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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-12-11 MinutesCAPE FEAR PUBLIC UTILITY AUTHORITY AUTHORITY BOARD MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 2024 Room 139 Regular Meeting 9:00 AM 230 GOVERNMENT CENTER DRIVE WILMINGTON, NC 28403 CALL TO ORDER Ms. Adams called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM with a quorum present. Mr. Rivenbark moved to excuse Messrs. Briggs and Corder and Mr. Barfield until his arrival. Mr. Waddell seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. Mr. Barfield arrived at 9:10 AM. Those present were: Board Members: Jennifer Adams, Chair Deans Hackney, Vice -Chair Jessica Cannon, Secretary Leslie Hudson Bill Smith Charlie Rivenbark, Councilmember Luke Waddell, Councilmember Rob Zapple, Commissioner Members Excused: Wes Corder, Treasurer Hollis Briggs Jonathan Barfield (present for portion of meeting) Staff Present: Kenneth Waldroup, Executive Director Nicolette Fulton, Attorney Beth Eckert, Deputy Executive Director Kevin Morris, Deputy Executive Director John McLean, Deputy Executive Director Lori Tayson, HR Director Vaughn Hagerty, Chief Communications Officer Cord Ellison, Chief Information Officer Julia Vosnock Faircloth, Deputy Finance Officer Gary McSmith, Chief Engineer Shannon Clayboss, Workforce Development Manager Craig Wilson, Assistant Operations Director Matt Tribett, Assistant Operations Director Robert Daughtry, Assistant Operations Director Deborah Leonard, HR Department Sherry Brooks, HR Department Heidi Hackett, Assistant Customer Service Director Elizabeth Severt, Strategy and Performance Manager Cammie Bellamy, Public Information Officer Judy Lawton, Deputy Clerk Makeba Robinson, Deputy Clerk Donna S. Pope, Clerk Staff Present for Portion of Meeting and Recognition: Erin Tremblay Sydney Valliant Danielle Smith Matt Hypes Scott Solari Corey Williams Collin Whitehead Angelo Walker Jack Walso Stephen Mowrey Lauren Friedly Jeremy Snead Jason Scott Blake Eadie Crystal Callahan Zac Kelly Kevin Jordan Nate Davis Jodie Taylor Angelo Walker Tara Arnette Holly Pierro Carli Cato Kelsey Mongeau Ethan Waters Pauli Irvin James Rickman Edward Harper Guests: Jennifer Rigby, Strategic Planner, New Hanover County II. DETERMINATION OF A QUORUM A quorum was present. III. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Mr. Smith moved to adopt the day's agenda. Mr. Zapple seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. IV. AWARDS AND RECOGNITION A. Jonathan Barfield Jr. Recognition Ms. Adams read a resolution recognizing Mr. Barfield for his service as an Authority member. Mr. Rivenbark moved to adopt the resolution. Mr. Zapple seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. Mr. Barfield thanked the Board, Mr. Waldroup, and all staff for their leadership, dedication, and hard work. Those present recognized Mr. Barfield with a standing ovation. Mr. Barfield left the meeting following the Resolution presentation. B. Utility of the Future Award Ms. Eckert presented the award to staff. The Utility of the Future Today Award is a recognition by the Water Environment Federation Stewardship, and it was awarded to CFUPA at the 2024 WEFTEC national conference. The award recognizes utilities that are actively transforming their operations to achieve long-term sustainability and efficiency and in proving a commitment to protecting and preserving vital water resources. Ms. Eckert recognized staff who were present from across CFPUA departments. The Board thanked staff for their work that resulted in achieving the award. C. Hurricane Emergency Response Team Recognition Mr. Waldroup reported that Hurricane Helene in September was the most destructive storm in North Carolina history in its impact on utilities and general infrastructure. The storm claimed over 100 lives, and caused extensive damage to homes, roads, and bridges. It damaged over 160 water and sewer systems in the western part of the state. CFPUA is a founding member of North Carolina WaterWARN, the state water and wastewater response and mutual aid network. Within two days of the storm's landfall, CFPUA had mobilized crews and materials to lend aid to affected communities. Ms. Eckert, Mr. Daughtry, and Mr. Malone manned the NCWaterWARN desk at the state's emergency operations center in Raleigh. Employees from several departments provided direct aid to Asheville Water and other utilities in the region and to the state's Western Branch Command Center. Mr. Waldroup recognized Mr. Solari (IT department), Messrs. Harper and Rickman (Collections), and Messrs. Whitehead, Kelly, Taylor, Davis (Pump Station division), and Mr. Jordan (Maintenance) for their direct support to our fellow North Carolinians. Board members thanked staff for their courage and selflessness in assisting other communities. V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting - November 12, 2024 Dr. Cannon presented the minutes from the November meeting. Mr. Smith