Roland Arsenault

The meeting included a review of the Finance section, noting that the operating budget is performing well through January, with current CDAR interest earnings between $3k and $4k. Capital Project updates included equipment arriving for the Dix Ave project, with an expected start date of April 2026, and a halt in the bid process for the Main Plant (Phase 1) pending State Fire Marshall review of design drawings. The Board approved the purchase of a storage container for capital projects for $10,090.45. Key legal actions involved authorizing the issuance of a Revenue Obligation Bond for $2,710,000.00 and directing the Treasurer and Chair to apply for a corresponding loan from the Maine Municipal Bond Bank. Operational updates covered maintenance performed at the Main Plant, including seal replacement on RSP #1, and upcoming tours related to sludge disposal aimed at eliminating PFAs.

The Special Meeting for Emergency Repair to Morse Bridge focused on approving bids for necessary repair work on the sewer pipe located on the side of Morse Bridge. The Board unanimously accepted the Maine DOT bid for insulation work at a cost of $10,500 +/- and the Insituform LLC bid for pipe relining at a cost of $97,000 +/-. Funding for these expenses will be sourced from line items 5023 and 5027, with any remainder covered by septic receiving funds.

The agenda for the meeting included several key discussions across various committees. The Personnel committee planned discussion regarding the managerial role. The Finance committee was scheduled to review septage receiving, the current operating budget status, and the Capital Project status, specifically Phase 1 planning for the Main Plant (with engineering amendment completed) and the purchase of a storage container for the Capital Project. The Legal committee was set to discuss two matters with the Bond Council concerning Androscoggin BANs: the expiration of a $2.5 MM BAN and the creation of a $10.77 MM BAN. Operations items included updates on compliance, mechanical seal failure and repair on RSP #1 at the Main Plant, installation of a new exhaust fan motor, and receipt of the Muffin Monster. Trucking costs for sludge disposal were also on the agenda. The Collection System report indicated refurbishment of three manholes along Route 2 in Rumford with new flood covers, and a plan to line a manhole below the memorial bridge in 2026.

Key discussions during the meeting included the review of the 2024 single audit, which showed no issues, and the unanimous approval of the 2026 fiscal year budget. The Finance section also noted recent septage revenue and updates on insurance, specifically securing flood insurance for Dix Avenue and obtaining a new workers' compensation carrier. Updates on capital projects covered the Dix Avenue Project and plans for Phase 1 of the Main Plant project. Legal matters addressed the upcoming retirement of the bond council representative and a transition meeting with the successor. Operational reviews confirmed good performance at the Main Plant and Rumford Point Plant, an extension of the sludge disposal contract, and troubleshooting radar issues at the South Rumford pump station. Finally, plans were made to repair four manholes in early December.

The meeting addressed personnel matters, including approving employee participation in a MEWA Management Training Course. Financial discussions covered septage revenues, the current operating budget, and approval of quotes for manhole relining and digester tank cleaning. The board also approved an annual maintenance contract from Milton Cat and discussed a FEMA Disaster Relief claim related to an insurance claim filed for an event on May 1st. Legal matters included authorizing Preti Flaherty to conduct deed work to find all deeds and right of ways for the district. Operational updates included reports on permit violations, the status of the Rumford Point Plant, pump stations, and collection system inspections.