Michelle Clements

The Board of Trustees held a workshop to address future challenges, opportunities, and strategic priorities for the District, including resilience, climate adaptation, infrastructure modernization, and workforce development. Additionally, the Pension Committee addressed the approval of pension distributions. The Administration and Finance Committee reviewed and proposed the authorization of sewer bonds to finance infrastructure projects in Cumberland, Portland, and the Westbrook Regional Wastewater Treatment facility, as well as reviewed the current organization chart.

The meeting featured a presentation on a proposed regional biosolids management facility utilizing anaerobic digestion and thermal drying to address long-term cost stability and environmental impacts. Key topics included technology selection, financial considerations such as rising landfill costs, and the need for regional participation and equitable cost-sharing structures. The General Manager provided updates on upcoming conference attendance, the importance of long-term strategic planning for aging infrastructure, and legal action regarding unauthorized hydrant use. Additionally, the board entered an executive session to discuss labor negotiations.

The Board of Trustees held a workshop meeting to discuss several key items, including a presentation of the 2025 financial audit report, progress on the regional biosolids facility development, and updates on the EEWWTF design-build project. The board also planned for an executive session regarding labor negotiations. Separately, the Administration and Finance Committee met to review the 2025 financial audit results, discuss a proposed amendment to the deferred compensation plan, and review annual employee turnover statistics.

The meeting included the election of board officers for the 2026-2027 term and the appointment of key staff positions. Committee reports were presented, covering asset management, maintenance strategies, infrastructure projects, and financial results, including the allocation of the 2025 surplus to the Operating Reserve. The board also discussed an AI customer service product, upcoming work plans, biosolids processing costs, and labor negotiations. A resolution was passed to recognize the contributions of the retiring Corporation Counsel, and trustees shared comments regarding her long-standing service.

The Board of Trustees reviewed several agenda items, including the award of two DiPietro scholarships to students pursuing degrees in engineering and biology. Decisions were made regarding the allocation of the 2025 wastewater fund surplus, and the Board authorized the Design-Build method for the procurement of engineering services for the Westbrook CSO Storage Facility. Additionally, the Board approved a construction contract for the Windham 510 Pump Upgrades project and authorized a financial contribution to the Mahoosuc Land Trust for the Flint Farm Addition conservation project. Finally, the Board authorized legal action against RWC, Inc. for damages resulting from the unauthorized use of a fire hydrant.