was suspended to enter into an Executive Session to discuss an employee issue, after which the regular meeting reconvened.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. Bill payments and Board Reserve Fund requisitions were ratified and approved, respectively. Two new water connection applications were approved, and the Bulk Water Supply Agreement with College Township Water Authority was also approved, replacing the old Lemont Water Company agreement. The 2026 proposed budget was presented to the Board, with a vote scheduled for the December meeting. Revisions to the Employee Handbook were reviewed and are set for approval in December. The annual flushing is complete, and all hydrants have been flow tested with crews currently rebuilding hydrants. The SRBC permit renewal for Wellfield #7 is on the Commission's December 4th agenda. A consultation meeting was held with DEP and PennVest for potential funding for the Alexander or Woodside Drive plant, but there is currently no grant money available. The Borough manager transmitted the October 13th SCBWA letter to Borough Council regarding the zoning ordinance update. A letter was received from the Department of Labor and Industry stating the Tank 7 painting project violated the Prevailing Wage Act, and a grievance has been filed. The meeting entered an Executive Session to discuss an employee issue.

The meeting covered several topics, including the ratification of payments, approval of board fund requisitions, and approval of new water connection applications. The board reviewed an office rooftop solar proposal. There was discussion regarding proposed changes to the Rules & Regulations Governing Water Service, and the Centre County Solar Group project status. Reports were given by the Finance Committee, and the Executive Director, covering distribution, production, meter shop, customer service, administrative team, and major projects. The meeting also included liaison reports from various townships and consultants, and an executive session to discuss legal matters.

The meeting included committee appointments for 2025, covering Finance, Facilities, Operating and Planning, Appeals, Public Relations, Source Water Protection, and Human Resources. Fifteen new water connection applications were approved. The water main extension on Ghaner Road was accepted. Contract No. 02-2025 was awarded to Lake Chevrolet for the purchase of a new 2025 truck. The Executive Director reported on distribution, production, meter shop activities, administrative team updates, and major projects, including the N. Allen Street project and Tank 1 projects. The Rock Springs situation was also discussed. Liaisons reported on Borough staff activities, Benner Township Water Authority, Centre Regional Planning Commission, and College Township Water Authority. Bids are due March 4th for the Tank 1 painting and piping projects and roof replacement for the administrative building.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. The board discussed the proposed Greystar Project and conditionally approved providing service based on necessary infrastructure improvements. They approved twenty new water connection applications. Contract 12-2025 Phase II was awarded to Landserv, Inc., and Contract 13-25 was awarded to Barbers Chemicals. Resolution 03-2025, regarding a tapping fee increase, was adopted, and the 2026 Minimum Municipal Obligation for the pension plan was approved. The Executive Director reported on distribution, production, meter shop activities, customer service, administrative team updates, and major projects. The meeting also included liaison reports and an executive session to discuss legal matters.