St. Mary Parish Water & Sewer Commission No. 2

The board reviewed reports from maintenance and field staff regarding valve markings, meter logs, water supply to the City of Patterson, and recent equipment purchases. Repairs were addressed for water line breaks on Teche, sewer issues on River Road, and main line cleaning at Arlington. Additionally, the board discussed a joint plant update regarding a clarifier replacement, mandatory training requirements for members including ethics and cybersecurity, status updates on Capital Outlay, and a presentation by LRWA concerning a rate study.

Key discussions during the meeting included a public comment regarding master meter accounts following the system changeout. The maintenance report detailed field activities, including the repair of a leak on Clarke Rd, a sewer line cleanout and repair on David Rd, and the repair of a major line break on Teche Rd. Sewer issues at MC Bank were also addressed, requiring a clean out installation and camera inspection. The board discussed current water loss, noting a recent decrease in daily plant readings post-repair, and requested the Fire Department communicate usage of hydrants or truck filling. Future maintenance planning noted the need to replace a clarifier. Board members were reminded to complete their Sexual Harassment and Ethics training for the new calendar year. An update regarding Capital Outlay is pending. The board noted a notice from the Parish Council to increase the sanitation fee effective February 1, 2026, and mentioned that one work truck is currently in the shop awaiting warranty parts for a transmission issue.

Key discussion points included the maintenance report detailing meter checklist progress following the total meter change out, analysis of water loss, and completion of a required MRT site addition after the Sanitary Survey. A contractor reported on larger meter change outs, a fire main leak repair, and a main break repair, suggesting the use of temporary meters for flow detection. The Board prioritized pressure testing lines underneath the Teche and investigating strap meters to address water loss. Board members were reminded to complete mandatory Sexual Harassment and Ethics training for the new calendar year. An update on Capital Outlay was requested from the Parish Councilman. A joint plant update noted that a clarifier will require future replacement. Recommendations were made to graph water loss peaks to identify trends and to identify and meter all fire lines. The Board recognized employees for their excellent preparation for the Sanitary Survey.

The meeting involved the acceptance of Accounts Payable and Treasurer's Report. Key operational discussions included the maintenance report detailing updates to sample sites, completed year-end inventory, a discovered water leak on Pluto that was fixed, and successful annual fire hydrant testing by the fire department. Specific maintenance tasks included the replacement of a fire hydrant and smoke testing on David & Teche Rd. A joint plant update confirmed the plant is running well, with continued interest in acquiring underground storage. The Capital Outlay request was submitted, and the PIL rating improved from class 6 to class 4 following annual fire hydrant testing. Employee salaries were discussed and increased, and the proposed budget for the 2025-2026 year was accepted. The board also discussed replacing the office's terminated Walmart credit card program but tabled the decision.

Key discussions during the meeting included maintenance reports detailing efforts to locate water loss, preparation for the upcoming Sanitary Survey scheduled for December 11th, and updates on hydrant replacements and repairs. A joint plant update confirmed the plant is running well, with continued interest in acquiring underground storage pending grant money acquisition. The board also discussed pending updates on Capital Outlay. A policy was established regarding repeated customer issues with meter lids and satellite dishes, stipulating that the first replacement is free, but subsequent replacements will be charged back to the customer at cost plus a labor fee.