Celenia Mercado

The Annual Reorganization Meeting involved the election of officers for the year, including the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Secretary, and Assistant Treasurer. Key organizational resolutions were adopted, such as the designation of the Official Newspaper (The Daily Record) and other newspapers for legal notices, approval of the 2026 schedule of regular meetings, establishment of standing committees (including an Ad Hoc Special Committee for Lead Service Line Regulation), and approval of annual banking resolutions for TD Bank and Santander Bank. Other business included the approval of the 2026 Investment Program, authorization to use vendors under the State of New Jersey Cooperative Purchasing Program, authorization to award a professional service contract to Larson Design Group for GIS and Hydraulic Modeling Services (up to $292,000.00), and authorizing the use of competitive contracting for a Public-Private Partnership Contract related to water storage tank asset rehabilitation. The meeting concluded with a resolution authorizing a closed session discussion regarding potential litigation and the adjournment of the meeting.

The regular meeting included the review of the attached statement of Public Notice. Key discussions and actions involved the approval of the previous month's regular and closed session minutes, and the approval of the January 2026 list of bills. Other business items included the authorization to increase the spending limit for Rio Supply Inc. through the Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council for 2025 expenditures, authorization to use vendors under the Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council for 2026, authorization to use vendors under the North Jersey Wastewater Cooperative Pricing System for 2026, the award of a professional service contract up to $100,000.00 to Larson Design Group for Geographic Information System (GIS) integration services, the award of a contract up to $165,023.00 to Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions for upgrades to the Clyde Potts Water Treatment Plant Membrane Filtration System, and a discussion regarding the draft agenda for the upcoming Annual Reorganization Meeting.

The Authority held its regular meeting, which included a public comment portion where no members of the public were present. Key actions included the approval of the November 20, 2025, minutes, the adoption of the December 2025 list of bills, and a public rate hearing for 2026 water service charges. Resolutions were adopted to authorize rate adjustments effective January 1, 2026, based on a cost-of-service study showing necessary overall rate increases of approximately nine percent for commercial users and ten percent for all others. The Board also adopted the 2026 Budget and authorized several transfers of funds between 2025 and 2026 operating and capital budget appropriations. Contracts were awarded for corrosion control treatment chemicals and hydrant locks, and the replacement of membrane filtration system modules at the Clyde Potts Water Treatment Plant. Additionally, resolutions were passed authorizing the use of vendors under various cooperative pricing agreements for 2026, approving a copier lease, authorizing the purchase of water pitchers and filters related to lead service line replacement, appointing the Public Agency Compliance Officer for 2026, authorizing closed session discussions regarding potential litigation and management compensation, executing a contract with Bond Counsel, and approving salary compensation for Management Personnel for 2026.

The meeting included the approval of the October 16, 2025, minutes and the approval of the November 2025 list of bills. Key business involved authorizing several professional service contracts for 2026, including special labor counsel and human resources services with PEM Law, LLP (estimated not to exceed $30,000.00), and auditing/accounting services with Nisivoccia, LLP (estimated not to exceed $60,980.00 for services as of December 31, 2025). The Authority also authorized contracts for engineering services for the Morristown Water Main Replacement Project ($1,085,000.00 maximum), an agreement with Engineering Resource Group for recruitment services (not to exceed $65,000.00), a shared services agreement with Hanover Township for milling and paving, and the use of vendors through cooperative pricing systems for grounds equipment and fencing installation. A final change order for excavation spoils removal was authorized. Furthermore, the Authority resolved to use various vendors for miscellaneous services in 2026, including compressor maintenance, vehicle repair, plumbing, and asphalt supply. Finally, the Chief Financial Officer was appointed as the Qualified Purchasing Agent, and an agreement for General Counsel services with Murphy McKean, PC was authorized.

The meeting included discussions and resolutions on various topics such as approving the list of bills for October 2025, introducing the 2026 budget, authorizing the award of a contract for excavation spoils removal, and extending contracts for permanent pavement replacements, large meter replacement services, and sodium hydroxide. Additionally, the board discussed increasing authorized amounts for vendors, approving a water main easement agreement, and addressing reports from various divisions including engineering, finance, IT, operations, risk management, and water quality. The board also addressed a lawsuit filed by NJDEP and a potential meeting with Morris Township.