Sharon Gower

The meeting addressed a range of topics including a resolution for the LEAP Challenge Grant, revisions to resolutions from the December 13, 2023 meeting regarding capital reserve funds and the purchase of sewer cleaning equipment, and approvals for the December 2023 Treasurer's Report, payment of the January bill list, and developer escrow. Additionally, sewer applications for the Concrete Washout Solutions, LLC (Revised) project and the 18 Lloyd Street Apartments project were approved. The Executive Director's report highlighted the upcoming 2024 Reorganization meeting, RFQs for Professional Services, and interest income on investments for 2023. The Engineering Report covered updates on various capital improvement projects, including the UMPS/HQ Facility Master Plan, SCADA implementation, manhole casting replacements, pump station improvements, chemical system upgrades, force main improvements, and wet well cleanings. The potential for a Monmouth County biosolids resiliency facility and collaboration with Participant Municipalities regarding PFAS were also discussed.

The meeting covered organizational matters, including Commissioner oaths of office and reorganization items such as the election of a Chair and Vice Chair, and resolutions appointing officers, designating official newspapers, adopting the 2026 meeting schedule, and establishing banking procedures and designating a Purchasing Agent with a specified threshold. Under RFP matters, the agenda included summarizing and appointing 2026 professionals for open-ended contracts. General matters involved authorizing a 12-month contract extension for Hydrogen Peroxide supply and authorizing the issuance of RFPs for various services. Capital Improvement Program matters included authorizing an amendment for additional design and bidding services for slide gates at the Upper Manasquan Pump Station. Finance matters included approving the January 2026 Treasurer's Report, fund transfers, and the February 2026 bill list payment. Application matters addressed consenting to a site-specific amendment for the Bike Shop Redevelopment and approvals for sewer applications in Freehold Township.

The meeting included a summary of the 2020 audit, with the Authority receiving an unmodified opinion. A public hearing was held for the adjustment of the 2021/2022 connection fee, followed by a resolution establishing the new fee. The board also awarded a contract for furnishing and delivery of hydrogen peroxide, authorized a modified application process for existing developed commercial properties, and discussed the potential cancellation of the August 18, 2021 public meeting. Additionally, the Executive Director's report highlighted facility tours and a presentation at the Water Environment Federation (WEF) conference.

The meeting included discussion of the 2015 audit, which highlighted a sturdy position of unrestricted current assets and a strong net working capital position. The board addressed general matters such as the rejection of bids for liquid oxygen and appurtenant equipment, approving a change order for pump station wet well improvements, and authorizing a maintenance agreement for the pump station elevator. Further discussions included disposal of surplus property, authorization to purchase a lawn mower and SCBA equipment, and amending authorization for engineering services. The board also discussed and approved several sewer applications and the executive director's report, along with updates from the Ocean County Utilities Authority.

The meeting included discussions and resolutions regarding the adoption of the 2020 budget, procurement card transactions, designation of the Executive Director as the Public Agency Compliance Officer, and shared services agreements with Freehold Township for IT, automotive, and licensed operational services. The board also discussed fair and open RFPs and RFQs for various items. Personnel matters included appointing American Fidelity to administer the Section 125 Flexible Benefit Plan, amending the IRS Section 125 Flexible Benefit Plan, transitioning Thomas G. Guercio, Sr. to the full-time position of Purchasing Clerk, establishing 2020 employee and commissioner salaries, authorizing compensation payment to Sean E. Throckmorton, and awarding RFPs for consulting accountant and professional auditing services. Capital improvements were addressed, including appropriating funds from the Capital Reserve Fund, ratifying a change order for the System Wide Manhole Castings Replacement project, approving a change order for interior painting of the Authority's Headquarters Building, authorizing engineering services for the re-design and public bid for installation of dry-pit submersible pumps, and canceling a contract for furnishing and delivery of liquid oxygen. Financial matters included approval of the October 2019 Treasurer's Report, transfer of funds, and payment of the December bill list, trustee construction vouchers, and developer's escrow.