Fredericksburg Sewer And Water Authority

The Board approved financial reports, including bill payments and the financial statement. Operational approvals were granted for multiple SCADA system upgrades at the Little Swatara Creek WWTP, Monroe Valley WWTP, and the filtration plant, as well as repairs for UV ballasts. The Board also addressed administrative tasks such as renewing a business contract, satisfying a municipal lien, and approving a sewer permit. A resolution was adopted regarding rates, fees, and service calculations. Additionally, the Board received updates on Chapter 94 reports, the PENNVEST funding application, and permit status, while holding an executive session to discuss potential litigation and reviewing a potential water rate increase.

Key discussions during the meeting included the election of officers for 2026, retaining the existing Solicitor and Engineer for the year, and the approval of bills payables totaling $121,774.74 from the Sewer Fund and $42,953.36 from the Water Fund. The financial statement was accepted pending audit. The Office Report noted that a 5% COLA water rate increase will take effect on April 1, 2026, and staff covered office duties during a specified absence. The Operations Report confirmed that all three Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) are operating well and annual compliance reports (Tier 2 and Chapter 110) have been submitted. The Engineer's Report involved the review, approval, and execution of Resolution 2026-01-19 for PennVest and the associated letter of responsibility. The Solicitor's Report indicated preparation for a 2026 Rate Resolution.

Key discussions included the approval of bills payables totaling $142,986.18 from the Sewer Fund and $322,869.96 from the Water Fund, and the acceptance of the financial statement pending audit. The Board approved the 2026 meeting and holiday schedules, and authorized sewer and water tapping fees assessment for Palmyra Homes, subject to annual re-evaluation. Authorization was granted for the Chairman to sign a certification related to sewage flow treatment for a property. Operationally, the third basin was put into service to improve effluent quality, and a redundant high-water float was replaced. Quotes were obtained for SCADA system upgrades. The Engineer reported on the expected completion of a pipeline project. The Solicitor presented a signed Crossing Agreement for The Solar Project. During the executive session, a personnel matter was addressed, resulting in the appointment of a new Assistant Operations Manager with an immediate hourly increase. The Board also approved the 2026 Preliminary Budget.

The meeting included the approval of the Treasurer's report, including payment of bills totaling over $268,000 from the Sewer and Water Funds, and acceptance of the financial statement pending audit. The Office Report noted the filing of a lien for non-payment and the mailing of quarterly bills. Operationally, the Board approved the renewal of the Scada operating support contract and discussed repairs to the Lickdale wastewater plant feed system and pump rebuilds at an East Main Street station. The Engineer's Report detailed ongoing work regarding filtration plant bidding details, NPDES permit requirements, and solar design collaboration. The Solicitor's Report covered filing the lien and preparing the 2026 Rate Resolution. Committee actions included approving the 2026 Budget and, following an executive session regarding a personnel matter, approving specific wage increases effective January 1, 2026, for most staff, with an exception for the newly appointed assistant operations manager, and a separate increase for the Executive Secretary. The Board also acknowledged correspondence regarding sympathy flowers and an engineer's upcoming retirement.

The meeting covered several administrative and operational matters. Key discussions included a tabled issue regarding a laundromat owner's billing complaint following an auditor's finding of previous incorrect billing practices, and the initiation of legal action against a property owner to compel connection to the water system. The Board approved payment of bills from the Sewer and Water Funds and accepted the financial statement pending audit. Administrative topics involved clarifying a health insurance deductible issue for an employee and approving an arrangement for the Office Manager to remain employed on an as-needed basis until the end of March to assist with duties and remain on the health insurance plan. Operationally, new level transducers were installed at the Monroe Valley Treatment Plant, which remains in compliance with its NPDES permit for 24 consecutive months. The Authority sold 254.1 million gallons of water. Additionally, the Board approved the Chapter 94 Reports for both sewer plants and authorized the Chairman to sign them. The Operations Committee reported on preliminary design work for the water filtration plant, and the Board agreed to allow the Fredericksburg Fire Company to use the FSWA property in front of the old sewer plant for a future firehouse location, pending approval from relevant agencies.