Robin Rupe

The meeting included an acknowledgment of the Chief Executive Officer's report, noting that all three wastewater treatment plants concluded 2025 without any NPDES permit excursions, anticipating national recognition awards. Significant time was dedicated to honoring the Director of Operation and Maintenance for his 37 years of service and presenting him with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Action items focused heavily on authorizations: approving resolutions to advertise for bids for two-year contracts concerning sludge cake removal services and water purification systems lease/maintenance at Southerly WWTC, and for a public improvement contract for the Renewal of Culverted Streams IIA project. Other authorizations included issuing an RFP for Renewable Energy Facility Condition and Process Assessment, purchasing telecommunication equipment, entering into agreements for Green Infrastructure Grant Program projects, modifying the collective bargaining agreement to include oral fluid testing, purchasing sodium bisulfate solution, amending agreements for the Plumbing Assistance Program administration and additional testing/inspection services, adopting Hearing Officer findings regarding a sewer account adjustment, and approving the Compensation Structure and Range Management Policy granting the CEO conditional authority over employee compensation above pay band maximums. Information items detailed the Engineering and Construction Year-End Summary Report for 2025, highlighting contract management statistics, KPI achievements, and updates on Project Clean Lake progress and future 2026 construction commencements. The Board also entered into an executive session to consult legal counsel regarding pending court actions.

The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District's strategic plan, updated in 2013, outlines a course for the next four years to establish the organization as a premier environmental leader. It is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and protecting water resources, emphasizing progressive sewage and stormwater management through innovation, fiscal responsibility, and community partnerships. The plan involved refining the District's mission, crafting a new vision, reaffirming core values, and developing strategic goals.

The Board meeting covered several key reports and numerous action items. The Chief Executive Officer reported on staff training events, a recent webinar detailing changes to the Business Opportunity Program, and introduced the new Chief Administrative Officer, Dr. Nichole Oocumma, while recognizing the service of the retiring Constance Haqq. Action items included authorizing advertisements for bids concerning substation preventative maintenance and HVAC Equipment Upgrades Phase 5. Purchase authorizations covered software licenses, maintenance services, replacement timeclocks, and a watercraft vessel. Agreements were authorized for stormwater projects with the Cities of Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights, a cooperative agreement with the Cleveland Museum of Art for Doan Brook Conveyance Improvement, and professional services agreements for engineering services. Contracts were authorized for grounds maintenance, fiberglass repairs, and security enhancements. An agreement amendment was approved to add specific substance testing to occupational health services. Fees for the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency annual discharge were authorized for payment. The reappointment of William Chorba to the Audit Committee was confirmed. Information items detailed the Program Management Status Report, including an update on the 2026 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) planning process, which is critical due to it being a rate study year, projecting significant spending under Project Clean Lake. Updates were also provided on the Doan Brook Watershed projects, including the restoration project with Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights, maintenance on the Doan Brook culvert, and ongoing support for the Lower Shaker Lake dam. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss employee compensation and legal consultations, leading to the authorization of an amendment to the Chief Executive Officer's employment agreement and the retention of outside legal counsel for specific permitting and litigation matters.

This Strategic Plan for the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District outlines the organization's direction for 2022-2024, focusing on providing progressive regional management of sewage and stormwater to protect the environment and serve the community. The plan is structured around five strategic areas: Customer and Community Connections, Environmental Protection and Sustainability, Financial Viability, Operational Excellence, and Workforce Planning, Engagement, and Investment. It aims to enhance water quality, meet customer needs, deliver cost-effective capital improvements, and reinforce the District's role as a leading environmental agency.

The Chief Executive Officer reported on recent recognitions, including a Public Relations Society of America Cleveland Rocks Gold Award for the social media team. The CEO also detailed hosting environmental reporters for tours of the Southerly WWTC and lab, and participation in the Cleveland Harbor Eastern Embayment Resilience Strategy (CHEERS) project update. Key action items included the authorization to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for design and construction administration services for the Edgewater Beach Surge Tunnel project, which aims to eliminate CSO-069. The Board also authorized an agreement with the City of Olmsted Falls for continued billing and collection services for local sanitary sewer charges, and approved several requirement contracts for chemical supply, maintenance services, and public improvement projects, including stream sediment and debris removal and detention basin modifications. The IT update highlighted the implementation of a cloud-based reporting platform (Angles for Oracle), a new Funding Program Management Systems Database, server rack protection, and the full launch of the digital Direct Payment Solution for direct bill customers.