[0:18] Good morning, the time
[0:21] is 10:02 and the commission is called
[0:23] to order. I am chair mark smith residing
[0:24] over this meeting.
[0:27] vice chair jonathan powell and commissioners
[0:29] williams, eloise foster, jeffrey seltzer
[0:30] and
[0:36] regina foster. We are joined by our
[0:37] corporate sector and general manager
[0:39] and ceo
[0:42] keisha powell. I will start by
[0:44] asking commissioner foster to lead
[0:45] the pledge of allegiance. If you would
[0:48] read the
[0:51] division statement
[0:53] I will ask commissioner seltzer to
[0:54] read the mission statement and finally
[0:55] general manager and
[0:57] ceo
[1:00] keisha powell.
[1:13] >> thank you
[1:15] commissioner foster. Commissioner
[1:22] speed boss.
[1:23] >> in
[1:24] every home and every business, we make
[1:26] everything possible. By ensuring access
[1:28] to dependable and safe water for
[1:31] everyday life.
[1:32] >> wssc water in
[1:34] choose
[1:37] all
[1:38] communities thrive by developing safe,
[1:40] sustainable water through wastewater
[1:41] services.
[1:42] >> our promise is to continue
[1:43] the
[1:45] legacy of our water customers and
[1:46] employees through
[1:48] dedicated service returned in future
[1:49] generations.
[1:52] >>
[1:55] thank you. Do I have
[1:58] a motion to approve
[2:01] the agenda?
[2:03] >> I hereby move that the commission
[2:04] adopt its
[2:06] public agenda february 18th, 2026
[2:07] as
[2:09] drafted.
[2:10] >> thank you vice chair powell. Is
[2:11] there
[2:13] a second?
[2:14] >> I
[2:16] second.
[2:17] >>
[2:18] any discussion? All those in favor
[2:19] signify by saying
[2:22] aye. Any nays?
[2:23] hearing none, the motion carried unanimously
[2:25] and the agenda is
[2:31] approved weird.
[2:34] >>
[2:40] commissioner lynn.
[2:44] >> mr. Chair, I would like to request
[2:45] the floor to announce recusal from
[2:46] agenda
[2:49] items 10 a on contract
[2:52] 76596 on
[2:55] 925-77 19 and
[3:01] hb 1022 228 object
[3:02] of interest.
[3:03] >> thank you commissioner
[3:06] espy-williams. There are two sets
[3:07] of minutes for
[3:10] approval, both of the january 21
[3:11] 2026 regular commission meeting and
[3:12] the minutes of january 28 special
[3:16] commission meeting. They
[3:19] were both in advance. Are there
[3:20] any corrections? The minutes stand
[3:22] is approved. I
[3:26] now recognize retirement division
[3:28] manager to present the wssc retirees
[3:29] for
[3:34] this month.
[3:37] >> thank you.
[3:40] good morning. Recognize the
[3:43] following honorees. David
[3:47] alford started october 1st, 1990 and
[3:49] retires as
[3:50] a supervisor in the leader services
[3:51] division with 35 years of service.
[3:52] come
[3:58] on down.
[5:07] we have another one
[5:10] in attendance. Next we have terry
[5:11] hartl started employee
[5:13] january 25th, 2010
[5:14] and retires as a utility technician
[5:16] to
[5:19] with 16 years and one
[5:25] month service.
[5:28] looks as though he couldn't
[5:31] make it. Otis walker
[5:34] started appointment 1990.
[5:37] he retires as a
[5:39] materials engineer in the materials
[5:40] management division with 35 years
[5:43] and nine months
[5:46] of service.
[5:52] we thank them for their years of dedicated service
[5:53] and wish them
[5:54] the very best in their retirement.
[5:55] >> thank you
[6:01] mr. Baker. Before
[6:04] we begin commissioner comments, if
[6:05] any members
[6:07] of the public intends to give comments,
[6:10] please do so now. Your
[6:12] call will remain in the lobby until
[6:13] after the in
[6:14] person,. The secretary will admit
[6:16] you from the lobby following the in
[6:19] person comments. First, do we have
[6:22] any
[6:25] commissioner comments? Seeing
[6:28] none. We will now receive
[6:31] public comments. Members of the public
[6:32] wishing to speak may
[6:34] do so in person
[6:36] or virtually. We will now receive
[6:37] public comments, the commission is
[6:38] not required to respond
[6:39] to public comments during the meeting
[6:40] and the public is reminded this is
[6:41] not
[6:42] an opportunity for dialogue or questions
[6:43] and answers.
[6:45] if you wish to submit longer comments
[6:46] please do so through the
[6:49] corporate secretary. Are there any
[6:50] members of
[6:52] the public in the auditorium?
[6:56] >> yes.
[6:57] we have one person in the auditorium
[6:59] signed up to speak and we also have
[7:00] someone on teams. We will start with
[7:02] the auditorium.
[7:08] mr. Edwin. You
[7:10] can him up to this seat next to me.
[7:11] make sure
[7:14] you push the red button to turn
[7:16] on the phone and if you could please
[7:17] start with
[7:18] your name and county and you have
[7:23] three minutes.
[7:26] >> hi, my name
[7:29] is edwin,
[7:32] montgomery county.
[7:36] thank you for allowing me this time
[7:38] to speak. I apologize if this is
[7:39] the wrong form. I represent a local
[7:40] volunteer organization, we do cleanups
[7:41] for areas of
[7:43] interest to the rockclimbing community.
[7:44] I was hoping
[7:45] to speak or find someone to speak
[7:46] with about the possibility of expanding
[7:47] your
[7:48] allowable recreation particularly
[7:50] in the area
[7:53] for rockclimbing. We had begun a
[7:54] conversation with a former watershed
[7:55] manager but since his departure we
[7:56] had a
[7:59] real struggle starting those
[8:01] conversations so I just came here
[8:02] with the
[8:05] hope of finding a way
[8:06] to reserve those conversations with
[8:08] someone with the wssc.
[8:11] thank you.
[8:12] >>
[8:17] in queue.
[8:19] I was just going to recommend that.
[8:20] I
[8:23] think we resolved it. Thank
[8:26] you sir. Absolutely. And madame
[8:27] corporate secretary do we have our
[8:29] caller on the line
[8:31] as well?
[8:32] >> yes, letting them into
[8:33] teams now so
[8:34] I'm going to give them a second. The
[8:35] caller on teams if
[8:38] you could
[8:40] make sure that the volume is turned
[8:42] down so we don't have background noise
[8:44] and the caller ending
[8:46] in 7016 if you could please start
[8:47] with your
[8:50] name and county and you have
[8:56] three minutes.
[9:08] again, that's
[9:11] the caller ending
[9:14] in 7016.
[9:20] >> hello,
[9:22] montgomery county. Can you hear me?
[9:23] >>
[9:26] yes ma'am.
[9:27] go ahead. You have three minutes.
[9:29] >> okay thank you.
[9:32] the wssc decision
[9:35] to launch a smart meter program pilot
[9:36] program
[9:38] without fully informing customers
[9:39] of
[9:40] the health and safety information
[9:41] gathered by wssc on its own
[9:44] record is reckless. As a
[9:47] public
[9:49] utility wssc has a duty of full transparency
[9:50] when asking customers to
[9:52] participate in a program that may
[9:53] affect
[9:56] their health especially who
[9:57] absorb more of this radiation from
[10:02] smart meters. And more
[10:05] vulnerable. Without material
[10:08] information the public does not
[10:11] have the facts in order
[10:12] to make an informed decision and this
[10:13] raises serious governance concerns.
[10:14] the
[10:17] wssc smart meter website
[10:20] have misleading statements. They say
[10:23] that smart meters are
[10:26] not harmful. As I detailed in
[10:31] my publication frontiers of public
[10:32] health entitled u.s. Policy on wireless
[10:33] technologies
[10:35] and public health protection
[10:36] regulatory gaps in proposed reforms
[10:38] I show that despite scientific research
[10:39] documenting evidence for
[10:40] health risk there has been no review
[10:41] of the totality of
[10:44] the evidence by any
[10:47] federal agency. Certainly not the
[10:50] smart meters which
[10:53] emit short intense pulsed rf radiation
[10:54] in thousands
[10:56] of intense pulses
[10:58] a day. Compliance with limits does
[10:59] not
[11:01] ensure safety as these limits are
[11:02] outdated,
[11:04] indefensible and only protect against
[11:08] short-term exposure. Not the
[11:11] long-term exposures.
[11:16] even misleading post references on
[11:17] its webpage to the national cancer
[11:18] institute and
[11:20] american cancer
[11:21] society. Neither of which have scientifically
[11:23] reviewed the signs to make a safety
[11:24] determination. Nor the
[11:26] data on smart
[11:27] meters. I used that information showing
[11:29] letters
[11:32] from them in our lawsuit against
[11:35] the fcc in which
[11:38] we had a favorable ruling. Just a
[11:39] few
[11:40] years ago, dr. David carpenter director
[11:41] of the institute for
[11:43] health and environment at the university
[11:44] all of
[11:47] albany testified that there are significant
[11:50] health I associated
[11:53] with emitted by
[11:59] smart meters.
[12:01] read about the ever growing scientific
[12:02] evidence showing
[12:05] biological effects from cancer,
[12:06] cellular stress, increase in harmful
[12:08] free radicals,
[12:11] genetic damage, structural damages
[12:12] to
[12:13] the reproductive system, learning
[12:14] and memory deficits and
[12:20] neurological disorders. Further
[12:22] scientific research shows effects to
[12:23] plant and animal life especially bees
[12:24] and other insect
[12:25] pollinators. Wssc is failing to warn
[12:27] consumers in the
[12:30] private program about these
[12:32] health issues. They are failing to
[12:33] inform consumers
[12:34] about information on their own record
[12:39] and
[12:42] that this radiation is
[12:44] not safe. And my published paper I
[12:45] also documented how
[12:46] the wireless industry has followed
[12:48] the big
[12:54] tobacco playbook.
[12:57] >> you have hit
[12:59] your three minutes. If you could please
[13:00] conclude.
[13:01] >> sure. I built upon that
[13:03] in a harvard
[13:06] press book and I
[13:07] recommend everyone recommend that
[13:08] to understand what is going on. Wssc
[13:09] consumers deserve all
[13:12] the facts. Thank you so
[13:15] much.
[13:16] >> thank you ma'am. And
[13:18] chair
[13:19] smith, we do not have any other colors
[13:21] on the line at this time.
[13:24] >> thank
[13:26] you. And I want to thank all of our
[13:27] public speakers for their comments.
[13:30] I now recognize
[13:32] the general inspector general to present
[13:33] the monthly
[13:39] activity report.
[13:48] >> thank you and
[13:52] good morning. Good morning chair,
[13:54] vice chair, commissioners, corporate
[13:56] secretary and stakeholders. For the
[13:57] record, I
[14:00] am an inspector general,
[14:03] to help wssc water meet
[14:06] its
[14:07] objectives in a fiscally transparent,
[14:09] sustainable and ethically
[14:12] responsible manner by conducting
[14:14] independent audits, evaluation and
[14:15] investigations.
[14:21] into the
[14:22] effect and making evidence-based recommendations
[14:24] to promote efficiency
[14:26] and effectiveness. I am joined today by
[14:27] deputy assistant inspector general
[14:29] for audit, our pleasure to present
[14:30] the summary of activities
[14:31] for the office of inspector general
[14:33] for the month of
[14:36] january, 2026. I
[14:39] will focus on the
[14:42] oig audit activities
[14:43] in this slide, management action plans,
[14:45] system development
[14:48] charge status, waste, fraud and
[14:51] abuse training. In addition I
[14:52] will discuss professional development and
[14:54] peer
[14:57] review
[14:59] results. The oig activities dashboard
[15:00] highlights how
[15:03] the oig aligns
[15:05] with wssc's strategic priorities of
[15:06] affordability and
[15:09] financial viability
[15:12] and optimizing.
[15:15] we conduct our audits in three phases.
[15:18] planning phase in which
[15:19] we gain an understanding of the area
[15:21] which we
[15:24] will audit. We will plan in a more
[15:25] detailed steps
[15:27] to it take
[15:29] to achieve our audit objective. And
[15:30] the fieldwork phase
[15:33] we conduct testing,
[15:34] verify compliance with policies and
[15:36] procedures, and
[15:39] identify exceptions.
[15:42] observations findings and exceptions
[15:43] are
[15:45] communicated to the oddity throughout
[15:47] the engagement to ensure that we have
[15:48] all the details and
[15:51] information and
[15:54] is correct. The final phase is
[15:56] reporting where the auditor drafts
[16:00] a report with any observations or
[16:03] any issues
[16:04] identified. The discussion draft goes
[16:09] to referral review before submitted
[16:10] to wssc management for review and
[16:12] discussion. There
[16:15] is also always some overlap in
[16:18] these steps. This
[16:21] slide presents the current standard
[16:22] of
[16:24] our audit projects. There are three
[16:27] projects in the
[16:30] blue box,
[16:32] seven in the green box and fieldwork phase
[16:33] and one project in the yellow box
[16:39] reporting face.
[16:45] audit findings
[16:48] are rated as either high, medium or
[16:53] low risk. Critical control weaknesses
[16:54] such as exceptions
[16:55] to regulations, policies, procedures
[16:57] or
[17:00] rules. Medium are
[17:01] control deficiencies which impair
[17:03] the commission's ability to
[17:05] initiate, authorize, record, process
[17:06] or
[17:09] report data. Low risk findings
[17:10] are less certificate efficiency and
[17:12] effectiveness control
[17:17] enhancement matters. These categories
[17:18] are used
[17:21] as guidelines for auditors when
[17:24] determining risk.
[17:26] all of risk identified are based on
[17:27] the
[17:30] professional judgment. This slide
[17:33] illustrates the ratings
[17:36] of management open action plans
[17:39] for risk identified during
[17:42] our engagements. Management responsibility
[17:43] is
[17:45] to ensure that action
[17:48] plans mitigate and report
[17:51] risk, establish
[17:53] reasonable implementation and manage
[17:54] open or delinquent
[17:57] action plans. In total there are two
[17:58] action
[18:00] plans that are open,
[18:03] customer service and utility
[18:05] services department. The customer
[18:06] service action plan is due on
[18:11] february 28th and utility services
[18:12] action plan is due on
[18:15] august 31st. Both action plans have
[18:16] a medium
[18:19] risk rating. The oig verified
[18:20] and closed six action plans in january
[18:25] as illustrated in the green pie
[18:28] chart. Four action
[18:31] plans remain
[18:34] to be implanted.
[18:37] pending further oig
[18:40] verification. No
[18:43] action plans were implemented at
[18:49] this point. The next is system
[18:51] development charges. And system development
[18:54] charge status. In accordance with
[18:56] maryland law the oig reviews and approves
[18:58] actual cost
[19:01] be reimbursed for system
[19:03] development charges. We have one audit
[19:04] in progress,
[19:07] called retreat
[19:08] audit and there are two interactive
[19:14] audits remaining. And activist attributed
[19:16] to a lack of
[19:19] developer response after a
[19:22] full fiscal year of
[19:25] quarterly requests.
[19:28] this next
[19:30] slide is highlights wssc strategic priority
[19:31] of workforce development.
[19:34] and concerns waste, fraud and abuse
[19:38] trading. The oig conducts training
[19:43] to ensure that all employees are aware
[19:44] of
[19:45] how to report incidents of fraud,
[19:46] waste and abuse.
[19:49] the oig provided training to 19
[19:55] new employees
[19:56] during orientation on january 5th
[19:58] and
[20:01] january 20th. Oig
[20:04] professional development.
[20:05] the auditor recently became a certified
[20:07] fraud
[20:10] examiner. And we
[20:16] congratulate her.
[20:19] and my final
[20:20] slide I just want to report the commission
[20:22] and public
[20:25] our successful completion
[20:28] of the triangle
[20:30] peer review and the last couple weeks
[20:31] and the
[20:34] peer review covered the periods of
[20:37] 2023
[20:40] to 2025. And happy to answer
[20:45] any questions.
[20:46] >> congratulations
[20:47] on passing your peer
[20:48] review. Any additional questions for
[20:52] the oig?
