Meeting Info

The Board of Trustees meet the 3rd Monday of each month at 5:00 PM at District offices, unless otherwise announced.

Minutes of the last twelve Board of Trustee meetings are available by viewing the drop-down menus below. Minutes are posted after being approved by the Board of Trustees. Older versions of meeting minutes are maintained at the District's main administration office.

Minutes

October 16, 2023 - Monday, November 27, 2023

Woodfin Sanitary Water and Sewer District

Meeting of Board of Trustees

Minutes of October 16, 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, Jerry VeHaun, Mayor Town of Woodfin.

 

Approval of the Agenda

Agenda approved by consensus.

 

Approval of Minutes

Motion by Chair Gassaway to approve September 2023 minutes Maybury seconded, motion carried unanimously.

 

MSD Report

Ms. Bryson reported: Three projects in front of planning committee, Crest Mountain, Serenity Townhouses, Weaverville Road Subdivision. Voting on Policy on sewer extension. Customer Service Requests were 53. Tour is still available to the Board.

 

Public Comment

 

Mayor VeHaun expressed his appreciation for the work of Woodfin Water, as Mayor and as a lifelong resident of Woodfin.

 

District Reports

Director Goldstein thanked Mayor VeHaun for his support and service to the district and the community. Financial reports discussed. Trustee Maybury explained his feeling on how he looked at the line items. Budget to Actual is running on target. Requests are still coming in for single family homes, not multi-home development. Still encouraging customers to sign up for Auto Payments. Non pay disconnects lower than previous month due to it being the smaller of the two billing cycles. We are using more Woodfin made water, and less Asheville water. The reservoir is down by 2-3 feet. We are not in a drought situation as of yet. Under relevant reading the dates of next year’s Board Meeting dates. Motion to approve dates for next year’s meetings, they were approved.

 

Director’s Report

 

  1. The Financial Audit is progressing. The Auditors are projecting that it should be completed by the beginning of November.

 

  1. Waiting for parts to arrive to begin work on a 2” line project on Sun Valley Drive. Line needed to be replaced. This will be in lieu of the Graystone connector project. This was corrected by opening some valves which increase pressure for Beaver Drive.

 

  1. Identified a Lawyer, Chad Donnahoo from The Law Offices of Elston, Donnahoo, and Williams in Asheville. He works with the Town of Spruce Pine with any issues that arise, and would be happy to do the same for Woodfin Water when needed.

 

  1. Starting to review the Emergency Response Plan with Field Supervisor. Plan is updated in December.

 

  1. Moving forward with AMR, Drive by Meter Pilot.  May require a budget amendment. Still replacing dead meters throughout the system. This will increase revenue.

 

  1. Treatment Plant and Tank inspection took place on 10/11.

 

Old Business

 

No Old Business

 

New Business

 

No New Business

 

Call of Board Members

 

Trustee Maybury discussed a question regarding a person’s large bill. Director Goldstein will investigate it. Most of the time if a person’s bill is high, it is a leak on the customer’s side of the meter. Customers also need to ensure free and clear access to the meter.  We do leak adjustments for customers as needed. Trustee Maybury said the process worked as it should. Chair Gassaway mentioned the election, the November 20th Meeting will be last meeting of the current board. The new Board will start and be sworn in at the December 11th Board Meeting. Chair Gassaway said on behalf of the Board, We would like to thank Mayor VeHaun for his service and his support of the Water District for many years.

 

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 1:48PM.

 

September 18, 2023 - Monday, October 23, 2023

Woodfin Sanitary Water and Sewer District

Meeting of Board of Trustees

Minutes of September 18, 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, Larry Hopkins Running for Board.

 

Approval of the Agenda

Agenda approved by consensus.

 

Approval of Minutes

Motion by Ballentine to approve August 2023 minutes Maybury seconded, motion carried unanimously.

