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.
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 P.M. by Gordon Maybury, Chair. In attendance: Larry Hopkins, Vice-chair; Lauren Edgerton, Secretary; Jackie Bryson, MSD Representative. Joseph Martin, Executive Director; Jim McAlister, Town of Woodfin Mayor; Sarah Gassaway, former Board of Trustees Chair.
Presentation of Plaque
Sarah Gassaway was presented with a plaque for appreciation and recognition of her fourteen-year term as a member of the District Board of Trustees as well as eight years as Board Chair.
Agenda approved by unanimous consensus.
Motion by Hopkins to approve amended January 2024 meeting and work session minutes, Edgerton seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Ms. Bryson reported: MSD is continuing testing for COVID in wastewater; the plant heat exchanger will be replaced in 2025; MSD has expanded its regional training opportunities.
No public comment.
No action taken.
No old business.
Maybury proposed sponsoring a table at the Woodfin 5K street race on April 26th. Motion by Hopkins to authorize $300 towards the purchase of giveaway items for the table, Edgerton seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Maybury suggested a survey or other communication to better determine if the Board is meeting the public’s needs for availability & transparency. Staff will create a website with survey after conferring with Board members. Hopkins inquired about adding verbiage to District regulations regarding project approval. Staff will present changes to existing regulations at a future meeting. Hopkins inquired about the status and process of determining working fire hydrants; Director explained process in years past. Fire chiefs from the various fire departments will be invited to future meetings. Edgerton inquired about the history of grants at the District. Director reported that radio read meter pilot system had been paused in light of the resignation of the previous Director.
Meeting was adjourned at 5:55 PM.
The meeting was called to order at 5:02 P.M. by Gordon Maybury, Chair. In attendance: Larry Hopkins, Vice-chair; Lauren Edgerton, Secretary; Jackie Bryson, MSD Representative. Joseph Martin, Executive Director attended the meeting virtually via Microsoft Teams due to weather conditions.
Agenda approved by unanimous consensus.
Motion by Edgerton to approve amended December 2023 minutes, Hopkins seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Ms. Bryson reported: she will be sworn in on 1/17/24 for her next 3-year MSD term; the Board can tour the MSD treatment plant in the spring.
No public comment.
Motion by Hopkins to lift voluntary conservation restrictions, Edgerton seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Maybury announced to the Board that the project in the Robin Hood Road area will not occur as the surrounding property owners have purchased the property.
No new business.
Motion by Hopkins to create a mechanism for approval of future projects requiring some type of coordination with affected municipalities, Edgerton seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Director will present adjustment language to District regulations at the next Board meeting. Maybury requested a more detailed summary of leaks and breaks for future meetings. Director will demonstrate GIS capabilities and offer options at a future meeting.
Executive Session
Motion by Edgerton at 6:05 to enter Executive Session to discuss personnel, Hopkins seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Board exited Executive Session at 6:21 P.M, no action taken. At conclusion of Executive Session, motion by Hopkins to have a Board work session on 1/30/24 at 1 PM to review resumes and applications for the position of Executive Director, Edgerton seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Meeting was adjourned at 6:21 PM.
The meeting was called to order at 1:01 P.M. by Joseph Martin, Executive Director. In attendance: Gordon Maybury, Larry Hopkins, Lauren Edgerton, Trustees-Elect; Jackie Bryson, MSD Representative; outgoing Trustee Ivo Ballentine. Prior to the meeting. Trustees Maybury, Hopkins, and Edgerton took their Oath of Office administered by Angela Webb, Office Manager/Notary.
Director Martin asked for nominations for position of Chair. Motion by Hopkins to elect Maybury as Chair, Edgerton seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Chair Maybury asked for nominations for Vice-Chair. Motion by Edgerton to elect Hopkins as Vice-Chair, Maybury seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Chair Maybury asked for nominations for Secretary. Motion by Hopkins to elect Edgerton as Secretary, Maybury seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda approved by unanimous consensus.
Motion by Hopkins to approve November 2023 minutes, Edgerton seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Audit Report Presentation
Dan Mullinix, CPA with Gould-Killian Associates, presented the FY 2023 financial audit. No action taken.