[20:53] >>
[20:55] thank you. I just had a
[20:58] quick question on I can't river
[21:01] what slide, but you were talking
[21:04] about a lack of developer
[21:06] response and that was inactive. Can
[21:07] you give some
[21:10] context to that? What will be the
[21:11] reason
[21:12] for the lack of response and why that
[21:13] would occur?
[21:16] >> may be that
[21:18] it's not, there may not be enough
[21:22] economic value to the developer. It
[21:23] may
[21:25] be that a variety
[21:28] of things, they are
[21:29] not responding so we really can't
[21:31] complete an audit. And we do
[21:34] keep those. It's not as if we walk
[21:37] away from them and they
[21:40] become inactive. They
[21:42] are kept and subject to be reopened
[21:43] for up to
[21:46] 20 years. Plenty of time for
[21:49] developer to respond
[21:52] and reopen an audit if
[21:55] they wish.
[21:58] >>
[21:59] commissioner foster.
[22:00] >> do we reach
[22:01] out to them periodically?
[22:02] >> yes
[22:04] we do. Requesting
[22:07] additional information.
[22:10] and typically we get
[22:12] no response.
[22:13] >> so we are following
[22:14] up.
[22:16] >> yes. >> I think it
[22:19] might be or inspector general, it
[22:22] might be helpful for me and
[22:26] fellow commissioners, I'm sure they
[22:28] have been on there for a couple years.
[22:29] if maybe
[22:34] we add
[22:37] the length of
[22:38] an activity. One year, two years,
[22:40] five years. What
[22:42] have you.
[22:43] >> that's a good suggestion.
[22:44] thank
[22:49] you.
[22:50] >> I always go back
[22:52] to this to make sure I am
[22:55] understanding them. The management
[22:58] action plan. I
[23:01] am just trying to make sure I
[23:07] understand it. Action plans by department
[23:10] and rating. How do those fit into
[23:11] the
[23:13] larger pie
[23:16] chart?
[23:17] >> the two on
[23:21] the right. Action plans by department
[23:22] and
[23:25] rating.
[23:26] >> good
[23:27] morning everyone. For the record,
[23:28] dana wyatt. Deputy assistant
[23:31] inspector general for
[23:33] audit. They are two separate items.
[23:34] the chart on
[23:37] the right
[23:39] on open items in the chart on the
[23:40] left are the closed and implemented
[23:43] pending audit items. So
[23:46] the chart on
[23:49] the left we have verified
[23:52] those items.
[23:58] and validating that
[24:00] implementation. The other for the
[24:01] customer service
[24:04] one and resources are still pending.
[24:07] the chart on the right,
[24:11] management has not implemented
[24:12] or indicated that they have implemented
[24:14] those
[24:17] items as of january 31st. So it
[24:20] remains open until
[24:23] they do.
[24:26] no
[24:29] correlation.
[24:30] >> I did
[24:31] miss the last meeting but two meetings
[24:32] ago when we
[24:35] reported you had a different
[24:38] chart. So.
[24:44] >> to
[24:46] open items.
[24:47] >> all right mr. Wyatt.
[24:50] >> bear with me. >>
[24:53] visuals are good. I just
[24:54] want to make sure I am understanding
[24:56] what they represent.
[24:57] >> I try my best.
[24:58] hopefully next month we will have,
[25:00] we are wrapping up a few items so
[25:02] there should be a
[25:05] lot more open
[25:07] action items.
[25:08] >> not a problem. I
[25:09] appreciate
[25:10] the information.
[25:11] >> thank you commissioner
[25:14] speed-bost. Any additional questions?
[25:17] thank you.
[25:18] >>
[25:23] thank you.
[25:26] now we will have the
[25:29] corporate secretary
[25:31] monthly report.
[25:32] >> I don't have anything
[25:33] to
[25:34] add to my written report unless there
[25:35] are
[25:38] any questions.
[25:39] >> any
[25:40] questions for the corporate secretary
[25:41] monthly report that
[25:44] was submitted in the
[25:46] advanced materials? Hearing done,
[25:47] we will move to the
[25:50] next item on the agenda. The
[25:51] ethics report. Are there any commissioner
[25:53] questions for the
[25:55] ethics officer on the monthly report
[25:56] submitted also in the advance
[26:01] written materials? Hearing done, we
[26:02] will move to
[26:04] the next item on the agenda. I now
[26:05] recognize general
[26:07] manager and ceo keisha powell to present
[26:08] her
[26:12] monthly report.
[26:13] >> thank you mr. Chair
[26:14] and good
[26:16] morning commissioners, madame corporate
[26:17] secretary, mr. Inspector
[26:20] general, to our customers
[26:23] and team h2o. I'm excited to
[26:26] give this report today, it's
[26:27] a little bit different, a little bit
[26:29] storytelling about this
[26:32] winter event that we just
[26:38] contended with. But this is february
[26:39] and
[26:40] it is black history month and this
[26:41] is a
[26:43] time to reflect on, learn from and
[26:44] engage with a
[26:47] history, contributions and lived experiences
[26:50] of black
[26:53] people including those like
[26:55] jesse jackson. And I want to remember
[26:56] the contributions that he
[26:58] made to this country, so many before
[26:59] him, so
[27:00] many after him and so many on team
[27:02] h2 o that are
[27:06] making history. As an organization
[27:08] grounded in our values
[27:11] to
[27:12] be just, caring, community focused,
[27:14] excellent and trustworthy, we
[27:16] know that different backgrounds and
[27:17] lived experiences
[27:22] make a stronger, more innovative and
[27:23] better able
[27:24] to care for our customers and communities.
[27:26] in recognition of
[27:28] this month we held a virtual lunch
[27:29] and learn on february
[27:35] 4th with the emmy award-winning host
[27:37] of national geographic extraordinary
[27:38] bird
[27:40] and the new york times best-selling
[27:41] author of
[27:43] better living through birding. I'm
[27:44] told
[27:47] it was a inspirational and
[27:49] educational event. Hosted by a gyro
[27:50] argument
[27:53] resource officers jasmine cooper.
[27:54] thank
[27:56] you
[27:59] to jasmine
[28:02] for
[28:03] always thinking outside the box for
[28:05] content to give us inspiration
[28:11] and education. We all know
[28:12] this is been a season of competitions
[28:14] so I'd like to turn your attention
[28:15] to
[28:16] the pictures on this slide as I tell
[28:17] you the story of team h2 osha
[28:19] pickup like champions during the recent
[28:20] stretch of
[28:23] winter weather. This was
[28:26] an all hands on deck effort
[28:29] across
[28:31] every department all unified in service
[28:32] to our customers. This wasn't your
[28:35] typical winter storm. As many will
[28:37] attest to. I like to think of it as
[28:38] our
[28:41] super bowl
[28:44] and nba all-star game
[28:47] and our winter olympics all in
[28:51] one. High-stakes, nonstop action and a
[28:52] team of professionals performing under
[28:53] pressure when it
[28:58] mattered most. Just like elite athletes
[28:59] preparing for the biggest stage our
[29:02] teams trained, planned, prepared and
[29:03] executed with precision
[29:05] to keep essential services running.
[29:08] from front-line breathing several
[29:09] inches
[29:11] of snow and dangerously
[29:14] cold temperatures to support staff
[29:17] working around the clock behind
[29:19] the scenes, every part of our organization
[29:20] moved as one team.
[29:23] these photos and the pictures on
[29:25] the following slides capture more
[29:26] than hard work.
[29:29] they capture collaboration,
[29:32] resilience and unwavering commission
[29:35] that defines
[29:38] team h2o. Well this prolonged
[29:41] weather event tested our systems it
[29:42] also showcased
[29:43] our strength. Our greatest strength,
[29:45] which is our
[29:46] people. And extreme conditions when
[29:48] our customers needed
[29:51] us most. Team h2o delivered
[29:53] literally delivered. Safely, professionally
[29:54] and
[29:57] with pride. This is
[29:59] a powerful reminder that behind every
[30:00] drop
[30:03] of water is a dedicated
[30:05] team willing to go above and beyond
[30:06] no matter what
[30:09] the condition
[30:12] spring. So you
[30:15] will see knowing that a major winter
[30:17] storm was approaching teams across
[30:18] the
[30:19] organization took early proactive
[30:21] steps to
[30:24] get ready, focusing on
[30:25] system preparedness before the first
[30:27] flakes fell. Our
[30:29] meter readers were in a great position.
[30:30] they were as close
[30:33] to on time as
[30:36] possible going into the storm. Our
[30:37] utility technician went into overdrive
[30:39] long before the
[30:41] snow hit, worked around the clock ahead of
[30:42] the
[30:45] storm to repair as
[30:47] many known water main breaks and leaks
[30:50] as possible. A heavy lift during an
[30:51] already demanding time of
[30:54] year. In the week leading up to
[30:57] the storm cruise
[31:00] repaired 84 breaks and
[31:01] leaks, given the work I had already
[31:03] accomplished
[31:04] this winter. November through february
[31:06] is our busiest time of year four breaks
[31:09] and leaks. They had already responded
[31:10] to
[31:11] approximately 900 before the storm
[31:12] started
[31:15] late saturday, january
[31:18] 24th. Trucks
[31:19] to clear and treat our critical sites
[31:21] were also at the ready. So operations
[31:23] could continue without delay. We activated
[31:24] our image
[31:27] the
[31:30] operation center and a few
[31:33] hours before conditions started
[31:36] to deteriorate. From a fourth floor
[31:37] conference
[31:39] room in the support
[31:40] center directors and managers from
[31:41] across the organization were in gauged
[31:45] and connected in regular
[31:47] briefings, conditions and organizing
[31:48] responses
[31:51] in real-time including coordination
[31:54] with other utilities and the county
[31:57] and state emergency management teams.
[31:58] an
[31:59] incident command structure to court
[32:00] date all aspects of
[32:03] our response. Our team at
[32:05] the warehouse was also ready ahead
[32:06] of
[32:07] the storm. Critical cold-weather gear
[32:09] was
[32:11] stocked and ensure team h2o was as
[32:12] warm and safe as possible
[32:15] on the job. From
[32:18] snow cleats, vests
[32:23] and gloves to body warmers we were
[32:24] focused on employee safety
[32:26] from the start. And I want to thank
[32:27] the general service team for
[32:30] adding critical ppe to
[32:33] our
[32:35] uniform site for employees to get
[32:36] those
[32:39] warming best
[32:42] vest. Well in advance. Just
[32:44] thinking ahead. This is where the
[32:45] story
[32:51] gets good. When a
[32:53] critical shipment didn't arrive as
[32:57] planned corey material section manager
[32:59] stepped up, literally going the extra
[33:00] mile for
[33:03] the team. Corey hopped into
[33:06] his vehicle just hours before
[33:08] the storm, nobody told him to, and
[33:09] traveled 320
[33:12] miles round-trip to
[33:13] the granger distribution center in
[33:15] new jersey to
[33:18] secure
[33:21] nearly 300
[33:24] ,
[33:27] my nose is running. Secure
[33:30] nearly 300 of these much-needed
[33:33] snow cleats. So you all better
[33:36] wear them. Even when it's
[33:39] not snowing. If not safe. And he didn't
[33:41] stop there. Corey delivered cleats
[33:42] right
[33:45] to the gaithersburg depots on his
[33:48] way home after dropping off the shipment
[33:49] when he
[33:51] got
[33:54] back to anacostia. Is corey
[33:57] here?
[34:00] please stand.
[34:06] and corey is
[34:09] typically quiet. But he spoke loudly
[34:12] that day. And in fact when we were
[34:13] in
[34:15] the eoc director pulled
[34:21] up the gps and
[34:24] tracked him coming
[34:27] back from jersey. He's back in
[34:30] maryland now. We tried to make sure
[34:31] he
[34:33] got back before it got. Oh
[34:36] my gosh. Now,
[34:38] getting the right gear to the right
[34:39] people is critical and so is having
[34:42] a fleet that is ready from the start.
[34:43] hats off
[34:45] to our nationally recognized fleet
[34:48] services team. They made sure our
[34:49] equipment was
[34:51] gassed up
[34:53] and ready to go. I will have more
[34:54] on their preventative
[34:57] efforts later in my presentation but
[34:58] suffice it to
[34:59] say garage staff was ready to handle
[35:03] the repairs.
[35:05] they were digging out vehicles after
[35:06] they were stuck in the
[35:08] snow to get them into the shop. They
[35:09] slept at
[35:11] the garage so we were staffed around
[35:12] the
[35:15] clock and helped with plowing at
[35:18] the depots. Truly a
[35:20] team effort. Anyone from general services
[35:21] here
[35:27] please stand.
[35:33] thank you. Snow
[35:37] was no problem.
[35:39] literally snow problem at all. Because
[35:41] general services was on it as the
[35:43] flakes turned
[35:46] into snow, works
[35:47] to ensure our facilities were plowed
[35:48] and maintained to keep employees moving
[35:51] out safely. And of course we are always
[35:55] here
[35:56] to help customer advocates who are
[35:57] always willing to meet our customers
[35:58] when
[36:00] they need it most. Literally got into
[36:05] the neighborhoods when snow packed
[36:07] streets made driving impossible,
[36:09] they walked. That is customer advocate
[36:13] walter guzman on the
[36:14] bottom left, the hill on the street
[36:16] was
[36:17] so snowpacked the van couldn't make
[36:19] it up so walter and david
[36:21] wilkins walked the street, walked
[36:22] to
[36:25] the hill to assist
[36:31] our customers.
[36:32] being there for the communities we
[36:33] serve no matter what the conditions
[36:34] are. And I'm
[36:36] not sure if our customer advocates
[36:42] are here. They are probably walking
[36:43] water to
[36:46] customers
[36:49] right now. While our advocates and
[36:50] other
[36:51] team members were out in the elements,
[36:52] plenty of other team numbers of
[36:55] team h2o were behind-the-scenes
[37:00] working diligently. Always on the
[37:01] frontline of
[37:03] our communications 24 seven from january
[37:04] 25th to
[37:06] february 8th. The staff answered nearly
[37:10] 10,000 calls always
[37:12] remaining responsive and customer
[37:13] focused.
[37:16] next door is our control
[37:17] center and our mission-critical operations.
[37:19] they never
[37:22] wavered. 24/7. While
[37:23] many people were sleeping, that team
[37:28] was vigilant
[37:29] watching every tank, monitoring water
[37:30] production, pressure zones and keeping
[37:31] our entire
[37:34] water system operational.
[37:37] and
[37:38] connected. With the potomac river
[37:40] as the
[37:41] source water for the vast majority
[37:43] of our customers all
[37:45] eyes were on the intake at our potomac
[37:51] water plant. To say we were constantly
[37:52] monitoring water production and
[37:55] demand is an understatement.
[37:56] the temperature continued to drop
[37:57] and we were entering into the next
[37:58] phase of
[38:01] the storm. Extreme cold. We
[38:04] know that an
[38:05] increase in water main breaks and
[38:06] beaks and we continue to share that
[38:07] with customers
[38:09] and stakeholders. For that reason
[38:10] the
[38:15] predicted increase we issued an essential water
[38:16] use only request for
[38:19] all customers on
[38:22] tuesday at
[38:25] 11:15 a.m. Water
[38:26] demand was increasing at that affect
[38:27] our ability to keep storage tanks
[38:28] full and maintain
[38:30] required system pressure for customers
[38:31] and
[38:34] fire protection. Our customers
[38:36] responded with excellent conservation
[38:37] efforts helping to maintain
[38:40] system
[38:42] pressure and avoid a boil water advisory.
