Fredericksburg Sewer And Water Authority

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.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included approving a $50.00 sewer credit for a property due to a water leak not entering the sewer system. The Board approved payment of accounts payables totaling $297,637.23 from the Sewer and Water Funds, and accepted the financial statement pending audit. The Board approved lowering two letters of credit for Bell & Evans and authorized an extra loan payment of $50,000 on the Fulton sewer loan for February. Additionally, the Board authorized Steckbeck Engineering to research and propose a rate resolution for the O&M surcharge, accepted a revised Solicitor's Resolution, and requested the Operations Department replace damaged window screens on the office building.

Key discussions during the meeting included the Treasurer's report, which involved approving payables from the Sewer and Water Funds and accepting the financial statement pending audit. The Office Manager reported on processing ACH payments and completing quarterly tax filings. The Operation Manager introduced a representative from Utility Service Company (USC) to discuss long-term contracted maintenance services for assets like water tanks and wells, which would involve fixed pricing over several years to manage financing challenges. The Engineer's report noted the completion of paving restoration, ongoing work on the Booster Pump Project, and updates on new water main installations. The Solicitor's report covered ongoing discussions with Dale Richards regarding mandatory sewer connections for his properties. Additionally, the Board modified the payment schedule for the revised water and sewer service agreement for Hain Protein, and discussed potential site locations for a new well and surface water intake near Martin Farm, contingent upon crop harvest. The Board also addressed concerns regarding a Bell & Evans permit application and its proximity to the Authority's proposed intake line. Old Business involved discussing a potential combined facility with Bethel Township and the appointment of a new Board Member. New Business considered renting out the garage at the old plant on a month-to-month lease.