Jean E. Smith

The Board meeting included reports on restoration projects at Shaker Lakes and Doan Brook, and an overview of emergency action plans for high-hazard dams. The Board authorized the publication of bids for the Big Creek Tunnel project and upgrades to the Westerly Trickling Filters and Solids Contact Tanks. Additionally, the Board approved vehicle purchases, a professional services agreement for a compensation study, sludge cake removal services, a construction contract for the Nine Mile Debris Rack, property easements, and credit adjustments to sewer charges. An information session provided updates on the Capital Improvement Program, while members of the public addressed the Board regarding parkland concerns and basement flooding issues.

The Board of Trustees discussed several operational and financial matters. The Chief Executive Officer reported on funding awards for member communities through the Water Pollution Control Loan Fund and the receipt of federal grant funding for the Big Creek West Branch Repair project. The Board adopted resolutions for the 2026 operating and capital budgets, authorized professional services for the Edgewater Beach Surge Tunnel project, issued a request for proposals for the Southerly Generator replacement, and approved public improvement contracts for HVAC upgrades and culverted stream renewals. Additionally, the Board received an update on the Capital Improvement Program and the relocation of the Stones Levee Pump Station as part of a development agreement with Bedrock, and held an executive session to discuss pending legal matters.

The Board discussed the Chief Executive Officer's report, which included recent outreach meetings with local mayors and trustees regarding stormwater and wastewater management, as well as an update on Black History Month employee engagement initiatives. The Board authorized the issuance of requests for proposals for professional services related to automation controls, Kahua application enhancements, and wastewater collection engineering. Additionally, the Board approved an amendment to a project agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority for sediment removal in the Cuyahoga River Old Channel. The Board also moved to close out two public improvement contracts and approved a resolution to correct a vendor's name regarding occupational health services.

The Board meeting addressed public concerns regarding the Doan Brook Restoration at Horseshoe Lake project, specifically regarding funding, construction timelines, and environmental impacts such as tree removal. The CEO reported on the success of the Utility Assistance Resource Fair and recognized the District's receipt of the Auditor of State Award with Distinction. Action items included authorization to advertise for bids on various infrastructure projects like standby generator maintenance, space improvements, and the Nine Mile Debris Rack, as well as the issuance of an RFP for a comprehensive compensation study. The Board approved agreements for professional development and job training with Cuyahoga Community College and an assignment regarding occupational health services. Financial updates were provided, including a review of 2025 year-end financials for sanitary sewer and stormwater programs, capital improvement updates, and preliminary discussions for the 2026 budget.

The meeting featured a report from the Chief Executive Officer detailing community outreach and operational successes, including safety initiatives and infrastructure management during cold weather. The Board authorized the publication of bids for the Easterly Chemically Enhanced High-Rate Treatment Facility and issued an RFP for support services for Business and Control Networks. Additional authorizations included software support purchases from Oracle, agreements with the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District regarding permit compliance, and a Memorandum of Agreement concerning the Doan Brook Restoration project. The Board approved a property acquisition for the BCSO-3 Tunnels and Regulators project and a credit adjustment for the City of Cleveland. Finally, the Board reviewed the 2025 Fourth Quarter Operation and Maintenance report, which covered safety statistics, environmental permit compliance, wastewater treatment performance, and budget utilization.