 

MSD Report

Ms. Bryson reported: MSD met on 9/20/23. The construction has been completed at MSD. A tour can now be scheduled. Sodium Chloride was purchased at $1.62 per gallon. Trustee Maybury asked about the American Rivers on removal of Craggy Dam. That study is still in progress.

 

Public Comment

A question was raised by a member of the public asking about an increase in fees. Director Goldstein said he would look into it, and to please call him. Customer states there is a strong chlorine smell the last few weeks. We have not increased the amount of chlorine we are using during treatment. Assistant Field Supervisor said he will go out to check chlorine levels. Any pressure issue has been resolved. Customer also states that she appreciates the transparency. Jim McAllister stated that when he receives calls about water, he refers them to the water department. Trustee Maybury asked about keeping a log of complaints. Works orders are created for any customer that calls regarding any issue they are having.

 

District Reports

Financial reports discussed. Budget to Actual is running on target. July is a heavy purchasing month for the district. Requests are still coming in for single family homes, not multi-home development. Will be looking at potential financial institutions for better interest rates. Still encouraging customers to sign up for Auto Payments. Non pay disconnects slightly increased. We are using more Woodfin made water, and less Asheville water. A large leak discovered and repaired. This has resulted in using less Asheville water.

 

Director’s Report

 

  1. Financial Audit started on August 24th . FY23 Budget, resolutions, and invoices provided. We are waiting to hear back from the auditors on the next steps.

 

  1. Starting Interviews for Distribution Tech Trainee position.

 

  1. We had a lightning strike near our Baird Cove Tank. It caused the transducer to fail. No effect on the tank.

 

  1. With the large leak fixed on Merrimon and Stratford, we will see a reduction in Asheville water use.

 

  1. Treatment Plant, and tank State inspection will take place on October 11th.

 

 

Old Business

 

No Old Business

 

New Business

 

No New Business

 

Call of Board Members

 

Trustee Maybury discussed the relevant reading from last month regarding Maui, and asked to have the Emergency Response Plan sent to board members. Maybury also asked that we identify an attorney that we can use in case of lawsuit etc. Director Goldstein will try to identify an attorney that we could use when needed.

 

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 2:10 PM.

 

August 21st, 2023 - Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Woodfin Sanitary Water and Sewer District

Meeting of Board of Trustees

Minutes of August 21, 2023

 

The meeting was called to order at 1:03 P.M. by Sarah Gassaway, Chair. In attendance: Ivo Ballentine, Vice-chair; Gordon Maybury, Secretary; Jackie Bryson, MSD Representative; Joe Martin, Previous Executive Director, Larry Hopkins Running for Board. Executive Director Goldstein was unable to attend the meeting due to a family matter.

 

Approval of the Agenda

Agenda approved by consensus.

 

Approval of Minutes

Motion by Maybury to approve July 2023 minutes Ballentine seconded, motion carried unanimously.

 

MSD Report

Ms. Bryson reported: MSD met on 8/16/23. MSD has agreed to cooperate with American Rivers on a study pertaining to the demolition of the Craggy Dam on the French Broad River. The demolition of the dam is part of the Whitewater Wave at Woodfin Riverside Park., Board members can now take tour of MSD. If desired contact Ms. Bryson to set up.

 

Public Comment

A question was raised by a member of the public asking if Woodfin Water adds fluoride to the water. Woodfin nor Asheville adds fluoride to their water.

There was a question about metallic tasting water that has persisted for four years. Dr Martin suggested the cause could be the homeowner’s system.

 

District Reports

No action taken. Sam Chattin and Jeremy Fink A long suspected leak from a broken pipe was discovered and repaired at the intersection of Elkwood and Merrimon. The flows from the leak might have been as high as 250 gallons a minute. There was a second break in the same area with estimated leakage upwards of 200 gallons per minute, this leak was repaired.

