Damien Buchanan

The meeting commenced with an invocation, followed by a motion to approve the agenda, which was subsequently amended to address a presentation for an incoming member. Discussions during the meeting covered several operational and project-related items. Key among these was an inquiry regarding sinkholes and potential subsurface drainage issues, which were determined to be small penetrations not indicative of main line failure after camera inspection of storm drains. Another significant topic involved troubleshooting a programmable logic controller (PLC) issue in the generator building during a test transfer from utility power to diesel generation, which led to an electrical failure; it was clarified that the parameters were incorrect due to a transposition error and subsequent investigation and verification were scheduled. A departing board member was recognized and thanked for six years of service, commitment, and contributions across technical, financial, and legal oversight. New business included authorizing resolutions for scope of services amendments for Project One (SRP 96), totaling $800,000, and authorizing the start of related projects. Further discussion clarified the role of the Owner's Advisor (OA) in design-build contracts, specifically differentiating between the OA's quality assurance role (advising staff) versus the Engineer of Record's quality control role (sealing documents), particularly concerning risk management and schedule oversight.

The meeting commenced with an invocation. Discussions included the approval of the consent agenda, with one item held for clarification regarding ongoing issues with VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives). The VFD issue is complex, involving harmonic noises affecting lower voltage electronics, and requires further consultation with specialists, including external contractors, to resolve before heavy pumping season. The board deferred a full update on the VFD status until the next meeting. New business covered the election of authority board of directors officers for the upcoming terms, which was approved. Additionally, the board reviewed a draft resolution adopting a ransomware cyber security policy, noting that state statutes prohibit paying ransoms and mandate immediate reporting of cyber incidents to the state. The draft, informed by state guidance and external research, will be finalized for approval in a future meeting. A presentation was then given by HDR regarding a major water/sewer project, detailing project scope, status updates for Project One (A and B phases are nearly complete, with 90% overall installation), and reviewing pay obligations and burn rates from the design-builder.

The meeting commenced with an opening prayer, followed by a roll call establishing a quorum. A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent agenda items C1, C3, and C4, with a separate discussion and approval for item C2. Key discussions involved a presentation from CWIT Support regarding their partnership, focusing heavily on cybersecurity measures. Topics covered included a multi-layered approach to security, endpoint detection and response (EDR), dark web monitoring, zero trust security utilizing AI learning and application whitelisting, DNS filtering services, and security awareness training/phishing simulations. The provider detailed how proactive monitoring and patching are managed, along with the introduction of new Client Watch Services involving quarterly vulnerability scanning and penetration testing.

The notice announces a public hearing for the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget of the Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority (LCFWASA). The budget is available for public inspection at LCFWASA's office and online. The public hearing will receive comments on the proposed budget and will be held in person and virtually.

The meeting included an invocation and the introduction of a new board member from Pender County. The board discussed and approved the consent agenda, including a state mandate compliance item. They also elected new board officers and approved the regular scheduled meetings calendar. A major topic was the approval for the replacement of two VFDs at the King BL Pump Station, with discussions on costs and the benefits of variable speed drives. Additionally, there was an overview of the HDR design build process, focusing on the Lower Kings Bluff project, its funding mechanisms (including ARPA funds), and the division into two separate projects (yellow and blue lines) due to funding and schedule considerations.