[38:43] so I
[38:46] wanted to recognize the production
[38:47] team including
[38:49] system control. Are any of
[38:55] you here? They are in
[39:01] the center so from snow
[39:04] to ice, take a look at
[39:04] to ice, take a look at
[39:07] these
[39:07] these
[39:08] side-by-side photos. This is a look
[39:08] side-by-side photos. This is a look
[39:10] at the potomac
[39:10] at the potomac
[39:13] intake plant. In the photo
[39:13] intake plant. In the photo
[39:15] on the left you can see with intake
[39:15] on the left you can see with intake
[39:16] like
[39:16] like
[39:19] last winter. Frozen
[39:19] last winter. Frozen
[39:21] solid ice. Obviously posing a challenge
[39:21] solid ice. Obviously posing a challenge
[39:22] for our team. Now
[39:22] for our team. Now
[39:25] fast-forward this
[39:25] fast-forward this
[39:27] winter and the intake is where we
[39:27] winter and the intake is where we
[39:28] pull water in from
[39:28] pull water in from
[39:31] the river. We have to pull into the
[39:31] the river. We have to pull into the
[39:34] plant before we can
[39:34] plant before we can
[39:36] treat it. This winter was a totally
[39:36] treat it. This winter was a totally
[39:40] different story. If you look at the
[39:40] different story. If you look at the
[39:41] picture on
[39:41] picture on
[39:42] the right it's not frozen, it's bubbling.
[39:42] the right it's not frozen, it's bubbling.
[39:43] and thanks
[39:43] and thanks
[39:46] to james. When we talk about innovation
[39:46] to james. When we talk about innovation
[39:47] and
[39:47] and
[39:49] invention we are often talking
[39:49] invention we are often talking
[39:51] about james. Two patents under his
[39:51] about james. Two patents under his
[39:52] belt, a third pending and more
[39:52] belt, a third pending and more
[39:55] projects in
[39:55] projects in
[39:57] his pipeline james took one look at
[39:57] his pipeline james took one look at
[39:58] that ice last winter
[39:58] that ice last winter
[40:01] and went to work designing a bubbler
[40:01] and went to work designing a bubbler
[40:02] system
[40:02] system
[40:04] specifically for the potomac intake.
[40:04] specifically for the potomac intake.
[40:05] sits
[40:05] sits
[40:06] at the bottom of the intake and keeps
[40:06] at the bottom of the intake and keeps
[40:07] water moving to prevent ice from forming
[40:07] water moving to prevent ice from forming
[40:10] below the surface and at the surface.
[40:10] below the surface and at the surface.
[40:11] no ice
[40:11] no ice
[40:13] at the surface is key because that
[40:13] at the surface is key because that
[40:16] allows
[40:16] allows
[40:19] our to stay in place clearing debris
[40:19] our to stay in place clearing debris
[40:20] like sticks
[40:20] like sticks
[40:22] and logs. Previously explored
[40:22] and logs. Previously explored
[40:27] a design solution to address ice at
[40:27] a design solution to address ice at
[40:28] the intake with a price tag
[40:28] the intake with a price tag
[40:31] in the neighborhood of $1
[40:31] in the neighborhood of $1
[40:34] million. James
[40:34] million. James
[40:37] system cost saving
[40:37] system cost saving
[40:40] about $15,000. Thank
[40:40] about $15,000. Thank
[40:43] you james. And what's
[40:43] you james. And what's
[40:46] even better is james worked directly
[40:46] even better is james worked directly
[40:47] with
[40:47] with
[40:48] plant staff to tailor the system to
[40:48] plant staff to tailor the system to
[40:49] their
[40:49] their
[40:50] operational needs. Their input throughout
[40:50] operational needs. Their input throughout
[40:52] the process
[40:52] the process
[40:55] was invaluable. This smart
[40:55] was invaluable. This smart
[40:58] water solution was all internal, all
[40:58] water solution was all internal, all
[40:59] team
[40:59] team
[41:02] h2o from design
[41:02] h2o from design
[41:05] to build
[41:05] to build
[41:06] to implementation. Huge props to our
[41:06] to implementation. Huge props to our
[41:08] facility services team who
[41:08] facility services team who
[41:11] helped
[41:11] helped
[41:14] bring james's innovative ideal
[41:14] bring james's innovative ideal
[41:15] to life. We have the facility services
[41:15] to life. We have the facility services
[41:17] team. Are
[41:17] team. Are
[41:20] they
[41:20] they
[41:22] here? Anyone? They keep us fueled
[41:22] here? Anyone? They keep us fueled
[41:23] through the cold so
[41:23] through the cold so
[41:25] they are out working too. Most of
[41:25] they are out working too. Most of
[41:26] the folks are
[41:26] the folks are
[41:28] working but please join me in recognizing
[41:28] working but please join me in recognizing
[41:32] james. Is he
[41:32] james. Is he
[41:38] here? Yes. I
[41:38] here? Yes. I
[41:41] can't see what you have next but he
[41:41] can't see what you have next but he
[41:44] has invented
[41:44] has invented
[41:46] the fire hydrant tool, the valve monitoring
[41:46] the fire hydrant tool, the valve monitoring
[41:47] device and the
[41:47] device and the
[41:50] patent pending
[41:50] patent pending
[41:52] magic toilet. And now the creative
[41:52] magic toilet. And now the creative
[41:53] force behind the
[41:53] force behind the
[41:56] bubbler system. So thanks again
[41:56] bubbler system. So thanks again
[41:59] to james. As I mentioned in the
[41:59] to james. As I mentioned in the
[42:02] beginning, utility services was
[42:02] beginning, utility services was
[42:04] on it. In the week leading up a storm
[42:04] on it. In the week leading up a storm
[42:08] they repaired 84
[42:08] they repaired 84
[42:09] water main breaks and leaks. Once
[42:09] water main breaks and leaks. Once
[42:11] the snow and ice
[42:11] the snow and ice
[42:12] stopped and it was safe to head out
[42:12] stopped and it was safe to head out
[42:14] he worked tirelessly day
[42:14] he worked tirelessly day
[42:17] and night restoring service for
[42:17] and night restoring service for
[42:19] our customers. Temperatures stayed
[42:19] our customers. Temperatures stayed
[42:20] below normal
[42:20] below normal
[42:23] for about 10 days
[42:23] for about 10 days
[42:27] straight. Breaks were fast, about
[42:27] straight. Breaks were fast, about
[42:29] 30 to 40 new brakes and leaks
[42:29] 30 to 40 new brakes and leaks
[42:30] were being reported daily. And while
[42:30] were being reported daily. And while
[42:32] customers did their part
[42:32] customers did their part
[42:33] by following the essential water use
[42:33] by following the essential water use
[42:35] only request
[42:35] only request
[42:36] utility services crews matched that
[42:36] utility services crews matched that
[42:38] effort, working quickly
[42:38] effort, working quickly
[42:40] and relentlessly to repair brakes.
[42:40] and relentlessly to repair brakes.
[42:41] a combination that
[42:41] a combination that
[42:44] was critical to preserving system
[42:44] was critical to preserving system
[42:47] pressure and continuing to meet the
[42:47] pressure and continuing to meet the
[42:48] demand. The numbers truly tell the
[42:48] demand. The numbers truly tell the
[42:52] tale from sunday, january 25th through
[42:52] tale from sunday, january 25th through
[42:53] yesterday they have
[42:53] yesterday they have
[42:56] responded to 471
[42:56] responded to 471
[42:59] breaks and leaks. That is a
[42:59] breaks and leaks. That is a
[43:02] 23 day
[43:02] 23 day
[43:05] and responding to 471 breaks
[43:05] and responding to 471 breaks
[43:08] and leaks. Many of those in extreme
[43:08] and leaks. Many of those in extreme
[43:10] cold temperatures. And one of the
[43:10] cold temperatures. And one of the
[43:11] team
[43:11] team
[43:13] members told me that it was so cold
[43:13] members told me that it was so cold
[43:14] when their
[43:14] when their
[43:17] overalls got wet they
[43:17] overalls got wet they
[43:18] would literally stand up by themselves
[43:18] would literally stand up by themselves
[43:20] because
[43:20] because
[43:23] they would immediately ice. I
[43:23] they would immediately ice. I
[43:26] cannot imagine. It has been a
[43:26] cannot imagine. It has been a
[43:27] herculean task without a doubt and
[43:27] herculean task without a doubt and
[43:29] a
[43:29] a
[43:32] true effort. In addition to our
[43:32] true effort. In addition to our
[43:35] crews
[43:35] crews
[43:36] our contract managers and utility
[43:36] our contract managers and utility
[43:38] services also worked around
[43:38] services also worked around
[43:39] the clock ensuring that our emergency
[43:39] the clock ensuring that our emergency
[43:41] contractors move from rake
[43:41] contractors move from rake
[43:44] to break. We also
[43:44] to break. We also
[43:45] had tremendous support from engineering
[43:45] had tremendous support from engineering
[43:47] and construction,
[43:47] and construction,
[43:48] we leveraged their partners to provide
[43:48] we leveraged their partners to provide
[43:50] additional crews and accelerate
[43:50] additional crews and accelerate
[43:56] report repairs when help
[43:56] report repairs when help
[43:57] was needed. All of this was performed
[43:57] was needed. All of this was performed
[43:59] in challenging and often
[43:59] in challenging and often
[44:02] treacherous conditions. I also have
[44:02] treacherous conditions. I also have
[44:03] to
[44:03] to
[44:04] shout out our safety specialist through
[44:04] shout out our safety specialist through
[44:05] this
[44:05] this
[44:07] entire emergency ensuring that safety
[44:07] entire emergency ensuring that safety
[44:08] is always
[44:08] is always
[44:14] mission critical. And last but certainly
[44:14] mission critical. And last but certainly
[44:15] not least,
[44:15] not least,
[44:16] I want to thank our 1.9 million customers
[44:16] I want to thank our 1.9 million customers
[44:17] who weathered this
[44:17] who weathered this
[44:19] bitter storm with us. Thank you for
[44:19] bitter storm with us. Thank you for
[44:20] heeding the essential water
[44:20] heeding the essential water
[44:23] use
[44:23] use
[44:26] only request, thank my mom for being
[44:26] only request, thank my mom for being
[44:29] very aware we were in
[44:29] very aware we were in
[44:32] essential water use
[44:32] essential water use
[44:34] only. And I'm glad I remembered to
[44:34] only. And I'm glad I remembered to
[44:35] remind her when it
[44:35] remind her when it
[44:37] was lifted. So thank you to all of
[44:37] was lifted. So thank you to all of
[44:44] our customers.
[44:44] our customers.
[44:47] in our emergency water main break
[44:47] in our emergency water main break
[44:49] response. As you can see from this
[44:49] response. As you can see from this
[44:50] slide, it truly takes
[44:50] slide, it truly takes
[44:53] a village. Behind
[44:53] a village. Behind
[44:54] this list of departments are several
[44:54] this list of departments are several
[44:56] hundred dedicated team h2o members
[44:56] hundred dedicated team h2o members
[44:57] working together to serve our value
[44:57] working together to serve our value
[44:59] customers.
[44:59] customers.
[45:02] and because we
[45:02] and because we
[45:07] didn't have them in places in the
[45:07] didn't have them in places in the
[45:08] story I do want to
[45:08] story I do want to
[45:11] recognize utility services, communication,
[45:11] recognize utility services, communication,
[45:12] strategic partnerships and community
[45:12] strategic partnerships and community
[45:14] impact, our
[45:14] impact, our
[45:17] governmental relations
[45:17] governmental relations
[45:18] office, customer service department,
[45:18] office, customer service department,
[45:20] engineering and construction, operational
[45:20] engineering and construction, operational
[45:21] reliability
[45:21] reliability
[45:23] and resilience, production and
[45:23] and resilience, production and
[45:26] human resources, office of
[45:26] human resources, office of
[45:29] occupational safety and health,
[45:29] occupational safety and health,
[45:32] general services, finance, information
[45:32] general services, finance, information
[45:33] technology, police
[45:33] technology, police
[45:35] and homeland security, procurement
[45:35] and homeland security, procurement
[45:38] and general manager's office as
[45:38] and general manager's office as
[45:40] well. Thank you to all of you that
[45:40] well. Thank you to all of you that
[45:41] helped in
[45:41] helped in
[45:44] this response. I want
[45:44] this response. I want
[45:46] to thank every single employee that
[45:46] to thank every single employee that
[45:47] stepped up and met the challenges
[45:47] stepped up and met the challenges
[45:48] head-on
[45:48] head-on
[45:50] and continued delivering critical
[45:50] and continued delivering critical
[45:51] services
[45:51] services
[45:53] to our customers despite the extreme
[45:53] to our customers despite the extreme
[45:58] winter weather. And without further ado
[45:58] winter weather. And without further ado
[45:59] I want
[45:59] I want
[46:01] to recognize all the members of team
[46:01] to recognize all the members of team
[46:02] h2o that are here,
[46:02] h2o that are here,
[46:05] many of our team members came in,
[46:05] many of our team members came in,
[46:08] they took a break from the cold even
[46:08] they took a break from the cold even
[46:09] though it's
[46:09] though it's
[46:10] a little warmer today, we were able
[46:10] a little warmer today, we were able
[46:11] to
[46:11] to
[46:16] get you inside so if you could just
[46:16] get you inside so if you could just
[46:17] step forward, raise your hand and
[46:17] step forward, raise your hand and
[46:20] be recognized. These are
[46:20] be recognized. These are
[46:24] real heroes. Go on
[46:24] real heroes. Go on
[46:30] and stand. All of our team
[46:30] and stand. All of our team
[46:33] members.
[46:33] members.
[46:34] >>
[46:34] >>
[46:35] let's have them come down and take
[46:35] let's have them come down and take
[46:36] a picture.
[46:36] a picture.
[46:37] >> could you all
[46:37] >> could you all
[46:39] come forward and take a picture?
[46:39] come forward and take a picture?
[46:42] team h2o. Don't
[46:42] team h2o. Don't
[46:48] be shy.
[46:48] be shy.
[47:15] one
[47:15] one
[47:16] one department that I missed was general
[47:16] one department that I missed was general
[47:17] manager office of performance and
[47:17] manager office of performance and
[47:18] accountability as well.
[47:18] accountability as well.
[47:24] thank you.
[47:24] thank you.
[47:36] we've got
[47:36] we've got
[47:39] some folks
[47:39] some folks
[47:42] from production.
[47:42] from production.
[49:23] right about now is when the auditorium
[49:23] right about now is when the auditorium
[49:24] really
[49:24] really
[49:30] clears out.
[49:30] clears out.
[49:33] I will just
[49:33] I will just
[49:36] wait
[49:36] wait
[49:39] for them. Really
[49:39] for them. Really
[49:42] a
[49:42] a
[49:45] great team. That is just
[49:45] great team. That is just
[49:48] a representation of our over
[49:48] a representation of our over
[49:51] 1800 employees. This
[49:51] 1800 employees. This
[49:54] is amazing. So appreciative
[49:54] is amazing. So appreciative
[49:59] of them. But we are not out of the
[49:59] of them. But we are not out of the
[50:06] woods yet.
[50:06] woods yet.
[50:09] according to punxsutawney
[50:09] according to punxsutawney
[50:11] phil we have several more weeks of
[50:11] phil we have several more weeks of
[50:12] winter weather so
[50:12] winter weather so
[50:15] I will want to
[50:15] I will want to
[50:16] again thank our customers and let
[50:16] again thank our customers and let
[50:18] them know we remain ready, we
[50:18] them know we remain ready, we
[50:20] are still in the busiest four months
[50:20] are still in the busiest four months
[50:21] of
[50:21] of
[50:24] repair season and I
[50:24] repair season and I
[50:25] want to thank our customers for their
[50:25] want to thank our customers for their
[50:27] ongoing patience and grace with our
[50:27] ongoing patience and grace with our
[50:28] crews
[50:28] crews
[50:30] as they continue work on
[50:30] as they continue work on
[50:32] the clock. And the many folks that
[50:32] the clock. And the many folks that
[50:33] reached
[50:33] reached
[50:36] out
[50:36] out
[50:39] and expressed
[50:39] and expressed
[50:41] their appreciation for the team. We
[50:41] their appreciation for the team. We
[50:42] had mayors
[50:42] had mayors
[50:45] reach out, members
[50:45] reach out, members
[50:48] of counties, the county
[50:48] of counties, the county
[50:50] executive offices, state legislators
[50:50] executive offices, state legislators
[50:51] as we
[50:51] as we
[50:53] have been talking with them the past
[50:53] have been talking with them the past
[50:57] couple weeks. Everyone has commented
[50:57] couple weeks. Everyone has commented
[50:58] how well
[50:58] how well
[51:00] the team has performed and so again,
[51:00] the team has performed and so again,
[51:03] they certainly deserve
[51:03] they certainly deserve
[51:06] kudos. We
[51:06] kudos. We
[51:09] know that our customers are appreciating
[51:09] know that our customers are appreciating
[51:10] us.