 

Director’s Report

 

  1. Had a meeting with Weaverville about establishing a boundary between our two systems. Still waiting for a map of their system to see where the boundary could be established. We have tabled the emergency interconnection for now.

 

  1. Conditionally approved a thirteen-house development on High Street. The developer would have to run a six-inch line from Washington Ave down High Street.

 

  1. FY23 Audit starting. Auditors will be onsite the week of August 28th.

 

  1. Met with two distributors to discuss an AMR system (Drive by meter reading). Planning on conducting a pilot of one of the systems this FY.

 

  1. Zachary Holland, a Distribution Technician gave notice. He unfortunately was in a motorcycle accident after he left work for the day. His injuries are very serious and will need a year of rehabilitation.  He has applied for short term disability.  We will be advertising the opening near the end of August.

 

 

Old Business

 

No New Business

 

New Business

 

No New Business

 

Call of Board Members

 

Trustee Maybury inquired about the leak at La Carretta. Sam and Jeremy said leak was fixed.

 

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 1:48 PM.

 

July 17, 2023 - Monday, August 21, 2023

Woodfin Sanitary Water and Sewer District

Meeting of Board of Trustees

Minutes of July 17th, 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 June 2023 minutes Ballentine seconded, motion carried unanimously.

 

Eblen Charities MOU Discussion

Beth Russo, Executive Director. Mrs. Russo discussed the way Eblen is formalizing relationships with partners. Residency requirement, income verification. Chair Gassaway asked to verify our service area since we have customers outside of The Town of Woodfin. Trustee Maybury asked about the 12% fee. It is to cover administrative costs, staff time, and general overhead. Chair Gassaway asked how Eblen verifies a customer is not “Double Dipping”. Eblen utilizes State databases to ensure that does not happen. Trustee Maybury asked if clients have been turned down. Beth Russo said they do if the client does not meet the criteria set forth. Customers will be allowed to apply for help once per CY. The board approved Director Goldstein to sign the MOU.

 

MSD Report

Ms. Bryson reported: The MSD will be electing board members at their next meeting. Trustee Maybury asked about how the project is going, and when the end date will be to allow for a tour of the facilities.

 

Public Comment

A resident asked about the district reservoir levels. The reservoir is completely full. The stream that feeds the reservoir is flowing. Another resident asked about growth in the Town of Woodfin if a drought happens. The District has a contract with Asheville to provide for emergency situations. Dr. Martin explained how the contract with Asheville works.

 

District Reports

Financial reports were discussed. Woodfin Water is running on target to come in within the budget. We have had hard spending freeze in June to prevent going over.  Went through bank statements, our reserve accounts are seeing interest rising. Trustee Maybury would like to see P&L statements by month. He asked if he can see P&L statements for the previous few months.  The Board would have to decide if they want it provided as part of the packet. Director Goldstein will provide P&L statements to Trustee Maybury. Applications for New Construction have slowed down. If this continues, we will see a slowdown in fees collected within 12 to 18 months. We will still look for investment opportunities in the new FY. Activity reports were discussed. Disconnect for non-payment went up in June. Calls were made to customers, yet less paid before cut off happened. AVL water usage has increased due to treatment plant filter refurbishment.

 

 

 

 

Director’s Report

 

  1. Continuing conversations with the Town of Weaverville discussing an emergency connection between the systems, and soft boundaries for water service.

 

  1. Woodfin Water has joined the NC Water Quality Association, annual dues of $845.00.

 

  1. Developing new order tracking system. This will give better tracking of outstanding orders. We are also reaching out to multiple vendors to provide quotes on most orders.

 

  1. Meeting with Miller supply to discuss an AMR system (Drive by meter reading).

 

  1. Hired new Distribution Technician Trainee/Meter Reader. Starts July 17th.

 

 

Old Business

 

No New Business

 

New Business

 

No New Business

 

Call of Board Members

 

Trustee Maybury asked if we had any complaints in the last month. We have not except that Asheville had a break on their end, and caused some discolored water. It was clear very quickly. We also held a Fire Hydrant demo and had the Woodfin Fire Department in attendance.  Trustee Maybury also asked about request for service. As of the meeting we had two single family requests.

