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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-11-08 MinutesCAPE FEAR PUBLIC UTILITY AUTHORITY AUTHORITY BOARD MINUTES NOVEMBER 8, 2023 Room 139 Annual Meeting 9:00 AM 230 GOVERNMENT CENTER DRIVE WILMINGTON, NC 28403 I. CALL TO ORDER II. DETERMINATION OF A QUORUM Ms. Adams called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM with all members present. Attendee Name Organization Jennifer Adams Cape Fear Public Utility Authority Deans Hackney Cape Fear Public Utility Authority Jessica Cannon Cape Fear Public Utility Authority Wesley Corder Cape Fear Public Utility Authority William Norris Cape Fear Public Utility Authority Hollis Briggs Cape Fear Public Utility Authority William Smith Cape Fear Public Utility Authority Jonathan Barfield Cape Fear Public Utility Authority Charlie Rivenbark Cape Fear Public Utility Authority Luke Waddell Cape Fear Public Utility Authority Rob Zapple Cape Fear Public Utility Authority Kenneth Waldroup Cape Fear Public Utility Authority Linda Miles Miles Firm, PLLC Beth Eckert Cape Fear Public Utility Authority Carel Cape Fear Public Utility Vandermeyden Authority Title Status Arrived Chair Present Vice Chair Present Secretary Present Treasurer Present Board Member Present Board Member Present Board Member Present Board Member Present Board Member Present Board Member Present Board Member Present Executive Director Present CFPUA Consulting Attorney Present Deputy Executive Dir. Enviro Mgt & Present Sustainability Deputy Executive Director - Engin. & Present Treatment Caj.')e Fear Public Utility Authority Page I Minutes Authority Board November 8, 2023 John McLean Cape Fear Public Utility Chief Financial Officer Present Authority Nicolette Fulton Cape Fear Public Utility Deputy Attorney Present Authority Cord Ellison Cape Fear Public Utility Chief Information Officer Present Authority Kristine Irick Cape Fear Public Utility Customer Service Director Present Authority Craig Wilson Cape Fear Public Utility Assistant Operations Director Present Authority Cammie Bellamy Cape Fear Public Utility Public Information Officer Present Authority Elizabeth Severt Cape Fear Public Utility Strategy & Performance Manager Present Authority Julia Faircloth Cape Fear Public Utility Deputy Chief Financial Officer Present Authority Larry Sneeden Present Janice Gaines Rockhill Community Present Organization James N. Wrisbon, Rockhill Community Present Sr. Organization Gretchen L. Corbett Rockhill Community Present Organization Carol Gaynelle Rockhill Community Present Hansard Organization Lawrence Gaines Rockhill Community Present Organization Rev. Ruth Pugh Rockhill Community Present Organization Rev. Angela Clark Rockhill Community Present Organization Derrick Pierce Rockhill Community Present Organization Donna J. Allen Rockhill Community Present Organization Ralph Miller, Sr. Rockhill Community Present Organization Reba Daria Hobbs Rockhill Community Present Organization Arlene Grady Rockhill Community Present Organization Faye Grady Rockhill Community Present Organization Joyce Garfield Rockhill Community Present Organization Earl Garfield Rockhill Community Present Caj.')e Fear Public Utility Authority Page Minutes Authority Board November 8, 2023 Organization Samuel Grady, Jr. Rockhill Community Present Organization Harriet Williamson Rockhill Community Present Organization Lena Williams Rockhill Community Present Organization Bernard Williams Rockhill Community Present Organization Vance Williams Rockhill Community Present Organization George House Brooks law firm Present Joseph Ponzi Brooks law firm Present Jessica Loeper New Hanover County Present Makeba Robinson Cape Fear Public Utility Deputy Clerk Present Authority Donna S. Pope Cape Fear Public Utility Clerk/Executive Secretary to the Present Authority Board III. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Mr. Waldroup requested that the closed session be moved to the beginning of the meeting, following public comments, to accommodate scheduling for one of CFPUA's liaisons on the Wrightsville Beach consolidation negotiations. Mr. Waddell moved to amend the agenda as recommended by staff. Mr. Briggs seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. Dr. Cannon moved to adopt the amended agenda. Mr. Briggs seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Authority Board - Regular Meeting - Oct 11, 2023, 9:00 AM RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: William Smith, Board Member SECONDER: Rob Zapple, Board Member AYES: Adams, Hackney, Cannon, Corder, Norris, Briggs, Smith, Barfield, Rivenbark, Waddell, Zapple