Metropolitan Sewerage District

The board discussed the potential sale and removal of the Craggy Dam, focusing on environmental, safety, and economic impacts. The general manager emphasized the need for further due diligence, including independent financial appraisals and engineering assessments, to protect ratepayers and bond holders. Additionally, the board received updates on ongoing construction projects such as the Carrier Bridge Pump Station crossing and the Weaverville Pump Station, reviewed budget amendments, and approved various developer-constructed sewer systems.

The agenda includes a review of the third-quarter budget to actual performance for the fiscal year, a proposal for employee pay adjustments, and a review of the self-insured health plan. Additionally, the committee discussed the ten-year Capital Improvement Program, including priorities for collection system rehabilitation, pump station replacements, and water reclamation facility upgrades. The meeting also addressed financial forecasting, sewer rate survey data, and the proposed budget and sewer rates for the upcoming fiscal year.

The board meeting covered several critical infrastructure and financial topics. Key discussions included a detailed review of the Solids Handling Preliminary Engineering Report, which evaluates sludge management and promotes transitioning to thermal drying technology for long-term redundancy and capacity improvement. The board approved an owner's advisor contract to support these solids handling improvements. Additionally, the board considered and approved various infrastructure project contracts, including the Clayton Road Pump Station standpipe replacement and the West City View at Riverside Drive project. Developer-constructed sewer systems for multiple residential developments were accepted. Finally, the board approved a significant budget amendment for the Carrier Bridge Pump Station project to account for increased construction productivity and established a reimbursement resolution for future bond-financed projects.

The regular monthly meeting included a report from the General Manager featuring a detailed PowerPoint presentation by Peter Weed on the Regional Treatment Plant operations, including the ISO commitment, capacity, process stages like barscreens, grit removal, RBCs, filtration, incineration, and pump stations. The report also covered the Craggy Hydroelectric Facility's capabilities and updates on the United Way Golf Tournament success and positive customer feedback regarding recent field work. Committee reports included a discussion on the Right of Way Committee meeting regarding the Indiana Avenue GSR Project and compensation budgets for several GSR projects. The Consolidated Motion Agenda covered the recommendation to award bids for the Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Projects for Old US 70 @ Grovemont (to Buckeye Const. Co.) and Brookcliff Drive PRP (to Buckeye Construction Co.). The agenda also included the approval of Compensation Budgets for multiple GSR projects and the Cash Commitment Investment Report for the month ended August 31, 2013. New Business addressed an update on the lawsuit against the City of Asheville, noting an agreed-upon schedule leading toward a potential ruling in early 2014.

The meeting covered several key agenda items including discussion of the annual Home Show, reports on local environmental articles concerning the French Broad River cleanliness and a proposed water rate increase in Asheville, and negotiations regarding an agreement with Cane Creek Water & Sewer District. Under the Consolidated Motion Agenda, the Board considered and approved the FY 2010 audit contract with Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, noting an additional cost for a required Single Audit due to stimulus funds. Additionally, the Board reviewed the Cash Commitment/Investment Report for January 31, 2010, which indicated that while domestic sewer revenue was slightly below projections due to recessionary pressures and a wet summer, facility and tap fees were above expectations, and operational expenditures were reasonable. The debt service report showed significant savings for customers from the 2008 A&B Series bonds.