 

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 1:52 PM.

 

June 19th 2023 - Monday, July 17, 2023

Woodfin Sanitary Water and Sewer District

Meeting of Board of Trustees

Minutes of June 19th, 2023

 

The meeting was called to order at 1:00 P.M. by Sarah Gassaway, Chair. In attendance: Ivo Ballentine ( attended by phone), 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 May 2023 minutes Maybury seconded, motion carried unanimously.

 

MSD Report

Ms. Bryson reported: The MSD FY24 Budget was approved by their Board without change. MSD incorporate their different divisions recommendations.

 

Public Comment

No public comment

 

District Reports

Financial reports were discussed. Woodfin Water is running slightly over budget, do to this we have a hard spending freeze.  Went through bank statements, our reserve accounts are seeing interest rising. Applications for New Construction have slowed down. Only one request submitted in May for a single-family home. So far in June only one application as well. If this continues, we will see a slowdown in fees collected within 12 to 18 months. We will still look for investment opportunities in the new FY. Activity reports were discussed. Disconnect for non-payment is still running low. AVL water usage has increased due to treatment plant filter refurbishment. The Executive Director for Eblen will attend next months meeting. They are looking to sign an MOA which would include a 12% indirect rate.

 

Director’s Report

 

  1. Conducted walk through of Olivette Overlook with As Built plans. A few changes needed to be made. Project engineer, and contractor were present. Project signed off and sent to the State.

 

  1. Conducted walk through of Mt. Carmel Subdivision with As Built plans. No problems found except for a few meter boxes needed to be raised. Engineer, and contractor were present.  Project Signed off on.

 

  1. Partial refurbishment of the filter tanks at the treatment plant began on May 8th, and was completed on May 31st. The process took two extra weeks to complete. CMT is absorbing the cost of their labor and supplies for the extra time it took.

 

  1. Working with Field and Assistant Field Supervisor to update construction standards. Will present to The Board when complete.

 

  1. 2022 CCR approved by NCDEQ

 

 

Old Business

 

Director Goldstein and Trustee Maybury recommends joining the NCWQA. The fee is $845 annually. Chair Gassaway requested a vote on joining. Trustee Maybury makes a motion to join the NCWQA. Seconded by Chair Gassaway, approved unanimously. Will join in July.

 

New Business

 

Budget Resolution 2023-02 FY24 Budget Proposal.  Trustee Gassaway opened at 1:30pm Public comment on the FY24 budget. No comments. Public Hearing closed at 1:32pm.  Chair Gassaway asked for a motion to approve the budget. Motion made by Trustee Maybury, seconded by Trustee Ballentine, passed unanimously.

 

Budget Amendment Resolution 2023-06. To add $50,000 to FY23 budget to make up for shortfall. Director Goldstein explained that if we do not use the entire amount it will be adjusted off. Motion by Chair Gassaway, seconded by Trustee Maybury passed unanimously.

 

Resolution 2023-07 The addition of classification of a Distribution Operator Trainee/Meter reader. This will allow the District to hire an entry level position. This will help overall recruitment of field staff. This will add an additional line for a Distribution. Pay rate will be between $15 to $16 per hour.

Motion by Trustee Ballentine to approve, seconded by Trustee Maybury, passed unanimously.

 

Call of Board Members

 

No Comments

 

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 1:50 PM.

May 15 2023 - Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Woodfin Sanitary Water and Sewer District

Meeting of Board of Trustees

Minutes of May 15th, 2023

 

The meeting was called to order at 1:02 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 April 2023 minutes Maybury seconded, motion carried unanimously.