moved to approve the minutes. Mr. Zapple seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS - 4 MINUTE LIMIT PER SPEAKER There were no public speakers. VII. CONSENT AGENDA Mr. Waddell requested that Item G be removed from Consent for discussion following Mr. Waldroup's presentation on fluoride. Following clarification questions on Items A and C, Mr. Rivenbark moved to approve items A, B, C, D, E, F, H, I, J, K, L, M, N,O, and P. Mr. Smith seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. A. $1,824,065 Construction Contract Award to Carolina Civilworks, Inc. for the Pump Station 41 and PS 61 Upgrades Project B. $109,000 Engineering Contract Amendment to WK Dickson for PS 41 & PS 61 Upgrades Project C. $219,338.62 Duke Service Relocation Fee D. $1,096,225 Find -It Fix -It Construction Services Contract Renewal Amendment No. 1 with State Utility Contractors, Inc. for FY 2025 Find -It Fix -It Water and Sewer Repairs Project E. $780,000.00 Emergency Construction Services Contract Renewal Amendment # 1 with State Utility Contractors, Inc. F. Cost Share Agreement with Castle Hayne Development, LLC for the installation of 4" Sewer Forcemain G. Water and Wastewater Chemical Contract Awards and Renewals The Board considered the item after receiving staff's report on fluoride. Following questions and Board discussion, Dr. Cannon moved to approve the contract awards and renewals. Mr. Smith seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. H. Sole Source Purchase of Mec Floc Coagulant Aid Polymer from Mechanical and Environmental Control, Inc. Sole Source purchase of Clarifloc Dry Polymers from Polydyne, Inc. J. $211,772.20 Industrial Control System Server Replacement Project K. Resolution Accepting State Grant for the Wrightsville Beach Consolidation Water Projects L. Resolution Accepting State Grant for the Wrightsville Beach Consolidation Wastewater Projects M. Resolution Accepting DWF Loans for the Lead Gooseneck and Galvanized Water Service Line Replacement Project N. Ordinance Appropriating DWSRF Loan Proceeds for the Lead Gooseneck and Galvanized Water Service Line Replacement Project O. Approval for Write -Offs for Uncollectible Charges P. Human Resources Policy updates VIII. NEW BUSINESS A. Administrative Reports 1. Attorney's Report Ms. Fulton reported that she, Dr. Cannon, and Mr. Zapple attended a recent DEQ PFAS public meeting. CFPUA will provide written comments to the State. Ms. Fulton introduced Brittany McKim Spell, Deputy Attorney. Ms. Spell stated that she was happy to be working in government again, after several years in the private sector. Ms. Fulton had no further report and did not require a closed session. 2. Executive Director's Report i. Key Indicators Mr. Smith requested additional information on wastewater flows. Mr. Waldroup stated that he can include follow-up date in the Board weekly update. Ms. Hudson asked if the multi -family housing metrics were complete. Mr. Waldroup reported that staff is still analyzing the data and working on the report. Ms. Hudson asked if staff monitors sewer grinder pumps. She expressed concern for homeowners' costs for maintaining and operating the pumps and potential environmental impacts associated with the pumps. Mr. Waldroup reported that CFPUA changed its design standards in 2019-2020 to allow grinder pumps in certain topographical and elevation conditions. There are approximately 100 in the system. He reported that staff is reviewing data and fees for grinder pumps to capture all costs associated with operating them. Mr. Hackney stated that Brunswick County has refined its standards and fees for grinder pumps but that they are still much less expensive for a developer than building deep gravity sewer throughout a community. He added that CFPUA cannot allow a builder or homeowners' association to determine CFPUA's access to the infrastructure. Mr. Waldroup assured the Board that staff will review the issue and bring it to them through the Long Range Planning Committee. Safety Report There were no questions on the report. iii. Environmental Report There were no questions on the report. iv. Strategic Plan Update There were no questions on the report. V. Economic Development Projects Update There were no questions on the report. vi. Fluoride Presentation Mr. Waldroup provided an overview of the use of fluoride in the United States, in North Carolina, and in our community. Fluoride is a naturally -occurring mineral. In the early 20th century, medical studies identified dental fluorosis traced to high levels of fluoride in groundwater. Researchers discovered that there were lower incidences of tooth decay among people who drank water containing fluoride. In 1942, the National Institute of Health studied the dental health of children and concluded that using water with up to 1 parts per million (PPM) resulted fewer cavities. In 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan, was the first city to add fluoride to its water system. Cities adding fluoride to their water systems reported sharp drops in cavities for school -age children. In 1950, the American Dental Association, U.S. Public Health Service, and the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors endorsed fluoride in community water systems. