Brian Bieda

The board discussed several operational updates, including the Western Regional WWTP Project receiving a national award and updates on ongoing construction projects like the Blind Sodus Bay and Sherburne Road Forcemain. New fee schedules for wastewater discharge permits and trucked/hauled waste were adopted. Bids for the Town of Arcadia Southwest Water Improvement Area project were awarded, covering water main pipe, materials, and directional drilling. The board also reviewed proposals for a public emergency notification system and received updates on equipment deliveries and staffing.

The Board approved claims for payment and discussed financial statements. The Finance Committee reported on and received approval for updated Investment Guidelines, an updated Procurement Policy, and the policy regarding operating and capital reserve funds. Project updates included an addendum to the lease of the Walworth Service Area, an amendment to the Garlock Easement, and approval of Amendment #4 to the engineering agreement for the Western Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. Additionally, the Board authorized an engineering planning grant for the Red Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant, discussed progress on the Blind Sodus Bay and Sherburne Road projects, and declared a damaged service truck as surplus equipment. The meeting concluded with a report on operational activities and maintenance.

The Finance Committee meeting focused on several key policy reviews and recommendations to the full Board. Discussions included the review of Investment Guidelines, confirming no statutory changes were needed and recommending ratification and implementation. The Procurement Policy was also reviewed, with an update added regarding the inapplicability of piggybacking to construction contracts based on a recent court decision; ratification of the updated policy was recommended. Furthermore, the committee reviewed the Capital Reserve Fund status, recommending ratification of the 2018 Capital Plan and approval of the current Restricted Assets- Capital Reserve balance of $3,042,677.02, along with the Policy Regarding the Authority's Operating and Capital Reserve Funds for 2026. The committee also scheduled its next meeting for October 2026 to review the 2027 Authority Budget.

The meeting included the approval of claims totaling $2,065,128.38 and the approval of the Monthly Financial Statements for January 2026, despite some software difficulties impacting completeness. Key agenda items involved the Finance Committee's recommendation and subsequent Board approval of the current Investment Guidelines and the updated Procurement Policy. The Board also ratified and approved the Policy Regarding the Authority's Operating and Capital Reserve Funds, confirming the reserve level at $3,042,677.02 and ratifying the 2018 Capital Plan. Updates on the Western Regional WWTP Project included executing an addendum to the Walworth Service Area Lease and amending the Garlock Easement. Furthermore, the Board approved Addendum No. 4 to the Engineering Agreement with MRB Group for additional services related to project extensions, including sludge dryer installation and decommissioning of old facilities. The Board approved contracting MRB Group for an application for a Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grant for the Red Creek Regional WWTP, not to exceed $5,000. Operational updates covered the Blind Sodus Bay Project and the Sherburne Road Forcemain Project. The Board declared a 2020 Peterbilt Model 348 Cab and Chassis surplus for appropriate disposal. Finally, the Audit Committee meeting for the 2025 audit review was scheduled for March 2026.

The meeting began with the annual election of officers for 2026, resulting in the reappointment of the previous slate including LaVerne Bliek as Chairman. The Board designated the Times of Wayne County and Lakeshore News as the legal newspapers for 2026 and established the regular meeting schedule for the 4th Tuesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. Committee assignments for the Audit, Finance, and Governance Committees were extended for one year. The Board reviewed and adopted the 2026 Hourly Rate Schedule for MRB Group engineering services and accepted the 2026 Services Rate Proposal from Colacino Industries for SCADA/control system maintenance. Engagement agreements for legal services with David Hou (Special Counsel) and Michael A. Howard (General Counsel) for 2026 were executed. Financially, the Board authorized claims totaling $1,587,055.71 for payment and approved the Financial Statements for December 2025. Key project updates included the Western Regional WWTP Project, where the Board authorized executing Addendum No. 3 to the 2020 IMA to include a Direct Contact-Based Sludge Dryer, increasing the Project Cost Cap to $114 Million, and approved submitting an application for the 2026 Municipal Waste Reduction and Recycling program to support the dryer implementation. Updates were also provided on the Blind Sodus Bay Project and the Sherburne Road Forcemain Project. The Board awarded bids for commonly used materials to several responsible bidders. A conflict waiver concerning Mr. Howard's representation of the new Seneca County Water and Sewer Authority was approved. Finally, the Board adopted the Authority salary schedule for 2026 following an Executive Session.