Jason Drost

The Regular Meeting agenda included setting the agenda, public comments, and consent agenda items. Key discussions under the consent agenda involved approving a blanket purchase order for Flexsnap Cable for FPUAnet system expansion, purchasing servers for the Security Camera Project, and approving budget requests for the Treasure Cove PUD and Kings Landing Electric Re-Route projects. Additionally, the Board considered a contract for Bio-Hazard Remediation Services, an enterprise license agreement for utility design software, and renewals for related enterprise licenses. The Regular Agenda featured public hearings and the second reading and adoption of resolutions for Water Rates (UA 2026-04) and Wastewater Rates (UA 2026-05), following initial readings at the prior meeting. Further regular agenda items included the adoption of a resolution establishing FPUAnet rates.

The board meeting involved several key agenda items. Discussions included the approval of the FPUA Benefit Plan Wrap Document restatement for regulatory compliance, and a notification regarding FPUA Monthly Community Activities for February-March 2026. The Regular Agenda featured public hearings and subsequent unanimous approvals for annual Public Service Commission (PSC) Index rate adjustments for Electric Rates (Resolution UA 2026-02) and Natural Gas Rates (Resolution UA 2026-03), both effective March 1, 2026. The first readings of Water Rates (Resolution UA 2026-04) and Wastewater Rates (Resolution UA 2026-05) were conducted, scheduling the second readings for February 17, 2026. Additionally, the board adopted Resolution No. UA 2026-06, establishing a new schedule of reduced rates for FPUAnet services. Director comments included an update on the next meeting and thanks to the team for their performance during the recent winter storm. Board Member comments commended staff on rate planning and forecasting.

Key discussion topics for this meeting included public comments, the approval of the previous meeting minutes (specifically the Regular Meeting of February 17, 2026), and several items on the Consent Agenda. The Consent Agenda involved staff recommendations for the renewal of Microsoft Office 365 licensing, a five-year contract for VMWare Cloud Licenses for FPUA, and a five-year contract for VMWare Cloud Licenses for FPUANet. The Regular Agenda included the second reading and adoption of Resolution No. UA 2026-07 concerning amendments to the Rules and Regulations (covering employment procedures, ethical standards, sick leave conversion, CDL requirements, and computer/social media policies), and a presentation on Safety Training. Contract authorizations for chair signature only were also addressed.

The agenda for the Regular Meeting covered several key items. Consent Agenda items included the approval for the purchase of a 2018 Ford Econoline E-350 Commercial Bi-Fuel vehicle to replace a damaged unit, and the purchase of two Dell servers. Other new business items involved approving budget adjustments for Water/Wastewater Engineering projects, authorizing a Specific Authorization with Globaltech Inc. to satisfy a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Consent Order, approving a decrease to the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) effective April 1, 2018, and adopting a resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2016-2017 budget. Additionally, there were presentations on FPUA's Net Metering Program, an update on Medically Essential Utility Service Resolutions, and an overview of the upcoming strategic planning process and Key Result Areas (KRAs). The meeting minutes also documented the approval to give the City two specific parcels of King Plant site property west of 2nd Street, and a report on the Legislative Rally attendance.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of several consent agenda items, such as the single source purchase of a trailer mounted wire puller-tensioner, the purchase of 2017 Ford F-250 pickup trucks, and the single source purchase of Neptune water meters. Contract amendments for truck repairs and pipeline removal were also approved. New business involved confirming the appointment of the Director of Water/Wastewater Systems and approving a contract with CityBase, Inc. for a customer payment kiosk. The Board approved an increase to the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) effective February 1, 2017, and authorized the use of contingency funding to carry over unspent FY 2016 capital budget funds to FY 2017. Discussions were held regarding utility fee cost comparisons, leading to staff bringing back a recommendation concerning the expired 50% reduction in the water Capital Improvement Charge (CIC). Updates were provided on the Electric Regulatory Compliance, approval of FDOT Utility Work Agreements for the Kings Highway widening project, and an adjustment to the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) effective January 1, 2017. Finally, the Board reviewed comparisons of residential electric, water, and wastewater bills for local utilities.