Jay Nicholson

The agenda for the meeting included the Call to Order, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, and a Media Notification Statement. Key discussion points involved administering the Oath of Office to new officials from the Town of Batesburg-Leesville, the Town of Swansea, and the City of Cayce. The meeting was scheduled to include an Executive Report from the GM & CEO and an Executive Session covering an SC Ethics briefing, Economic Development contract(s), and Tap Fee consideration for a DES special project, with possible action following the Executive Session. Announcements noted upcoming events, including the WEASC Capital District Annual Awards Meeting and a Swansea Community Meeting.

The meeting involved the General Manager presenting an informal report to the board. A significant agenda item was consideration of going into Executive Session to discuss a water sale and purchase agreement, during which one member recused himself. No votes were taken during the Executive Session other than the vote to conclude it. Announcements were made regarding the date for the next Commission meeting and the schedule for the Commission Christmas party.

The meeting included an executive report presentation and discussions held during an executive session concerning PFAS Litigation, Easement Update B-L Project, and Economic Development update. Announcements were made regarding upcoming WEASC-Capital District Meeting and Lexington County Night. The accompanying Executive Report, covering November 15, 2023, through January 10, 2024, detailed legislative and regulatory updates, including service line inventory completion and successful exclusion requests for PFOA/PFOS. The report also provided updates on staffing changes, operations status (including pump maintenance and water quality), engineering and construction progress on various water and sewer capital improvement projects, and financial reporting achievements.

The meeting agenda included the consideration of minutes from the previous meeting. Key discussions covered the Executive Report, followed by an Executive Session addressing an SC Ethics briefing, the Swansea Operating Agreement, an Economic Development contract, and a personnel matter. Following the Executive Session, the Commission authorized the General Manager to enter into the proposed contract with the Town of Swansea. The Executive Report detailed updates on ongoing capital improvement projects for water and sewer infrastructure across various locations, legislative and regulatory matters including USDA waiver requirements due to a federal shutdown, and updates on staff training, operations maintenance (including hydrant/valve work), and staffing levels for finance and operations.

The meeting included an executive report covering legislative and regulatory updates, including DHEC restructuring, state retirement return to work earnings limitations, and the budget. Discussions also covered the Water Utility Council, LCRI, service line inventory, PFOA/PFOS, and the Saluda River Basin Council. Workforce updates included training and education programs. Operational updates covered tank maintenance and water quality. Engineering and construction updates included CMMS training and an RFQ for AMI assistance. Finance and customer service updates included investments, the budget proposal, a tap fee study, and a CIS upgrade. Capital improvements for water and sewer projects were also reviewed.