[51:10] us.
[51:12] the social
[51:12] the social
[51:15] media post I think everybody in our
[51:15] media post I think everybody in our
[51:16] service area knows our customer advocate
[51:16] service area knows our customer advocate
[51:18] by name. Certainly
[51:18] by name. Certainly
[51:21] brandon stewart delivering water in
[51:21] brandon stewart delivering water in
[51:24] the frigid temperatures. Carrying
[51:24] the frigid temperatures. Carrying
[51:27] a case of water on
[51:27] a case of water on
[51:30] his shoulders.
[51:30] his shoulders.
[51:35] james painter who was hard at work
[51:35] james painter who was hard at work
[51:38] pinpointing where and his dedication
[51:38] pinpointing where and his dedication
[51:39] didn't
[51:39] didn't
[51:41] go unnoticed. He too received lots of
[51:41] go unnoticed. He too received lots of
[51:42] love
[51:42] love
[51:45] and thanks. The little free library
[51:45] and thanks. The little free library
[51:48] of
[51:48] of
[51:51] twin brook said your work is
[51:51] twin brook said your work is
[51:52] twin brook said your work is so hard
[51:52] twin brook said your work is so hard
[51:54] but we are most appreciative of you
[51:54] but we are most appreciative of you
[51:55] are
[51:55] are
[51:57] helping everyone out. The same
[51:57] helping everyone out. The same
[52:00] for
[52:00] for
[52:01] utility technician. Lots of positive
[52:01] utility technician. Lots of positive
[52:03] feedback from our customers. The comments
[52:03] feedback from our customers. The comments
[52:04] that
[52:04] that
[52:06] you
[52:06] you
[52:09] see, too
[52:09] see, too
[52:12] many to name but I just want to thank
[52:12] many to name but I just want to thank
[52:13] folks
[52:13] folks
[52:14] who took the time to go on social
[52:14] who took the time to go on social
[52:15] media and make
[52:15] media and make
[52:21] those comments. From one mayor
[52:21] those comments. From one mayor
[52:24] I received, I was copied on an email
[52:24] I received, I was copied on an email
[52:25] and he
[52:25] and he
[52:26] said you all received so much press
[52:26] said you all received so much press
[52:27] or response when things
[52:27] or response when things
[52:30] go wrong and I just want to make sure
[52:30] go wrong and I just want to make sure
[52:32] that you are being recognized when
[52:32] that you are being recognized when
[52:33] things go
[52:33] things go
[52:36] well. So thanks for
[52:36] well. So thanks for
[52:41] that and supporting one another and
[52:41] that and supporting one another and
[52:43] I want to thank the human
[52:43] I want to thank the human
[52:45] resources team for making sure that
[52:45] resources team for making sure that
[52:46] those
[52:46] those
[52:49] working in the frigid
[52:49] working in the frigid
[52:51] temperatures had along with their
[52:51] temperatures had along with their
[52:55] leadership had hot soup and
[52:55] leadership had hot soup and
[52:58] hot drinks to eat as
[52:58] hot drinks to eat as
[53:01] well. So that concludes the long
[53:01] well. So that concludes the long
[53:04] extended winter story.
[53:04] extended winter story.
[53:06] I'm going to move on to other things
[53:06] I'm going to move on to other things
[53:07] here.
[53:07] here.
[53:09] try to get through the rest of this
[53:09] try to get through the rest of this
[53:10] quickly. I do want
[53:10] quickly. I do want
[53:13] to give a
[53:13] to give a
[53:15] leadership update. I'm pleased to
[53:15] leadership update. I'm pleased to
[53:16] announce two important updates
[53:16] announce two important updates
[53:17] announce two important updates to
[53:17] announce two important updates to
[53:19] our senior leadership team.
[53:19] our senior leadership team.
[53:21] nina hixson who has been pulling double
[53:21] nina hixson who has been pulling double
[53:22] duty as general counsel
[53:22] duty as general counsel
[53:24] and chief of staff will continue serving
[53:24] and chief of staff will continue serving
[53:25] as
[53:25] as
[53:26] our general counsel. Nina is focused
[53:26] our general counsel. Nina is focused
[53:28] on enhancing the
[53:28] on enhancing the
[53:30] general counsel office and supporting
[53:30] general counsel office and supporting
[53:34] internal policy and compliance
[53:34] internal policy and compliance
[53:36] improvement initiatives. Nina joined
[53:36] improvement initiatives. Nina joined
[53:37] wssc
[53:37] wssc
[53:39] water in 2024 and has an extensive
[53:39] water in 2024 and has an extensive
[53:40] background
[53:40] background
[53:42] in law and public service. Having
[53:42] in law and public service. Having
[53:43] served as the
[53:43] served as the
[53:45] city attorney and ethics officer for
[53:45] city attorney and ethics officer for
[53:46] the
[53:46] the
[53:49] city of atlanta vice president and
[53:49] city of atlanta vice president and
[53:52] general counsel and interim city manager
[53:52] general counsel and interim city manager
[53:55] of eastpointe, georgia. Very
[53:55] of eastpointe, georgia. Very
[53:57] thankful for the time she has spent
[53:57] thankful for the time she has spent
[54:01] supporting me and our team as
[54:01] supporting me and our team as
[54:04] chief of staff and her willingness
[54:04] chief of staff and her willingness
[54:05] to serve in both capacities since
[54:05] to serve in both capacities since
[54:07] last
[54:07] last
[54:10] year. Nina was also
[54:10] year. Nina was also
[54:13] just appointed
[54:13] just appointed
[54:16] to the
[54:16] to the
[54:19] international board,
[54:19] international board,
[54:21] international municipal lawyers association
[54:21] international municipal lawyers association
[54:22] board
[54:22] board
[54:25] of directors. So that
[54:25] of directors. So that
[54:28] is huge. A huge
[54:28] is huge. A huge
[54:31] a compliment. Thank you.
[54:31] a compliment. Thank you.
[54:34] and justin
[54:34] and justin
[54:35] devantier who joined us last summer
[54:35] devantier who joined us last summer
[54:37] as deputy chief of staff is joining
[54:37] as deputy chief of staff is joining
[54:39] us full-time now as wssc water chief
[54:39] us full-time now as wssc water chief
[54:40] of
[54:40] of
[54:43] staff. Justin has and
[54:43] staff. Justin has and
[54:44] will continue to support enterprise
[54:44] will continue to support enterprise
[54:48] strategic initiatives, execution coordination
[54:48] strategic initiatives, execution coordination
[54:49] and cross
[54:49] and cross
[54:50] functional efforts critical to wssc
[54:50] functional efforts critical to wssc
[54:52] water
[54:52] water
[54:54] mission among other duties of the
[54:54] mission among other duties of the
[54:55] chief
[54:55] chief
[54:57] of staff including providing oversight
[54:57] of staff including providing oversight
[54:58] of our general
[54:58] of our general
[55:01] manager office of performance
[55:01] manager office of performance
[55:02] and accountability. And the human
[55:02] and accountability. And the human
[55:04] resources department. Prior to
[55:04] resources department. Prior to
[55:07] joining us, justin
[55:07] joining us, justin
[55:08] held senior leadership roles across
[55:08] held senior leadership roles across
[55:10] the public and private sectors including
[55:10] the public and private sectors including
[55:13] at nasa's space
[55:13] at nasa's space
[55:14] flight center and within the u.s.
[55:14] flight center and within the u.s.
[55:16] department
[55:16] department
[55:17] of defense. Nina and justin have been
[55:17] of defense. Nina and justin have been
[55:19] vital to our works in a joint and
[55:19] vital to our works in a joint and
[55:21] I'm excited to continue working alongside
[55:21] I'm excited to continue working alongside
[55:22] of
[55:22] of
[55:25] them in their
[55:25] them in their
[55:31] roles. Yes.
[55:31] roles. Yes.
[55:34] now I'd like to turn it over to chief
[55:34] now I'd like to turn it over to chief
[55:37] human resources officer
[55:37] human resources officer
[55:40] valerie to provide an update of
[55:40] valerie to provide an update of
[55:41] workforce development plans and an
[55:41] workforce development plans and an
[55:43] overview of a new
[55:43] overview of a new
[55:46] program called turn
[55:46] program called turn
[55:49] the tide, turning citizens workforce
[55:49] the tide, turning citizens workforce
[55:52] initiatives. Valerie?
[55:52] initiatives. Valerie?
[55:55] >>
[55:55] >>
[55:57] good morning. Chief human resources
[55:57] good morning. Chief human resources
[55:58] officer here at wssc.
[55:58] officer here at wssc.
[56:00] and I want to talk about our workforce
[56:00] and I want to talk about our workforce
[56:04] initiative plan. Workforce development
[56:04] initiative plan. Workforce development
[56:05] plan.
[56:05] plan.
[56:07] internally, we have a huge
[56:07] internally, we have a huge
[56:10] workforce development
[56:10] workforce development
[56:11] initiative. One which is really important
[56:11] initiative. One which is really important
[56:13] is
[56:13] is
[56:16] programs to launch to
[56:16] programs to launch to
[56:19] address leadership, technical
[56:19] address leadership, technical
[56:22] skill gaps and external training
[56:22] skill gaps and external training
[56:25] partners identified
[56:25] partners identified
[56:28] and engaged. Career pathways and
[56:28] and engaged. Career pathways and
[56:31] succession planning. Our
[56:31] succession planning. Our
[56:33] external workforce includes turning
[56:33] external workforce includes turning
[56:34] the tide returning
[56:34] the tide returning
[56:37] citizens workforce initiative,
[56:37] citizens workforce initiative,
[56:40] the expansion of
[56:40] the expansion of
[56:43] mission-critical training and
[56:43] mission-critical training and
[56:46] enhance career outreach with
[56:46] enhance career outreach with
[56:48] prince george's county and montgomery
[56:48] prince george's county and montgomery
[56:49] county
[56:49] county
[56:52] school systems. I
[56:52] school systems. I
[56:53] want to give you more information
[56:53] want to give you more information
[56:55] about the turning the tide returning
[56:55] about the turning the tide returning
[56:56] citizens
[56:56] citizens
[56:58] workforce initiative. Across
[56:58] workforce initiative. Across
[57:01] the nation public utilities and
[57:01] the nation public utilities and
[57:02] government agencies are recognizing
[57:02] government agencies are recognizing
[57:04] the critical role they can
[57:04] the critical role they can
[57:07] play in supporting individuals returning
[57:07] play in supporting individuals returning
[57:10] from incarceration. Stable employment
[57:10] from incarceration. Stable employment
[57:11] is
[57:11] is
[57:13] one of the strongest predictors of
[57:13] one of the strongest predictors of
[57:16] successful re-entry,
[57:16] successful re-entry,
[57:19] reduced recidivism and long-term community
[57:19] reduced recidivism and long-term community
[57:20] well-being.
[57:20] well-being.
[57:22] as a regional leader and
[57:22] as a regional leader and
[57:27] anchor institution wssc water is committed
[57:27] anchor institution wssc water is committed
[57:28] to leveraging its workforce capacity
[57:28] to leveraging its workforce capacity
[57:29] ,
[57:29] ,
[57:31] training infrastructure and community
[57:31] training infrastructure and community
[57:32] partnerships to
[57:32] partnerships to
[57:34] expand opportunities for
[57:34] expand opportunities for
[57:36] returning citizens. In our hr mission
[57:36] returning citizens. In our hr mission
[57:37] to ethically cultivate
[57:37] to ethically cultivate
[57:41] a high performing paper
[57:41] a high performing paper
[57:44] sent to--
[57:44] sent to--
[57:45] people centered organization we focus
[57:45] people centered organization we focus
[57:47] on
[57:47] on
[57:50] developing initiatives and growth
[57:50] developing initiatives and growth
[57:51] partnerships. Turning the tide returning
[57:51] partnerships. Turning the tide returning
[57:53] citizens workforce initiative is designed
[57:53] citizens workforce initiative is designed
[57:56] to provide meaningful
[57:56] to provide meaningful
[57:59] employment
[57:59] employment
[58:02] pathways must and
[58:02] pathways must and
[58:04] long-term community opportunities
[58:04] long-term community opportunities
[58:05] for individual seeking a
[58:05] for individual seeking a
[58:08] second chance. This
[58:08] second chance. This
[58:09] represents a forward thinking approach
[58:09] represents a forward thinking approach
[58:11] to workforce development.
[58:11] to workforce development.
[58:13] this initiative is more than a pilot.
[58:13] this initiative is more than a pilot.
[58:14] it is a
[58:14] it is a
[58:18] commitment to equity, opportunity
[58:18] commitment to equity, opportunity
[58:19] and the belief that everyone deserves
[58:19] and the belief that everyone deserves
[58:20] a second
[58:20] a second
[58:23] chance to contribute, grow
[58:23] chance to contribute, grow
[58:26] and thrive. At wssc water we
[58:26] and thrive. At wssc water we
[58:28] have four primary goals as it relates
[58:28] have four primary goals as it relates
[58:29] to
[58:29] to
[58:31] this program. To provide structure
[58:31] this program. To provide structure
[58:35] employment pathways, foster
[58:35] employment pathways, foster
[58:36] partnerships, address systemic barriers
[58:36] partnerships, address systemic barriers
[58:38] to employment
[58:38] to employment
[58:41] and promote economic stability
[58:41] and promote economic stability
[58:44] and growth. The way
[58:44] and growth. The way
[58:47] that that pilot is structured as
[58:47] that that pilot is structured as
[58:52] we have pledged to hire a minimum
[58:52] we have pledged to hire a minimum
[58:53] of
[58:53] of
[58:54] five returning citizens and coordinating
[58:54] five returning citizens and coordinating
[58:56] currently with prince
[58:56] currently with prince
[58:57] george's county returning citizens
[58:57] george's county returning citizens
[58:59] affairs division. We are going
[58:59] affairs division. We are going
[59:02] to have a kickoff starting
[59:02] to have a kickoff starting
[59:04] february 23rd which is really an information
[59:04] february 23rd which is really an information
[59:08] session to share with
[59:08] session to share with
[59:10] those individuals who have gone through
[59:10] those individuals who have gone through
[59:11] a six week training
[59:11] a six week training
[59:14] information about wssc as well
[59:14] information about wssc as well
[59:17] as the opportunities that we have
[59:17] as the opportunities that we have
[59:18] here
[59:18] here
[59:20] to gain their interest
[59:20] to gain their interest
[59:21] and employment and find careers here
[59:21] and employment and find careers here
[59:23] at wssc . We
[59:23] at wssc . We
[59:25] are working closely with production
[59:25] are working closely with production
[59:26] and
[59:26] and
[59:28] utility services entry-level positions,
[59:28] utility services entry-level positions,
[59:29] we will
[59:29] we will
[59:32] soon be
[59:32] soon be
[59:33] expanding to community services and
[59:33] expanding to community services and
[59:35] general services as
[59:35] general services as
[59:38] other options for our
[59:38] other options for our
[59:41] returning citizens and also working
[59:41] returning citizens and also working
[59:44] with montgomery county
[59:44] with montgomery county
[59:47] source to expand the program so
[59:47] source to expand the program so
[59:50] that we cover
[59:50] that we cover
[59:53] our
[59:53] our
[59:54] territory. But with the initiative
[59:54] territory. But with the initiative
[59:56] there will be job
[59:56] there will be job
[59:59] training, participants will
[59:59] training, participants will
[1:00:01] be employees will come on as temporary
[1:00:01] be employees will come on as temporary
[1:00:02] and once they
[1:00:02] and once they
[1:00:05] are hired they
[1:00:05] are hired they
[1:00:06] have the opportunity to be hired in
[1:00:06] have the opportunity to be hired in
[1:00:08] a permanent status so that they can
[1:00:08] a permanent status so that they can
[1:00:11] then have the resources such as full
[1:00:11] then have the resources such as full
[1:00:12] benefits, retirement and everything
[1:00:12] benefits, retirement and everything
[1:00:14] that they need to
[1:00:14] that they need to
[1:00:17] sustain and be back into
[1:00:17] sustain and be back into
[1:00:20] the community. And helping to lead
[1:00:20] the community. And helping to lead
[1:00:23] to success. We will be
[1:00:23] to success. We will be
[1:00:25] working with counties to ensure there
[1:00:25] working with counties to ensure there
[1:00:26] is
[1:00:26] is
[1:00:28] job coaches, resources needed such
[1:00:28] job coaches, resources needed such
[1:00:29] as
[1:00:29] as
[1:00:32] legal resources, transportation,
[1:00:32] legal resources, transportation,
[1:00:35] there's housing concerns, as they
[1:00:35] there's housing concerns, as they
[1:00:36] get back
[1:00:36] get back
[1:00:38] on their feet we have a partner
[1:00:38] on their feet we have a partner
[1:00:40] to be able to provide those services.
