The Board of Trustees meet the 3rd Monday of each month at 1:00 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.
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.
Agenda approved by consensus.
Motion by Maybury to approve July 2023 minutes Ballentine seconded, motion carried unanimously.
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.
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.
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
Old Business
No New Business
No New Business
Trustee Maybury inquired about the leak at La Carretta. Sam and Jeremy said leak was fixed.
Meeting was adjourned at 1:48 PM.
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.
Agenda approved by consensus.
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.
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.
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.
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
Old Business
No New Business
No New Business
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.
Meeting was adjourned at 1:52 PM.
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.
Agenda approved by consensus.
Motion by Gassaway to approve May 2023 minutes Maybury seconded, motion carried unanimously.
Ms. Bryson reported: The MSD FY24 Budget was approved by their Board without change. MSD incorporate their different divisions recommendations.
No public comment
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
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.
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.
No Comments
Meeting was adjourned at 1:50 PM.
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.
Agenda approved by consensus.
Motion by Gassaway to approve April 2023 minutes Maybury seconded, motion carried unanimously.
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.
No public comment
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
Old Business
No old 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.
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.
Meeting was adjourned at 2:30 PM.
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.
Agenda approved by consensus.
Motion by Gassaway to approve March 2023 minutes Maybury seconded, motion carried unanimously.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Meeting was adjourned at 2:31 PM.
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.
Agenda approved by consensus.
Motion by Gassaway to approve February 2023 minutes Ballentine seconded, motion carried unanimously.
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.
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.
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
Old Business
No old 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.
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.
Meeting was adjourned at 2:30 PM.
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.
Agenda approved by consensus.
Motion by Gassaway to approve January 2023 minutes, Ballentine seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Ms. Bryson reported: there will not be a February board meeting at MSD
No Public comments
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.
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.
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.
Meeting was adjourned at 2:10 PM.
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.
Agenda approved by consensus.
Motion by Gassaway to approve December 2022 minutes, Ballentine seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Ms. Bryson reported: there will be a meeting on January 20th at MSD
No Public comments
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.
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.
No old business.
No new business
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.
Meeting was adjourned at 2:10 PM.
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.
Agenda approved by consensus.
Motion by Gassaway to approve November 2022 minutes, Haynes seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Dan Mullinix and Mason Leonard with Gould-Killian CPA group presented the District’s FY 2022 Audit. No action taken.
Ms. Bryson reported: there will be no meeting in December.
The Board welcomed Brian Goldstein, incoming Executive Director.
Motion by Haynes to approve the 2023 Board Meeting Schedule, Ballentine seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
No old business.
A.
Resolution 2022-11 FY 2023 Budget Amendment – Motion by Gassaway to approve, Ballentine seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
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.
Meeting was adjourned at 2:38 PM.
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.
Agenda approved by consensus.
Motion by Gassaway to approve October 2022 minutes, Haynes seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Ms. Bryson reported: there will be no meeting in December.
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.
No action taken.
No old 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.
No concerns noted.
Meeting was adjourned at 2:05 PM.
The meeting was called to order at 1:07 P.M. by Sarah Gassaway, Chair. In attendance: Ivo Ballentine, Vice-chair; Don Haynes, Secretary; Joseph Martin, Executive Director; Jackie Bryson, MSD Representative.
Agenda approved by consensus.
Motion by Haynes to approve September 2022 minutes, Gassaway seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Ms. Bryson reported: MSD’s regular meeting will take place on October 19th; MSD will accept bids on a replacement heat exchanger for its incinerator.
No public comment.
No action taken.
No old business.
A.
Resolution 2022-08 Contract for Services – Motion by Gassaway to approve, Ballentine seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
No concerns noted.
Meeting was adjourned at 2:25 PM.
The meeting was called to order at 1:00 P.M. by Sarah Gassaway, Chair. In attendance: Ivo Ballentine, Vice-chair; Don Haynes, Secretary; Joseph Martin, Executive Director; Jackie Bryson, MSD Representative; Judy Butler, Town of Woodfin.
Agenda approved by consensus.
Motion by Haynes to approve August 2022 minutes, Ballentine seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Ms. Bryson reported: MSD was the subject of a lawsuit regarding a traffic death.
Judy Butler, Town of Woodfin Commissioner, appeared to introduce herself and learn more about the operations of the District.
No action taken.
No old business.
A.
Resolution 2022-07 Surplus Property – Motion by Ballentine to approve, Gassaway seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
B.
Position authorization FY 2023 – Motion by Gassaway to approve an additional water treatment plant operator position, Ballentine seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
C.
Developer request – Robinhood development – Motion by Ballentine to approve, Haynes seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
No concerns noted.
Meeting was adjourned at 1:50 PM.
