Jasen Havens

The meeting included the approval of prior minutes and several key reports. The Finance Report involved motions to reimburse the General Fund for shared expenses for January 2026 and for the Smart Bill for December 2025. The Delinquent Report noted that total accounts for collection or termination following the December 2025 shut-off date were 1,723, with high delinquency attributed to the holidays. During Citizens' Comments, issues regarding transparency, including the lack of meeting recording and past conduct at a Council meeting, were raised. Communications from the Utility Director announced the hospitalization of a board member due to pneumonia and the upcoming retirement of the Assistant Director of Water, Jasen Havens, effective February 2, 2026, with duties being assumed by Chuck Smith and the Director. Old Business primarily focused on project updates: the WTP Expansion Project is progressing, with one new high service pump operational but full capacity not yet achieved; the Distribution System Upgrade Project passed initial council reviews but funding confirmation (US Army Corp of Engineers grant) is pending; and the Cast Iron and Galvanized Line Replacement Project is compiling engineering reports, cost estimates, and prioritizing areas for future work. In New Business, Resolution #277 was approved to write off uncollectable accounts receivable for 2024 totaling $41,002.97, bringing the write-off percentage to 2.17%. An informational item detailed the submission of required quarterly reporting for the PSC Investigation.

The agenda was amended to include a resolution for the purchase of Chlorine Processing and Feed System Spare Parts. Financial reports included discussions on setting up a new collection service and approvals for reimbursements to the General Fund for shared expenses and Smart Bill costs. Citizen comments focused on standard operating procedures for severe weather events and inquiries regarding PFA contamination mitigation and water quality improvement, including requests for advance notifications on water treatment issues like manganese levels. The Utility Director reported the retirement of the Maintenance Foreman, effective January 2, 2026. Old Business updates covered the WTP Expansion Project, the Distribution System Upgrade Project (including US Army Corp grant application status), and the Cast Iron and Galvanized Line Replacement Project, which is currently compiling background information and zoning details. An update on the PFAS Treatment Plant Upgrade Project noted a draft Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) is ready for submission review. Draw #18 for project payments totaling $1,962,011.97 was approved. New Business included the approval of the 2026 Holiday/Pay Calendar, the 2026 Board Meeting Calendar, and the 2026 Health, Dental, Vision Plans, which indicated a 20.4% premium increase. Resolution #276 to purchase spare parts was also approved.

The meeting included discussions on the administrative report, including updates on the backhoe and the James White project. The finance report was reviewed, and the board approved reimbursements to the General Fund for shared expenses and Smart Bill costs. The delinquent report was presented, detailing the status of past-due accounts and shut-offs. An update was provided on the WTP Expansion Project, including the approval of Amendment #3 to the Engineering Services Agreement. The Distribution System Upgrade Project and the Cast Iron and Galvanized Line Replacement Project were also discussed, including grant applications and the need for potential rate increases. Additionally, the board discussed and approved a General Services Agreement with Thrasher Engineering for outside-of-project services. Payment of Draw #17 for the project was approved. The board received an initial PFAS settlement check from Dupont and an update on the WV PSC Order Response.

The Weirton Area Water Board meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. The Finance Report was reviewed, and motions were passed to reimburse the General Fund for shared expenses and Smart Bill costs. The Delinquent Report was presented, detailing accounts to be collected or terminated. An update was given on the WTP Expansion Project, including Change Order #6 approval for chemical feed equipment and raw water caisson cleaning. The Distribution System Upgrade Project and the cast iron and galvanized line replacement project were also discussed. The board approved Draw #16 for the WTP project. Additionally, the board approved resolutions for backhoe repair, fire hydrant purchase, water main reestablishment, and a contract with Weirton Medical Center/WVU Medicine for logo placement on the East End Water Tank. Finally, informational items were shared, including the second PFAS settlement check.