[1:00:40] to be able to provide those services.
[1:00:41] so that is just one
[1:00:41] so that is just one
[1:00:44] of the initiatives that we have that
[1:00:44] of the initiatives that we have that
[1:00:45] we are
[1:00:45] we are
[1:00:46] very proud of and we look forward
[1:00:46] very proud of and we look forward
[1:00:47] to extending here at
[1:00:47] to extending here at
[1:00:50] wssc. The first cohort
[1:00:50] wssc. The first cohort
[1:00:53] we expect to hire
[1:00:53] we expect to hire
[1:00:56] in april which is
[1:00:56] in april which is
[1:00:58] national second chance month. So we
[1:00:58] national second chance month. So we
[1:00:59] will definitely
[1:00:59] will definitely
[1:01:02] make sure you are aware of when that
[1:01:02] make sure you are aware of when that
[1:01:05] first cohort comes in and if
[1:01:05] first cohort comes in and if
[1:01:08] you're interested in meeting the group
[1:01:08] you're interested in meeting the group
[1:01:09] we
[1:01:09] we
[1:01:11] will extend that invitation. Thank
[1:01:11] will extend that invitation. Thank
[1:01:12] you.
[1:01:12] you.
[1:01:13] >>
[1:01:13] >>
[1:01:14] thank you valerie. Next
[1:01:14] thank you valerie. Next
[1:01:17] up is limited you have
[1:01:17] up is limited you have
[1:01:19] any questions?
[1:01:19] any questions?
[1:01:20] >> just to say that
[1:01:20] >> just to say that
[1:01:21] I would
[1:01:21] I would
[1:01:22] be very, I'm sure my fellow commissioners
[1:01:22] be very, I'm sure my fellow commissioners
[1:01:23] would be very interested in
[1:01:23] would be very interested in
[1:01:26] attending any welcome ceremony that
[1:01:26] attending any welcome ceremony that
[1:01:29] you
[1:01:29] you
[1:01:32] have.
[1:01:32] have.
[1:01:33] >> I just wanted
[1:01:33] >> I just wanted
[1:01:34] to follow-up. How will you select
[1:01:34] to follow-up. How will you select
[1:01:37] the five?
[1:01:37] the five?
[1:01:38] >> we are working closely
[1:01:38] >> we are working closely
[1:01:39] with returning citizens
[1:01:39] with returning citizens
[1:01:40] affairs division with prince george's
[1:01:40] affairs division with prince george's
[1:01:41] county
[1:01:41] county
[1:01:44] and individuals
[1:01:44] and individuals
[1:01:46] will be they have to meet the qualifications
[1:01:46] will be they have to meet the qualifications
[1:01:47] of
[1:01:47] of
[1:01:49] the positions, they have to have completed
[1:01:49] the positions, they have to have completed
[1:01:50] career
[1:01:50] career
[1:01:52] development training provided through
[1:01:52] development training provided through
[1:01:53] one of their
[1:01:53] one of their
[1:01:55] partner organizations and then they
[1:01:55] partner organizations and then they
[1:01:56] will apply
[1:01:56] will apply
[1:01:59] for
[1:01:59] for
[1:02:01] a position. We want to give them the
[1:02:01] a position. We want to give them the
[1:02:02] experience they need in order to
[1:02:02] experience they need in order to
[1:02:05] compete for
[1:02:05] compete for
[1:02:08] employment but the jobs will be just
[1:02:08] employment but the jobs will be just
[1:02:09] for
[1:02:09] for
[1:02:11] those individuals who have completed
[1:02:11] those individuals who have completed
[1:02:12] or successfully
[1:02:12] or successfully
[1:02:14] completed
[1:02:14] completed
[1:02:16] those requirements. We are not sure
[1:02:16] those requirements. We are not sure
[1:02:17] how many will
[1:02:17] how many will
[1:02:20] be interested. The
[1:02:20] be interested. The
[1:02:23] information session will give
[1:02:23] information session will give
[1:02:25] us a gauge of how many people might
[1:02:25] us a gauge of how many people might
[1:02:28] be interested in the positions made
[1:02:28] be interested in the positions made
[1:02:31] available. But they will be selected
[1:02:31] available. But they will be selected
[1:02:32] through an interview process
[1:02:32] through an interview process
[1:02:35] just like every other candidate.
[1:02:35] just like every other candidate.
[1:02:36] >>
[1:02:36] >>
[1:02:38] thank you. Sounds like an excellent
[1:02:38] thank you. Sounds like an excellent
[1:02:39] opportunity.
[1:02:39] opportunity.
[1:02:40] >>
[1:02:40] >>
[1:02:41] thank
[1:02:41] thank
[1:02:44] you.
[1:02:44] you.
[1:02:45] >> thank you mr. German. I would
[1:02:45] >> thank you mr. German. I would
[1:02:46] also be
[1:02:46] also be
[1:02:47] interested in
[1:02:47] interested in
[1:02:50] whatever that initial kickoff participating
[1:02:50] whatever that initial kickoff participating
[1:02:51] in
[1:02:51] in
[1:02:53] that. And then also I'd like to touch
[1:02:53] that. And then also I'd like to touch
[1:02:57] base separately about the
[1:02:57] base separately about the
[1:03:00] connection with prince george's
[1:03:00] connection with prince george's
[1:03:03] county liaison
[1:03:03] county liaison
[1:03:08] returning citizens.
[1:03:08] returning citizens.
[1:03:09] >> thinking. >>
[1:03:09] >> thinking. >>
[1:03:10] thank
[1:03:10] thank
[1:03:12] you
[1:03:12] you
[1:03:13] so much. I'm going to turn to customer
[1:03:13] so much. I'm going to turn to customer
[1:03:15] engagement and
[1:03:15] engagement and
[1:03:18] partnership. We had more
[1:03:18] partnership. We had more
[1:03:20] good news, we received a letter from
[1:03:20] good news, we received a letter from
[1:03:24] one of our customers, mr.
[1:03:24] one of our customers, mr.
[1:03:27] goldberg who sent us a nice
[1:03:27] goldberg who sent us a nice
[1:03:30] message about the service that
[1:03:30] message about the service that
[1:03:33] he received where he had
[1:03:33] he received where he had
[1:03:36] an issue. Brandon stewart
[1:03:36] an issue. Brandon stewart
[1:03:39] is there, also
[1:03:39] is there, also
[1:03:42] michelle rodriguez who is a contractor
[1:03:42] michelle rodriguez who is a contractor
[1:03:45] in our pipeline
[1:03:45] in our pipeline
[1:03:48] construction division.
[1:03:48] construction division.
[1:03:51] michelle, if you could
[1:03:51] michelle, if you could
[1:03:54] stand and be
[1:03:54] stand and be
[1:03:57] recognized michelle. And she has
[1:03:57] recognized michelle. And she has
[1:04:00] a tremendous
[1:04:00] a tremendous
[1:04:01] story. She has been wanting to work
[1:04:01] story. She has been wanting to work
[1:04:03] with wssc water
[1:04:03] with wssc water
[1:04:04] and was just so thankful that she
[1:04:04] and was just so thankful that she
[1:04:09] was recognized in this way
[1:04:09] was recognized in this way
[1:04:10] and so I just wanted to make sure
[1:04:10] and so I just wanted to make sure
[1:04:12] that we highlighted her in the work
[1:04:12] that we highlighted her in the work
[1:04:15] that she is doing.
[1:04:15] that she is doing.
[1:04:16] very committed and dedicated to wssc
[1:04:16] very committed and dedicated to wssc
[1:04:18] water.
[1:04:18] water.
[1:04:21] again,
[1:04:21] again,
[1:04:24] our values are extending
[1:04:24] our values are extending
[1:04:27] beyond just our direct team
[1:04:27] beyond just our direct team
[1:04:30] members but everybody on our team.
[1:04:30] members but everybody on our team.
[1:04:33] you may
[1:04:33] you may
[1:04:34] remember commissioners late last year
[1:04:34] remember commissioners late last year
[1:04:36] I shared that we would
[1:04:36] I shared that we would
[1:04:38] be launching an initiative to transform
[1:04:38] be launching an initiative to transform
[1:04:39] our
[1:04:39] our
[1:04:42] service delivery. I
[1:04:42] service delivery. I
[1:04:43] talked about sustained and transformative
[1:04:43] talked about sustained and transformative
[1:04:45] change and that doesn't happen
[1:04:45] change and that doesn't happen
[1:04:48] without real elbow grease.
[1:04:48] without real elbow grease.
[1:04:51] and so just last week we kicked
[1:04:51] and so just last week we kicked
[1:04:54] off our what
[1:04:54] off our what
[1:04:57] we are calling operation
[1:04:57] we are calling operation
[1:05:00] true north. For sustained and
[1:05:00] true north. For sustained and
[1:05:02] transformative change. But this is
[1:05:02] transformative change. But this is
[1:05:03] a real initiative.
[1:05:03] a real initiative.
[1:05:06] we had several individuals
[1:05:06] we had several individuals
[1:05:09] from across the commission, different
[1:05:09] from across the commission, different
[1:05:10] departments across the commission
[1:05:10] departments across the commission
[1:05:12] come together to start
[1:05:12] come together to start
[1:05:15] working on the framework for
[1:05:15] working on the framework for
[1:05:18] true north. The focus is going
[1:05:18] true north. The focus is going
[1:05:21] to start with our external
[1:05:21] to start with our external
[1:05:24] facing customer
[1:05:24] facing customer
[1:05:26] service groups, not only customer
[1:05:26] service groups, not only customer
[1:05:27] service division but we
[1:05:27] service division but we
[1:05:29] are starting with the customer service
[1:05:29] are starting with the customer service
[1:05:30] department
[1:05:30] department
[1:05:32] and then we will continue with all
[1:05:32] and then we will continue with all
[1:05:36] of
[1:05:36] of
[1:05:38] the groups that have customer facing
[1:05:38] the groups that have customer facing
[1:05:41] responsibilities. But the goal is
[1:05:41] responsibilities. But the goal is
[1:05:45] to understand from the employees what
[1:05:45] to understand from the employees what
[1:05:47] would improve the employee experience
[1:05:47] would improve the employee experience
[1:05:48] but
[1:05:48] but
[1:05:49] most importantly what will improve
[1:05:49] most importantly what will improve
[1:05:51] the customer experience. In a
[1:05:51] the customer experience. In a
[1:05:54] sustainable
[1:05:54] sustainable
[1:05:56] way. We want to make sure that we
[1:05:56] way. We want to make sure that we
[1:05:57] are meeting service level targets,
[1:05:57] are meeting service level targets,
[1:05:58] that
[1:05:58] that
[1:06:00] we are really responsive to the
[1:06:00] we are really responsive to the
[1:06:03] feedback we have
[1:06:03] feedback we have
[1:06:06] received and we are building on the
[1:06:06] received and we are building on the
[1:06:07] change
[1:06:07] change
[1:06:09] management model.
[1:06:09] management model.
[1:06:11] first really promoting awareness of
[1:06:11] first really promoting awareness of
[1:06:12] this
[1:06:12] this
[1:06:14] initiative internally, we will do
[1:06:14] initiative internally, we will do
[1:06:15] the
[1:06:15] the
[1:06:18] same externally.
[1:06:18] same externally.
[1:06:21] creating a desire within our
[1:06:21] creating a desire within our
[1:06:23] team to make the changes that we need
[1:06:23] team to make the changes that we need
[1:06:24] to
[1:06:24] to
[1:06:30] make. And building our knowledge
[1:06:30] make. And building our knowledge
[1:06:32] base internally, closing any gaps
[1:06:32] base internally, closing any gaps
[1:06:33] so that we can provide
[1:06:33] so that we can provide
[1:06:36] the best service possible, making
[1:06:36] the best service possible, making
[1:06:37] sure that
[1:06:37] sure that
[1:06:38] our team members have the ability
[1:06:38] our team members have the ability
[1:06:39] and are equipped
[1:06:39] and are equipped
[1:06:42] to serve. And reinforcing what we
[1:06:42] to serve. And reinforcing what we
[1:06:48] are learning. Last week I had an opportunity
[1:06:48] are learning. Last week I had an opportunity
[1:06:50] to spend some time and our customer
[1:06:50] to spend some time and our customer
[1:06:51] service center call center answering
[1:06:51] service center call center answering
[1:06:57] calls and I was assistant to
[1:06:57] calls and I was assistant to
[1:07:00] answer those calls. And we were able
[1:07:00] answer those calls. And we were able
[1:07:01] to
[1:07:01] to
[1:07:02] identify some immediate things that
[1:07:02] identify some immediate things that
[1:07:03] we can
[1:07:03] we can
[1:07:06] do to provide better service to
[1:07:06] do to provide better service to
[1:07:09] our customers. But also make it
[1:07:09] our customers. But also make it
[1:07:12] easier for our team members to provide
[1:07:12] easier for our team members to provide
[1:07:13] the service
[1:07:13] the service
[1:07:14] that we are looking for, that our
[1:07:14] that we are looking for, that our
[1:07:15] customers are
[1:07:15] customers are
[1:07:18] expecting and
[1:07:18] expecting and
[1:07:20] we are going to spend some time with
[1:07:20] we are going to spend some time with
[1:07:21] them. Part of
[1:07:21] them. Part of
[1:07:23] this initiative is to close so that
[1:07:23] this initiative is to close so that
[1:07:24] we can have dedicated
[1:07:24] we can have dedicated
[1:07:27] service training and we
[1:07:27] service training and we
[1:07:30] will provide specifics
[1:07:30] will provide specifics
[1:07:33] around that, we are targeting getting
[1:07:33] around that, we are targeting getting
[1:07:36] this done
[1:07:36] this done
[1:07:38] before april. So we will provide some
[1:07:38] before april. So we will provide some
[1:07:39] specifics around
[1:07:39] specifics around
[1:07:45] the framework , the closure of the
[1:07:45] the framework , the closure of the
[1:07:46] call
[1:07:46] call
[1:07:47] center and customer service so that
[1:07:47] center and customer service so that
[1:07:48] we can really truly focus. A few years
[1:07:48] we can really truly focus. A few years
[1:07:53] ago when starbucks had some challenges,
[1:07:53] ago when starbucks had some challenges,
[1:07:54] they
[1:07:54] they
[1:07:57] closed for a day or two. They
[1:07:57] closed for a day or two. They
[1:08:00] had some service training with the
[1:08:00] had some service training with the
[1:08:01] thought that
[1:08:01] thought that
[1:08:02] when they reopened there would be
[1:08:02] when they reopened there would be
[1:08:03] a
[1:08:03] a
[1:08:04] difference visible difference from
[1:08:04] difference visible difference from
[1:08:06] the customer perspective
[1:08:06] the customer perspective
[1:08:08] in the service they were providing.
[1:08:08] in the service they were providing.
[1:08:09] and that's
[1:08:09] and that's
[1:08:12] what we are attempting
[1:08:12] what we are attempting
[1:08:15] to do. So I think everyone is
[1:08:15] to do. So I think everyone is
[1:08:20] on board. We went to really understand
[1:08:20] on board. We went to really understand
[1:08:21] from our team members this is an
[1:08:21] from our team members this is an
[1:08:24] opportunity for them to
[1:08:24] opportunity for them to
[1:08:27] be heard. They
[1:08:27] be heard. They
[1:08:29] have the lived experience, they are
[1:08:29] have the lived experience, they are
[1:08:30] closest to the work and it's
[1:08:30] closest to the work and it's
[1:08:33] very difficult when they can't get
[1:08:33] very difficult when they can't get
[1:08:34] away
[1:08:34] away
[1:08:36] from phones and taking
[1:08:36] from phones and taking
[1:08:38] payments and such, it's very difficult
[1:08:38] payments and such, it's very difficult
[1:08:39] for them
[1:08:39] for them
[1:08:41] to provide meaningful feedback and
[1:08:41] to provide meaningful feedback and
[1:08:42] really get the information in a
[1:08:42] really get the information in a
[1:08:45] way that is most helpful to them.
