Cheryl A. Peterson

The meeting included public hearings regarding the management budget and the annual budget and appropriation ordinance for the upcoming fiscal year. The Board adopted several ordinances related to the annual management budget, operation and maintenance cost rates, fixed costs for contract customers, and the annual budget and appropriation ordinance. Furthermore, the Board approved resolutions authorizing a consulting agreement for IT cyber security, a collective bargaining agreement, work authorization orders, the purchase of steel pipe and butt straps, and change orders for the SCADA replacement project. The Board also reviewed accounts payable disbursements and discussed governance for a source water project. An executive session was held to discuss real estate acquisition and property pricing, resulting in the approval of an ordinance for the acquisition of easements for a water provision project.

The Board of Commissioners discussed various administrative and engineering matters, including the approval of a consulting agreement for IT network managed services, the disposal of personal property, and the authorization of a task order for a cost-of-service model review. Engineering and construction items addressed included professional services for source water project technical advice, control valve repair services, work authorization orders for quick response contracts, and design cost increases for the WaterLink pipeline project. Additionally, the Board authorized negotiations and property acquisitions via easement for the WaterLink pipeline project and provided service to several villages and cities through multiple ordinances.

The committee reviewed the proposed budgets for the upcoming fiscal year, noting budgeted revenues of $152.4 million and expenditures of $162.2 million. Several ordinances related to these budgets were approved. A presentation was provided by PFM Asset Management regarding the commission's investment activity, current economic conditions, and projected interest rates. Additionally, the committee reviewed the treasurer's and financial reports, which indicated strong cash positions and water sales performance, and discussed expected budget variances for legal and water purchase accounts. Finally, the committee received updates on transitions for banking activity.

The committee reviewed operational and construction reports, including status updates on the High Lift Pump No. 8 rehabilitation, cone valve refurbishment, and a valve actuator replacement. Discussions included the ongoing Illinois Department of Transportation road improvement projects, drone cleaning trials for standpipes, and various infrastructure maintenance activities. The committee also covered procurement items, such as the purchase of steel pipe and butt straps, and addressed change orders for ongoing projects. Engineering updates focused on the WaterLink Project progress, including pipeline installation, easement acquisition, tree clearing, and upcoming groundbreaking events, alongside geotechnical investigations for future annual improvement projects.

The committee reviewed the Treasurer's report and financial statements, focusing on cash and investment balances, reserve account compliance, and water sales performance. Discussions included budget projections for the upcoming fiscal year, investment activity, and the status of banking service transitions. Security, personnel, real estate, and litigation matters were also identified for potential executive session discussion.