 

MSD Report

Ms. Bryson reported: New Town Homes on Reynolds Mountain will be serviced by MSD, total cost of the project is $50,000. Personnel meeting held by the Director of Personnel to discuss salary rates for their upcoming FY. Trustee Maybury asked about the tour for Board members. Ms. Bryson stated that the site is still not safe for visitors yet, but will let us know when it will take place. Ms. Bryson also let us know that MSD requires personnel to have a physical every two years. This is due to MSD being self insured.

 

Public Comment

No public comment

 

District Reports

Financial reports were discussed. There will need to be a budget amendment at the June Meeting. We are still experiencing supply chain issues, we are still receiving supplies ordered months ago. Supplies were mentioned as still rising. Went through bank statements, our reserve accounts are seeing interest rising. We will be looking for investment opportunities in the new FY. Activity reports were discussed. Disconnect for non-payment have been reduced. AVL water usage has increased.

 

Director’s Report

 

  1. Conducted Pre-Construction meeting for the Old Home Road Subdivision Development with Engineer, Developer, Contractor, and Assistant Field Supervisor.

 

  1. Met with Fire Chiefs of Woodfin and West Buncombe. Discussed procedure for Hydrant notification of needed maintenance. Will be adding a 2” line for Woodfin Fire Department to fill trucks instead of using a Hydrant.

 

  1. Partial refurbishment of the filter tanks at the treatment plant  began on May 8th, and be completed within two weeks.

 

  1. Continuing to replace broken (dead) meters in field.

 

  1. 2022 CCR Submitted to the State.

 

  1. Met with Beth Russo of Eblen to discuss our low income program. Eblen assumed when Town of Woodfin ended their relationship, that it included Woodfin Water. Will be receiving a proposal from Eblen by the next board meeting in June.

 

Old Business

 

No old business

 

New Business

Trustee Maybury brought information to the Board regarding joining the NCWQA instead of joining the NCRWA. Comparisons we shared by Trustee Maybury. Recommendation was made to join the NCWQA due to what we will receive for our membership. Board will decide at the next board meeting in June.

 

Budget Resolution 2023-02 FY24 Budget Proposal.  Director Goldstein said it’s a sound budget. There were no changes to the budget since it was presented last month. Board will vote on the resolution at the June meeting.

 

Budget Amendment 2023-03 for FY23 to account for Old Home Road project being paid in the current FY23 instead of the previous FY22, the amount is $95,000. Trustee Maybury asked why it wasn’t caught in the audit. The auditors should have caught it, but did not. When the budget closed for FY22, no changes can be made. Chairwoman Gassaway asked for a motion to approve, Seconded by Trustee Ballentine, approved unanimously.

 

Resolution 2023-04 to approve our Local Water Supply Plan for 2022. This is the first year that it needed to be adopted by the plan by the governing Board. Trustee Maybury made a motion to approve, Seconded by Trustee Ballentine, approved unanimously.

 

Resolution 2023-05 to contract with Gould Killian for the FY23 audit. Trustee Maybury had concerns about using the firm again considering it has been presented late the past two years. Director Goldstein said if they are late again, we will go out for RFP for next year. Motion by Ballentine to approve the contract, seconded by Chairwoman Gassaway, approved unanimously to approve contract, seconded by Trustee Maybury, approved unanimously.

 

Call of Board Members

Trustee Maybury had a couple comments regarding an email from a citizen who lives outside the district that feels disenfranchised by not being allowed to vote for Trustees. Trustee Maybury stated that as per our governing regulations by the State of NC ,  if citizens want to enlarge the District, there is a process they would have to go through. It is up to citizens to follow the State process. Dr. Martin explain the process to the Board, and the history of the District. The District is allowed to sell water outside of the District proper as per State Regulation 130A 55 Paragraph 8 Subsection B. The feeling is outside influences are driving this, not necessarily the citizens.

 

Trustee Maybury asked about the Budget Proposal for FY24 regarding CIP project specifics. The projects are included in the Budget proposal. Currently there are four 2” line projects included.

