John E. Balliew

The board meeting agenda included several key items such as the award of professional service contracts for surveying, engineering, and environmental permitting. The board also addressed various project change orders and considered the rejection of multiple proposals for government relations, arbitrage rebate, and construction manager at-risk services. Additionally, the meeting covered the approval of compensation committee governance documents, a CEO monthly update on utility management, a management report regarding water planning and financial performance, the restructuring of PSB subcommittees, the adoption of an investment policy, and the deliberation of a specific property damage and billing dispute claim.

The board discussed the comprehensive investment report for the fourth quarter and fiscal year-ending, including an overview of portfolio composition, yield performance, and benchmark analysis. Key topics included the adoption of a resolution to amend Rules and Regulations No. 10 regarding the investment policy, authorizing broker dealers, and approving certified investment training firms. The board also reviewed the diversification of the investment portfolio to balance security, liquidity, and competitive returns in compliance with the Public Funds Investment Act.

The Board approved various items including a funding request for a water valve replacement project, increased master contract capacities for engineering and maintenance services, and improvements to a scrubber project. Management provided updates on utility operations, meter implementation, and climate alliance acceptance. Significant actions included designating methods for public information requests, approving several deductive change orders for the Pure Water Center project, and accepting multiple guaranteed maximum prices for construction contracts related to the Pure Water Center and the wastewater treatment plant expansion. The Board also requested City Council authorization for the issuance of various revenue refunding bonds for utility and drainage systems, and discussed governance documents for the Compensation Committee.

The Board approved several contract actions, including a sole source master contract for automation and control equipment, increases in master contract capacity for multiple vendors, and amendments to professional engineering service contracts for wastewater treatment plant improvements. Key agenda items included a CEO monthly update on utility management, a water quality management report, and an update regarding the response to the Northeast El Paso water main break. The Board established a standing PSB Budget Committee and appointed members to it. Additionally, the Board awarded contracts for natural gas engine maintenance and the Montana Vista Wastewater Collection System Phase II project. A resolution was adopted delegating authority to the CEO to award specific construction contracts under the fiscal year capital improvement program. Executive session discussions covered succession planning, claims related to the water main break, and real property matters.

The meeting agenda included several items for consideration under the Consent Agenda, such as approving the minutes of the February 11, 2026 meeting, authorizing support for a $4,000,000 grant funding request to the U.S. House Appropriations Committee for the Replacement of Large Diameter Water Valves Project, and approving capacity increases for master contracts with Canfield Engineering & Integration, LLC, Rush Truck Centers of Texas, L.P., and Clowe & Cowan of El Paso, LLC. The Board also considered approving a new master contract with PureOps LLC for industrial pumps and related equipment, and approving a change order for the Canutillo PS Cl2 Scrubber Improvements Project. The Regular Agenda covered a CEO Monthly Update, a Management Report noting EPWater's acceptance into the Water Utility Climate Alliance, public comment, and consideration of a resolution designating addresses for public information requests. Major action items involved approving deductive change orders and accepting new Guaranteed Maximum Prices (GMP 7 and GMP 9) for the Pure Water Center project and the Roberto R. Bustamante Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion and Improvements project, respectively. Furthermore, the Board intended to adopt resolutions requesting the El Paso City Council to authorize the issuance of various Water and Sewer Revenue Refunding Bonds and Municipal Drainage Utility System Revenue Refunding Bonds. The session concluded with discussion and action on proposed PSB Compensation Committee governance documents, followed by an Executive Session to consult with the attorney regarding legal parameters of subcommittees, strategy on real property, and other legal and operational matters.