Nicholas Buono

The Authority board meeting addressed several key business items, including the administration of an oath of office for a reappointed member and the approval of a list of bills. The board authorized an amendment to a contract for specialized recruitment services, approved a new contract for occupational health and safety training, and authorized amendments to a professional engineering contract regarding PFAS evaluation and site analysis. Additionally, the board increased the authorized purchasing amount for general facility maintenance supplies through the State of New Jersey Cooperative Purchasing Program and awarded a new contract for a digital Lead Service Line Inventory and Compliance Solution. A closed session was held to discuss personnel matters and contract negotiations.

The board discussed and passed several resolutions, including the authorization of contracts for catalog percentage discount pricing for water utility supplies and equipment, ductile iron cement lined pipe, and laboratory testing services for water. Additionally, the board approved the use of an authorized vendor for pump and motor repairs through a cooperative pricing system, reviewed a service connection application for a property in Harding Township, and authorized a change order for emergency water main repairs. The meeting concluded with an executive session regarding contract negotiations and personnel matters.

The Board meeting included a public hearing regarding adjustments to the 2026 connection fee, which was subsequently approved. Key financial actions included the authorization of the March 2026 bill list, an operating budget transfer between engineering line items, and the approval of the purchase of microbiological testing supplies. The Board also authorized a contract for professional engineering consulting services for interim division oversight and a retainer agreement for legal services related to potential class action litigation regarding 1,4-dioxane. Finally, the Board reviewed various divisional reports and authorized a closed session for discussion of contract negotiations and personnel matters.

The board approved the second bill list for February 2026 and authorized several contracts and extensions. Key actions included awarding a two-year contract for payroll and timekeeping services to Primepoint LLC, extending a financial advisory services contract with Acacia Financial Group, Inc., and extending an underground facilities location services contract with USIC Locating Services, LLC. Additionally, the board approved an increase in authorized spending for crushed stone and sand from Tilcon New York, Inc. through the Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council, and increased authorized expenditures for vehicle maintenance and repairs with Nielsen of Morristown Inc. and services with One Call Concepts, Inc. through the State of New Jersey Cooperative Purchasing Program. The board also authorized an interlocal service agreement with the County of Morris for a pipe sleeve installation related to a bridge replacement project and approved a water main extension agreement with Hurstmont Estate Holdings LLC for a development in Harding Township.

The Annual Reorganization Meeting involved the election of officers for the year, including the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Secretary, and Assistant Treasurer. Key organizational resolutions were adopted, such as the designation of the Official Newspaper (The Daily Record) and other newspapers for legal notices, approval of the 2026 schedule of regular meetings, establishment of standing committees (including an Ad Hoc Special Committee for Lead Service Line Regulation), and approval of annual banking resolutions for TD Bank and Santander Bank. Other business included the approval of the 2026 Investment Program, authorization to use vendors under the State of New Jersey Cooperative Purchasing Program, authorization to award a professional service contract to Larson Design Group for GIS and Hydraulic Modeling Services (up to $292,000.00), and authorizing the use of competitive contracting for a Public-Private Partnership Contract related to water storage tank asset rehabilitation. The meeting concluded with a resolution authorizing a closed session discussion regarding potential litigation and the adjournment of the meeting.