Poughkeepsie Water Treatment Facility

Key discussions included addressing date errors on meeting documents, status updates on the 2024 audit, and the Plant Status Report detailing January operations, which averaged 11.73 MGD with challenges from ice, snow, and persistent low voltage issues from Central Hudson requiring transformer re-tapping and potential UPS replacement. In budget reviews, concerns were raised regarding the natural gas line expenditure. Old business covered a 30-day extension for board reorganization due to an absent member, an update on the Comprehensive Facility Plan RFP indicating a request for a response deadline extension, and waiting for state funding information for the Filter Underdrain project. The IMA working group tentatively scheduled a presentation for the March meeting, with discussion emphasizing the need for the board to receive the document beforehand. New business involved planning for the TSST tank replacement as a capital expenditure, discussion on the proper storage and voting on Joint Water Board files, and agreeing to revert to tradition for the annual rotation of the Chairperson/Vice Chairperson municipality when positions are voted on next meeting. Discussions also covered funding mechanisms for large expenses beyond the contingency line and the budget for the Comprehensive Facility Plan study.

The meeting included public participation where concerns were raised regarding the discussion of a well developers signed into consumption agreement and the need for related records to be available. Significant discussion centered on the advancing salt front, driven by low river flow rates and upstream drought conditions, which caused conductivity and estimated sodium/chloride levels to spike unexpectedly, even surpassing historical maximums observed by operators. The board discussed operational changes, including sampling procedures and communication strategies with health departments and local hospitals regarding patient care, especially for dialysis patients. Operational updates noted that low lift pump number four failed due to an oil leak and is undergoing repair with an estimated cost between $40,000 and $45,000, requiring contingency funds, while low lift pump number two is temporarily operating on reduced capacity pending its scheduled repair. Further issues involved power quality fluctuations from the utility provider affecting plant controls, necessitating engagement with Central Hudson to monitor energy quality. The entity is also planning follow-up meetings with various hospital systems to coordinate emergency response planning related to water quality events.

Key discussions during the meeting included a reminder regarding the Open Meetings Law compliance for document posting. The Plant Status Report indicated normal operation in December, with total production at 359.69 MGD. Board members discussed attending a meeting concerning salt front issues and harmful algal bloom (HAB) concerns, emphasizing the need for emergency planning for issuing a 'Do Not Drink' notice, as boiling water would not remove toxins. The Operating Budget Status showed that 87% of the budget was expended through the end of the year, with budget lines over due to unexpected expenses related to chemicals and testing from the summer events. Under Old Business, updates were provided on the Filter Project financing, where the Mayor and Town Supervisor needed to sign required documents, and the decision to re-submit a grant application due to critical need following summer events. Work is also underway on a Liquid Oxygen Bid and the Comprehensive Facility Plan. During the reorganization segment, it was noted that one member is stepping down, and the new member's background was discussed. The board collectively decided to postpone the election of a new chairman until the next meeting, with the current acting chair remaining in place temporarily.

The meeting included a discussion regarding the status of the 2020 audit, which was delayed, with confirmation that the Annual Update Document (AUD) was complete but the formal audit would take another two months. The Plant Status Report indicated the plant was running well, utilizing five filters, and included a discussion about a recent fire incident involving a plant operator who extinguished the fire, leading to commendations and planned preventative measures such as installing stainless steel junction boxes and infrared heat detectors. The 2023 Budget Update addressed rising chemical prices, with expectations of a 20% increase from Holland Chemical, requiring careful monitoring by the City. Regarding Capital Budget Progress, the topic was deferred until a specific staff member returns. In Wholesale Water discussions, an update was given on Global Foundries and Onsemi, while the status of Frito Lay and BOCES agreements was reviewed, noting pending design approvals and local health department sign-offs for BOCES.

The primary discussion point was the cancellation of the scheduled meeting on March 7, 2023, due to the failure to achieve a quorum. It was determined that the agenda for the canceled meeting would be deferred and used for the subsequent meeting scheduled for April 4, 2023.