Irene Tesha Okioga

The meeting addressed several operational and legislative topics. Key discussions included scheduling a public open house on March 10th at the Green Ridge Rec Center, focusing on water supply issues and employee recruitment. A significant portion of the meeting involved a detailed update on proposed state legislation that could restrict or ban the land application of biosolids, noting that a compromised bill is expected to pass, which could significantly impact current cost-effective land application practices in Franklin and Bedford counties, potentially requiring a $40 million capital investment for dewatering facilities. Operational highlights covered 128 water main breaks in January and 115 in February, praising the field operations and water quality crews for their intensive efforts, including assistance from EC Pace for a repair on a bridge main. The board also discussed the costs associated with adding a new water crew, estimated at $675,000 for outfitting plus $300,000 in annual O&M expenses. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the state's debt set-off program for collecting unpaid water bills was reviewed, noting approximately $500,000 of debt was submitted for collection. Finally, updates on reservoir levels, which began to fill due to recent rains, were provided.

The meeting commenced with the roll call and confirmation of remote participation for one member. Key agenda items involved the recognition of Carson Kelly for 50 years of combined service with the City of Roanoke and the Authority, culminating in the approval of Resolution number 516. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comments concerning the proposed Google Davis Center campus, focusing heavily on concerns regarding water consumption, potential contamination, impacts on municipal water quality and availability, and the perceived lack of transparency regarding water usage data. Commenters urged the board to halt or slow down the project to ensure serious mitigation and public oversight. Board members also discussed the need for education and transparency regarding data centers and water conservation efforts.

This plan evaluates the existing water supply for the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany region, encompassing the Counties of Bedford, Botetourt, Franklin, and Roanoke, and the Cities of Roanoke and Salem, along with several towns. It comprehensively details various water sources, including public and private community water systems utilizing groundwater, surface water reservoirs, and stream intakes. The plan also assesses water purchased from external systems, identifies self-supplied non-agricultural and agricultural users, and estimates the population served by individual wells.

The agenda for the February 19, 2026 meeting included citizen comments, communication from the Executive Director regarding January 2026 operations, financial reports for December 2025, reports from Authority Counsel and Committee Chairs, and a review of operational performance measures. A separate document attached details the Executive Director's Report for January 2026, which highlighted a record number of water main breaks and leaks (128), the successful management of these incidents despite severe cold, and a request for funding to establish a new water construction crew with estimated capital equipment costs of $675,000. The January report also covered updates on several infrastructure projects, including the Beaverdam Creek Dam Upgrades, Crystal Spring Water Treatment Facility Upgrade, and the replacement of PFOS-related filtration media at the Spring Hollow Water Treatment Plant.

The Board meeting agenda included the approval of minutes from prior meetings (November 20, 2025, Board Meeting and December 4, 2025, Audit Committee Meeting). Key items involved adopting a resolution recognizing Carson Kelley for fifty years of service, receiving reports from the Audit Committee Chair, the Executive Director (covering November and December 2025 activities), Authority Counsel, and Committee Chairs. Financial reports for December 2025 were reviewed, and the Budget Schedule for Fiscal Year 2027 was presented. The agenda also specified a Closed Session for consultation with legal counsel regarding actual or probable litigation and specific legal matters.