Brenda Cantu

The meeting agenda included several items for consideration under the Consent Agenda, such as approving the minutes of the February 11, 2026 meeting, authorizing support for a $4,000,000 grant funding request to the U.S. House Appropriations Committee for the Replacement of Large Diameter Water Valves Project, and approving capacity increases for master contracts with Canfield Engineering & Integration, LLC, Rush Truck Centers of Texas, L.P., and Clowe & Cowan of El Paso, LLC. The Board also considered approving a new master contract with PureOps LLC for industrial pumps and related equipment, and approving a change order for the Canutillo PS Cl2 Scrubber Improvements Project. The Regular Agenda covered a CEO Monthly Update, a Management Report noting EPWater's acceptance into the Water Utility Climate Alliance, public comment, and consideration of a resolution designating addresses for public information requests. Major action items involved approving deductive change orders and accepting new Guaranteed Maximum Prices (GMP 7 and GMP 9) for the Pure Water Center project and the Roberto R. Bustamante Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion and Improvements project, respectively. Furthermore, the Board intended to adopt resolutions requesting the El Paso City Council to authorize the issuance of various Water and Sewer Revenue Refunding Bonds and Municipal Drainage Utility System Revenue Refunding Bonds. The session concluded with discussion and action on proposed PSB Compensation Committee governance documents, followed by an Executive Session to consult with the attorney regarding legal parameters of subcommittees, strategy on real property, and other legal and operational matters.

The Public Service Board meeting addressed several consent agenda items, including the approval of the January 14, 2026, minutes. Key approvals included a sole source master contract with Schneider Electric Systems USA, Inc. for automation equipment, increases in master contract capacity for Tuatara Consulting Inc. and ConvergeOne, Inc. through purchasing cooperatives, and amendments to professional engineering service contracts with Carollo Engineers, Inc. and Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. for the Roberto R. Bustamante Wastewater Treatment Plant Headworks Improvements project. Additionally, engineering services contracts were awarded on an on-call basis to multiple firms. Under the regular agenda, the CEO provided a monthly update, recognized an employee award recipient, and acknowledged a retirement. Management reports covered water quality updates and the operational response to a major water main break in Northeast El Paso. The Board created a standing PSB Budget Committee and appointed members. Construction contracts were awarded for the Maintenance of Natural Gas Engines (RFP 08-25) and the Montana Vista Wastewater Collection System Phase II (Bid Number 12-25). A resolution was adopted delegating authority to the President/CEO for awarding construction contracts up to $6,000,000 under the FY26-27 Capital Improvement Program. The Board convened in Executive Session to discuss succession planning, claims related to the water main break, consultation with legal counsel regarding a brine water agreement, deliberation on declaring utility land inexpedient, and potential disposition of utility land.

The meeting agenda covered several items under the Consent Agenda, including the approval of minutes from the January 14, 2026, meeting, approval of a sole source master contract with Schneider Electric Systems USA, Inc. for automation and control equipment, and capacity increases for master contracts with Tuatara Consulting Inc. and ConvergeOne, Inc. for technology solutions and software services, respectively. Amendments were considered for professional engineering services contracts with Carollo Engineers, Inc. and Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. for wastewater treatment plant improvements. Additionally, the Board considered awarding professional engineering services contracts for on-call services. The Regular Agenda included updates from the CEO regarding employee surveys and awards, management reports on water quality and the response to a major water main break, and public comment. Key actions involved discussing the creation of a standing PSB Budget Committee and making appointments. The Board also considered awarding contracts for the maintenance of natural gas engines and the construction of the Montana Vista Wastewater Collection System Phase II. A resolution to delegate authority up to $6,000,000 per contract award for construction projects in the FY26-27 CIP without further PSB approval was also on the agenda.

The regular meeting included several significant actions taken under the consent agenda, such as approving the minutes from the December 10, 2025 meeting, authorizing a first amendment to an agreement with Noctua LLC for additional engineering services, and awarding an RFP for powdered activated carbon to Norit Americas, Inc. The regular agenda featured a CEO monthly update on utility management and operations, including industry panels and public outreach campaigns. A management report covered EPWater's strategy, KPIs, budget/rate community meetings, and third-quarter financial performance. Critical discussions and actions were taken regarding two emergencies: the replacement of a critical 48-inch pipeline at the Hickerson WWTP due to deterioration identified during construction, and the response to a water main break (Nevins 36-inch discharge line) in Northeast El Paso which caused system-wide impacts. Furthermore, the Board conducted a public hearing and took action on the Stormwater Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and adopted resolutions amending related fee structures. Finally, the Board discussed and adopted the Water, Wastewater, and Reclaimed Water Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, including proposed rate changes.

The 2026 Far West Texas Water Plan (Region E) is a comprehensive roadmap addressing water management for the arid Far West Texas region, recognizing water as a scarce resource vital for long-term viability and economic health. It evaluates current and projected water demands across various categories (irrigation, municipal, mining, manufacturing, livestock, and steam-electric power) up to 2080, assessing available water supplies under drought-of-record conditions. The plan proposes water management strategies, including conservation practices and infrastructure upgrades, to mitigate projected deficits. Key areas of focus include population and water demand, water supply resources, water quality, conservation, drought contingency planning, and the protection of water, agricultural, and natural resources.