El Paso Water

The board considered the approval of Amendment 2 to the professional engineering services contract with Black and Veatch Corporation for the Water and Wastewater Electric Power Reliability Evaluation - Part 2 project. The amendment covers the design for the rehabilitation of backup power generators at the Upper Valley Water Treatment Plant and provides construction phase services. The proposal includes a contract amount of $1,266,000 and authorizes future task orders or amendments estimated at $500,000, funded by the 2022A Water and Sewer Construction Bond Fund.

The board considered and approved a professional engineering services contract with Parkhill, Smith & Cooper, Inc. for the Westwind/IH-10/Resler 24-Inch Water Main Extension Part 2 project. This contract covers additional design and construction phase services necessary to complete the project, which was previously put on hold. The board also authorized the issuance of future task orders or amendments for these services, subject to available funding.

The board approved several sole-source contracts for UV disinfection components, belt filter press parts, and leak detection services, as well as a master contract for mobile application development. Additional actions included increasing capacity for a heavy construction equipment master contract, awarding professional engineering services contracts for wastewater treatment plants, and awarding an RFP for powdered activated carbon and sodium chlorite. The board held an executive session to discuss cybersecurity, procure critical infrastructure equipment, address a billing dispute, authorize settlement negotiations, and review the performance and employment agreement of the CEO.

The Board awarded several professional services contracts for on-call surveying and engineering services. Approval was granted for an engineering contract for a waterline project, along with multiple change orders for water transmission and distribution main replacement projects and stormwater basin improvements. Several proposals were rejected with staff authorized to rebid, and governance documents for the Compensation Committee were approved. The CEO provided updates on utility management and operations, and a management report covered the 50-year water plan, a wastewater spill, and financial performance measures. Additionally, the Board adopted a resolution amending investment policy rules and regulations, awarded a contract for water main extension improvements, and approved an amendment to an asset management program services agreement. A property damage claim and billing dispute was discussed and postponed in executive session.

The board meeting covers a broad range of operational and governance topics, including the election of board officers, reorganization of internal subcommittees, and various contract approvals for equipment, vehicle maintenance, and safety supplies. Key infrastructure discussions involve engineering services for water storage, pump stations, and administration building projects, alongside interlocal agreements for water and wastewater services. Management updates include fleet recognition, leadership announcements, and performance indicators for water and sewer pipelines. Additional items involve approval of change orders for street repairs, water line replacement programs, and a long-term wholesale water supply contract. The agenda also includes an executive session to address legal consultations regarding property damage claims, real estate acquisition, critical infrastructure management, and legal frameworks for future special meetings.