Samuel Comini

The committee conducted its annual review of the Corporation's By-Laws, Governance Committee Charter, and Procurement Contract Guidelines, recommending their re-adoption by the Board of Directors. Discussions were held regarding the Code of Ethical Conduct, qualifications of appointed Board members, and defense and indemnification provisions. The committee reviewed the compiled results of Board Performance Evaluations during an executive session, discussed the Mission Statement and Performance Goals, and reviewed the Performance Measurements Report for the period covering April 2024 through March 2025.

The board meeting included the approval of several organizational documents, including the bylaws, governance committee charter, procurement contract guidelines, and the mission statement and performance goals. Financial updates were provided, specifically the successful sale of 2026B and 2026C bonds under the 2010 MFI program to fund clean water and drinking water projects. Additionally, the board discussed cybersecurity grant applications and received an update on lead service line funding. Several project-specific resolutions were approved, including infrastructure improvements for Dunkirk, Gorum, and Onondaga.

The Committee held its annual governance meeting to review core governance documents and policies. Key topics included the readoption of the committee bylaws and governance committee charter, and a review of the procurement contract guidelines which were amended to replace a specific dollar threshold for discretionary purchases with a reference to New York State law. The committee also reviewed several operational policies including the code of ethical conduct, time and attendance manual, equal employment opportunity policy, whistleblower protection policy, and travel policy. Specific amendments were made to the time and attendance manual regarding sick and bereavement leave, holiday leave, parental leave, and FMLA accrual usage. Additionally, the committee discussed the qualifications of board members and the annual board performance evaluation.

The meeting featured a report on the successful pricing of the 2026 B&C Pool transaction and updates on the SECURE Grant Program and Lead Service Line Program allotments. The Governance Committee reported on its annual review and the Board re-adopted the By-Laws, Governance Committee Charter, and the Mission Statement and Performance Goals. Further, the Board reviewed and approved the Procurement Contract Guidelines, discussed the compiled results of Board Performance Evaluations, and authorized financial assistance payments for various drinking water and clean water projects under their respective state revolving funds.

The Governance Committee discussed the annual review of several critical governance documents, including the By-Laws, the Governance Committee Charter, procurement contract guidelines, fundamental policies and procedures, qualifications for appointed Board members, and Board performance evaluation results. Additionally, the committee reviewed the Mission Statement, performance goals, and the annual Performance Measurements Report.