Stephen J. Kerbacher

The regular monthly meeting of the Board involved several key discussions and approvals. The Board rescheduled the November 15, 2025 meeting to November 10, 2025, due to the Veterans Day holiday. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the presentation of the new Asset Management Program (AMP) by Gannett Fleming, which will prioritize capital improvements and assist in rate setting and budgeting. Financial matters included the approval of various invoices from Gannett Fleming, Inc., Pierce & Steirer, LLC, and Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba, PC, related to consulting services, engineering projects (like the Cementon Tank No. 2 and Tank No. 1 work), and legal representation. The Board also approved M&T Bank 2003 Requisitions totaling over $700,000, contingent on engineer approval, and approved several Bond Redemption Resolutions involving the purchase of Certificates of Deposit. Discussions covered year-to-date financial comparisons, increased operating expenses, and the future cost impacts of the Pennvest loan and the new AMP. The Board approved annual gifts for employees (Thanksgiving and Christmas). Manager's reports included approval for payment of the Annual DEP NPDES Permit fee and the American Water Works Association membership fee. The Board unanimously adopted the Capital Charges Study and new tapping fee rates, effective January 1, 2026. Operational updates included progress on the SR 0329 Cementon Bridge Replacement and customer notification efforts related to the Lead and Copper Rule compliance mandates from the EPA. Finally, Authorization #2 for water pipe installation to service the Views at Fells Creek Housing Development was approved.

The meeting included discussions and approvals related to financial matters, such as approving the Grundy Worldwide package policy renewal, various invoices from Gannett Fleming, Pierce & Steirer, and Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba. The board also reviewed the February 2025 NBMA Consumption Report, January 2025 Operating Financial Statements, and the Delinquent Water Account Status. Additionally, the board approved the 2003 Revenue Fund requisitions. The Manager's Report covered topics such as staff meetings, bids for pipe and fittings, water treatment chemicals, and an increase in salary for a line crew member. The board also discussed water distribution system construction, summer employment, CPOWER agreement renewal, and water usage. Furthermore, there were updates on the Cementon Bridge Replacement, Lead and Copper Rule compliance, and the Asset Management Study.

The board discussed the NBMA audit for the fiscal year, and approved invoices from Gannett Fleming, Inc. and Pierce & Steirer, LLC. They also discussed the Labor/Employment Invoice from Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba, PC. The board approved the overhead calculation for the fiscal year. The board approved the retirement of Mrs. Regina Delong effective August 22, 2025. The board approved the purchase of 2 new trucks. Updates were provided on construction projects, the Lead and Copper Rule, taste and odor issues, the Lehigh River Cementon Dam, and the monthly Water Treatment Plant report. Liens and satisfactions were also discussed.

The meeting included discussion of the Treasurer/Comptroller's report, which highlighted a payment received from the Borough of Northampton for the Exchange of Services and a tight budget for the upcoming year. The board approved invoices from Gannett Fleming, Inc. and Pierce & Steirer, LLC. The Treasurer/Comptroller presented the January 2025 NBMA Consumption Report, December 2024 Operating Financial Statements, and Delinquent Water Account Status. The board also approved Revenue Fund and Construction Fund Requisitions. The Manager's Report included updates on the Pennsylvania DEP Chapter 109 Safe Drinking Water Annual Fee, bids for Water Treatment Chemical & Pipe & Fittings, and a new hire recommendation for a Water Treatment Plant Operator. The Operations Report covered construction projects and the Lead and Copper Rule compliance. The meeting also touched on the SR 0329 Cementon Bridge Replacement and the 2MG Cementon Tank #1.

The Board discussed the NBMA Financial Statements for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, and approved their presentation. They also approved the Single Audit/Federal Data Collection Form (PennVest), the Audit 2024-2025 and Management's Discussion and Analysis (MDA), and the Management and Audit Legal Letters. The Board approved invoices from Gannett Fleming, Inc., Pierce & Steirer, LLC, and Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba PC, as well as an invoice from Foster & Foster Actuaries and Consultants. The Treasurer/Comptroller presented the May 2025 NBMA Consumption Report, the March 2025 Operating Financial Statements, and the Replacement and Renewals, along with the Delinquent Water Account Status. The board also discussed the Lead and Copper Rule compliance and rehabilitation of Tank #1.