Sydel Cohen

The meeting included reports from the executive director and comptroller, along with the adoption of several resolutions. Key resolutions covered contract awards for architectural rehabilitation, engineering services, and proprietary software maintenance. The board also authorized budget amendments, the procurement of safety equipment, and agreements for storm drain connections and professional legal services. Additionally, the commission requested permission to solicit and advertise bids for various infrastructure and technology projects. Personnel actions, including promotions, transfers, and new hires, were approved following an executive session. The meeting concluded with a report on disbursements and payroll, and a notice regarding upcoming schedule changes.

The board meeting included reports from the Executive Director and the Comptroller regarding various projects and financial status. The Commission passed numerous resolutions to award contracts for utility supplies such as hydrants, water service boxes, iron pipes, and various repair components. Engineering and professional services were approved for facility assessments, structural engineering, architectural services for facility improvements, flood mitigation projects, and water main replacement programs. Additional actions included authorizing advertisements for testing services and system resiliency planning, a review of disbursements and payroll, and personnel promotions along with the approval of a deferred compensation plan.

The board meeting involved the review of various financial and comptroller reports. The commissioners passed numerous resolutions for the awarding of contracts for water infrastructure materials such as hydrants, water service boxes, iron pipes, repair clamps, fittings, and liquid sodium hydroxide. Additional contracts were awarded for professional services including public auditing, risk management, insurance agent services, security, asbestos abatement, liquid residuals hauling, financial management software, and professional services for water main condition assessments. The board also amended an authorization for a subrecipient agreement for a standby generator project and approved participation in a research program. Furthermore, the meeting addressed personnel matters, including promotions for laboratory, purchasing, and maintenance staff, as well as new hires and salary adjustments. Disbursements and payroll were also certified and approved.

The meeting provided an overview of operational issues including progress on the Levine reservoir storage tank construction and pumping and power metrics, noting an increase in total flows attributed to reservoir maintenance and winter conditions. Distribution updates highlighted trends in water main breaks and ongoing meter replacement programs. Customer service reports focused on billing process improvements, call volume management, and the implementation of payment assistance programs. Information technology initiatives discussed cybersecurity, equipment upgrades, and maintenance of organizational infrastructure. Human resources covered training, staffing vacancies, and organizational development. Engineering updates involved easement and lease negotiations with PSE&G, PFAS planning for the Little Falls Water Treatment Plant, and interim water quality improvements. Furthermore, the executive team reported on digital project tracking via Engagement HQ and recognized organizational achievements at the NJ AWWA Annual Conference.

The board meeting encompassed various administrative and operational actions, including the approval of numerous resolutions for water service and infrastructure-related contracts, such as equipment procurement, engineering services, and facility maintenance. The board also granted permission to solicit proposals for several upcoming professional service and engineering projects. Additionally, the commissioners reviewed and acted upon personnel recommendations, including promotions, new hires, the creation of a new job title, and acknowledgments of staff separations. A contract was approved to conduct a search for a new Executive Director, and the board authorized the approval of disbursements and payroll.