David Bergman

The Board of Directors' meeting agenda included approval of the agenda itself and items on the consent agenda. Consent items involved the acceptance of December 2023 and January 2024 Financial and Operations Reports, and the approval of the January 18, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes. Business for separate consideration included reviewing a Draft Option to Purchase Agreement with the Jacksonville Onslow Economic Development Partnership for additional acreage at Camp Davis Industrial Park, approving the purchase of two wastewater treatment plant fine screens from SAVECO North America for the Summerhouse WWTP, and approving a Resolution to designate Primary and Secondary Agents for the Mount Pleasant Pump Station Relocation Project in connection with FEMA BRIC2022 grant funding review. Business discussions also covered an update on Multiuser Account Billing, a Capital Projects Update, and proceeding with the execution of an Agreement with HAZEN for the Water System Master Planning Project, which involves updating the hydraulic model.

The Special Meeting focused primarily on wastewater management updates for the Holly Ridge/Summerhouse areas. The Base decided to cap ONWASA capacity at two million gallons per day, effectively removing Option 4 from consideration. The Board reviewed Alternatives 1, 2, and 3 for the Southeast Service Area. The Swansboro Project update indicated design is 60-65% complete and proceeding despite minor requirements for federal right-of-way access, not impacting the two million gallon limit. After extensive discussion comparing the cost, staffing, and control implications of Alternatives 1 (two separate smaller facilities) and 2 (a single facility with future expansion capability), the Board unanimously voted to select Option 2 for the Southeast Sewer option and directed staff to proceed with site investigations concurrently at the Holly Ridge spray fields and the Wachovia tract for future expansion potential. In a subsequent closed session to discuss the performance of the Chief Executive Officer, the Board unanimously agreed the performance was excellent and approved amending his employment agreement to require a two-week notice of termination. The Board also approved a one-time bonus of $2,000 for the CEO and a $1,200 bonus for each member of his seven-person Leadership Team.

The agenda for the meeting included the official Annual Meeting procedures, specifically the Election of Officers for the 2026 term, which was to be conducted by the Authority Attorney. Consent Agenda items covered the acceptance of Monthly Departmental Reports (Financial and Operations Reports for October and November 2025), the approval of the November 13, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes, the purchase of a 1.5 Ton Regular Cab and Chassis with Utility Body and Auto Crane using a State Term Contract, the request for ONWASA to approve the rezoning and annexation of ONWASA-owned property requested by JOED, and the adoption of a Resolution to Designate Primary and Secondary Agents for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Application. Business items included a Financial Update briefing by the CFO and consideration of the Sale of Timber from the Wachovia Tract, which included delegating authority to the Chairman to accept the highest reasonable bid. The agenda also allocated time for Public Comment, a Closed Session to discuss contract negotiation or employment terms under NCGS § 143-318.11(a)(5), and concluding remarks from the CEO and Directors.

The Regular Meeting included the approval of the agenda as amended, which added a Closed Session item. The Consent Agenda was approved, resulting in the acceptance of the May 2022 Finance Reports, the April 2022 Operations Reports, and the cancellation of the July 2022 Regular Meeting. Key business involved the discussion and subsequent approval of the FY22-23 Proposed ONWASA Budget, including an amendment to provide an 8 percent total salary adjustment (3 percent market adjustment plus 5 percent cost of living increase) for all employees, effective July 15, 2022. Following a public hearing where no members of the public spoke, the Board adopted several Project Ordinances and corresponding budget amendments for major capital projects, including Water and Sewer Operational Improvements, Northwest Regional Water Reclamation Facility Hurricane Florence repairs, various wastewater treatment plant capacity improvements, and water main interconnections. The Board also approved the authority for the Chairman to accept bids for a timber sale under the Timber Management Plan. A closed session was held to consult with an attorney, after which no action was reported. CEO comments addressed staff condolences, water pressure issues in North Topsail Beach, progress on the Southeast Sewer Plant project, and efforts to secure grant funding.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. These included master agreements for consulting services, amendments to the utility ordinance, and a holiday policy correction proposal aimed at ensuring equitable treatment for employees working alternative schedules. There was also a discussion regarding a quick action in the Swansboro area, and a workshop was scheduled for October 7th to cover additional business.