Woodfin Sanitary Water and Sewer District
Meeting of Board of Trustees
Minutes of January 21st, 2025
Chairman Gordon Maybury called the meeting to order at 5 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
MSD Report
Ms. Bryson briefly reviewed the activity at the last MSD Board meeting and highlighted the ongoing storm recovery efforts. MSD estimates it has approximately $6,000,000 in storm-related damage thus far.
Public Comment
No one spoke during public comment.
Director’s Report
Director Eckard provided the following updates:
FY 23-24 Audit
The auditors are still finalizing the FY 23-24 audit, which was delayed due to the hurricane. They plan to present their findings at the February 2025 Board meeting.
FY 24-25 Budget Amendment
Hurricane Helene has necessitated adjustments to the current fiscal year’s budget. We plan to propose a budget amendment for the Board’s consideration at the February Board meeting.
Conference Room IT Upgrades
A monitor and web camera have been installed in the conference room, allowing better meeting streaming. We will stream meetings over Google Meet.
FEMA Update
Our consultant, Mary Glasscock, will provide the Board with an update on FEMA-related efforts.
Active District Projects
- Reynolds Mountain Tank Vent: We are replacing the rusted vent, as requested during the state's last inspection.
- Backup Generator Transfer Switch: An electrician has been selected to replace the transfer switch at the water treatment plant.
- SCADA Upgrades: Two new Tosiboxes have been installed in our SCADA system, which allows for better remote monitoring of the water system and improved cyber security.
Potential Bridge Loan Projects
After discussions with our consultants and FEMA representatives on January 8, we identified several projects that may require bridge loan funding from the NC DEQ. We will only proceed with projects for which we are confident FEMA will provide reimbursement. Current projects under consideration include:
- Water Treatment Plant Warden House: Reimbursement eligibility is pending confirmation.
- Lagoon Maintenance and Repairs
- Stormwater Improvements: Including French drains and goat barn upgrades at the Water Treatment Plant.
- Spillway Repairs
- Dam Repairs
- Distribution Line Repairs: Three identified lines.
- Debris Removal on Transmission Line: Includes clearing fallen trees.
- Fire Line Restoration: Reestablishing and clearing the fire line in the watershed.
- Drone Assessments: Using drones to survey debris removal needs for transmission and fire lines.
- Water Treatment Plant Repairs: Addressing building damages.
Old Business
No old business.
New Business
a.
Free Tap Request by the Town of Woodfin: Town Manager Shannon Tuch submitted a waiver request for tap and system reduction fees at the new Geneva Many Park Community Garden. Trustees remarked on how wonderful a partnership this will be with the District. Director Eckard said he would negotiate a water use agreement with Manager Tuch. Edgerton motioned to approve the tap request and system reduction fee waiver totaling $4,1000. Hopkins seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
b.
Hurricane Helene Capital Project Ordinance: Director Eckard presented a capital project ordinance to the Board. The purpose of the ordinance is to authorize a project budget for the construction and rehabilitation of Woodfin Water infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Helene to be financed by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Emergency Bridge Loan and Technical Assistance Grant. The Ordinance recognizes $3,200,000 in grants and loans and $3,200,000 in expenditures. Director Eckard said that the District may not need to spend all of the funds, only enough to cover the actual expenses for repairs. All spending will be reimbursed to the District by FEMA to pay off the loan. Hopkins motioned to approve the tap request and system reduction fee waiver totaling $4,1000. Edgerton seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
c.
Warden House Discussion: Director Eckard shared and reviewed a memo draft by McGill Engineer Keith Webb that covers the condition of the Warden House at the Woodfin Water Treatment Plant. Director Eckard then shared photos of the house. The house is in poor condition. Director Eckard said that Water Plant ORC Chandler Henn has made other living arrangements as FEMA evaluates the home's condition and determines if funds will be available to repair it. No action was required or taken by the Board.
Call of the Board
Chairman Maybury announced that a second Helene Recovery Meeting would be held on February 11th at the Crown Plaza in Asheville from 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m., and he invited other Board members to register and attend. He remarked on how informative the previous meeting in Morganton was.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:07 p.m.