Phil Cole

The board reviewed financial reports, including operating costs and revenues, and received updates on the wastewater treatment plan expansion and Ohio River tunnel project. Construction change orders were approved for miscellaneous repairs, site preparation, and economizer repairs. The board also awarded a contract for restroom renovations, approved an extension for biosolids management services, and authorized the preparation of specifications for flap gate and valve installations. Additionally, the board approved modifications for various consulting service authorizations, including design services and professional consultant contracts, and executed agreements for utility line relocation and right-of-way licensing with the City of Pittsburgh.

The board meeting covered several key business and operational items, including a review of 2026 operating revenue and expenditure reports and a progress update on the clean water plan and tunnel projects. The board authorized multiple construction change orders for infrastructure repairs, awarded a contract for restroom renovations, and approved an extension for a biosolids management contract. Furthermore, the meeting involved authorizing specifications and bids for flap gate and valve installations, approving a name change for a consolidation sewer project, and authorizing service agreements for professional consultants related to process area upgrades and design services. Finally, the board passed a resolution formalizing policies for addressing small value claims resulting from authority activities.

The committee meeting addressed several key agenda items, including the approval of a shortlist for the Scully Yard Relief Sewer Design project, involving firms HDR, Wade Trim, and WRA. A service authorization for Rios Williams Architects was approved for process area upgrades, which include the design of two truck scales, the evaluation of three older elevators, and the creation of new women's locker rooms. Additionally, the committee approved a modification of the service authorization for DLZ to provide further services for the Upper Allegheny Consolidation Sewer project due to significant scope adjustments and coordination needs with various local entities and development projects.

The board meeting included a review of the 2025 financial statement audit report by Maher Duessel and a presentation on the Governor's budget and its implications for infrastructure, water, and sewer funding. The Board reviewed capital budget spending, approved several construction change orders for ongoing projects such as the East Headworks and Solids Thickening and Dewatering Improvements, and awarded an emergency sewer televising contract. Additionally, the Board authorized service authorizations for professional consultants, modifications to the Green Revitalization of Our Waterways (GROW) program agreements, the settlement of a real estate parcel purchase, and the ratification of a collective bargaining agreement.

The Biosolids Committee discussed the background and services related to biosolids management, including the history of incineration and land application processes. A proposal was presented to utilize an RFP process for future procurement rather than competitive bidding. The committee approved a three-month short-term extension for the current biosolids management service contract with Synagro to allow for the preparation of new RFP and service agreement documents.