Derek Ceratt

The meeting began with the annual election of officers for 2026, resulting in the reappointment of the previous slate including LaVerne Bliek as Chairman. The Board designated the Times of Wayne County and Lakeshore News as the legal newspapers for 2026 and established the regular meeting schedule for the 4th Tuesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. Committee assignments for the Audit, Finance, and Governance Committees were extended for one year. The Board reviewed and adopted the 2026 Hourly Rate Schedule for MRB Group engineering services and accepted the 2026 Services Rate Proposal from Colacino Industries for SCADA/control system maintenance. Engagement agreements for legal services with David Hou (Special Counsel) and Michael A. Howard (General Counsel) for 2026 were executed. Financially, the Board authorized claims totaling $1,587,055.71 for payment and approved the Financial Statements for December 2025. Key project updates included the Western Regional WWTP Project, where the Board authorized executing Addendum No. 3 to the 2020 IMA to include a Direct Contact-Based Sludge Dryer, increasing the Project Cost Cap to $114 Million, and approved submitting an application for the 2026 Municipal Waste Reduction and Recycling program to support the dryer implementation. Updates were also provided on the Blind Sodus Bay Project and the Sherburne Road Forcemain Project. The Board awarded bids for commonly used materials to several responsible bidders. A conflict waiver concerning Mr. Howard's representation of the new Seneca County Water and Sewer Authority was approved. Finally, the Board adopted the Authority salary schedule for 2026 following an Executive Session.

Key discussions during the meeting included the approval of claims totaling $1,265,305.03, and the approval of a resolution to transfer $700,000.00 from the Operating fund to the Reserve fund as partial repayment of a loan taken in June 2025. Project updates covered the Western Regional WWTP Project, specifically the proposed sludge dryer, which may require a simple memorandum instead of a formal addendum to increase the Project Cap to $114 Million. The Blind Sodus Bay Water District Project is nearing completion, with final testing expected within a month. The Sherburne Road Forcemain Project is substantially complete, awaiting final hydrostatic testing and check valve installation. A 2016 Ford F-150 pickup was declared surplus to be disposed of by auction. The Board also approved rescheduling the January 2026 meeting to January 28th. Operational reports detailed focus areas, the repair of a hit pressure regulating vault, the installation of a privacy fence at the Dewberry Lane pump station, and ongoing support for new employees in the billing department.

The meeting included discussions on customer payments, specifically setting up a system for electronic fund transfers. A Certificate of Deposit renewal was addressed, with a decision to reinvest the proceeds at a specified interest rate. The Governance Committee provided updates on the review of the Governance Committee Charter, Code of Ethics, and Whistleblower Policy, as well as ABO training for Board members. Updates were given on the Western Regional WWTP Project, including the potential addition of a sludge dryer and its associated costs and benefits. The Blind Sodus Bay Water District Project and Sherburne Road Forcemain Project were also discussed, with progress reports on installation and permitting. Additionally, there was a report on a successful meeting regarding the reduction of wholesale water prices and monthly operations.

The meeting included updates on the NY State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act and its impact on the Authority, as well as the NYS All-Electric Buildings Act. The committee reviewed the Governance Committee Charter, Code of Ethics, and Whistleblower Policy, and discussed Board member training requirements and expiring terms. The results of the 2025 Evaluation of Board Performance were also discussed. The next committee meeting was scheduled for May 26, 2026.

The Wayne County Water and Sewer Authority Board Meeting included discussions and resolutions regarding various projects and financial matters. The EFC approved the Authority's refunding to participants in the Western Regional WWTP Project. The board approved financial statements, authorized payments, and addressed the renewal of a Certificate of Deposit. The board adopted a Conflict of Interest Policy and declared surplus items. Bids for the Blind Sodus Bay Water District Project were awarded for directional drilling, materials, and water main pipe. An update was provided on the Western Regional WWTP Project, including negotiations with the Towns of Walworth and Macedon regarding a lease agreement and funding mechanism for repairs. The board also discussed the inclusion of a sludge dryer in the WWTP project and authorized an agreement with MRB Group for its design. Monthly operations were reviewed, covering service installations, maintenance, and restoration projects. The meeting also included a discussion about Chinese "kill switches" in US solar farms and an executive session regarding an employment matter.