Walt Vineyard

The meeting included several operational updates, notably a Fiber Project Update indicating customer growth nearing 2,000, project completion expected by the end of 2025, and substantial projected budget savings. The Board recognized a $31,500 TVA EnergyRight rebate awarded to Horizon Square Preservation apartments for an HVAC unit replacement, marking it as the largest residential multi-family energy efficiency project in the TVA service territory. Management recognized three employees for their retirements. The Board unanimously re-elected Aubrey Ector as Chairman, Joe Cate as Vice Chairman, and Amy Ensley as Board Secretary. The Consent Agenda approved monthly financial, electric, and water/wastewater division reports for November 2025, which detailed performance metrics and customer service data across divisions. Action items included approving purchase orders to Lakua, LLC, and FiCOM Group, Inc., for fiber related work in 2026, and approving purchase orders for stock transformers and ductile iron pipe inventory. Policy updates were approved, including a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy. During the Executive Session, consultants briefed the board on wastewater infrastructure, planning for growth, and capacity constraints. Consensus was reached to develop a fee structure to fairly share costs between existing customers and new developments, with plans for a public informational session in February.

The agenda for the board meeting includes a Manager's Update covering a Winter Weather Report, Fiber Project Update, Electric SCADA / AMI Project Report, and announcements regarding upcoming holidays and a Public Informational Session. The Consent Agenda involves several proposed purchase order approvals: a $241,365 purchase for a Survalent Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system upgrade, multiple significant purchases for the Electric AMI Project including meters and communication modules from Wesco and Irby Utilities totaling over $1.9 million, support renewal for the VxRail system, a $322,800 purchase for a waterline replacement project on Lower River Road NW, $350,400 for handrail replacement at the Cleveland Filter Plant, and $103,950 for Poly-Aluminum Chloride (PAC) supply. New Business is scheduled for the FY 2025 Audit Presentation and subsequent Approval & Acceptance.

The meeting included updates on the Cleveland Filter Plant, where a transition to bleach treatment for disinfection was completed, and the Fiber Project, which now offers phone services to the community. Financial, Electric, and Water/Wastewater Division reports were reviewed, covering sales, revenue, expenses, and customer service metrics. Approvals were granted for purchase orders to replenish single-phase overhead and pad-mount transformers, a contract for evaluating facilities and process systems at the Cleveland Filter Plant and Raw Water Pumping Station, and contracts for water and sewer relocation plans. Additionally, approvals were given for purchase orders for a truck with a utility bed and to replace multiple vehicles.

The Cleveland Utilities Authority (CUA) Board meeting included updates on the Tennessee Wastewater Surveillance Program and the Fiber Project. The board was informed about CU's participation in the wastewater surveillance program, providing data to identify medical trends. The Fiber Project is experiencing a rise in orders and CU is working to build its fiber workforce internally. The Electric report included updates on the TVA/TDEC Fast Charging Network Project, new EV chargers for the Pilot gas station, and reconfiguration of the primary electric feed. The Water & Wastewater report included updates on the Non-Potable Reuse Project, the Expansion and Renovation Project, and the King Den Trunk Line Installation Project. The board also approved a purchase order for fire suppression systems and a purchase order for Badger water meters and endpoints.

The meeting included recognition of the financial team for timely budget submittal, a fiber project update, and acknowledgment of recent retirees. There was also discussion regarding the United Way Campaign results and the completion of EV fast charging units at the Power Service Center. The board also reviewed and approved various financial, electric, and water/wastewater division reports. Approvals were also given for contracts related to wastewater rehabilitation, clearwell maintenance, window replacements, generator purchase, sodium hypochlorite purchase, and a directional drill purchase.