Williamsport City Municipal Authority

The Finance Committee meeting included the presentation of the Director's Report, noting that two resolutions for LSA funding applications would be included in the November Board Agenda. Engineering Reports were presented by both internal staff and HRG Inc. Key discussions involved recommending the approval of the October Financials and Vouchers for both WMWA and WSA to the Board. For WMWA, the Committee agreed to recommend approval for the SRBC Docket Renewal for water withdrawal, including a contract revision costing $10,400. For WSA, the Committee recommended issuing a 3-year permit (Permit No. C-10) to Valley Farms Dairy and recommended approval for the HRG Design Supplement for the Bull Run Pump Station sanitary sewer lining project.

Key discussions included the Executive Director's report, noting the ongoing effort to fill four vacant positions, updates to the pre-employment screening process, and the upcoming retirement of the Billing and Administrative Services Coordinator after 53 years of service. Other topics involved reviewing the BRIC Grant for eligible projects, chemical delivery issues, and service/billing issues for phone/data lines. The committee also reviewed a proposal for Property and Liability Insurances, which showed a 15 percent increase from 2023. The Engineering Report detailed project progress, including substantial completion of the FY23 Water Main Replacement Project and ongoing work for the FY24 project, with discussions planned for a final change order in February. The committee reviewed and agreed to recommend the December Financials and Vouchers for both Water and Sanitary operations, noting higher revenues from tapping and connection fees and higher Other Operating Expenses due to maintenance and materials. A plan to establish a new Stormwater banking account in January 2024 was mentioned following a compromise of the existing account due to a bank error. An executive session was held for a legal matter.

The meeting commenced with the unanimous approval of the recommended slate of officers for the WSA for the upcoming term, including the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer. Key financial items approved included the December financials and vouchers, the Triad Strategies Agreement pending legal review, and HRG's Retainer Engineering Services for 2022. The Board also unanimously approved the transfer of Non-Domestic Wastewater Discharge permit W-1 from Lonza to Arxada, noting no change in wastewater process. Bids for the FY22 Sanitary Sewer Lining Project were reviewed, with the low bid from Insight Pipe Contracting being accepted pending solicitor review. Furthermore, staff approval for change orders on the sewer lining project, not to exceed $80,000, was accepted for future Board ratification. A contract for GIS Support from Larson Design Group, not to exceed $7,500, was accepted, and a connection fee reduction request for 621 Campbell Street was approved. The ISOLVED Payroll Service Contract was tabled.

The Finance Committee meeting included discussions on several key items. The Executive Director provided updates on staff recruitment, noting accepted positions and ongoing bids for accounting roles. Updates were given regarding internal discussions with PaDEP concerning a denied Growing Greener application, progress on resolving construction and customer issues, and the status of chemical delivery issues, resulting in the termination of the caustic soda supplier, Brenntag. The Audit Sub-Committee reported on a review of the Draft Audit Report with Baker Tilly, expecting the final report by the end of February. The Engineering Report from HRG Inc. was presented, with two change orders to be addressed. Key staff recommendations involved recommending the January Financials and Vouchers for both WMWA and WSA to the Board for approval, reviewing Municibid results, and considering three significant change orders: Ronca Change Order No. 2-Final for the FY23 Water Main Replacements Project, Ronca Change Order No. 1 for the FY24 Water Main Replacements Project, and the Larson Design GIS Contract for calendar year 2023.