Tamara Richardson

The board discussed a public complaint regarding a property leak and subsequent policy clarifications. Key agenda items included approvals for construction agreement change orders, utility infrastructure conveyances, and easement grants. Financial and operational resolutions were passed concerning pass-through rate adjustments for the Flagler utility system, state revolving fund loan applications for various projects, and amendments to construction and design-build agreements. Additionally, the board approved an expansion of service areas and updates to customer policies and procedures. Informational updates were provided on capital improvement projects, community outreach, and management of local utility fires, and a legislative update was presented regarding budget allocations for water and infrastructure projects.

The board conducted a public hearing regarding the purchase of the Nassau Utility System, including the adoption of Resolution 2025-03, interlocal agreements, and membership terms. Various consent agenda items were approved, including the purchase of emergency by-pass pumps, bid awards for construction projects, and conveyance closeout packages. Financial and administrative updates included a budget review and an audit presentation. Operational decisions involved contract renewals for consulting and engineering services, approval of an interlocal agreement with Lee County for wastewater treatment, and various work authorizations for plant expansions and improvements. Additional items included an update on the FDEP partnership, a legislative funding report, appointments to the Secretary/Treasurer position, and the approval of a conflict of interest waiver.

The board discussed a public comment regarding high water bills and a meter relocation issue. Consent agenda items included the approval of a bid award for the Del Prado WRF Injection Well Pump Station Upgrades, along with associated construction and inspection service agreements, and the acceptance of a conveyance closeout package. Operational approvals were granted for the purchase of vehicles for the MacDill AFB utility. Informational updates covered the Capital Improvement Project program, community outreach, inactive account collections, utility infrastructure agreements, and a new all-in-one reverse 911 communication system. Updates were also provided on the FDEP Water Supply Restoration Program, the Pluris Wedgefield system acquisition potential, the Riverside Septic to Sewer project funding, a staff retirement, and a new GIS service availability mapping application. Finally, the board conducted an election of officers.

The board meeting addressed several key business items, including the approval of a credit to a customer account due to a billing error related to water usage. A public hearing was held to adopt various rates, charges, and fiscal year budgets for multiple utility systems, including Lehigh, Pasco, Consolidated, MacDill, North Fort Myers, Lake Aqua, Unified Aqua, Dunnellon, Flagler, and Nassau. The board approved multiple consent agenda items related to capital projects, procurement of equipment such as diesel generators and fuel tanks, construction agreement change orders, and the acceptance of conveyance closeout packages. Additionally, the board approved amendments to management and compensation agreements, the procurement of a new managed application service for online permit submittals, and a bulk water sale agreement extension. The board also reviewed and accepted conflict of interest statements and authorized a waiver regarding the termination of interlocal agreements with Nassau County.

The board discussed several infrastructure projects and agreements, including work authorizations for consulting and capital project administration services for various utility systems. Financial topics included an update on the upcoming fiscal year budget and the approval of a revenue sufficiency analysis for drinking water loans. Operational matters addressed included a reuse irrigation water interconnect agreement, a contract price amendment for an interim water capacity supply project, and approvals for consulting engineering services related to septic-to-sewer initiatives. Additionally, the board received updates on the capital improvement and community outreach programs, a poster contest, the MacDill AFB utility performance, potential acquisitions and management agreements, and a legislative update concerning water project funding.