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention holds that a combination of fluoridated water and fluoride toothpaste provides greater protection against cavities than either by itself. CDC data shows that communities with fluoride in drinking water have 25 percent fewer cavities than those without. Children in low-income areas derive the greatest benefits from fluoridation. Fluoridation is estimated to save $6.5 billion annually for dental treatment in the United States, or $31-32 per person. In 1962 the federal drinking water standards were revised to include fluoride with optimal concentrations from 0.7 PPM to 1.2 PPM. In 1974, as part of the Safe Drinking Water Act, the federal government shifted responsibility for fluoridation to the states. In 2015, 0.7 PPM became the standard concentration advised for drinking water. By 2022, approximately 209,000,000 U.S. residents received tap water containing fluoride. More than 7,000,000 North Carolinians have access to fluoridated tap water. Charlotte was the first city in North Carolina to add fluoride, beginning in 1949. The City City Council voted to add fluoride to water at the Sweeney plant in 1955. CFPUA continued the addition of fluoride at the Sweeney plant, and a Board vote endorsed its use in 2009. CFPUA began adding fluoride to Richardson plant water in 2010. The Monterey Heights system does not have additional fluoride added to its water, although the source water contains minute levels of naturally -occurring fluoride. CFPUA's cost for adding fluoride is approximately $70,000 annually, which comes to 35 cents per person in our service area. CFPUA uses a form of fluoride called hydroflurosilicic acid, and staff measures levels daily, with a level of 0/7 PPM (milligrams per liter), the level recommended by federal officials. In April 2018, an equipment malfunction at the Richardson plant caused higher than recommended levels of fluoride to be released into the treated water. Staff issued a "do not drink" alert to customers in the Richardson service area, and returned to normal operations within a few hours. Staff instituted corrective measures to prevent future incidents and resumed fluoridation at the Richardson plant in January 2020. Staff plans to merge the Monterey Heights system with the Sweeney -Richardson systems. This will strengthen overall system resiliency and simplify operations and regulatory compliance. CFPUA is required to inform customers when fluoride is added to their drinking water. Outreach is planned for customers in the Monterey Heights system, and similar outreach may be required for Wrightsville Beach as CFPUA assumes operational control of the Town's water system. As noted earlier in the presentation, fluoride (or fluorine) is a naturally -occurring mineral. The EPA's maximum contaminant level is 4 PPM. The non -regulatory optimal level of 0.7 PPM is set by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Health risks from excessive fluoride intake include dental and skeletal fluorosis. Dental fluorosis can present as mottled or pitted tooth enamel, and skeletal fluorosis includes osteoporosis, joint pain, and calcification of tendons or ligaments. Some studies associate lower IQ in infants exposed to levels that are double or more the 0.7 PPM. There has been opposition to fluoridation of drinking water since U.S. communities began the practice. More recent opposition stem from the following: Fluoride is more readily available now in toothpaste and mouthwashes; A citizen cannot control intake of fluoride in drinking water; the FDA regulates fluoride as a drug, and its addition to water may violate the medical concept of informed consent; Fluoride is not universally added to drinking water in developed countries, with Ireland, and some portions of the U.K. and Spain fluoridating public water; and Some studies have shown neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity from fluoride intake. In 2016, Food and Water Watch, INC., and other organizations filed a citizen's petition seeking the end of drinking water fluoridation. In September 2024, the Federal District Court of the Northern District of California ruled in favor of the plaintiffs. The judge noted that he did not conclude with certainty that fluoridated drinking water is injurious to public health or order specific regulatory action. He stated that the federal optimal level provides an insufficient margin of error and that fluoridation posed an unreasonable risk. The opinion was based on the NIH report showing that fluoridation at 1.5 PPM or higher could result in reduced IQ. L5 PPM is twice or more of the 0.7 PPM recommended optimum. The ADA issued a statement that the ruling provided