 

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 2:30 PM.

April 17 2023 - Monday, April 17, 2023

Woodfin Sanitary Water and Sewer District

Meeting of Board of Trustees

Minutes of April 17th, 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 March 2023 minutes Maybury seconded, motion carried unanimously.

 

MSD Report

Ms. Bryson reported: The proposed tour of MSD will have to wait till some of the work is completed at MSD due to safety. MSD West View Development is being worked on currently. Water lines were put in about 2 years ago. Right away policy is being updated, no major changes.

 

Public Comment

Richard from Citizens for Responsible Land Use stated that they lost their appeal regarding the Robinhood project. The project was conditionally approved based on the plans submitted and the developers would have to connect back to the main line.  Easements are the responsibility of the developers. Councilman McAllister asked about process for approval by the district. The District conditionally approves a development for water. The District does not approve the project as a whole, just the water. The District does not take into account if its short term or long term rentals.

 

District Reports

Financial reports were discussed. Due to supply chain issues we are now receiving supplies ordered nine months ago, supplies were mentioned as rising by close to double the year before. Went through bank statements, our reserve accounts are seeing interest rising. We will be looking for investment opportunities in the new FY. Activity reports were discussed. Disconnect for non-payment have been reduced. AVL water usage has increased.

 

Director’s Report

 

1.         Pre-Construction meeting for the Rydele Heights Development with Engineer, Developer, Contractor, and Field Supervisor. This was approved in 2021 but is moving forward now.

 

2.         Took Trustee Maybury on a tour of the water treatment plant.

 

3.         Partial refurbishment of the filter tanks at the treatment plant will begin on May 8th, and be completed within two weeks.

 

4.         Continuing to replace broken (dead) meters in field. This should increase revenue for the district.

 

5.         6” PRV discussed at previous board meeting has been fixed/refurbished. Cost to Refurbish was under $3,000, cost to replace would have been $11,000.

 

6.         Met with salesperson of a possible replacement of cellular meter company. Biggest advantage is it has a 20 year warrantee due to it being powered primarily with solar power, with a battery backup. Still looking at other options.

 

7.         While working on FY 2024 Budget, we noticed that the Old Home Road main replacement project that was budgeted and completed at the end of the previous FY, was mistakenly expensed in the current FY. This will require a budget amendment for the current FY to account for this. Will be presented at the next board meeting.

 

Old Business

No old business.

 

New Business

Budget Resolution 2023-02 FY24 Budget Proposal

FY2024 Budget was presented to the Board of Trustees. Executive Summary of the budget was read to the Board. No changes were requested by Trustees at this time. The District will focus on 2” pipe replacement due to cost of larger pipe for Capital Projects.

 

Call of Board Members

Trustee Maybury had a couple comments regarding the AVL Watchdog article. After speaking to the Woodfin Fire Dept Chief, a pumper truck is always brought to a fire based on ISO certification which is also a way for home insurance rates to stay low. Many of the quotes were taken out of context. Trustee Maybury is doing some investigation into having the Water District join a Trade Organization. He feels we should belong to the NC Water Quality Association based on what he has researched at this point. He will bring more information to the board at the May meeting.

 

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 2:31 PM.

March 20, 2023 - 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.

February 2023 - Monday, February 20, 2023

Woodfin Sanitary Water and Sewer District

Meeting of Board of Trustees

Minutes of February 20, 2023

 

The meeting was called to order at 1:01 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 January 2023 minutes, Ballentine seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

 

MSD Report

Ms. Bryson reported: there will not be a February board meeting at MSD

 

Public Comment

No Public comments

 

District Reports

The board welcomed the new Trustee, Gordon Maybury

 

Director’s Report

1. Main Break on Old Stewart Road. Large break that crossed gravel road and washed out a resident stone lined pond. Repair completed same day as reported. Crews went back to site a week later after the site dried out to replace, and clean stone. Resident very happy with result.

