March 20, 2023

Wed, 04/19/2023 - 08:10 -- Brian Goldstein
Date: 
Monday, March 20, 2023

Woodfin Sanitary Water and Sewer District

Meeting of Board of Trustees

Minutes of March 20, 2023

 

The meeting was called to order at 1:00 P.M. by Sarah Gassaway, Chair. In attendance: Ivo Ballentine, Vice-chair; Gordon Maybury, Secretary; Brian Goldstein, Executive Director; Jackie Bryson, MSD Representative; Joe Martin, Previous Executive Director.

 

Approval of the Agenda

Agenda approved by consensus.

 

Approval of Minutes

Motion by Gassaway to approve February 2023 minutes Ballentine seconded, motion carried unanimously.

 

MSD Report

Ms. Bryson reported: MSD is in the process of two major plant upgrades. MSD has received positive feedback on their employees. Next board meeting April 19th. Trustee Maybury asked about a tour of MSD. Ms. Bryson will have a tour arranged for interested board members.

 

Public Comment

Barbara Durr of the AVL Watchdog referenced the current budget regarding replacing older water lines. Chair Gassaway said it would be addressed in the FY 2024 budget. Ms. Durr asked about investigations from customer complaints. Director Goldstein said all complaints are addressed, no record outside of work orders are kept. The previous Director Dr. Martin explained the process of handling of customers issues.

 

District Reports

Financial reports were  discussed, Trustee Maybury asked about capital projects. Filter replacement, clear well inspection, and sludge removal at plant should be completed this fiscal year. Supplies were mentioned as rising by close to double the year before. Costs have been rising to all time highs. Consulting services were also mentioned. Dr. Martin is staying on as a consultant for Director Goldstein for the remainder of the year.

 

Director’s Report

  1. Pre-Construction meeting for the Farmstead at Olivette Development with Engineer, Developer, and Field Supervisor.

 

  1. Met with City of Asheville Water Director regarding usage, and new pricing for water purchased from them starting in July 2023.

 

  1. Met with the Senior Director of Crisis Management of ABCCM about establishing a relationship with the Woodfin Water District to pay residents in need, water bills.

 

  1. Hired a certified treatment plant operator (Previous Employee) to fill the open position at the Water Treatment Plant. Started on March 4th.

 

  1. Issues continue with the new cellular water meters. Will not commit to purchase additional units till the technical issues, both hardware and software are resolved.

 

  1. Met with the Town of Weaverville to discuss an emergency connection between the two systems. This would be a two-way connection. Will continue discussions over the next couple of months.

 

  1. Budget process beginning for FY2024.

 

Old Business

No old business.

 

New Business

Amendment to current FY budget  ( 2023-01) for $75,000 to cover the cost of partial refurbishment of the filters at the  treatment plant. Chair Gassaway asked for a motion to approve the budget amendment. Seconded by Trustee Ballentine, Approved unanimously.

 

Call of Board Members

Trustee Maybury had a couple of questions regarding board roles Trustee Gassaway said we would address any questions during an executive session. Chair Gassaway made a motion to go into executive session, to discuss personnel issues. Seconded by Trustee Maybury, approved unanimously. Board went into closed session at 1:50pm.

 

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 2:30 PM.