[1:08:45] way that is most helpful to them.
[1:08:46] two
[1:08:46] two
[1:08:47] again improve the customer service.
[1:08:47] again improve the customer service.
[1:08:48] we will keep you
[1:08:48] we will keep you
[1:08:51] posted on true north.
[1:08:51] posted on true north.
[1:08:54] I
[1:08:54] I
[1:08:56] have shared and you shared during
[1:08:56] have shared and you shared during
[1:08:57] our budget
[1:08:57] our budget
[1:09:00] hearings that confirmation of our
[1:09:00] hearings that confirmation of our
[1:09:01] aaa rating
[1:09:01] aaa rating
[1:09:03] for the 25th year in a row. This is
[1:09:03] for the 25th year in a row. This is
[1:09:04] part
[1:09:04] part
[1:09:07] of the 379 point
[1:09:07] of the 379 point
[1:09:10] $4
[1:09:10] $4
[1:09:11] million bond sale that is closing
[1:09:11] million bond sale that is closing
[1:09:15] this week. The offering includes 20.5
[1:09:15] this week. The offering includes 20.5
[1:09:16] million in green
[1:09:16] million in green
[1:09:19] months that
[1:09:19] months that
[1:09:20] will support environmentally beneficial
[1:09:20] will support environmentally beneficial
[1:09:22] water and
[1:09:22] water and
[1:09:25] wastewater
[1:09:25] wastewater
[1:09:28] projects.
[1:09:28] projects.
[1:09:29] and also noted the rating outlook
[1:09:29] and also noted the rating outlook
[1:09:31] continues to be
[1:09:31] continues to be
[1:09:34] stable. And quoting from s&p
[1:09:34] stable. And quoting from s&p
[1:09:37] rating overview wssc water
[1:09:37] rating overview wssc water
[1:09:40] credit quality anchored by the
[1:09:40] credit quality anchored by the
[1:09:41] extremely strong management team that
[1:09:41] extremely strong management team that
[1:09:43] has historically demonstrated
[1:09:43] has historically demonstrated
[1:09:46] an ability and
[1:09:46] an ability and
[1:09:47] willingness to reduce expenditures
[1:09:47] willingness to reduce expenditures
[1:09:48] and increase rates to maintain sufficient
[1:09:48] and increase rates to maintain sufficient
[1:09:52] coverage and liquidity.
[1:09:52] coverage and liquidity.
[1:09:55] we also received
[1:09:55] we also received
[1:09:57] similar comments from the other rating
[1:09:57] similar comments from the other rating
[1:09:59] agencies and this is why we are in
[1:09:59] agencies and this is why we are in
[1:10:01] the
[1:10:01] the
[1:10:02] midst of ramping up an ambitious capital
[1:10:02] midst of ramping up an ambitious capital
[1:10:04] improvement program replacing
[1:10:04] improvement program replacing
[1:10:07] aging infrastructure, strengthening
[1:10:07] aging infrastructure, strengthening
[1:10:10] reliability and resilience. So the
[1:10:10] reliability and resilience. So the
[1:10:13] need to maintain our aaa
[1:10:13] need to maintain our aaa
[1:10:16] rating and highest
[1:10:16] rating and highest
[1:10:18] credit rating that allows us to borrow
[1:10:18] credit rating that allows us to borrow
[1:10:19] at lower
[1:10:19] at lower
[1:10:21] interest rate which reduces financing
[1:10:21] interest rate which reduces financing
[1:10:22] cost
[1:10:22] cost
[1:10:24] and helps keep rates more affordable
[1:10:24] and helps keep rates more affordable
[1:10:25] in the end for
[1:10:25] in the end for
[1:10:28] the communities that we serve.
[1:10:28] the communities that we serve.
[1:10:30] so this is a clear validation of our
[1:10:30] so this is a clear validation of our
[1:10:31] financial
[1:10:31] financial
[1:10:34] discipline and financial
[1:10:34] discipline and financial
[1:10:36] strategy that you have put in place
[1:10:36] strategy that you have put in place
[1:10:37] and
[1:10:37] and
[1:10:40] supported commissioners.
[1:10:40] supported commissioners.
[1:10:42] continuing the good news on the finance
[1:10:42] continuing the good news on the finance
[1:10:43] front, the recently
[1:10:43] front, the recently
[1:10:46] passed
[1:10:46] passed
[1:10:47] fiscal year 2026 appropriations bill
[1:10:47] fiscal year 2026 appropriations bill
[1:10:49] includes nearly 2.2 million
[1:10:49] includes nearly 2.2 million
[1:10:51] in federal funding to support two
[1:10:51] in federal funding to support two
[1:10:52] critical
[1:10:52] critical
[1:10:56] infrastructure projects. One in prince
[1:10:56] infrastructure projects. One in prince
[1:10:57] georges county and one in montgomery
[1:10:57] georges county and one in montgomery
[1:10:58] county. Which will
[1:10:58] county. Which will
[1:11:01] help modernize aging systems
[1:11:01] help modernize aging systems
[1:11:04] to protect public health and safeguard
[1:11:04] to protect public health and safeguard
[1:11:06] local waterways. In montgomery county
[1:11:06] local waterways. In montgomery county
[1:11:07] we
[1:11:07] we
[1:11:08] have approximately 1.1 million which
[1:11:08] have approximately 1.1 million which
[1:11:10] will
[1:11:10] will
[1:11:11] support sewer improvement along the
[1:11:11] support sewer improvement along the
[1:11:13] northwest branch
[1:11:13] northwest branch
[1:11:16] of the river and
[1:11:16] of the river and
[1:11:17] silver spring where existing sewer
[1:11:17] silver spring where existing sewer
[1:11:19] mains are more than 75
[1:11:19] mains are more than 75
[1:11:20] years old. Construction is expected
[1:11:20] years old. Construction is expected
[1:11:22] to begin in september
[1:11:22] to begin in september
[1:11:25] of 2026 and be completed in
[1:11:25] of 2026 and be completed in
[1:11:28] october of 2027. Prince georges
[1:11:28] october of 2027. Prince georges
[1:11:31] county we
[1:11:31] county we
[1:11:33] have approximately 1.1 million which
[1:11:33] have approximately 1.1 million which
[1:11:34] is allocated to improve
[1:11:34] is allocated to improve
[1:11:37] deteriorating sewer mains in
[1:11:37] deteriorating sewer mains in
[1:11:39] hillcrest heights where some are more
[1:11:39] hillcrest heights where some are more
[1:11:40] than 75
[1:11:40] than 75
[1:11:42] years old. The project includes rehabilitation
[1:11:42] years old. The project includes rehabilitation
[1:11:45] and replacement of just under a mile
[1:11:45] and replacement of just under a mile
[1:11:46] of
[1:11:46] of
[1:11:49] sewer main and upgrade to 19 manholes.
[1:11:49] sewer main and upgrade to 19 manholes.
[1:11:52] construction is estimated
[1:11:52] construction is estimated
[1:11:54] to begin in the fall of 2026 and be
[1:11:54] to begin in the fall of 2026 and be
[1:11:55] completed in the
[1:11:55] completed in the
[1:11:58] fall
[1:11:58] fall
[1:12:00] of 2027. On behalf of wssc water I
[1:12:00] of 2027. On behalf of wssc water I
[1:12:01] want to think
[1:12:01] want to think
[1:12:04] u.s. Senators chris van hollen
[1:12:04] u.s. Senators chris van hollen
[1:12:07] and angela brooks as well as
[1:12:07] and angela brooks as well as
[1:12:09] representatives glenn ivey and jamie
[1:12:09] representatives glenn ivey and jamie
[1:12:10] raskin
[1:12:10] raskin
[1:12:12] for securing this federal funding.
[1:12:12] for securing this federal funding.
[1:12:13] and
[1:12:13] and
[1:12:16] special thanks also go to
[1:12:16] special thanks also go to
[1:12:17] state, county and local leaders for
[1:12:17] state, county and local leaders for
[1:12:19] their support of this
[1:12:19] their support of this
[1:12:22] congressional directed spending request
[1:12:22] congressional directed spending request
[1:12:23] and
[1:12:23] and
[1:12:24] just a point of personal privilege
[1:12:24] just a point of personal privilege
[1:12:25] I'd like to think
[1:12:25] I'd like to think
[1:12:27] representative raskin for his call
[1:12:27] representative raskin for his call
[1:12:28] to deliver the good
[1:12:28] to deliver the good
[1:12:31] news personally.
[1:12:31] news personally.
[1:12:34] continuing with updates from
[1:12:34] continuing with updates from
[1:12:36] the hill. The fiscal year 2026 appropriations
[1:12:36] the hill. The fiscal year 2026 appropriations
[1:12:40] bill passed, the fiscal year 27 appropriations
[1:12:40] bill passed, the fiscal year 27 appropriations
[1:12:41] process
[1:12:41] process
[1:12:43] has began.
[1:12:43] has began.
[1:12:45] epa program reauthorization bill is
[1:12:45] epa program reauthorization bill is
[1:12:49] on deck and they're looking
[1:12:49] on deck and they're looking
[1:12:52] to authorize the
[1:12:52] to authorize the
[1:12:55] expiring provisions of the infrastructure
[1:12:55] expiring provisions of the infrastructure
[1:12:56] investment and
[1:12:56] investment and
[1:12:58] jobs act. We continue to stay close
[1:12:58] jobs act. We continue to stay close
[1:13:00] to that. And the water resources development
[1:13:00] to that. And the water resources development
[1:13:04] act is underway. Congress
[1:13:04] act is underway. Congress
[1:13:07] will work to pass
[1:13:07] will work to pass
[1:13:10] the biannual w rda
[1:13:10] the biannual w rda
[1:13:13] this week this year
[1:13:13] this week this year
[1:13:15] and we did some request for the bill
[1:13:15] and we did some request for the bill
[1:13:16] to make sure that
[1:13:16] to make sure that
[1:13:19] we have funding authorized and
[1:13:19] we have funding authorized and
[1:13:22] appropriated
[1:13:22] appropriated
[1:13:25] that measure. Under
[1:13:25] that measure. Under
[1:13:28] asset management I shared that I would
[1:13:28] asset management I shared that I would
[1:13:29] touch on general
[1:13:29] touch on general
[1:13:31] services fleet
[1:13:31] services fleet
[1:13:33] division again. They are definitely
[1:13:33] division again. They are definitely
[1:13:34] full speed ahead. I
[1:13:34] full speed ahead. I
[1:13:37] don't
[1:13:37] don't
[1:13:39] know how we lucked up getting such
[1:13:39] know how we lucked up getting such
[1:13:40] a
[1:13:40] a
[1:13:42] great department, the best in the
[1:13:42] great department, the best in the
[1:13:43] country but
[1:13:43] country but
[1:13:46] we
[1:13:46] we
[1:13:49] do. And I'm glad we
[1:13:49] do. And I'm glad we
[1:13:51] have them. In december of 2022 there
[1:13:51] have them. In december of 2022 there
[1:13:55] were 326 overdue preventative
[1:13:55] were 326 overdue preventative
[1:13:57] maintenance items. But by december
[1:13:57] maintenance items. But by december
[1:13:58] 2023 they had
[1:13:58] 2023 they had
[1:14:01] been decreased to 96.
[1:14:01] been decreased to 96.
[1:14:03] in december of 2024 they were down
[1:14:03] in december of 2024 they were down
[1:14:04] to
[1:14:04] to
[1:14:07] 51 and december
[1:14:07] 51 and december
[1:14:10] of 2025 they closed the year with
[1:14:10] of 2025 they closed the year with
[1:14:13] zero overdue
[1:14:13] zero overdue
[1:14:16] preventative maintenance.
[1:14:16] preventative maintenance.
[1:14:25] thanks again to the
[1:14:25] thanks again to the
[1:14:27] fleet management team. Now I will
[1:14:27] fleet management team. Now I will
[1:14:28] turn to
[1:14:28] turn to
[1:14:31] optimizing operations. Will share
[1:14:31] optimizing operations. Will share
[1:14:32] where
[1:14:32] where
[1:14:34] we are with our
[1:14:34] we are with our
[1:14:37] biosolids marketing.
[1:14:37] biosolids marketing.
[1:14:38] >> thank
[1:14:38] >> thank
[1:14:40] you general manager powell and good
[1:14:40] you general manager powell and good
[1:14:41] morning
[1:14:41] morning
[1:14:43] mr. Chair, commissioners.
[1:14:43] mr. Chair, commissioners.
[1:14:46] madam corporate secretary
[1:14:46] madam corporate secretary
[1:14:49] and madam general manager. Team h2o
[1:14:49] and madam general manager. Team h2o
[1:14:52] and customers. I am
[1:14:52] and customers. I am
[1:14:56] deputy general manager for
[1:14:56] deputy general manager for
[1:14:59] operation and before
[1:14:59] operation and before
[1:15:02] I get into
[1:15:02] I get into
[1:15:05] class a marketing,
[1:15:05] class a marketing,
[1:15:08] let me begin with a clear
[1:15:08] let me begin with a clear
[1:15:11] value statement regarding class
[1:15:11] value statement regarding class
[1:15:14] a biosolids. As we on the
[1:15:14] a biosolids. As we on the
[1:15:17] they are
[1:15:17] they are
[1:15:19] nutrient rich organic materials that
[1:15:19] nutrient rich organic materials that
[1:15:23] provide significant value
[1:15:23] provide significant value
[1:15:26] both as a fertilizer and
[1:15:26] both as a fertilizer and
[1:15:30] soil. Because they make strict federal
[1:15:30] soil. Because they make strict federal
[1:15:32] and state pathogen
[1:15:32] and state pathogen
[1:15:35] reduction standards
[1:15:35] reduction standards
[1:15:38] with pathogen indicators
[1:15:38] with pathogen indicators
[1:15:41] below limits
[1:15:41] below limits
[1:15:42] they can be distributed to the general
[1:15:42] they can be distributed to the general
[1:15:44] public without
[1:15:44] public without
[1:15:48] restrictions. Reducing reliance on
[1:15:48] restrictions. Reducing reliance on
[1:15:49] commercial synthetic fertilizers.
[1:15:49] commercial synthetic fertilizers.
[1:15:53] so this value translates to
[1:15:53] so this value translates to
[1:15:56] economic value. When
[1:15:56] economic value. When
[1:15:59] properly marketed and creating
[1:15:59] properly marketed and creating
[1:16:02] opportunities for the commission
[1:16:02] opportunities for the commission
[1:16:05] to achieve cost recovery as
[1:16:05] to achieve cost recovery as
[1:16:08] well as
[1:16:08] well as
[1:16:10] potential revenue. Wssc water has
[1:16:10] potential revenue. Wssc water has
[1:16:11] the potential
[1:16:11] the potential
[1:16:14] to market
[1:16:14] to market
[1:16:17] approximately 65,000 tons
[1:16:17] approximately 65,000 tons
[1:16:20] a year. Of class a
[1:16:20] a year. Of class a
[1:16:23] biosolids produced at
[1:16:23] biosolids produced at
[1:16:26] the piscataway facility as
[1:16:26] the piscataway facility as
[1:16:29] well as its share of class
[1:16:29] well as its share of class
[1:16:32] a biosolids planes
[1:16:32] a biosolids planes
[1:16:35] about 60,000 tons
[1:16:35] about 60,000 tons
[1:16:38] a year or 42% of
[1:16:38] a year or 42% of
[1:16:41] the 144,000 generated
[1:16:41] the 144,000 generated
[1:16:44] annually. However, realizing this
[1:16:44] annually. However, realizing this
[1:16:47] benefit requires three
[1:16:47] benefit requires three
[1:16:50] major items. First, obtaining
[1:16:50] major items. First, obtaining
[1:16:53] the required state certification
[1:16:53] the required state certification
[1:16:56] and permits such as the maryland
[1:16:56] and permits such as the maryland
[1:16:59] department of
[1:16:59] department of
[1:17:01] the environment that certifies class
[1:17:01] the environment that certifies class
[1:17:08] a quality and safety through
[1:17:08] a quality and safety through
[1:17:11] an approved control and monitoring
[1:17:11] an approved control and monitoring
[1:17:12] plan.
