Nichole Oocumma

The Board meeting included reports on the Green Infrastructure Grant Program, a planned public art mural at the Westerly Wastewater Treatment Center, and updates on watershed restoration projects at Doan Brook. Action items included the authorization to issue an RFP for the 2027 Green Infrastructure Grant Program, purchases for equipment and software maintenance, and the approval of professional service agreements. The Board also approved the submission of proposed sewer and stormwater rate adjustments for 2027-2031 to member communities. Additionally, an IT update was provided regarding database availability and completed system projects, followed by a public session discussing concerns about water levels at the Lower Lake dam.

The meeting featured a presentation from Stantec Consulting Services regarding the comprehensive cost-of-service, rate study, and affordability analysis for the upcoming 2027-2031 period. Key discussions included proposed rate scenarios for sanitary sewer, stormwater services, and industrial surcharges, alongside an assessment of affordability programs. The Board explored the potential for program expansion, outreach strategies to increase customer participation, and the impact of service rate adjustments on different consumer demographics and industrial accounts. The session concluded with a review of the business case for affordability and long-term financial planning for infrastructure projects.

The board discussed reports regarding clean water policy advocacy in Washington D.C., a water quality sensor technology study by the Government Accountability Office, and recent achievements in financial reporting. Action items included authorization for odor control facility bids, a request for proposals for historic and cultural resource consulting, and the purchase of pump and valve equipment. The board also authorized various service agreements and contracts for maintenance, IT automation, and space improvements, as well as property acquisitions for flood and erosion reduction projects. Additionally, the board ratified legal expenditures, received an operational update on maintenance safety and asset management, and held an executive session to review proposed rate studies for sanitary sewer and stormwater services for 2027 through 2031.

The meeting included reports on the annual Ohio Stormwater Conference, community outreach regarding the Doan Brook Restoration project, and a seminar held with the Danish Water Technology Alliance. Action items approved included the advertisement for bids for the Easterly Fire Alarm System Replacement project, the rejection and re-bid of the Easterly Chemically Enhanced High-Rate Treatment Facility project, the purchase of annual software licenses, and various property acquisitions for flood mitigation and infrastructure projects. The board also reviewed capital improvement updates, discussed proposed changes to the Sewer Use Code regarding rates and fees, and heard public comments concerning Lower Shaker Lakes flood control.

The Board of Trustees discussed several operational and administrative updates, including outreach regarding the World Water Day event and community engagement sessions for the culverted streams project on Mill Creek. The Board authorized various procurement activities, such as purchasing IT hardware, authorizing professional services agreements for network support and leadership coaching, and approving a requirement contract for wastewater treatment water purification services. Financial actions included the acquisition of a property for a flood and erosion reduction project, the issuance of sewer charge credit adjustments, and the retention of legal counsel for insurance claims related to a generator fire. Additionally, the Board adopted a revised investment policy and received comprehensive reports on the Business Opportunity Program, the Industrial Pretreatment Program, and a decade-long review of the Regional Stormwater Management Program.