Sekou R. Brown

The agenda for the Boston Water and Sewer Commission meeting includes informational reports such as the Affirmative Action Annual Report for 2025 and various financial reports including budget variance, management reports, and revenue/expense reports for December 2025 and January 2026. Key items under Proposals and Contracts include authorizations for awarding contracts to CAE Solutions Corporation for a Business Intelligence Management Dashboard, ESRI for GIS licensing and support, and SHI for cybersecurity monitoring services. Other contract actions involve amending a contract for Construction Project Management System assistance and approving a new Kahua Licensing Fee Agreement. Operations items include authorizing additional funding for a drainage and sewer reconstruction contract and advertising contracts for sewer and storm drain inspection under the CMOM Program. The meeting is also scheduled to include an Executive Session to discuss litigation and personnel matters.

This document outlines the Boston Water and Sewer Commission's Capital Improvement Program for 2026-2028, serving as a roadmap for maintaining and improving the city's water, sewer, and stormwater systems. The plan focuses on ensuring high-quality potable water delivery, efficient wastewater collection, enhancing operational efficiency, and comprehensive stormwater management. It is structured around four main categories: Water Distribution System projects, Sewer System projects, Support projects, and Stormwater projects, all aimed at achieving regulatory compliance and long-term infrastructure reliability.

The meeting includes discussion of disbursement notifications, an affirmative action plan report, a capital improvement program budget variance report, a monthly management report, and a revenue and expense analysis. Proposals and contracts related to engineering include amendments for professional services for design and evaluation of sewer systems, approval of funding for an inundation model update, traffic management plan design services, rehabilitation of the New Boston Main Interceptor, roadway restoration of excavations, and designs for a storm surge barrier and pump station. In administration, there is a waiver for public advertisement and agreements for utility services. Operations include upgrades to the Union Park Pump Station SCADA system, purchase of liquid asphalt blend cold patch, and various emergency repairs and reconstruction of drainage and sewerage works. Finance includes adopting the proposed Capital Improvement Program and Rate Schedules and Current Expense Budget, and extending a contract for risk management advisory services. An executive session will cover minutes, litigation, and a personnel matter.

The budget message discusses the Commission's establishment, responsibilities, and achievements, including awards for utility excellence and stormwater management. It outlines management objectives such as maintaining and improving water and sewer systems, administering a fair billing system, and maintaining a strong financial structure. The message also covers compliance with regulations, the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), and green infrastructure projects. It details the Commission's efforts to eliminate leaks, improve water quality, and meet the benchmarks outlined in the Consent Decree with the EPA. The message also addresses the MWRA's five-year rate forecast and its impact on the Commission's budget and customer rates.

The meeting included discussion and ratification of disbursements, updates on construction, engineering projects, safety measures, the Commission's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, water consumption, sales and revenue, accounts receivable, and Commission technology. The Commission authorized advertising for bids for sewerage works rehabilitation and separation of sanitary house laterals connected to storm drains. It also authorized soliciting proposals for the design of stormwater detention facilities. A contract was awarded for the replacement and rehabilitation of sewer and drain pipes. The meeting moved into Executive Session for discussion and approval of the Executive Session Minutes of the April 24, 2020, special meeting.