Donald R. Conger

The meeting included the reading of notices regarding COVID-19 relief measures for residential customers, including water assistance programs and installment plans for arrears. The Authority reviewed and approved several resolutions, including authorization for bill payments, various repair and engineering service contracts for pump stations and treatment facilities, and a shared services agreement with the City of Union City. Additionally, staff and consultants provided updates on various combined sewer overflow projects, flood mitigation programs, and operational reports for the Adams Street and River Road wastewater treatment plants.

The board meeting included the mandatory reading of COVID-19 relief measures for residential customers. Commissioners acted on a consent agenda that encompassed the authorization of bill payments, various sewer connection applications, and contract awards for sewer repair and engineering services. The board held an election for the positions of Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer. Furthermore, the meeting featured status reports from various engineering consultants regarding ongoing construction projects and plant operations, as well as an introduction of a new consulting engineer. The Executive Director proposed organizing educational seminars regarding authority operations, and the board discussed scheduling site visits for commissioners.

The Board of Commissioners authorized a contract modification for the repair of Trickling Filter #3 at the Adams Street wastewater treatment plant. The work involves the replacement and repair of essential components including the center mast, bearing housing, and barrel seal to restore full operational capacity. The modification covers a cost not to exceed $481,850.00 and was recommended for approval by the Facilities Review Board.

The meeting focused on the annual reorganization, including the election of new officers and the assignment of committee members. Key topics included a review of COVID-19 relief measures available to residential customers. The board approved a comprehensive consent agenda, which encompassed the designation of official depositories, the establishment of meeting and holiday schedules, and the appointment of various agency officials, such as the Public Agency Compliance Officer and the Custodian of Records. Additionally, the board authorized the award of fair and open contracts for General Counsel and Special Counsel services.

The regular meeting commenced with notification under the Open Public Meetings Act. The Commissioners entered a closed session to discuss personnel matters and later returned to open session. The business section addressed several resolutions via a consent agenda, including the approval of minutes from the November 20, 2025 meeting, authorization for bill payments totaling over $5.26 million, direction of work to Spiniello Companies for contract repairs, and modifications to contracts with Entech Infrastructure and Vortex Services LLC. Other approvals included contract modifications for OMI/JACOBS, awarding a contract to the Great Lakes Environmental Center, authorizing sewer connection applications, authorizing the defeasance of Lease Certificates, awarding a contract for Special Legal Counsel, revising the Policy and Procedures Manual to include a Severance Pay Policy, and authorizing a Reduction in Force and Severance Agreement. Staff and consultant reports followed, detailing updates on Combined Sewer Overflow Projects, wastewater treatment plant operations (including flow rates, sludge removal, and effluent quality metrics), and collection system status. The meeting concluded with a required notification regarding COVID-19 relief measures for residential customers.