[1:17:12] plan.
[1:17:13] and maryland department of agriculture
[1:17:13] and maryland department of agriculture
[1:17:14] product
[1:17:14] product
[1:17:17] registration to market
[1:17:17] registration to market
[1:17:20] the material as a fertilizer and
[1:17:20] the material as a fertilizer and
[1:17:23] soil amendment. We
[1:17:23] soil amendment. We
[1:17:26] have submitted a
[1:17:26] have submitted a
[1:17:29] utilization permit
[1:17:29] utilization permit
[1:17:30] application to maryland department
[1:17:30] application to maryland department
[1:17:32] of the environment in
[1:17:32] of the environment in
[1:17:35] november 2025. With a revised package
[1:17:35] november 2025. With a revised package
[1:17:38] that was submitted in january of
[1:17:38] that was submitted in january of
[1:17:41] this year.
[1:17:41] this year.
[1:17:44] feedback received. Second,
[1:17:44] feedback received. Second,
[1:17:47] it requires
[1:17:47] it requires
[1:17:50] developing
[1:17:50] developing
[1:17:53] products tailored to specific market
[1:17:53] products tailored to specific market
[1:17:54] needs.
[1:17:54] needs.
[1:17:56] such as bulk fertilizers and
[1:17:56] such as bulk fertilizers and
[1:17:59] soil amendments
[1:17:59] soil amendments
[1:18:02] for agriculture. Landscaping
[1:18:02] for agriculture. Landscaping
[1:18:08] et cetera.
[1:18:08] et cetera.
[1:18:17] it requires marketing strategy
[1:18:17] it requires marketing strategy
[1:18:20] with targeted outreach
[1:18:20] with targeted outreach
[1:18:23] to educate potential users. And
[1:18:23] to educate potential users. And
[1:18:26] build networks
[1:18:26] build networks
[1:18:29] and partnership such as farmers
[1:18:29] and partnership such as farmers
[1:18:32] and landscapers. However, there
[1:18:32] and landscapers. However, there
[1:18:35] are
[1:18:35] are
[1:18:36] challenges. Primarily the evolving
[1:18:36] challenges. Primarily the evolving
[1:18:38] regulatory
[1:18:38] regulatory
[1:18:40] landscape including regulations related
[1:18:40] landscape including regulations related
[1:18:41] to
[1:18:41] to
[1:18:44] p fas. This can be addressed
[1:18:44] p fas. This can be addressed
[1:18:47] through solutions such as
[1:18:47] through solutions such as
[1:18:50] source control and treatment
[1:18:50] source control and treatment
[1:18:53] option to reduce p fas in the
[1:18:53] option to reduce p fas in the
[1:18:56] final
[1:18:56] final
[1:18:59] product. They also require
[1:18:59] product. They also require
[1:19:02] active engagement with the
[1:19:02] active engagement with the
[1:19:05] regulators. And partnership across
[1:19:05] regulators. And partnership across
[1:19:11] the region.
[1:19:11] the region.
[1:19:14] this
[1:19:14] this
[1:19:17] will lead to
[1:19:17] will lead to
[1:19:20] this slide on partnership for
[1:19:20] this slide on partnership for
[1:19:23] sustainable management. And as you
[1:19:23] sustainable management. And as you
[1:19:26] all know solving
[1:19:26] all know solving
[1:19:29] emerging biosolids challenges requires
[1:19:29] emerging biosolids challenges requires
[1:19:30] strategic
[1:19:30] strategic
[1:19:33] regional partnership that can pull
[1:19:33] regional partnership that can pull
[1:19:35] resources and expertise from
[1:19:35] resources and expertise from
[1:19:38] the region. So
[1:19:38] the region. So
[1:19:41] the vision and purpose of this partnership
[1:19:41] the vision and purpose of this partnership
[1:19:44] is to reduce regional silos.
[1:19:44] is to reduce regional silos.
[1:19:47] enhance alignment. Build trust
[1:19:47] enhance alignment. Build trust
[1:19:52] and relationships with partners and
[1:19:52] and relationships with partners and
[1:19:53] as the
[1:19:53] as the
[1:19:56] largest utility in the region, position
[1:19:56] largest utility in the region, position
[1:19:57] as
[1:19:57] as
[1:19:59] an anchor to such
[1:19:59] an anchor to such
[1:20:04] a partnership. The scope of the partnership
[1:20:04] a partnership. The scope of the partnership
[1:20:05] is to advocate
[1:20:05] is to advocate
[1:20:08] for science-based policies.
[1:20:08] for science-based policies.
[1:20:11] share technical expertise
[1:20:11] share technical expertise
[1:20:14] and resources, advanced research and
[1:20:14] and resources, advanced research and
[1:20:15] development, manage
[1:20:15] development, manage
[1:20:17] emerging contaminants such as p fas
[1:20:17] emerging contaminants such as p fas
[1:20:19] and advance beneficial reuse of this
[1:20:19] and advance beneficial reuse of this
[1:20:24] valuable product. The who or
[1:20:24] valuable product. The who or
[1:20:28] the participants include a coalition
[1:20:28] the participants include a coalition
[1:20:29] of water utilities, municipalities,
[1:20:29] of water utilities, municipalities,
[1:20:30] regulators and
[1:20:30] regulators and
[1:20:33] research institutes
[1:20:33] research institutes
[1:20:34] such as universities, agriculture
[1:20:34] such as universities, agriculture
[1:20:35] partners and private entities who
[1:20:35] partners and private entities who
[1:20:39] can have funds that
[1:20:39] can have funds that
[1:20:42] can invest in such partnership.
[1:20:42] can invest in such partnership.
[1:20:45] among others.
[1:20:45] among others.
[1:20:46] the how to start this partnership
[1:20:46] the how to start this partnership
[1:20:48] is through
[1:20:48] is through
[1:20:50] a deliberate listen first engagement
[1:20:50] a deliberate listen first engagement
[1:20:54] model. That uses
[1:20:54] model. That uses
[1:20:57] phased
[1:20:57] phased
[1:20:58] to define shared priorities and document
[1:20:58] to define shared priorities and document
[1:21:00] solutions. This is
[1:21:00] solutions. This is
[1:21:03] all about coming
[1:21:03] all about coming
[1:21:05] to solutions. There are other entities
[1:21:05] to solutions. There are other entities
[1:21:11] like associations there but this is
[1:21:11] like associations there but this is
[1:21:12] primarily
[1:21:12] primarily
[1:21:15] solutions to issues
[1:21:15] solutions to issues
[1:21:18] that opportunities we have in
[1:21:18] that opportunities we have in
[1:21:21] the region. Pertaining to biosolids
[1:21:21] the region. Pertaining to biosolids
[1:21:23] management. We have a workshop scheduled
[1:21:23] management. We have a workshop scheduled
[1:21:24] with
[1:21:24] with
[1:21:27] this objective that will be held at
[1:21:27] this objective that will be held at
[1:21:30] wssc water on march 6th.
[1:21:30] wssc water on march 6th.
[1:21:32] to discuss on this partnership as
[1:21:32] to discuss on this partnership as
[1:21:36] well as to focus during
[1:21:36] well as to focus during
[1:21:39] this workshop on the
[1:21:39] this workshop on the
[1:21:42] treatment authority that will be
[1:21:42] treatment authority that will be
[1:21:45] useful to enhance
[1:21:45] useful to enhance
[1:21:48] source control.
[1:21:48] source control.
[1:21:57] an update on
[1:21:57] an update on
[1:22:00] the potomac
[1:22:00] the potomac
[1:22:01] interceptor. A high level overview
[1:22:01] interceptor. A high level overview
[1:22:03] of the
[1:22:03] of the
[1:22:06] potomac interceptor collapse.
[1:22:06] potomac interceptor collapse.
[1:22:09] d.c. Water owns, operates and maintains
[1:22:09] d.c. Water owns, operates and maintains
[1:22:12] the potomac interceptor. 54
[1:22:12] the potomac interceptor. 54
[1:22:18] mile sanatorium--
[1:22:18] mile sanatorium--
[1:22:20] sanitary system built in the 1960s
[1:22:20] sanitary system built in the 1960s
[1:22:21] pursuant to an act
[1:22:21] pursuant to an act
[1:22:24] of congress. The
[1:22:24] of congress. The
[1:22:26] interceptor ranges in diameter and
[1:22:26] interceptor ranges in diameter and
[1:22:27] serves
[1:22:27] serves
[1:22:29] approximately 376 square miles and
[1:22:29] approximately 376 square miles and
[1:22:33] conveys flows from fairfax and
[1:22:33] conveys flows from fairfax and
[1:22:36] loudoun
[1:22:36] loudoun
[1:22:38] county, town of vienna, dulles airport
[1:22:38] county, town of vienna, dulles airport
[1:22:39] in
[1:22:39] in
[1:22:41] virginia and portions of montgomery
[1:22:41] virginia and portions of montgomery
[1:22:42] county,
[1:22:42] county,
[1:22:45] maryland to d.c. Water for the
[1:22:45] maryland to d.c. Water for the
[1:22:48] treatment plant. On average it
[1:22:48] treatment plant. On average it
[1:22:51] carries between 40 to
[1:22:51] carries between 40 to
[1:22:54] 60 million gallons per
[1:22:54] 60 million gallons per
[1:22:57] day from a regulatory
[1:22:57] day from a regulatory
[1:23:00] standpoint d.c. Water is primarily
[1:23:00] standpoint d.c. Water is primarily
[1:23:01] overseen by
[1:23:01] overseen by
[1:23:02] the u.s. Environment rejection agency.
[1:23:02] the u.s. Environment rejection agency.
[1:23:03] which enforces
[1:23:03] which enforces
[1:23:06] federal drinking water and
[1:23:06] federal drinking water and
[1:23:12] wastewater standards.
[1:23:12] wastewater standards.
[1:23:21] a section
[1:23:21] a section
[1:23:23] collapsed on monday, january 19th
[1:23:23] collapsed on monday, january 19th
[1:23:24] 2026
[1:23:24] 2026
[1:23:27] along
[1:23:27] along
[1:23:29] the parkway and the 495 interchange
[1:23:29] the parkway and the 495 interchange
[1:23:30] in montgomery
[1:23:30] in montgomery
[1:23:33] county. Causing a
[1:23:33] county. Causing a
[1:23:36] signatory overflow
[1:23:36] signatory overflow
[1:23:39] in the national canal
[1:23:39] in the national canal
[1:23:42] historic park that enters the
[1:23:42] historic park that enters the
[1:23:44] potomac river. The reinforced concrete
[1:23:44] potomac river. The reinforced concrete
[1:23:45] pipe is
[1:23:45] pipe is
[1:23:48] 72 inches in diameter at the location
[1:23:48] 72 inches in diameter at the location
[1:23:49] of
[1:23:49] of
[1:23:51] the break. To contain
[1:23:51] the break. To contain
[1:23:54] the overflow, a plan was developed
[1:23:54] the overflow, a plan was developed
[1:23:57] by d.c. Water and d.c.
[1:23:57] by d.c. Water and d.c.
[1:24:02] water mobilized a bypass pumping system
[1:24:02] water mobilized a bypass pumping system
[1:24:03] that
[1:24:03] that
[1:24:06] was activated on january 24th. During
[1:24:06] was activated on january 24th. During
[1:24:07] the first
[1:24:07] the first
[1:24:09] five days before
[1:24:09] five days before
[1:24:12] the bypass activated 194 million gallons
[1:24:12] the bypass activated 194 million gallons
[1:24:15] of overflow and there
[1:24:15] of overflow and there
[1:24:18] have been approximately 243
[1:24:18] have been approximately 243
[1:24:20] million gallons that overflow since
[1:24:20] million gallons that overflow since
[1:24:24] the incident. D.c. Water
[1:24:24] the incident. D.c. Water
[1:24:27] bypass system is up and running and
[1:24:27] bypass system is up and running and
[1:24:28] is being
[1:24:28] is being
[1:24:30] monitored 24/7. The capacity
[1:24:30] monitored 24/7. The capacity
[1:24:36] is now 60 but d.c. Water plans to
[1:24:36] is now 60 but d.c. Water plans to
[1:24:37] increase
[1:24:37] increase
[1:24:39] this to 100 by constructing
[1:24:39] this to 100 by constructing
[1:24:42] a
[1:24:42] a
[1:24:45] third chamber.
[1:24:45] third chamber.
[1:24:48] work is ongoing to construct
[1:24:48] work is ongoing to construct
[1:24:50] the bulkhead to isolate the section
[1:24:50] the bulkhead to isolate the section
[1:24:51] of the pipe where the break is
[1:24:51] of the pipe where the break is
[1:24:53] located. To access the pipe and remove
[1:24:53] located. To access the pipe and remove
[1:24:57] large boulders at the bottom of
[1:24:57] large boulders at the bottom of
[1:25:00] the pipe. D.c. Water estimates it
[1:25:00] the pipe. D.c. Water estimates it
[1:25:01] will take another
[1:25:01] will take another
[1:25:03] four to six weeks
[1:25:03] four to six weeks
[1:25:06] to excavate, clear the
[1:25:06] to excavate, clear the
[1:25:09] pipe luggage and install additional
[1:25:09] pipe luggage and install additional
[1:25:12] file past chambers. And another
[1:25:12] file past chambers. And another
[1:25:15] nine months for permanent
[1:25:15] nine months for permanent
[1:25:18] repairs using construction method.
[1:25:18] repairs using construction method.
[1:25:21] according to
[1:25:21] according to
[1:25:24] d.c. Water they are developing a
[1:25:24] d.c. Water they are developing a
[1:25:27] restoration
[1:25:27] restoration
[1:25:29] plan in conjunction with federal state
[1:25:29] plan in conjunction with federal state
[1:25:30] and local regulators
[1:25:30] and local regulators
[1:25:33] and also conducting daily water quality
[1:25:33] and also conducting daily water quality
[1:25:34] sampling. They
[1:25:34] sampling. They
[1:25:36] also have a dedicated
[1:25:36] also have a dedicated
[1:25:39] webpage established for information
[1:25:39] webpage established for information
[1:25:40] on the potomac
[1:25:40] on the potomac
[1:25:42] interceptor collapse.
[1:25:42] interceptor collapse.
[1:25:45] in terms
[1:25:45] in terms
[1:25:47] of messaging to customers we will
[1:25:47] of messaging to customers we will
[1:25:48] continue to clearly
[1:25:48] continue to clearly
[1:25:51] and consistently maintain
[1:25:51] and consistently maintain
[1:25:54] the potomac water filtration plant
[1:25:54] the potomac water filtration plant
[1:25:55] intake
[1:25:55] intake
[1:25:58] is located upstream of the sewer
[1:25:58] is located upstream of the sewer
[1:26:00] break and water quality has not been
[1:26:00] break and water quality has not been
[1:26:05] impacted. And that drinking water
[1:26:05] impacted. And that drinking water
[1:26:10] remains safe. We have
[1:26:10] remains safe. We have
[1:26:13] a clip that shows the location
[1:26:13] a clip that shows the location
[1:26:16] of the potomac water filtration
[1:26:16] of the potomac water filtration
[1:26:19] plant upstream of the
[1:26:19] plant upstream of the
[1:26:25] break location
[1:26:25] break location
[1:26:31] that's
[1:26:31] that's
[1:26:34] the potomac water filtration plant.
[1:26:34] the potomac water filtration plant.
[1:26:36] and in relation to the break location.
[1:26:36] and in relation to the break location.