V. PUBLIC COMMENTS - 4 MINUTE LIMIT PER SPEAKER Ms. Gaines spoke on behalf of the Rock Hill community. She expressed profound gratitude for CFPUA's Board and staff's commitment to citizens and work to address Rock Hill's concerns and its residents' desire to receive public water. She stated that she and other members of the neighborhood look forward to working with CFPUA and New Hanover County. Caj.')e Fear Public Utility Authority Page Minutes Authority Board November 8, 2023 Ms. Adams thanked Ms. Gaines and other Rockhill citizens and stated that the Board is happy to partner with the community. VI. CLOSED SESSION Mr. Rivenbark moved to enter closed session to discuss a claim, contract negotiations, CFPUA v. Chemours and DuPont, and to provide directions to legal counsel. Mr. Waddell seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. The Board entered closed session at 9:05 AM with Ms. Miles, Ms. Fulton, Ms. Eckert, Ms. Vosnock-Faircloth, Ms. Pope, and Messrs. Sneeden, House, Ponzi, Waldroup, Vandermeyden, and McLean present. The Board received a report from Messrs. Sneeden and Hackney regarding a negotiation, received a report from legal counsel, and provided direction to staff and legal counsel. Mr. Norris moved to return to open session. Mr. Smith seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. The Board returned to open session at 10:20 AM and took a break. The meeting resumed at 10:33 AM with staff present. VII. PRESENTATION 1. 2023 Annual Report Mr. Waldroup presented the Annual Report. He reminded those present that CFPUA builds upon a great heritage built by our forebearers in the City and County. CFPUA continues to build those investments in the community. As an example, the Southside Wastewater Treatment Plant was built 50 years ago. The replacement designed and implemented with the best in modern technology will serve the community for another 50 years. The Board has designated capital reserves toward this future project, which will reduce the amount of bond funding required in the near future. Mr. Waldroup thanked the Board for providing direction through the Strategic Plan. CFPUA continues to partner with its "parents," the City and County. Within the City limits, CFPUA rehabilitates and replaces aging infrastructure in conjunction with City of Wilmington streetscape projects. CFPUA works with development within the City limits and in the unincorporated areas to upsize infrastructure to meet our future needs. With funding support from the State, CFPUA and New Hanover County are engaged in planning and building infrastructure in the northern parts of the County to support orderly growth. Funding from the County and the State of North Carolina will help to address community needs in unserved and underserved areas affected by PFAS contamination in homeowners' wells. Caj.')e Fear Public Utility Authority Page 4 Minutes Authority Board November 8, 2023 CFPUA continues to be a leader in the nation in addressing PFAS and emerging contaminants, receiving awards and recognition from peers and hosting a meeting of EPA's Region 4. The Sweeney Water Treatment Plant's granular activated charcoal filters are in full use and represent the best in technology to remove contaminants from our customers' water. CFPUA has a solid financial standing and an AA bond rating. Rates and fees are analyzed annually to meet operating cost projections and capital needs and to provide valuable serves to the citizens we serve. Board members thanked Mr. Waldroup for an excellent report and a great 2023. ...... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... .................. RESULT: REVIEWED VIII. CONSENT AGENDA Ms. Miles answered clarification questions regarding Item One, the Prioritization Interlocal Agreement with New Hanover County. 1. Prioritization Study Interlocal Agreement RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jonathan Barfield, Board Member SECONDER: Rob Zapple, Board Member AYES: Adams, Hackney, Cannon, Corder, Norris, Briggs, Smith, Barfield, Rivenbark, Waddell, Zapple 2. Ordinance Appropriating Funding for the Prioritization Study Interlocal Agreement RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jonathan Barfield, Board Member SECONDER: Rob Zapple, Board Member AYES: Adams, Hackney, Cannon, Corder, Norris, Briggs, Smith, Barfield, Rivenbark, Waddell, Zapple 3. Ordinance Appropriating Funding for the Residential Connection Pilot Program Caj.')e Fear Public Utility Authority Page Minutes Authority Board November 8, 2023 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jonathan Barfield, Board Member SECONDER: Rob Zapple, Board Member AYES: Adams, Hackney, Cannon, Corder, Norris, Briggs, Smith, Barfield, Rivenbark, Waddell, Zapple 4. Authorization for the Executive Director to Execute a $10,733,977.79 Construction Contract with Carolina Civil Works, Inc. for the Rehabilitation and Replacement of Gravity Sewer in the Downtown Wilmington Area Project RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jonathan Barfield, Board Member SECONDER: Rob Zapple, Board Member AYES: Adams, Hackney, Cannon, Corder, Norris, Briggs, Smith, Barfield, Rivenbark, Waddell, Zapple 5. Ordinance Appropriating Transfers to the Rehabilitation and Replacement of Gravity Sewer in the Downtown Wilmington Area Projects RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jonathan Barfield, Board Member SECONDER: Rob Zapple, Board Member AYES: Adams, Hackney, Cannon, Corder, Norris, Briggs, Smith, Barfield, Rivenbark, Waddell, Zapple 6. $836,200 Contract with WK Dickson for Engineering Services Associated with the Rehabilitation and Replacement of Gravity Sewer in the Downtown Wilmington Area Project RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jonathan Barfield, Board Member SECONDER: Rob Zapple, Board Member AYES: Adams, Hackney, Cannon, Corder, Norris, Briggs, Smith, Barfield, Rivenbark, Waddell, Zapple 7. $108,598.33 Inter -Local Agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation for the relocation of an existing force main as part of NCDOT's Market Street Widening project. Caj.')e Fear Public Utility Authority Page Minutes Authority Board November 8, 2023 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jonathan Barfield, Board Member SECONDER: Rob Zapple, Board Member AYES: Adams, Hackney, Cannon, Corder, Norris, Briggs, Smith, Barfield, Rivenbark, Waddell, Zapple 8. $750,000 Contract Extension with Beheler Trucking Inc. for the Hauling of Biosolids. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jonathan Barfield, Board Member SECONDER: Rob Zapple, Board Member AYES: Adams, Hackney, Cannon, Corder, Norris, Briggs, Smith, Barfield, Rivenbark, Waddell, Zapple 9. Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemical Contracts Renewal RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jonathan Barfield, Board Member SECONDER: Rob Zapple, Board Member AYES: Adams, Hackney, Cannon, Corder, Norris, Briggs, Smith, Barfield, Rivenbark, Waddell, Zapple 10. Chemical Sole Source Purchases RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jonathan Barfield, Board Member SECONDER: Rob Zapple, Board Member AYES: Adams, Hackney, Cannon, Corder, Norris, Briggs, Smith, Barfield, Rivenbark, Waddell, Zapple 11. $70,000 Contract Amendment with Itineris for the Customer Self Service Module Upgrade RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jonathan Barfield, Board Member SECONDER: Rob Zapple, Board Member AYES: Adams, Hackney, Cannon, Corder, Norris, Briggs, Smith, Barfield, Rivenbark, Waddell, Zapple 12. Electronic Records Policy Caj.')e Fear Public Utility Authority Page 7 Minutes Authority Board November 8, 2023 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jonathan Barfield, Board Member SECONDER: Rob Zapple, Board Member AYES: Adams, Hackney, Cannon, Corder, Norris, Briggs, Smith, Barfield, Rivenbark, Waddell, Zapple IX. NEW BUSINESS A. Administrative Reports i. Attorney's Report ii. Executive Director's Report Mr. Waldroup reported that Shannon Clayboss will join CFPUA on November 13 as the Workforce Development Manager. Ms. Clayboss has over 18 years of experience in workforce development, training, and human resources. He thanked Ms. Adams and Mr. Barfield for serving on the interview committee. 1. Key Indicators Mr. Zapple noted the employee vacancy rate of 8.2 percent and asked how to address it. Mr. Waldroup reported that there are currently 21 vacancies. Ms. Clayboss will dedicate some of her time and resources to develop and expand the talent pool for employees. This can include high school and community college outreach, supporting opportunities for students in training programs. While beginning salaries are not always competitive with the private sector, local government offers good benefits and a retirement system. Mr. Waldroup answered additional questions regarding employee retention and exit interviews. .. ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... .................. RESULT: REVIEWED 2. Safety Report Mr. Waldroup answered questions about accidents referenced in the safety report. RESULT: REVIEWED 3. Environmental Report Caj.')e Fear Public Utility Authority Page Minutes Authority Board November 8, 2023 RESULT: REVIEWED 4. Strategic Plan Update .. ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... .................. RESULT: REVIEWED B. Committee Reports i. Executive Committee 1. Executive Committee - Regular- Nov 1, 2023, 10:00 AM .. ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... .................. RESULT: NO ACTION REQUIRED 2. Acknowledgement of Legislative Delegation Mr. Waldroup reported that the Legislature had provided funding in the current North Carolina budget to CFPUA, Wrightsville Beach, and the Lower Cape Fear Water & Sewer Authority for projects that will support water and sewer services in the region. The appropriations total $118 million. Board members have requested formal recognition of the local delegation members for their work on securing funding, particularly Senator Lee and Representative Davis. The Executive Committee believed it was best for the full Board to discuss and determine how to recognize the delegation. Dr. Cannon expressed reservations about public recognition within a Board meeting, fearing that it might politicize CFPUA. She suggested a letter of appreciation from the Chairwoman on the Board's behalf thanking the legislators. Messrs. Barfield, Rivenbark, Waddell, and Zapple supported recognition of the delegation members. Mr. Rivenbark added that some members of CFPUA's Board had worked to secure State funding. After discussion, Mr. Waddell moved to present Senator Lee and Representative Davis with a resolution at a future Board meeting. After further discussion regarding work on CFPUA's behalf by legislators in previous years, Mr. Waddell amended his motion to include the entire local delegation and Senator Rabon for recognition. Mr. Zapple seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. Caj.')e Fear Public Utility Authority Page Minutes Authority Board November 8, 2023 JLT: REVIEWED ii. Long Range Planning Committee 1. Lone Ranize Plannine Committee - Regular- Oct 26. 2023. 3:00 PM ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... JLT: NO ACTION REQUIRED 2. FY2025 and 10-year Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) Drivers and Funding Challenges ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... JLT: REVIEWED Next: 11/30/2023 3:00 iii. Finance Committee 1. Finance Committee - Regular- Nov 1. 2023, 9:00 AM ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... JLT: NO ACTION REQUIRED 2. Monthly Financials Mr. McLean referred Board members to the financial data in their agenda packets. There were no questions. JLT: REVIEWED iv. Sustainability Committee 1. Sustainability Committee - Regular- Oct 26. 2023. 2:00 PM ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... JLT: NO ACTION REQUIRED C. Consolidation Study Update 1. Consolidation Study Update Mr. Hackney referred Board members to the consolidation report in the agenda packet. The study group met on October 19 and will next meet on November 20. He asked Mr. McLean to share financial data related to the potential consolidation with all Board members. JLT: REVIEWED Next: 12/13/2023 9:00 X. OLD BUSINESS Caj.')e Fear Public Utility Authority Page 10 Minutes Authority Board November 8, 2023 There was no old business. XI. AUTHORITY Q & A/CLOSING COMMENTS Ms. Adams recognized Ms. Robinson and Ms. Lawton on their completion of Clerk School and certification as municipal clerks. Ms. Eskew should be attending Clerk School for the upcoming 2024 sessions. All three ladies are Deputy Clerks supporting Ms. Pope in addition to their regular duties. Mr. Waldroup reported that he would not be at the December meeting. He is attending an EPA -led utility management conference. Mr. McLean will lead the December meeting on his behalf. Messrs. Briggs and Rivenbark reported on attending the recent public utility conference in San Diego. Mr. Briggs stated that he was proud to see how well -respected CFPUA is in the industry and that its work in PFAS is at the forefront in the nation. Mr. Rivenbark added that he enjoyed the conference and that it reinforced that water and sewer utilities all deal with the same issues. XII. ADJOURNMENT There was no further business to come before the Board, and Mr. Rivenbark moved to adjourn. Mr. Hackney seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. The Board adjourned at 11:10 AM. The next regular meeting of the Authority will be Wednesday, December 13, 2023. The Board will meet at 9:00 AM in Rooms 138 and 139, New Hanover County Administration Building, 230 Government Center Drive, Wilmington, North Carolina. Respectfully submitted, Donna S. Pope Clerk to the Board Caj.')e Fear Public Utility Authority Page II