Kristen Desper

The board received an update on various bills from the 2026 Virginia General Assembly, including legislation related to PFAS monitoring in wastewater and sewage sludge, collective bargaining, paid family medical leave, apprenticeship requirements for large projects, and prevailing wage regulations. The board also authorized the donation of obsolete rotating biological contactors from the Middle River Treatment Plant to the Town of Buena Vista. Additionally, there was a discussion regarding potential vulnerabilities in local sewer systems in light of recent sewage discharges elsewhere in the region.

The Board discussed the potential purchase of property from the Augusta Stone Presbyterian Church for utility operations, ultimately approving an offer of $8,000. A resolution was adopted to commemorate the entity's 60th anniversary and recognize the staff's efforts during the celebratory events. The executive director provided updates on current economic indicators, supply chain issues affecting chemicals used for water treatment, and legislative developments from the 2026 Virginia General Assembly session, specifically addressing concerns regarding PFAS regulations and other labor-related bills. Furthermore, the Board authorized a $252,388.81 project to upgrade and migrate enterprise software, including billing, finance, and asset management systems, to a cloud-hosted platform.

The key discussion points included the adoption of the agenda and a review of economic indicators, specifically the December Consumer Price Index and November Producer Price Index increases. Staff reported on the ongoing delay in filling the vacant Water Truck Operator position and reviewed the December Progress Report. The Executive Committee reported on a meeting concerning future potential water supply sources for Augusta County, requesting staff to study resources and necessary piping infrastructure. Furthermore, the Board adopted a resolution incorporating the Virginia Public Procurement Act provision §2.2-4311.3 into Augusta Water's purchasing policies, effective January 15, 2026, and approved subsequent revisions to OPPM Policy No. 11.1 reflecting this change. The Augusta Water Excellence Awards recognized an employee for her instrumental role in developing the new organizational websites. Finally, the Board received an update on three official bills being proposed during the 2026 Virginia General Assembly session.

The meeting agenda was adopted, and the minutes from the November 20, 2025, Regular Board Meeting were approved. Key discussions during the Executive Director's Highlights included an update on the Brookmill pump station relocation design, a report on the Consumer Price Index increase, and confirmation that Utilization of the Uniquely Qualified Vendor Provision information should continue to be included monthly. Clarification was provided that the Hershey facility would not receive a warning letter for Phosphorous discharge, but Shamrock did receive a Notice of Violation for high pH values. The consequences for continued discharge violations, including fines and potential operational shutdowns, were reviewed. The November Progress Report was reviewed, specifically addressing pending items in the Engineering Plan Review Report. The Technology Committee reported on discussions regarding rebuilding the Berry Farm Water Treatment Plant and the potential rehabilitation versus replacement of the Weyers Cave Wastewater Treatment Plant, ultimately deciding to continue maintenance on the existing plant. The committee also advanced preliminary engineering reports to explore converting the Mt. Sidney Wastewater Treatment Plant into a pump station. The Finance Committee accepted the unmodified audit report from PBMares, noting the achievement of a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The FY-25 Year End Financial Report indicated stable finances with operating revenues above budget and debt covenants met. Finally, the Board approved a Change Order to Nielsen for $57,877.71 to install a water-tight flood door at the Verona Pump Station following an overflow incident in July 2025, and recommended staff explore installing similar doors at other facilities.

The board meeting included discussions on various topics such as workforce status updates, the October progress report, and a resolution commemorating Sallie Trimble's service. The Personnel Committee recommended an employee Christmas bonus and the approval of the 2026 holiday schedule. The Legal Committee discussed the proper wording for Augusta Water documents. The board also discussed a bid award for the FY-26 Sewer Collection System Rehabilitation, amending the July 2025 board meeting minutes, deletion of OPPM Sections 18.2 and 18.3, and a bill adjustment for Pilot Travel Center LLC.