Jamie Harlow

The Committee on Technology meeting agenda included the election of a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. Key procedural items involved opportunities for public comments relative to agenda items and general public comments, as well as Commissioner requests for future agenda items. A subsequent section detailing the minutes of a previous meeting indicated that staff was directed to prepare a series of questions for REA Resource Recovery Systems and request that REA submit their own questions for the District.

This document outlines The Metropolitan District's strategic planning efforts, focusing on an Effective Utility Management (EUM) Self-Assessment for the 2026-2031 period. The plan aims to identify priority areas for focused improvement and is built upon four strategic focus areas: Workforce Development, Digital Excellence, Enterprise Resiliency, and Infrastructure Strategy & Performance. The intended outcomes include cultivating a skilled workforce, managing risks, delivering high-quality and reliable services through continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making, and ensuring long-term system reliability, financial viability, and regulatory compliance.

The Water Bureau meeting addressed several key items, including the election of a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. Major considerations involved potential action regarding an encroachment agreement with Farmington Woods District for irrigation improvements within an existing MDC easement, and consideration of a new rate structure for 'Reserved Safe Yield' agreements, along with establishing a minimum reserve for the District's service area. The agenda also included reports on the summary of water main breaks for January 2026 and the year-to-date water revenue report for January 2026.

The meeting agenda included the swearing in of new Citizen Member Khouloud Al Mannai, election of a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, and public comments. Key actions involved consideration and potential action regarding the closeout of numerous Water, Sewer, and Combined Capital Projects, resulting in the deauthorization of remaining funds totaling over $20 million across 37 projects. Additionally, the Board considered a supplemental appropriation of $900,000 for the Wolcott Hill Road Assessable Sewer Project within the 2026 Capital Improvement Program, including authorizing the issuance of bonds or notes to finance this appropriation. Other discussion points included auditor governance communication.

The public meeting convened to present the Quarter 4 2023 quarterly and annual report related to the Integrated Plan Consent Order to the CT DEEP. Key discussion points involved the background of North Hartford area projects, reporting requirements under the consent order, and updates on project status including timelines and milestones extending to 2030. A significant focus was placed on the modified approach shifting to incorporate more private property work and community benefit projects, detailed through the North Hartford pilot program, which includes increased lateral renewal and backflow valve work. Updates were provided on expedited sewer separation projects, noting schedule extensions for Westland and Windsor Street areas due to scope increases involving additional private property work and utility conflicts, while Durham and Branford projects remain on schedule. Progress on various sewer rehabilitation projects outside North Hartford, including tunnel work and CSO N30, was reviewed. The importance of community outreach for property owner permission regarding private property work, such as the sewer backup prevention and house connection programs, was emphasized.