Ms. Bryson reported: MSD will not have a meeting in December 2023; renewed the offer for the Board to set up a tour of MSD facilities at the completion of construction in the spring.
No public comment.
No action taken.
No old business.
A.
Resolution 2023-10 WSRP Approval – Motion by Hopkins to approve, Edgerton seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
B.
Developer request, Woodspring Suites – Motion by Edgerton for conditional approval, Hopkins seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Hopkins to begin process to livestream future Board meetings, Edgerton seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Edgerton to move January 2024 and future Board meetings from 1 P.M. to 5 P.M., Hopkins seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Executive Session
Motion by Hopkins at 2:30 P.M. to enter Executive Session to discuss personnel, Maybury seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Board exited Executive Session at 3:31 P.M, no action taken.
Meeting was adjourned at 3:41 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, Jerry VeHaun, Mayor Town of Woodfin.
Agenda approved by consensus.
Motion by Chair Gassaway to approve September 2023 minutes Maybury seconded, motion carried unanimously.
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.
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
Old Business
No Old Business
No New Business
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.
Meeting was adjourned at 1:48PM.
The meeting was called to order at 1:00 P.M. by Gordon Maybury, Secretary: In attendance: Ivo Ballentine, Vice-chair; Brian Goldstein, Executive Director; Jackie Bryson, MSD Representative; Joe Martin, Previous Executive Director, Larry Hopkins, Trustee Elect. Sarah Gassaway, Chair was not in attendance do to a personal matter.
Agenda approved by consensus.
Motion by Trustee Ballentine to approve October 2023 minutes Maybury seconded, motion carried unanimously.
Ms. Bryson reported: MSD projects were reported. Only one involves Woodfin Water is the Olivette Project. The cost of 8 inch Ductile Iron pipe is now $400 per foot installed. Mrs. Bryson recommended a tour in the spring.
No Public Comment
Financial reports discussed. 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 higher than previous month due to it being the larger of the two billing cycles. Due to the current drought conditions, we are using more Asheville Water to help maintain a higher level in the reservoir. The reservoir is down by 7 feet. We are not in an emergency, or mandatory conservation drought situation as of yet. We have instituted a voluntary conservation until we reach a more optimum level at the reservoir. Director Goldstein stated that he was resigning as of December 8th. He mentioned that speculation by the incoming Mayor of Woodfin and communicated to various people at the town that the reason for leaving was that as a Jewish person I did not feel safe given the current situation in the Middle East. Director Goldstein stated how that was not the case and was quite angry and disgusted that was what was been said. Larry Hopkins stated that there was no political involvement with the Board election.
Director’s Report
1.
Hired a new Distribution Technician to fill one of two vacancies.
2.
Service truck at the Treatment Plant is in need of repair and possible replacement in the near future.
3.
Billing USIC for a bad locate of our line that resulted in another utility hitting our line causing a break that resulted in an outage.
4.
Ordered the items needed for the pilot AMR Drive By System from Miller Supply. Once supplies arrive we will schedule training for both the front office and field crew.
5.
The reservoir is down seven feet. We issued a voluntary conservation notice for customers. We are utilizing more Asheville water to prevent needing to declare a mandatory conservation notice at this time. We will continue to monitor it daily.
6.
I submitted my resignation to the Board on November 8th. My last day will be Friday December 8th.
Old Business
No Old Business
The Board reappointed Jackie Bryson as the Districts representative to MSD for another 3-year term. Board voted unanimously to approve.
The Board approved Dr. Joe Martin to assume the duties of Executive Director at his previous contract amount on a month-to-month basis. Board voted unanimously to approve.
The New Director search was discussed. Specifically, the salary rate. The District will need to raise the starting salary of the Director to attract qualified candidates. Director Goldstein also mentioned salaries across the board for staff should be raised for retention.
Trustee Maybury wanted to thank Ivo Ballentine, and Sarah Gassaway for their service to the District.
New Board members will be sworn in at the next Board meeting on December 11th.
Meeting was adjourned at 1:52PM.
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.
Agenda approved by consensus.
Motion by Ballentine to approve August 2023 minutes Maybury seconded, motion carried unanimously.
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.
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.
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
Old Business
No Old Business
No New Business
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.
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; 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.
