Mohawk Valley Water Authority

The meeting addressed a resolution for an award of contract to Upstate Valve and Control for purchasing valve actuators at the water treatment plant. Another resolution authorized the use of federal fiscal year 2025 bipartisan infrastructure law grant funding for lead service line replacements. The board also discussed a resolution for awarding a contract to replace the Temple Street garage floor. Additionally, a resolution referenced the continuation of a project to enhance the raw water supply from the Hinckley reservoir down to the water treatment plant. The committee reports included a discussion regarding Wolf Speed's contribution to the supporting rating rate increase.

The meeting addressed several key issues, including a resolution for the MVWA application to extend a transmission main serving multiple communities, with a proposed project cost of approximately $20.6 million. The board also discussed a contract for the Kemble Street facility maintenance garage, involving the replacement of doors with fire-rated doors and masonry blocks. Additionally, there was discussion regarding a new title, Automotive Mechanic Helper, to be added to the Teamsters bargaining unit. The lead service line replacement project funding was also addressed, including the acceptance of a zero-interest loan from EFC.

The meeting included discussions on several key topics. The Employee Travel Policy was reaffirmed with edits to reorganize it for clarity and update terminology, including changes to meal reimbursement. The Approval of Employee Disciplinary Record Foil Request Notification Policy was approved. The Disaster Recovery Certification test was performed annually, with satisfactory results. The October and November Finance Report indicated a slight decrease in consumption and water sales compared to budget, but an increase compared to the prior year. Discussions were held with financial consultants regarding bonding, with a Finance Authority Meeting planned for December 23rd and bond closing expected in early February 2025. An update was provided on the Hinckley Reservoir level, which had significantly improved. The MVWA was awarded nearly $9 million to replace lead service lines beginning in 2025 and almost $4 million in zero percent interest loans. Concerns were raised about the feasibility and affordability of the revised lead and copper rule, with a potential legal challenge and possible slowdown by the incoming administration.

The meeting included discussion and approval of a resolution to authorize the use of federal fiscal year 2023 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Lead Service Line Replacement Grant Funding through NYSEFC for lead service line inventory. A contract was awarded for engineering services to complete a lead service line inventory. Also, a contract was awarded for the Large Valve Insertion Project. The 2nd Quarter Investment Statement was approved, and the June Finance Report was reviewed, noting a slight dip in consumption and a decrease in revenue compared to the budget. An executive session was held to discuss an MOU for the Management Employees Association, and a resolution was passed to add the title of Computer Specialist to the MEA.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. The board approved the award of professional services for engineering assessments at four reservoir dams and reaffirmed the Procurement Policy and Procedures, Investment Guidelines, and the IT Mobile Device Policy. An HR policy regarding the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act was also approved. The July Finance Report indicated a decrease in consumption and revenue, with efforts to minimize expenses. There was a review of the top monthly and quarterly customers to show changes in consumption. The Executive Director reported on the budget timetable, the hiring of a new safety officer, and recent ergonomics training. The board also discussed potential litigation in an executive session and decided to reissue an amended bid package for the Phase 2 Raw Water Main Improvements Project.