Sarah Catala

The regular board meeting agenda includes preliminaries such as the Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call, and Adoption of the Agenda, followed by sections for Public Concerns, Staff Good Cause Items, and Board Concerns. Old Business features a presentation from HealthCare Network regarding a Dental Services Update. New Business precedes the Consent Agenda, which covers the adoption of previous board meeting minutes, fixed assets transactions, a proposal for a new scum tank knife gate valve assembly for the WWTP, and utility relocations for SR29. The Action Agenda addresses a utility relocation agreement for the Boston Ave Extension. The Discussion Agenda includes reports from the Executive Director, Finance Director, District Engineer (Weston & Sampson), Project Engineer (Project Spreadsheet), District Attorney, and Executive Assistant.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda, noting the deferral of the RCMA -- Master Lift Station C Cost Share Agreement. Key discussions included a Water Reuse presentation by Kimley-Horn focusing on evaluating the future reclaimed system, enhancing treatment quality, and designing filters to meet reclaimed water standards. Under action items, the Board unanimously adopted Resolution 2025-13 FY2024-25 Final Budget and elected officers for the upcoming year. The Executive Director contract was also approved. Reports covered the receipt of a substantial payment from the PFAS settlement, the phasing out of Enterprise rental vehicles, ongoing development plan reviews, water softening pilot testing scheduling, progress on the Master Lift Station C project, and waiting for FDEP permit approval for the Water Reuse project. The District Attorney provided updates on ongoing legal matters, including cost share agreements, easements, and contract reviews. Finally, the completion of the clay sewer pipe lining project at Farm Worker Village was reported.

The meeting was convened to open bids for the Master Lift Station C Upgrade project (ITB2024-02). Two bids were received prior to the closing time, one from Quality Enterprises and one from Andrew Sitework. The total bid prices were opened, read aloud, and tabulated. Immokalee Water and Sewer District staff, in conjunction with Weston & Sampson, will subsequently review the submitted bids for responsiveness and responsibility. A Notice of Intended decision will be posted on the IWSD website and DemandStar.

The regular board meeting agenda covers several areas for discussion and action. Key topics include a presentation by First Bank under Public Concerns, an update on the Smart Utility/AMI Project, and a presentation by Kimley-Horn regarding Water Softening under Old Business. The Action Agenda features items such as the Utility Relocation Agreement for the Boston Ave Extension, amendments to the 401(A) Plan concerning loan allowances, and engagement letters for legislative representation from Florida Environmental Fire & Government Law P.A. The Discussion Agenda includes the Executive Director's 2025 Performance Evaluation and Rural Counties Day updates, along with reports from the Finance Director, District Engineer, Project Engineer, and District Attorney.

The meeting included updates on the Administrative Office Building, including the New Market Road property closing and the USDA loan application. Discussions also covered the Crown Castle Lease, FDEM Mitigation Project Updates, and the Collier County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The board discussed the Master Lift Station C Upgrade, and adopted Resolution 2024-03, an amendment to customer rules. The Executive Director reported on storm damage to District infrastructure, TIGER Grant updates, hardship applications for SR29, and upcoming policy revisions. The Finance Director reported on financial data and budget hearing dates. The District Engineer provided updates on the RFQ for water treatment plant process improvements and the Carson Road Electrical Upgrade. The Project Engineer discussed the project list and the secondary bleach containment. The District Attorney provided an update on the PFAS settlement and discussed the inclusion of special districts in wastewater and water legislation.