Kenneth Frazier

The meeting included a legislative update regarding municipal water systems, data center oversight bills, land planning concurrency concepts, and Greenville County encroachment ordinances. Staff provided an overview of Clean Water Act Section 319 funding for nonpoint source pollution projects and discussed the history and future strategy for the utility's capital planning and master plan updates. A fleet performance report highlighted initiatives using telematics and in-vehicle cameras to enhance safety, reduce maintenance costs, and improve fuel efficiency. Additionally, the Board reviewed the performance of an employee referral bonus program, and the Chief Executive Officer provided updates on watershed restoration, grant applications for infrastructure projects, and progress on State Revolving Fund initiatives.

The board meeting included a review of legislative updates regarding public works project requirements and state retirement system proposals. The Commission approved updates to the tap and meter policy to clarify metering requirements for different residential structures. A human resources update confirmed the conclusion of an OSHA investigation with no findings against the utility. Additionally, the meeting featured an overview of the valve exercising program and successful valve replacements, an executive report covering watershed debris cleanup efforts following Hurricane Helene and organizational staffing changes, and the election of new Commission officers.

The Commissioners of Public Works meeting included a legislative update regarding bills of interest. A presentation was given on the 2025 Operations & Maintenance (O&M) and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) budget carryforward, detailing approximately $422,003 in O&M carryforwards and around $27.6 million across 30 active CIP projects. Procurement highlights for 2025 were reviewed, noting $46,000 in early payment discounts and savings from the 2026 annual chemical bid. Key initiatives for 2026 procurement include utilizing Grainger vending machines and implementing new procurement software. Director of Business Services presented on the water meter equipment upgrade program, emphasizing the transition from AMR to AMI technology due to the current transmitter's end-of-life. The Chief Executive Report acknowledged personnel achievements, including Commissioner Sofield being honored and a new Director of Engineering, and provided an update on Hurricane Helene clean-up efforts in the watersheds.

The meeting was called to order, but a quorum was not present, leading to the deferral of the Consent Agenda. Key discussions included a legislative update summarizing recent events, prefiling schedules, and a Surface Water Study Committee meeting focusing on interbasin transfers and reasonable use concepts related to water withdrawal permits. The Watershed/FEMA update covered post-disaster analysis following Hurricane Helene and the Table Rock fire, including discussions on water quality monitoring, fluvial geomorphology studies, wildlife baseline studies (eDNA, bear population), and reforestation efforts utilizing strategic planting and invasive species management. FEMA recovery efforts, focusing on debris clearing and road work preparation, were also reviewed. Additionally, the Commission received an update on the development fees and charges communication plan, noting community concerns regarding housing affordability impacted by rising utility fees and planning commission requirements. The proposed billing cycle realignment to optimize workflow and stabilize call center volume was presented, with implementation planned for 2026. Finally, the Chief Executive Officer provided an update on upcoming holiday events and building maintenance scheduled for December.

The meeting included recognition of Commissioner Sofield for her 26 years of service. Key discussions involved the unanimous approval of the Strategic Plan, which included its structure, branding, vision, mission, core values, and goal areas. The Commission also addressed the 2026 Fee Updates, specifically concerning capacity fees for new customers, which had not been updated since January 1, 2024. The proposed updates detail increases for various meter sizes and dwelling units, aimed at recovering full system costs. Updates to miscellaneous engineering and connection fees were also approved. A technology update covered the completion of the new phone system and datacenter modernization, with the enterprise resource planning kick-off scheduled for December. An update on worker's compensation highlighted a decrease in claims due to new safety policies. The CEO report mentioned ongoing involvement with the state water plan and FEMA inspections.