Woodfin Sanitary Water and Sewer District
Meeting of Board of Trustees
Minutes of September 16, 2024
Chairman Gordon Maybury called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. In attendance were Larry Hopkins, Vice Chair; Lauren Edgerton, Secretary; Dr. Joseph Martin, Executive Director Emeritus; Seth Eckard, Executive Director; Jackie Bryson, MSD Representative.
Approval of the Agenda
The agenda was approved by unanimous consensus.
Approval of Minutes
Motion by Edgerton to approve August 2024 minutes, Hopkins seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
Asheville Fire Department
The Asheville Assistant Fire Chief updated the board on the fire department. The Assistant Chief then explored opportunities with the Board of how Asheville Fire can better communicate with the District to report fire hydrants that need to be repaired.
MSD Report
Ms. Bryson gave a general update for MSD. She reported that a few significant projects were under budget, and everything was going well.
Public Comment
No one from the public spoke.
Director’s Report
Director Eckard provided the following updates:
1.
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and Rate Study Update:
Our Distribution and Plant team met with McGill representatives on September 9th to assess potential system needs. McGill is compiling that feedback and will present recommendations for our review within three to four weeks. Following that, we will draft the initial version of the CIP.
2.
Audit Schedule:
The in-house audit is scheduled to take place shortly after September 16th.
3.
Reynold’s Tank Rehabilitation:
We have finalized a contract with CROM to conduct a Level Two inspection of the tank’s exterior and interior. Scheduling for the inspection may take several months, but once complete, the report will serve as the basis for obtaining quotes for the necessary repairs to both the exterior and interior of the tank.
4.
Lagoon at the Water Plant:
Since MSD ceased allowing us to discharge our lagoon waste at their facility a few years ago, the district has incurred significant expenses for pumping, hauling, and proper disposal of sludge. We are collaborating with McGill to address this issue. The proposed solution involves installing a metal curtain to divide the lagoon in half and necessary work on the outflow drains. This will allow one side of the lagoon to dry while the other half collects wastewater from cleaning the water plant’s filters. Once dried, sediment can be removed and disposed of at a landfill at a significantly reduced cost.
Chairman Maybury expressed a desire for staff to estimate any pending revenues and expenses, allowing the District to report the previous month's finances rather than the current method of reporting, which reflects data from two months prior. Executive Director Eckard and Dr. Martin said they would explore that option further.
Old Business
No old business.
New Business
a.
Resolution 2024-11. The District recently held an authorized surplus sealed bid process for a non-operational 2008 Ford F-150. Unfortunately, no bids were received. One possible action is to donate the vehicle to a deserving charity. Staff recommended that the Board of Trustees authorize the donation of the truck to Working Wheels, a reputable charity in western North Carolina. More information about their work can be found at WorkingWheels.com. Motion by Trustee Edgerton to approve Resolution 2024-11, Trustee Hopkins seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
b.
Executive Director Eckard updated the Board on the Asterra Leak detection service results. Director Eckard shared a list of leaks that were found throughout the system. Field Supervisor Sam Chattin provided the Board with the District's Plan of Action to fix the leaks.
c.
Director Eckard proposed adjusting office operating hours from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., effective Monday, September 23rd 2024. Motion by Trustee Edgerton to approve Resolution 2024-11, Trustee Hopkins seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
Call of the Board
The Board discussed various issues and asked staff questions during Call of the Board.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 5:47 PM.