Merchantville Pennsauken Water Commission

The meetings covered several operational and contractual items across January through October 2025. Key discussions included seeking permission to publicly bid the Service Line Replacement Project and purchasing new vehicles off state contract. Approvals were granted for various bills and payments to Pennsauken Township and Merchantville Borough. Significant project discussions involved the Galvanized Service Line Replacement Project, where Miller Pipeline was the low bidder, and the subsequent contract signing. The Commission discussed the Calgon Carbon Filter Purchase and setting up a blanket contract for future needs. Financial matters included reviewing the 2024 Revenue & Expense Report and preparing the 2026 budget amidst anticipated increased expenses, proposing a 2% water rate increase. Capital projects discussed were the Cherry Hill Tank Painting (awarded to Allie Painting) and the Browning Road PFAS Plant (awarded to TKT Construction contingent on I-bank approval). The General Counsel, Karl McConnell, announced his retirement effective June 30, 2025, and Margaret McHugh was appointed as the new General Counsel in September. The Commission approved the transfer of land deeds for Lario Way and Delaware Gardens to Pennsauken Township. Discussions also touched upon upcoming training, safety recognition (SHARP award), website development updates, drought restrictions, and Commissioner reports on water usage and legislative awareness.

The document contains multiple monthly meeting agendas spanning from January 2025 through December 2025. Key discussion topics across these agendas include seeking permission to bid on the Service Line Replacement Project and Cherry Hill Tank Painting, discussing the purchase of new vehicles, reviewing bid results for Galvanized Service Line Replacement, considering resolutions related to I-Bank financing, reviewing staff reports, discussing employee manual revisions (including residency requirements, anti-harassment, and vacation policy), handling RFQs for professional services like General Counsel, discussing budget submittals and rate adjustments for 2026, and addressing audit adoptions for 2023 and 2024. The July meeting also included the Annual Reorganization items.

The agenda for the meeting includes several key items for discussion: presentation and signature of Annual Contracts, review and signing of Ocean First Documents, and a Personnel Discussion. Financial matters are scheduled, including the approval of bills for payment dated December 15, 2025, and bills for payment dated January 8, 2026 (which includes a Capital Expense Report). Wire transfers due February 1, 2026, covering multiple IBank loans, are also listed for review. Staff reports are expected from various department heads, including the Chief Operating Officer, Distribution Superintendent, Customer Service Director, Engineer, Finance, and General Counsel. The agenda also allocates time for Old Business, New Business, New Services, Informational items (including project status updates), Commissioner Reports, and a potential Executive Session.

The commission discussed various topics including the Park Avenue Plant design, declining the solar aspect, and requesting a revised plan. A cyber security policy was reviewed, annual maintenance contracts were readied for signatures, and high school scholarships were approved. The 2023 budget received final DCA approval. The commission also discussed the National Highway Plant bid, Park Avenue Tank Painting, authorization to purchase and sell vehicles, and the Main Lining/Replacement Contract. A discussion ensued regarding the proposed PFAS rule, ASR permit cancellation, and National Highway Treatment Plant upgrades. The commission also discussed the Collingswood proposal, MPWC Regulation 1006 revision, and lead service information. The commission also discussed the 2022 draft audit and 2024 draft budget. The commission also discussed the Employee Health Benefits Renewal and Proposed Rate Adjustments for 2024.

The meeting addressed a customer dispute regarding a high water bill due to a toilet leak, legislative updates including potential collaboration on a lobbyist, and the status of the Woodbine Avenue Filter Plant project financing. Discussions also covered land use with Pepsi, marketing options, and concerns about a bill regarding mandatory chlorine levels. The commission approved the 2020 Budget Adoption, scholarship participation, writing off uncollectable debt, and a quitclaim deed. New services were approved for various locations. The Salary Committee recommendations were approved, and employee health care contributions were frozen at the 2019 dollar amounts for 2020.