Julie Motley-Williams

The committee discussed the status of the Clean Water Program and the necessity of funding it through bond issuances. Key agenda items included a bond market update highlighting interest rate volatility and the performance of the tax-exempt bond market, a review of existing debt, and the strategy for upcoming bond issuances. This proposed issuance aims to fund clean water projects, refinance older bonds, and cover issuance costs. The committee reviewed the recommended team of professionals and underwriting syndicate to manage the process, and outlined a timeline for rating agency reviews, document preparation, pricing, and closing the bond issue.

The committee discussed informational items regarding Cycle 13 GROW application submissions, specifically focusing on project scoring methodologies such as hydrology and hydraulics analysis, financial feasibility, constructability, and triple bottom line assessment. Additionally, the committee outlined the preparation schedule for Cycle 14, including the initiation of municipal workshops, the timeline for letters of interest, and ALCOSAN's strategy for selecting cost-effective projects that maximize community benefit.

The committee meeting addressed action items related to the procurement of engineering services. A shortlist of 11 engineering firms was approved to provide on-call services for wastewater treatment, collection, and conveyance projects. Additionally, the committee recommended the approval of a service authorization for construction management and inspection services related to regionalized infrastructure inspection.

The board reviewed financial reports, including operating costs and revenues, and received updates on the wastewater treatment plan expansion and Ohio River tunnel project. Construction change orders were approved for miscellaneous repairs, site preparation, and economizer repairs. The board also awarded a contract for restroom renovations, approved an extension for biosolids management services, and authorized the preparation of specifications for flap gate and valve installations. Additionally, the board approved modifications for various consulting service authorizations, including design services and professional consultant contracts, and executed agreements for utility line relocation and right-of-way licensing with the City of Pittsburgh.

The board meeting covered several key business and operational items, including a review of 2026 operating revenue and expenditure reports and a progress update on the clean water plan and tunnel projects. The board authorized multiple construction change orders for infrastructure repairs, awarded a contract for restroom renovations, and approved an extension for a biosolids management contract. Furthermore, the meeting involved authorizing specifications and bids for flap gate and valve installations, approving a name change for a consolidation sewer project, and authorizing service agreements for professional consultants related to process area upgrades and design services. Finally, the board passed a resolution formalizing policies for addressing small value claims resulting from authority activities.