Daniel Hughes

The Board of Directors held a review session concerning the status of the Pucket Pipeline project, specifically focusing on technical challenges and project delays. The discussion addressed the ongoing design and permitting efforts required for roadway and utility crossings, including a detailed technical explanation of the micro-tunneling methodology proposed for the I-195 segment. The Board evaluated current project schedules, permit application timelines for railroad and infrastructure crossings, and the status of 90% design plans for various project components.

The meeting focused primarily on the bid evaluation and award recommendation for the Water Main Street Replacement Project, a critical, year-long discussion item. Staff reviewed proposals from two contractors, Berkeley Construction and CD Utility, noting several issues with Berkeley's submission and recommending the award to CD Utility for $1,387,369. The discussion included a detailed review of addenda, specific monetary differences between bids, and clarifications regarding National Grid funding application for associated work. Later in the meeting, the Board addressed bid inspection services, approving a task order to CDM Smith for $150,327. Finally, the Board approved the total budget estimate, not to exceed $2,000,000, for the project, including contingency funds.

The meeting included a detailed presentation and discussion regarding investment portfolio performance as of November 26, 2018, contrasting year-to-date returns against various benchmarks, including S&P 500 and international equities. Discussion focused on market downturns, the impact of a strong US dollar on international exposure, and the long-term investment strategy for the pension plan, including concerns about its declining balance and approaching liquidation phase. Furthermore, updates were provided on several ongoing water main construction projects across the three towns, including work on the pump station and removal of asbestos cement pipe, noting that projects started late due to the season but were expected to conclude soon, with most staying within budget.

The board meeting included discussions regarding legislative matters potentially affecting water resources, such as the establishment of a study commission or water resource board. Updates were provided on project statuses, including the testing of an automated system related to flow, pressures, and tank levels, which is currently operating successfully. A significant portion of the discussion addressed issues with pipe replacement projects, specifically concerning the cement lining application quality, where some sections were deemed unacceptable, requiring contractor expense for correction. Furthermore, the board discussed implementing a customer portal allowing ACH payments, which was noted as being behind schedule but progressing after vendor system upgrades. There was also extensive discussion concerning the design of a pipeline connection (potentially 30-inch vs. 24-inch) and the associated costs of design, especially given the presence of unknown infrastructure along the proposed route, and the need to confirm East Providence's commitment to sharing design costs. Financial reports indicated that water sales were positively impacted by a wet spring, leading to anticipated lower billing in upcoming months, and the overall financial position appeared strong despite fluctuations in state funding distributions. Discussions also touched upon data backup procedures, including on-site, off-site, and cloud backups, and the related recovery time objectives.

Key discussions involved financial matters, specifically postponing action on binding resolutions related to a $7 million item until the next meeting due to the late receipt of a commitment letter, although the rate was fixed at 3.32 percent. The board addressed a claim concerning basement water damage, where the cost for cleanup and restoration was $5,550.78. Discussions focused on whether the authority was responsible, considering plumbing installation standards and code compliance, ultimately leading to a motion to pay a portion ($665.78) as a goodwill gesture without admitting negligence. The board also discussed updates on customer service improvements, including the status of the customer portal, testing of ACH and credit card payment systems, and recommendations for members to utilize online bank transfer methods for efficiency.