Nathan R Qualls

Key discussions during the meeting included the election of officers for the 2026 calendar year, with nominations for President, Secretary, and Vice President. A safety moment addressed Radon Action Month. The Commission approved revisions to the Employee Handbook, primarily concerning organizational structure and benefit offerings. Approval was granted for the Executive Director to finalize negotiations and execute the agreement with AiGent for participation in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) Demand Response Program, which is projected to generate approximately $225,000 annually. Sewer Plan Approvals were granted for projects spanning the Village of Bellevue, City of De Pere, City of Green Bay, and Village of Howard, subject to further conditions. The Commission convened in a closed session to discuss potential litigation stemming from environmental testing, potential transfer of interceptor segments, and a discrimination complaint filed by a former employee. In project updates, progress was noted on the East River Interceptor Renewal Project and the Downtown Interceptor Renewal Project, including issues with a failed sewer plug retrieval. Financial reports indicated favorable operating revenues and expenses for November compared to the budget. Operations reports confirmed full compliance with effluent limits for November and December, though elevated TSS, Total Phosphorus, and CBOD were noted at the Green Bay Facility in December due to operational factors. Milestone achievements included the successful RATA testing of the emissions monitoring system on the fluid bed incinerator and the deferral of future stack testing, projecting cost savings of approximately $60,000. Other topics included staff promotions, the retention of CORE Consulting Group LLC to develop an updated Strategic Plan, and presentations regarding the Brown County Trail Extension Project.

The meeting focused on the development of the Facility Plan for wastewater treatment. Discussions covered the necessity for reinvestment in infrastructure to meet future demands, including addressing capacity issues, especially during wet weather events causing peak flows, and replacing aging mechanical equipment operational for over four decades. Key issues highlighted were inflow and infiltration from groundwater seeping into systems and the importance of maintaining 100% permit compliance with the Wisconsin DNR. The plan projects capital needs between $310 to $470 million over 20 years, encompassing both treatment facilities (Green Bay and Deer) and interceptors. A key capital decision confirmed keeping the Deer facility operational rather than converting it to a pump station due to cost-effectiveness. Revenue projections anticipate 5.5% to 7% increases annually for the next 10 years to fund these capital needs.

This document describes the Youth Apprenticeship program at NEW Water, which serves as a strategic initiative to develop future workforce talent for the wastewater industry. The program integrates high school education, college coursework at NWTC, and hands-on practical experience, aiming to equip students with essential employability skills and provide broad career exposure. This collaborative partnership seeks to prepare students for success, benefit the organization, and contribute to community development by fostering a skilled future workforce.

The Commission convened in a closed session to consider employment, promotion, compensation, or performance evaluation data concerning the Executive Director, pursuant to State Statute 19.85 (1) (c). Following this, the Commission reconvened in open session before adjourning the meeting.

The Commission convened in a closed session to consider the employment performance review for the Executive Director. Upon reconvening in open session, the Commission unanimously approved the market adjustment for Pay Grade 21.