no scientific basis to warrant a change in its support of fluoridation. EPA's response to the ruling is due in January 2025. In February 2024, Union County, North Carolina, commissioners voted to discontinue fluoride use. In May 2024, the North Carolina legislature directed the Science Advisory Board to review a monograph from the National Toxicity Program regarding fluoridation and neurodevelopmental and cognitive health effects. They directed the board to determine whether there is a link between fluoride in public water supplies and cognitive harm to children and whether the current standard is protective of health. In December, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported that it would release a meta -analysis of research included in the monograph. Mr. answered questions from Board members regarding CFPUA's addition of fluoride to water, the costs of fluoridation, and data dental health data from New Hanover County and national studies. Finance staff reported that the fluoride contract that was part of Item G in the Consent Agenda could be canceled if the Board decided to discontinue fluoridation. Mr. Rivenbark stated that he was born in Wilmington in the 1940s and that he had fewer cavities after the City added fluoride. Mr. Waddell expressed appreciation for staff's work in preparing the report. He stated that he did not allow his family to drink fluoridated water. He was concerned about potential neurological impacts on young children. Dr. Cannon cited data from dental organization in support of fluoridation and stated that high levels of fluoride were a problem. She recommended reviewing scientific reports from the ADA, AMA, and pediatric medical groups. Mr. Waddell agreed that data and recommendations from the medical community is important. Mr. Waldroup reported that staff can conduct further research and bring more information to the Board to consider. He added that the Science Advisory Board report to the General Assembly is forthcoming. Mr. Waddell asked how CFPUA informs customers of fluoride use. Mr. Waddell reported that the information is provided in CFPUA's annual Water Quality Report. Following the report and discussion, Dr. Cannon moved to recommend approval of the chemical contracts. Mr. Smith seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. B. Committee Reports 1. Executive Committee Executive Committee Minutes 12/4/24 The minutes were in the agenda packet for review. ii. 2025 Meeting Dates Ms. Adams presented the meeting dates for calendar year 2025. The dates follow CFPUA's tradition of meeting on the second Wednesday of each month. Mr. Zapple moved to approve the meeting calendar. Mr. Rivenbark seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. 2. Long Range Planning Committee LRP Minutes 12/4/24 The minutes were in the agenda packet for review. The Committee directed staff to conduct a workshop for the Board following the January 8 meeting to discuss the Southside project. 3. Finance Committee Finance Committee Minutes 12/4/24 The minutes were in the agenda packet for review. ii. Monthly Financials Mr. McLean presented the November financial data. He reported that staff will begin development of the FY2026 budget early in 2025. Mr. McLean anticipates issuing bonds in March 2025. Ms. Hudson has agreed to participate on the Board's behalf. The feasibility study is currently underway, and staff expects to bring a preliminary funding resolution to the Board in January. He does not expect any hurdles with Local Government Commission approvals. 4. Sustainability Committee The Committee did not meet in November or December. Human Resources Committee HR Committee minutes 11/12/24 The minutes were in the agenda packet for review. Document Management approval levels There were no questions about the report. iii. Employee Survey Results Mr. Waldroup presented the results of the employee survey and reviewed the formatting of the questionnaire employees received. 229 of 340 employees responded. 60 percent of the respondents supported additional training and workforce development. Mr. Waldroup answered questions regarding demographics by departments. Ms. Clayboss is available to answer additional questions regarding the survey and next steps. IX. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business. X. AUTHORITY Q & A / CLOSING COMMENTS There were no Board questions or additional comments. XI. CLOSED SESSION There was no closed session. XII. ADJOURNMENT There was no further business to come before the Board, and Mr. Waddell moved to adjourn. Mr. Zapple seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 10:45 AM. The next regular CFPUA meeting will be January 8, 2025. The Board will meet at 9:00 AM in Rooms 138 and 139, New Hanover County Administration Building, 230 Government Center Drive, Wilmington. A workshop on the Southside Wastewater Treatment Plant replacement project will follow the regular meeting. Respectfully submitted, Donna S. Pope Clerk to the Board