Stephen Ness

The agenda for the regular monthly meeting includes several items for discussion and action. New business items focus on the status of the 2026 Water Rate Increase Filing, the Bond Application for the meter replacement project, and the Subsurface Wastewater System Inspection Report. Old business topics cover Water Quality, Facilities Assessment, the Lake Auburn Infrastructure Planning Study, Lakeshore Drive MPI project update, Terms and Conditions Update, and the Activity Report. The meeting is scheduled to conclude with an Executive Session to discuss a Personnel Matter concerning Superintendent Goals.

Key discussions during the meeting included the status of the 2026 Sewer Rate Increase, which requires customer notification and a public hearing scheduled for February 17th. The status of the 2026 Bond Application for funding the Washington Street Pumping Station replacement was reviewed, outlining future posting, approval, and loan agreement deadlines. Financial updates noted that revenues were slightly under budget and staff were addressing implementation issues with the new Muni-link billing software regarding accounts receivable aging reports. Operations updates covered progress on the Washington Street Pump Station 90% design drawings, slow progress on the Taylor Brook redesign, the near-completion of the Facilities Assessment, and modeling interceptor flows to support a case for deregulation as a CSO community. The monthly activity report detailed work on main repairs, including cutout fixes on Marston Street, addressing a sanitary sewer overflow on Mount Auburn Ave, and crew activities involving snow removal and generator planning.

The meeting addressed the approval of the January 21, 2026 regular meeting minutes. Key discussions included the January financial report, noting revenues were over budget and expenses slightly under budget, with explanations regarding public fire protection revenue accounting and utility expense reimbursements. An update on the audit process with RHR Smith indicated an on-site visit scheduled for the first week of March. New business covered the status of the water rate increase, confirming public notices were distributed and the initial filing with the main PUC was complete, with final rate effectiveness anticipated for April 1st. The board also discussed the $2.7 million bond application for meter conversion, including required public notification steps and necessary approvals from City Council and the PUC. A water quality update reported that concerning algae levels from November have decreased, and turbidity is returning to seasonal averages, though the lake elevation remains approximately a foot and a half below normal, prompting a request for the March meeting to include a brief water quality presentation from Clerk Chris. Additionally, a discussion centered on a draft facilities report from Weston and Samson, which recommended a new facility requiring 4.5 to 5 acres of land at an estimated cost of $25 to $27 million; the board expressed interest in obtaining a proposal for retrofitting the existing facility as an alternative option.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the regular minutes from July 19, 2023. Trustees entered an executive session to discuss a legal matter. Discussions covered the financial report, noting that revenues were down by \$5,000 for the month, an improvement from the previous month's \$21,000 decrease, which was partially attributed to rain. Updates were provided on several main replacement projects that have been completed, although final surface work is pending. Significant attention was given to recent, heavy rain events causing erosion and damage to watershed roads, including Spring Road and Lake Shore Drive, prompting the submission of damage reports to FEMA for potential funding. The activity report noted that the official ownership transfer for the Stable Ridge facility has not occurred due to outstanding requirements from the other party, including delivery of crucial software backups for the control station, which poses a risk in case of system failure. Water quality updates indicated that while high nutrient levels entered the lake following the storms, water quality remained acceptable due to high outflow through the dam. Discussions also touched upon reviewing an extended intake project RFP and coordinating with CDM Smith regarding data buoy monitoring. Finally, it was noted that the District is ineligible to apply for a Capacity Development Grant until 2024 due to a previously awarded grant, and a Lead Assistance Grant was awarded through the Drinking Water Program to aid in Lead and Copper Rule revisions and the purchase of a factory truck.

Key discussions included the approval of minutes from prior meetings held on December 17, 2025, concerning the regular meeting, a joint budget workshop, and a joint public hearing. Financial updates noted revenues slightly over budget and expenses under budget, along with ongoing work to stabilize the new MUN link utility billing software, including resolving usage report generation and billing issues. The board discussed the proposed 2026 water rate increase filing for an 8% increase, confirming the timeline which includes a planned public hearing on February 18th to be held in the current meeting room, followed by a final filing with the PUC and rates becoming effective April 1st. The board is pursuing a $2.7 million bond for meter replacements, with application deadlines and required subsequent approvals from the PUC and City Council noted. Preparations include creating a website resource page with informational videos regarding the meter changeout process. Water quality updates highlighted that Lake Auburn froze over on Christmas Day, though water levels remain approximately 2 feet below normal, but are slowly rising due to recent precipitation. Concerns were raised regarding an increase in Thio and Soro algae, which can cause taste and odor issues and are difficult to treat. Progress on the Lake Auburn Infrastructure Planning Study remains status quo pending receipt of the draft report. The Facilities Assessment report from Westnet and Samson is also pending final draft review. Finally, the process for annual trustee appointments, with two positions up for reappointment this March, was reviewed.