Orange Water And Sewer Authority

This document presents the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for Fiscal Years 2026-2035, outlining an approximately $447 million investment in water, wastewater, and reclaimed water infrastructure. The program aims to provide high-quality and reliable service, focusing on system rehabilitation and enhancement. Key investment areas include water distribution systems, wastewater collection systems, water treatment plants, wastewater treatment and reclaimed water facilities, and water supply reservoirs. This CIP ensures the organization remains a sustainable, responsible, and environmentally focused partner for the community.

The work session agenda was modified to include an update and discussion concerning the November 5, 2018, water main break at the Jonesbury Road Water Treatment Plant. Discussions included the timeline of the event, which involved an eight-hour active break period, resulting in water conservation requests and a boil water advisory that was subsequently lifted after water quality testing confirmed results were clear. An independent consultant was engaged to determine the cause of the break in the 77-year-old cast iron pipe and to review the response effectiveness. The board also approved a resolution designating primary and secondary agents for filing applications for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and State assistance related to Hurricane Florence aftermath expenses. Furthermore, staff recommendations regarding sampling for PFAS substances quarterly at the water supply intake and treated water were presented for concurrence.

The meeting commenced with announcements regarding absent board members and facility renovations affecting restroom access. The Human Resources Committee announced an upcoming meeting to discuss retiree health benefits for new hires and deferred compensation. The Natural Resources and Technical Services Committee reported on their meeting concerning drought response operating protocol, specifically around accessing Jordan Lake allocation under drought conditions, aiming to balance sustainability and customer cost impacts, and requested further staff data analysis. Board members also discussed establishing a standing agenda item for brief, informal communications or suggestions from members. Updates included a planned prescribed burn near Cane Creek for invasive species management, and the ongoing communications regarding the Agua Vista project rollout to local elected boards. The regular agenda featured a presentation on the draft Energy Management Plan update, utilizing an 'energy management pyramid' concept that prioritizes energy conservation and optimization (described as a 'lunch you're paid to eat') before moving to energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy. Specific optimization strategies discussed included piloting a dynamic pump optimization tool at the water treatment plant to maximize energy savings from pumps and motors.

The board meeting included introductory remarks, announcements regarding upcoming board appointments, and the introduction of the new Public Information Officer, Katie Hall. Key discussion items involved the consent agenda, which included the proposed siting of the Orange County waste and recycling center on OWASA land, a resolution to amend bylaws regarding advisory committees, an adjustment to the executive director's compensation, and the approval of previous meeting minutes. During the discussion pulled items from the consent agenda, there was extensive deliberation concerning the role and structure of advisory committees, focusing on whether they should be standing or ad hoc, who populates them (board members vs. staff), and how they influence power distribution within the board. The board also discussed the proposed site sale/lease of OWASA land to Orange County for a recycling center, including necessary general conditions to protect the biosolids program and the environment, and the subsequent community engagement plan.

The meeting covered several administrative items, including noting the absence of one board member and addressing potential conflicts of interest. Updates included information on recent community chats regarding water health. Discussion involved rescheduling the rate study scope of work due to the unavailability of a consultant following Hurricane Milton. Board members discussed establishing committees or work sessions for in-depth topic review, such as for PFAS issues, and settled on a pilot approach for the November meeting. The primary agenda item involved the presentation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, highlighting an unmodified opinion from the independent CPA firm, investments exceeding $20 million in capital improvements, revenues exceeding budget by $2.9 million, and operating expenses being under budget by $1.6 million. A board member requested details regarding the aging of receivables.