Harrison County Utility Authority

The Board meeting addressed several operational and financial matters. Key discussions included public concerns over debris littering roads from uncovered trash containers hauled by dumpster haulers, leading to suggestions for a joint resolution. Action items approved the Claims Docket for the date of the meeting. New business included approving the award for repairs to the West Biloxi Generator damaged in Hurricane Zeta, approving a resolution to amend the Pickering Contract for the S14 project closeout, and approving the award for the Clam Hoist rehab project at the South Gulfport Plant to aid debris reduction. The Executive Director's Report provided updates on the Long Beach Project phases. In ongoing litigation discussions, the S-14 litigation continues with scheduled depositions, and the board reviewed the legal status and potential cost estimates regarding a defective tort claims notice concerning Dolan Park.

The meetings covered several key operational and financial matters across January, October 5, October 13, October 19, and October 30 (inferred from the Executive Session file date, though the main meeting date is prioritized). Key discussions included the approval of claims dockets, financial reports, and technical committee minutes. Old business involved approving the new HCUA logo and a public outreach and media plan, and resolving a contractual dispute with Waste Pro by rescinding previously assessed fines and receiving authorization to proceed with personnel actions. New business included approvals for contract amendments with Gouras & Associates and Knesal Engineering Services, approval of Change Order No. 2 for the Long Beach/Pass Christian Headworks Rehabilitation, and the approval of HCUA Policy V-II regarding the Sale or Delivery of Water to Non-Member Entities. The Solid Waste Report detailed ongoing issues with Waste Pro regarding cart collection and performance evaluations, leading to decisions on deadlines for property retrieval and payment withholding. The Board also authorized the extension of the Wastewater O & M Contract with Utility Partners and discussed developing scopes of work for identifying pollution sources and installing an auxiliary generator.

The Special Board Meeting covered the approval of a resolution authorizing the issuance of not to exceed $105,000,000 Mississippi Development Bank Special Obligation Refunding Notes, Series 2016, following advice that the cost of bond refinancing had been reduced from 1.75 percent to 1.2 percent. There were no public comments, no Executive Director's Report, and no need for an Executive Session before the meeting adjourned.

The Board addressed several action items across multiple sessions. Key discussions included the approval of claims dockets for various dates. Operational updates covered the status of the Long Beach project, noting that plans and specs were complete and pending MDEQ review before advertising. The S14 Project was scheduled to advertise soon, and Dogwood Hills water service had commenced billing. Solid Waste reported on storm debris contractors' transition, and a cardboard recycling event showed significant growth in participation. Action items included the approval of the release of retainage for Waste Management and Pelican Waste without fines, and approval for the South Gulfport WWTF-Clam Hoist Replacement advertisement. Furthermore, the board approved the designation of an Applicant Agent for FEMA Public Assistance claims related to Hurricane Zeta. Subsequent meetings addressed retaining H2O Innovations for O&M benchmarks, the S14/Flat Branch Sewer Interceptor & Gravity Main Repairs contract award, approval of revised wastewater O&M benchmarks, and approval of a $1 Million Line of Credit for the Long Beach Sewer Project. Financial reports required corrections in January and February regarding misallocated dumpster and facility charges. Marketing reports indicated growth in social media engagement.