 

2.Pressure Reducing 6” and 2” valve discovered to be leaking. Due to supply chain issues, and lead times repair will take place by End of February. No loss of water for residents.

 

3.Heron Cove Pump House, number 1 Pump Failed. Parts ordered and should be repaired by end February.

 

4.New work truck delivered the second week of January. This was a replacement for the truck that was totaled at the end of 2022.

 

5.Working with Vendor on possible upgrade of current SCADA system. Updated programming of system will allow for more functionality.

 

6.Working with vendors regarding continuing rollout of meters reporting through cell service.

 

7.Working with Field Supervisor and Assistant Field Supervisor to evaluate inventory, and proactively replenish items to have as necessary.

 

8.Developing an onboarding process for new field hires. New employees will be assigned an experienced member of the work crew to work as a mentor-mentee relationship.

 

9.We tried a final courtesy call to customers that were on the cut off list for lack of payment. It resulted in reducing the list of cut offs to 27 from 49.

 

Old Business

No old business.

 

New Business

Amendment to Contract of Audit to account for the audit’s late submittal by the Auditors. Letter to The State explaining why the Audit was late, and some corrective action regarding a material finding. Chair Gassaway asked for a motion to approve the amended contract. Vice Chair Bellentine second it. Passed unanimously. The district is expanding the role of the contract accountant to take on more tasks. The Executive Director also stated he will remain the Finance Officer for the district, The Chair of the board is the fill in/deputy Finance Officer in case of the Executive Director absence.

 

Call of Board Members

Vice Chair Ballentine wanted to explain that we buy water from Asheville and have a contract to do so. Secretary Maybury thanked the board for welcoming him. He also asked about the Secretary position, and was informed that he would take over those duties since he was replacing Mr. Haynes. He asked about streaming the meetings. The other board members expressed their opinion that live streaming the meetings was not necessary, that the meetings are open to the public. Vice Chair Bellentine asked about the process for new Trustee Maybury appointment to the board since it did not follow normal procedure.

 

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 2:10 PM.

 

January 2023 - Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Woodfin Sanitary Water and Sewer District

Meeting of Board of Trustees

Minutes of January 17th, 2023

 

The meeting was called to order at 1:08 P.M. by Sarah Gassaway, Chair. In attendance: Ivo Ballentine, Vice-chair; Don Haynes, 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 December 2022 minutes, Ballentine seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

 

MSD Report

Ms. Bryson reported: there will be a meeting on January 20th at MSD

 

Public Comment

No Public comments

 

District Reports

Trustee Haynes gave official resignation from the board. Board Chair Gassaway presented outgoing Trustee Haynes a plaque for his years of service with the district.

 

Director’s Report

Mundy Cove main break. Large break that caused trouble filling the Baird Cove tank. Found on Monday January 2nd, and repaired on the 3rd.

Bank deposit lost on the way to the bank, accidently left on top of truck. $400 in cash, and three checks. Customers put stops on check and reissued to the district. District reimbursed customers cash payments.

Two Main breaks on Riverside Drive in front of MSD. MSD loaned us equipment and some workers to haul debris. City of Asheville located break and lent parts to repair on Friday January 6th at 3pm.

 

Old Business

No old business.

 

New Business

No new business

 

Call of Board Members

The Board members individually and collectively thanked Don Haynes for his work with the District over the previous seven years. The board expressed their appreciation for Dr. Martin for helping onboarding of the new Executive Director Brian Goldstein.

 

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 2:10 PM.

December 2022 - - Monday, December 12, 2022

Woodfin Sanitary Water and Sewer District

Meeting of Board of Trustees

Minutes of December 12, 2022

 

The meeting was called to order at 1:03 P.M. by Sarah Gassaway, Chair. In attendance: Ivo Ballentine, Vice-chair; Don Haynes, Secretary; Joseph Martin, Executive Director; Jackie Bryson, MSD Representative; Brian Goldstein, incoming Executive Director.

