Nija N. Ali

The committee reviewed the operational performance of the Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant, confirming compliance with all NPDES permit requirements, and discussed metrics related to tunnel performance and energy generation. The annual safety report provided a comprehensive review of safety data from 2021 to 2025, detailing incident rates for employees and contractors, injury trends, and strategies for improvement, such as enhanced training and winter weather protocols. An action item regarding Contract No. DCFA 559 was addressed, specifically the approval of a $300,000 amendment for construction management and chain of custody coordination services related to the Lead Free DC program. Additionally, the agenda for the upcoming committee meeting was finalized.

The Board reviewed comprehensive committee reports, including the FY 2025 audited financial statements, capital improvement plans, and operational performance metrics for wastewater treatment and renewable energy projects. Significant focus was placed on the proposed FY 2027 operating budget and the 10-year capital improvement plan, including anticipated rate adjustments and debt service strategies. The Board also received an update on the Pure Water DC Discovery Center project and approved several contracts related to belt filter press overhauls and security systems, as well as the issuance of series 2026AB bonds.

The committee reviewed operational performance updates for wastewater treatment and debated the proposed ten-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP), including financial planning and bond rating considerations. Key discussions covered the authorization of a progressive design-build contract for small diameter water main replacements, supplemental funding and extensions for the Lead Free DC program, and early work packages for the Pure Water DC Discovery Center. Furthermore, the committee evaluated the permanent repair strategies for the East and West Outfall Relief Sewers, rehabilitation plans for the Anacostia area sewer infrastructure, and a request for additional funding for the emergency sewer main inspection, repair, and replacement contract.

The committee reviewed the monthly financial report, focusing on operating revenues and expenditures, capital disbursements, and delinquent accounts. The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) quarterly report included updates on service areas, project performance KPIs, and emergency repair funding. An overview of the Research and Development (R&D) program highlighted sustainability and efficiency initiatives. Additionally, the committee evaluated the proposed FY 2026 amended and FY 2027 operating and capital budgets, including financial plans and reimbursement authorizations, ultimately recommending these items for approval to the full board.

The committee reviewed the FY 2025 audited financial statement performance, noting a clean audit opinion and the successful adoption of new accounting standards. Discussions included a review of the financial statement and uniform guidance audit results conducted by SB & Company, which confirmed effective internal controls and compliance. The agenda also covered an update on the 2026 internal audit plan, the status of prior audit findings, and a report on the Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline. Additionally, the committee received an update on enterprise risk management training initiatives and strategies to address non-revenue water losses.