Scott Sage

The Board meeting included a special presentation where a student from Eagles Landing Middle School read her award-winning essay on wastewater treatment and regional water resource protection. The General Manager's Report covered the FY25 Audit Results, which showed no findings or adjustments, and the FY2026 first and second quarter financial update, noting strong revenue collection and expenses trending below benchmarks. Long-term planning included a 30-year financial plan projecting nearly $2 billion in system needs. The Board approved awarding the Walnut Creek LAS Building contract to the second-lowest bidder, Diversified Construction of Georgia, after the lowest bidder could not meet bonding requirements. Approval was also granted for an As-Needed Professional Engineering Consulting Services Contract with four selected firms. The bid award for the Camp Creek Sanitary Sewer Improvement Phase 2 project to Professional Pipeline, LLC, was approved. The 2026 Effective Utility Management (EUM) goals and objectives were presented, focusing on resilience, development, strategy, and optimization. Updates were provided on new customer service hours starting March 2026 and the operational response to the January 2026 freeze event. Finally, several new projects were approved, including waterline extensions and evaluations for facility upgrades, and the design-to-construction phase for the Camp Creek Sanitary Sewer Improvement Phase 2 project was approved.

The meeting covered the acceptance of the agenda and the election of officers for 2026, including the affirmation of the Chair, Vice-Chairman, Secretary/Treasurer, and the appointment of the Clerk. Key reports included an update from the Attorney (none) and a detailed report from the General Manager on Waterline Operations, covering water main breaks, service call response times, and system support activities. The report highlighted challenges such as utility locate delays and safety concerns. The Public Relations Report noted recent news coverage and discussed the ongoing Mega Use Ordinance update, including concerns regarding the City of Hampton's proposed water system extension to serve a data center and its potential impact on residual system pressures. New projects approved included the Moccasin Gap Road Waterline Extension and the Highwood 3 Pressure Control Valve project, along with the Develoepr Project for Loop Road Townhomes. The Board also entered into an Executive Session to discuss potential litigation.

The meeting included several key actions and reports. The Board approved three easement abandonments related to past development projects. A resolution was presented and passed concerning the Watermark Development Agreement, consolidating previous amendments and establishing updated terms regarding wastewater treatment and costs. The Board also adopted Ordinance 2025-02, the Mega Use Ordinance, to establish water usage thresholds, rate multipliers for non-human consumption, and penalty structures, aiming to protect resources, particularly concerning data centers. In reports, the General Manager discussed the East Lake Booster Pump Station & Transmission Main Improvements project, which aims to create redundancy in the distribution system. Annual labor contract renewals for water line work and water meter replacement were approved for an additional year. The Board also approved a list of surplus assets and adopted the proposed 2026 Board Meeting Calendar. Finally, new projects and a developer project for the Adagio Subdivision were approved.

The meeting agenda includes a report from the attorney regarding GDOT's acquisition of property from HCWA, and a report from the General Manager concerning a right-of-entry agreement between Fayette County and Henry County Water Authority, the South Ola Road SPLOST Project, HCWA's organizational structure, and a public relations update. The agenda also covers new projects and budget adjustments, followed by an executive session and other business.

The meeting included a special presentation recognizing Mr. Jason Jeffares for his years of service. The board approved resolutions for easement acquisitions for the Mt. Carmel sewer line extension. Updates were provided on the Vertical Bridge Cell Phone Tower Agreement and negotiations with GDOT regarding an easement. The General Manager reported on a Proposed GA EPD Consent Order for Walnut Creek LAS and property encroachment at Lakefront Park. Announcements included GAWP awards received by HCWA, HCWA Safe Boating Week, the annual Kids Fishing Day, and the Pre-Apprenticeship Summer Program. New and developer projects were addressed, along with a budget adjustment. The strategic planning session covered the FY25 budget, CIP, and Master Plan Update. Discussions also included the Charitable Assistance Program, procurement programs, ordinances, policies, procedures, risk management strategy, data centers, and the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant construction update.