 

Approval of the Agenda

Agenda approved by consensus.

 

Approval of Minutes

Motion by Gassaway to approve November 2022 minutes, Haynes seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

 

FY 2022 Audit Presentation – Gould-Killian CPA

Dan Mullinix and Mason Leonard with Gould-Killian CPA group presented the District’s FY 2022 Audit. No action taken.

 

MSD Report

Ms. Bryson reported: there will be no meeting in December.

 

Public Comment

The Board welcomed Brian Goldstein, incoming Executive Director.

 

District Reports

Motion by Haynes to approve the 2023 Board Meeting Schedule, Ballentine seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Director’s Report

  1. The Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee position has been filled. Tyler Helm will start in the position January 4th, 2023. All staff positions other than the regular Water Treatment Plant Operator position have been filled.
  2. The state completed its annual inspection of the treatment plant and distribution system. A copy of the inspection letter is included under “Relevant Reading”.
  3. There may be an opportunity to work with the Town of Woodfin on a new Low Income Assistance Program.
  4. The annual employee/Board Christmas Lunch is scheduled for Monday, December 12th at 12 PM.
  5. As his last official Board Meeting before retirement, the Director thanked the Board and employees, past and present and the District’s customers for making his career with the District a memorable and enjoyable experience and expressed optimism for the incoming Director and the overall direction of the District.

 

Old Business

No old business.

 

New Business

A.   

Resolution 2022-11 FY 2023 Budget Amendment – Motion by Gassaway to approve, Ballentine seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Call of Board Members

The Board members individually and collectively thanked Dr. Martin for his work with the District over the previous twenty years and expressed their appreciation for Brian Goldstein, the incoming Executive Director.

 

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 2:38 PM.

November 2022 - Monday, November 21, 2022

Woodfin Sanitary Water and Sewer District

Meeting of Board of Trustees

Minutes of November 21, 2022

 

The meeting was called to order at 1:05 P.M. by Sarah Gassaway, Chair. In attendance: Ivo Ballentine, Vice-chair; Don Haynes, Secretary; Joseph Martin, Executive Director; Jackie Bryson, MSD Representative; Jim McAlister, Town of Woodfin Commissioner; Peter Kent, citizen.

 

Approval of the Agenda

Agenda approved by consensus.

 

Approval of Minutes

Motion by Gassaway to approve October 2022 minutes, Haynes seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

 

MSD Report

Ms. Bryson reported: there will be no meeting in December.

 

Public Comment

Jim McAlister from the Town of Woodfin presented information regarding the Robin Hood project and the town council’s position on the project. Peter Kent appeared to learn more about the District.  

 

District Reports

No action taken.

 

Director’s Report

  1. Reference, credit and background checks were completed on the District’s Executive Director hire and all came back positive.
  2. The remaining distribution tech position has been filled.
  3. Mark Hensley retired from the District. Sam Chattin has been named Distribution System Supervisor. Jeremy Fink will fill in as Assistant Supervisor until Sam returns from working at the treatment plant.
  4. There has been excellent response to the District’s Treatment Plant trainee position and it is anticipated there will be a hire before the end of the year.
  5. Gould-Killian should be prepared to present the budget at the December meeting.
  6. Due to unforeseen circumstances the banking RFP has been delayed and may need to be revisited after the new year begins.
  7. The annual Board/employee Christmas lunch is scheduled for Monday, December 12th at 12:00 PM.

 

Old Business

No old business.

 

New Business

A.   

Resolution 2022-09 Employment Agreement – Motion by Gassaway to approve, Ballentine seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

B.   

Resolution 2022-10 Contract for Services – Motion by Haynes to approve, Ballentine seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Call of Board Members

No concerns noted.

 

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 2:05 PM.