Grace Birch

The committee meeting focused on the strategic plan update for the 2027-2031 period, featuring a presentation by external consultants. Discussions included the current status of strategic plan implementation, the monitoring process for organizational activities, and a review of major accomplishments from the previous year, such as the selection of vendors for enterprise systems, customer service initiatives, enhanced employee training, and progress on the Water Quality Master Plan.

The Selection Committee meeting convened to fill a vacancy in District B. Key discussions included the selection of a chair and vice chair. The committee proceeded to vet fourteen applications for the vacancy. Several candidates raised potential conflicts of interest requiring ethics opinions, including Sarah Bell (due to a Youth Force Nola connection), Danielle Douet (due to being a principal of an associated firm), and Michelle Johnson (due to potential conflict with AOM Hunt/Broadmore). Candidates discussed included Sarah Bell, Danielle Douet, Eric Gazinski, Kyle Gilmore, Notori, Valerie Grub, Marlon Guzman Jr., Jordan Jacobs, Michelle Johnson, Ramsay Marcelo, Paula Estrada, Dr. David Robinson Morris, Joanne Sanders, and Julie Tibido. The committee ultimately made a motion to recommend Eric Gazinski, Kyle Gilmore, and Jonathan Stewart as primary nominees, with Michelle Johnson as an alternative nominee, to avoid immediate conflict issues.

The agenda for this public meeting included committee reports from Finance & Administration, Governance, and Operations Committees. Key action items involved the resolution for a new sewer force main contract (Contract 30266) on Lafitte St. and N. Galvez St., and a request for the development of an Executive Succession Plan. Corresponding resolutions covered the extension of the agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. The meeting also included provisions for resolutions by ratification concerning several change orders for sewer rehabilitation and power complex work, and an executive session to discuss litigation matters.

The Operations Committee meeting focused on a detailed presentation regarding a large water main break that occurred on Saturday, January 31st, in the 7800 block of Panola, which resulted in a system-wide pressure drop and a precautionary boil water advisory. Staff detailed the swift response, including isolating the area within 30 minutes and completing the pipe repair by Saturday night, with the site reopened to traffic by Monday afternoon. Discussion highlighted the age of the infrastructure, noting the broken cast iron pipe was from 1908, emphasizing the need for proactive maintenance funding. Communications efforts were reviewed, including individual outreach, social media posts, and meetings with residents and local officials. Committee members expressed satisfaction with the staff's performance and the effective communication strategy. There was also a discussion regarding the FEMA eligibility of the repair costs, as this specific segment was not covered, unlike other recent breaks in the area. The committee also acknowledged the planned installation of a fire hydrant in the disturbed area, which will delay final paving restoration.

The meeting covered committee reports and presentations on several critical operational and administrative matters. The Finance and Administration Committee reported on preliminary December 2025 financial results, the replacement of the legacy resource planning system, and noted increased customer utilization of promise pay options despite affordability challenges. Key updates included successful collections figures relative to the prior year and ongoing work to stabilize the system post-conversion. The Governance Committee presented five proposed legislative changes for the 2026 session, focusing on repealing language that would transfer employees to state civil service, enabling the use of public funds for replacing lead service lines on private property, formalizing a process for evaluating rate proposals, amending the deadline for submitting the annual financial report, and streamlining procurement procedures. The committee also adopted a structured executive readiness assessment framework and considered executive succession planning. The Operations Committee provided an overview of the response to a significant 48-inch water main break in the 7900 block of Polola Street, detailing immediate isolation, repair, and communication efforts, while noting the area was ineligible for FEMA funding. Presentations also covered the smart metering program progress, updates on billing, revenue credits, and collection processes, including new Promise Pay measures. Public comment focused on encouraging an efficient drainage system and local hiring practices.