Gavin Smith

The meeting included recognition of ten employees and two board members for their years of service with the District. The Executive Search Committee reported on reviewing the compensation package and finalizing the plan for candidate selection. New business involved the approval of several resolutions: Resolution 2026-08 approved a change order for the Rossford Colony Area Sewer Rehabilitation Project, Resolution 2026-09 awarded the bid for the WL #100/101 valve improvement project to Speer Bros., Resolution 2026-10 authorized advertising for the SR 65 and Glenwood watermain replacement, Resolution 2026-11 approved a change order and partial release of retainage for improvements at the State Route 582/I-75 interchange, and Resolution 2026-12 approved an accommodation tap agreement with Michele Cochran. The Board also entered an Executive Session to review the presidential search.

The Board of Trustees meeting included discussions on correspondence, noting that future correspondence will be shared electronically only. Official reports covered the executive session for the presidential search review, handling of public comment, office closure for Martin Luther King Day, and an upcoming employee outing. The Safety Committee reported on zero injury/asset damage incidents for December and reviewed safety procedures, training, and legislation history. Key resolutions involved accepting the appointments and administering the oath of office to two new trustees, Elizabeth Wick and Brooke Hahn. Officer elections confirmed Doug Miller as Chairman, Melinda Kale as Vice-Chairman, and Steve Arnold as Secretary. Committee appointments were made for representation on external commissions. New business included the approval of a resolution designating signatories for banking documents, an amendment to increase engineering services for the SR 65 and Glenwood watermain replacement, authorization to revise the construction estimate for valve improvements, approval of the Board of Trustees compensation for 2026 (with no increase), and approval of a change order for waterline improvements. The Board conducted an executive session to review the presidential search before adjourning.

Key discussions during the regular meeting included the approval of the November financial statements. The President reported on upcoming executive sessions concerning the presidential search and real estate matters, holiday closures, distribution of recent reports, and the transition to electronic timekeeping. The Safety Committee reviewed an accident, an asset damage incident, and provided a lone worker safety update. The Records Retention Committee met and made no changes to the policy. New business resolutions involved the selection of pre-qualified design firms for 2026, requesting qualification statements for easement acquisition for the Miltonville water main replacement, approval of a professional services contract with Jones & Henry Engineers for an Asset Valuation Study, and approval of a memorandum of understanding with the City of Rossford for road reconstruction. Executive sessions were held to discuss the presidential search process, real estate matters, and the annual reviews for the President and CFO.

The Northwestern Water and Sewer District Board of Trustees held a regular meeting to discuss several key items. The board approved the budget for 2026, fixed rates for treatment and collection services, water distribution services, and the sale of water in the District service areas, with a slight increase to sewer and water rates. They also approved the fees and charges schedule for 2026. Additionally, the board authorized applications for Ohio EPA water supply loan agreements for the Belmont area water main replacements and valve improvements. An executive session was held to discuss the presidential search process.

The Northwestern Water and Sewer District Board of Trustees held a regular meeting. The meeting included discussion and approval of financial statements, updates on employee events, and a report from the Administrative Committee covering health insurance expenses, management changes, union salary increases, succession planning, and a credit card fees review. The board approved a change order for water and sanitary sewer improvements, authorized advertising for bids for valve improvements, approved a change order and release of retainage for the North Access Drive Project, approved the delegation of personnel actions to the CFO, and approved a revised Outside Employment Policy. An executive session was held to discuss the Presidential search process.