[1:26:37] which
[1:26:37] which
[1:26:43] is downstream. We
[1:26:43] is downstream. We
[1:26:46] are
[1:26:46] are
[1:26:49] also posting paid messaging
[1:26:49] also posting paid messaging
[1:26:52] to targeted montgomery county
[1:26:52] to targeted montgomery county
[1:26:55] with flows
[1:26:55] with flows
[1:26:57] to the potomac interceptor to enhance
[1:26:57] to the potomac interceptor to enhance
[1:26:58] outreach
[1:26:58] outreach
[1:27:01] related to encouraging residents
[1:27:01] related to encouraging residents
[1:27:04] to avoid
[1:27:04] to avoid
[1:27:07] flushing wipes and may
[1:27:07] flushing wipes and may
[1:27:10] impact the stations they have installed.
[1:27:10] impact the stations they have installed.
[1:27:12] on friday february 13th there was
[1:27:12] on friday february 13th there was
[1:27:16] a briefing on this issue
[1:27:16] a briefing on this issue
[1:27:19] before the maryland general
[1:27:19] before the maryland general
[1:27:22] assembly and where d.c.
[1:27:22] assembly and where d.c.
[1:27:25] water
[1:27:25] water
[1:27:26] presented updates that can be provided
[1:27:26] presented updates that can be provided
[1:27:31] to you for
[1:27:31] to you for
[1:27:33] your review. With that I completed
[1:27:33] your review. With that I completed
[1:27:37] my presentation.
[1:27:37] my presentation.
[1:27:38] >>
[1:27:38] >>
[1:27:40] thank you. I will end on
[1:27:40] thank you. I will end on
[1:27:43] this slide. This
[1:27:43] this slide. This
[1:27:46] is a snapshot of the business of the
[1:27:46] is a snapshot of the business of the
[1:27:47] day.
[1:27:47] day.
[1:27:49] we have four new awards. One
[1:27:49] we have four new awards. One
[1:27:51] change order and a two option terms
[1:27:51] change order and a two option terms
[1:27:52] totaling more than 35
[1:27:52] totaling more than 35
[1:27:55] million. We also
[1:27:55] million. We also
[1:27:56] have six information only presentations
[1:27:56] have six information only presentations
[1:27:58] from the team which we
[1:27:58] from the team which we
[1:28:01] will get through in
[1:28:01] will get through in
[1:28:03] their time based on other things that
[1:28:03] their time based on other things that
[1:28:04] are happening. And
[1:28:04] are happening. And
[1:28:07] my last point, I wanted
[1:28:07] my last point, I wanted
[1:28:10] to just
[1:28:10] to just
[1:28:13] make sure I recognize all of
[1:28:13] make sure I recognize all of
[1:28:15] the team. This is what happens when
[1:28:15] the team. This is what happens when
[1:28:16] you start
[1:28:16] you start
[1:28:18] naming names. General counsel office
[1:28:18] naming names. General counsel office
[1:28:19] and
[1:28:19] and
[1:28:23] supplier and the office of supplier
[1:28:23] supplier and the office of supplier
[1:28:25] and diversity. And again,
[1:28:25] and diversity. And again,
[1:28:27] the general manager office of performance
[1:28:27] the general manager office of performance
[1:28:28] and
[1:28:28] and
[1:28:30] accountability were also part of our
[1:28:30] accountability were also part of our
[1:28:34] response and very, very
[1:28:34] response and very, very
[1:28:37] important part of
[1:28:37] important part of
[1:28:39] team h2o. So I want to make sure they
[1:28:39] team h2o. So I want to make sure they
[1:28:40] are recognized as
[1:28:40] are recognized as
[1:28:41] well. And happy birthday to all the
[1:28:41] well. And happy birthday to all the
[1:28:43] february
[1:28:43] february
[1:28:46] birthday
[1:28:46] birthday
[1:28:49] hammers including.
[1:28:49] hammers including.
[1:28:52] and commissioner
[1:28:52] and commissioner
[1:28:54] speed-bost. And vice chair powell.
[1:28:54] speed-bost. And vice chair powell.
[1:28:58] happy birthday
[1:28:58] happy birthday
[1:29:04] to you
[1:29:04] to you
[1:29:07] .
[1:29:07] .
[1:29:08] >> I had a question for
[1:29:08] >> I had a question for
[1:29:10] the commissioner. The
[1:29:10] the commissioner. The
[1:29:13] potomac interceptor. Joint
[1:29:13] potomac interceptor. Joint
[1:29:15] use facility and just wondering if
[1:29:15] use facility and just wondering if
[1:29:19] you know if that
[1:29:19] you know if that
[1:29:22] is attributed to wssc for our portion
[1:29:22] is attributed to wssc for our portion
[1:29:23] of
[1:29:23] of
[1:29:25] the flows.
[1:29:25] the flows.
[1:29:26] >> that's
[1:29:26] >> that's
[1:29:28] a great question. Depending on
[1:29:28] a great question. Depending on
[1:29:31] the location through
[1:29:31] the location through
[1:29:34] the jurisdictions depending on location
[1:29:34] the jurisdictions depending on location
[1:29:35] of
[1:29:35] of
[1:29:37] the pi. At this location I think
[1:29:37] the pi. At this location I think
[1:29:40] our share of cost
[1:29:40] our share of cost
[1:29:43] is
[1:29:43] is
[1:29:46] approximately 30%.
[1:29:46] approximately 30%.
[1:29:47] >> I also
[1:29:47] >> I also
[1:29:49] understand that repairs have
[1:29:49] understand that repairs have
[1:29:50] been planned and underway for quite
[1:29:50] been planned and underway for quite
[1:29:52] a while. Do you think these are going
[1:29:52] a while. Do you think these are going
[1:29:53] to
[1:29:53] to
[1:29:54] lead to significant increase cost
[1:29:54] lead to significant increase cost
[1:29:55] to
[1:29:55] to
[1:29:58] wssc beyond
[1:29:58] wssc beyond
[1:30:01] already planned? Maybe
[1:30:01] already planned? Maybe
[1:30:03] that is for later in the discussion.
[1:30:03] that is for later in the discussion.
[1:30:04] >> that's to
[1:30:04] >> that's to
[1:30:07] be determined. It depends on their
[1:30:07] be determined. It depends on their
[1:30:08] assessment as well
[1:30:08] assessment as well
[1:30:10] as the plan. Currently they do have
[1:30:10] as the plan. Currently they do have
[1:30:16] a plan
[1:30:16] a plan
[1:30:19] that was done prior to this incident.
[1:30:19] that was done prior to this incident.
[1:30:20] they
[1:30:20] they
[1:30:22] had
[1:30:22] had
[1:30:24] a plan that would cost higher than
[1:30:24] a plan that would cost higher than
[1:30:25] 600
[1:30:25] 600
[1:30:27] million but depending on the findings
[1:30:27] million but depending on the findings
[1:30:28] and what needs to be
[1:30:28] and what needs to be
[1:30:31] done moving forward. So we will give
[1:30:31] done moving forward. So we will give
[1:30:34] you updates as we learn more
[1:30:34] you updates as we learn more
[1:30:37] about that.
[1:30:37] about that.
[1:30:38] >>
[1:30:38] >>
[1:30:40] thank you.
[1:30:40] thank you.
[1:30:41] >> any
[1:30:41] >> any
[1:30:43] additional questions? Thank you gm.
[1:30:43] additional questions? Thank you gm.
[1:30:44] >>
[1:30:44] >>
[1:30:49] thank you.
[1:30:49] thank you.
[1:30:58] heard the
[1:30:58] heard the
[1:31:01] recusal statement at this time we
[1:31:01] recusal statement at this time we
[1:31:04] want to
[1:31:04] want to
[1:31:07] allow commissioner
[1:31:07] allow commissioner
[1:31:09] espy-williams the opportunity to exit
[1:31:09] espy-williams the opportunity to exit
[1:31:10] as we prepare to be
[1:31:10] as we prepare to be
[1:31:12] briefed on the first contract item.
[1:31:12] briefed on the first contract item.
[1:31:13] we will now move through the contract
[1:31:13] we will now move through the contract
[1:31:14] approvals
[1:31:14] approvals
[1:31:19] by department, commissioners would
[1:31:19] by department, commissioners would
[1:31:20] like to clarify that
[1:31:20] like to clarify that
[1:31:21] the absence of questions is not due
[1:31:21] the absence of questions is not due
[1:31:23] to a lack of review but rather
[1:31:23] to a lack of review but rather
[1:31:24] indication that we are satisfied with
[1:31:24] indication that we are satisfied with
[1:31:26] the
[1:31:26] the
[1:31:29] contact and directors presenting
[1:31:29] contact and directors presenting
[1:31:31] contract items may now proceed to
[1:31:31] contract items may now proceed to
[1:31:35] the table in preparation for
[1:31:35] the table in preparation for
[1:31:36] the presentations. Our goal is to
[1:31:36] the presentations. Our goal is to
[1:31:38] review and approve all contracts
[1:31:38] review and approve all contracts
[1:31:41] at one time. We will begin with
[1:31:41] at one time. We will begin with
[1:31:42] engineering and construction and I
[1:31:42] engineering and construction and I
[1:31:44] will recognize
[1:31:44] will recognize
[1:31:47] chief engineer
[1:31:47] chief engineer
[1:31:48] to present the first three items.
[1:31:48] to present the first three items.
[1:31:49] >> good morning chair smith. Vice
[1:31:49] >> good morning chair smith. Vice
[1:31:53] chair powell.
[1:31:53] chair powell.
[1:31:56] commissioners. Corporate secretary.
[1:31:56] commissioners. Corporate secretary.
[1:31:59] and general manager powell. My
[1:31:59] and general manager powell. My
[1:32:02] name is alan wong,
[1:32:02] name is alan wong,
[1:32:05] chief engineer. This first
[1:32:05] chief engineer. This first
[1:32:06] commission package requests approval
[1:32:06] commission package requests approval
[1:32:08] to award a contract
[1:32:08] to award a contract
[1:32:14] number 76596 729-6822. Parkway
[1:32:14] number 76596 729-6822. Parkway
[1:32:17] water resource facility
[1:32:17] water resource facility
[1:32:19] electrical operations. Progressive
[1:32:19] electrical operations. Progressive
[1:32:26] design built. In the amount of
[1:32:26] design built. In the amount of
[1:32:29] 14 million
[1:32:29] 14 million
[1:32:32] $305,504. This authorizes the
[1:32:32] $305,504. This authorizes the
[1:32:35] preliminary stage where under
[1:32:35] preliminary stage where under
[1:32:38] the
[1:32:38] the
[1:32:39] progression including study and report
[1:32:39] progression including study and report
[1:32:40] services, development of preliminary
[1:32:40] services, development of preliminary
[1:32:41] technical
[1:32:41] technical
[1:32:44] documents,
[1:32:44] documents,
[1:32:45] construction planning including preparation
[1:32:45] construction planning including preparation
[1:32:47] of
[1:32:47] of
[1:32:53] a compose stage and early
[1:32:53] a compose stage and early
[1:32:54] procurement of long lead electrical
[1:32:54] procurement of long lead electrical
[1:32:55] equipment including the purchase of
[1:32:55] equipment including the purchase of
[1:32:56] transformers
[1:32:56] transformers
[1:32:57] and generator for preliminary stage
[1:32:57] and generator for preliminary stage
[1:32:59] term of 360
[1:32:59] term of 360
[1:33:01] working days. At the conclusion of
[1:33:01] working days. At the conclusion of
[1:33:02] the
[1:33:02] the
[1:33:04] pulmonary states engineering and construction
[1:33:04] pulmonary states engineering and construction
[1:33:05] will return to
[1:33:05] will return to
[1:33:08] the commission to
[1:33:08] the commission to
[1:33:09] request approval of a binding completion
[1:33:09] request approval of a binding completion
[1:33:11] stage price and associated
[1:33:11] stage price and associated
[1:33:15] contract modification. Which includes
[1:33:15] contract modification. Which includes
[1:33:19] final design construction, startup,
[1:33:19] final design construction, startup,
[1:33:23] testing services,
[1:33:23] testing services,
[1:33:25] a separate subcontracting will apply
[1:33:25] a separate subcontracting will apply
[1:33:26] to the completion stage and will
[1:33:26] to the completion stage and will
[1:33:29] be committed
[1:33:29] be committed
[1:33:32] to the commission
[1:33:32] to the commission
[1:33:34] as part of the review and approval.
[1:33:34] as part of the review and approval.
[1:33:35] this object will
[1:33:35] this object will
[1:33:38] modernize the upgrade of
[1:33:38] modernize the upgrade of
[1:33:41] key infrastructure to improve reliability,
[1:33:41] key infrastructure to improve reliability,
[1:33:44] resilience and
[1:33:44] resilience and
[1:33:45] operational performance. The planned
[1:33:45] operational performance. The planned
[1:33:46] upgrades include improvements to the
[1:33:46] upgrades include improvements to the
[1:33:47] facilities electrical
[1:33:47] facilities electrical
[1:33:50] power
[1:33:50] power
[1:33:52] generation, systems, mechanical process
[1:33:52] generation, systems, mechanical process
[1:33:53] equipment and supporting
[1:33:53] equipment and supporting
[1:33:55] planned infrastructure. Under the
[1:33:55] planned infrastructure. Under the
[1:33:56] progressive
[1:33:56] progressive
[1:33:59] design build
[1:33:59] design build
[1:34:00] approach, construction will validate
[1:34:00] approach, construction will validate
[1:34:02] existing
[1:34:02] existing
[1:34:03] conditions and develop the detailed
[1:34:03] conditions and develop the detailed
[1:34:08] technical reports, construction documents
[1:34:08] technical reports, construction documents
[1:34:09] and specifications for wssc review
[1:34:09] and specifications for wssc review
[1:34:14] and approval. For structures at the
[1:34:14] and approval. For structures at the
[1:34:15] facility
[1:34:15] facility
[1:34:17] where work will be performed. The
[1:34:17] where work will be performed. The
[1:34:20] design builder will procure deliverables
[1:34:20] design builder will procure deliverables
[1:34:21] across multiple disciplines including
[1:34:21] across multiple disciplines including
[1:34:26] electrical, civil, structural,
[1:34:26] electrical, civil, structural,
[1:34:29] heating and ventilating,
[1:34:29] heating and ventilating,
[1:34:30] fire protection and digital process
[1:34:30] fire protection and digital process
[1:34:32] control
[1:34:32] control
[1:34:35] systems
[1:34:35] systems
[1:34:36] in addition will coordinate shutdowns
[1:34:36] in addition will coordinate shutdowns
[1:34:38] with plant operations staff
[1:34:38] with plant operations staff
[1:34:41] and provide temporary power as needed
[1:34:41] and provide temporary power as needed
[1:34:44] to maintain
[1:34:44] to maintain
[1:34:47] critical operation.
[1:34:47] critical operation.
[1:34:49] this project is necessary to improve
[1:34:49] this project is necessary to improve
[1:34:53] the reliability, resiliency and
[1:34:53] the reliability, resiliency and
[1:34:56] operational performance
[1:34:56] operational performance
[1:34:58] of the parkway water resource recovery
[1:34:58] of the parkway water resource recovery
[1:34:59] facility by addressing critical infrastructure
[1:34:59] facility by addressing critical infrastructure
[1:35:00] needs
[1:35:00] needs
[1:35:02] that have resulted from
[1:35:02] that have resulted from
[1:35:04] aging equipment, evolving operational
[1:35:04] aging equipment, evolving operational
[1:35:05] demand and increased vulnerability
[1:35:05] demand and increased vulnerability
[1:35:06] to
[1:35:06] to
[1:35:08] flood
[1:35:08] flood
[1:35:11] events. Are there
[1:35:11] events. Are there
[1:35:14] any questions?
[1:35:14] any questions?
[1:35:17] >>
[1:35:17] >>
[1:35:20] seeing none. For contract 76596 do
[1:35:20] seeing none. For contract 76596 do
[1:35:23] I have a motion.
[1:35:23] I have a motion.
[1:35:24] >>
[1:35:24] >>
[1:35:26] I hereby move that
[1:35:26] I hereby move that
[1:35:29] the
[1:35:29] the
[1:35:30] committee approve parkway water resource
[1:35:30] committee approve parkway water resource
[1:35:32] recovery facility
[1:35:32] recovery facility
[1:35:35] design
[1:35:35] design
[1:35:38] build in the amount of
[1:35:38] build in the amount of
[1:35:41] 14 million for a
[1:35:41] 14 million for a
[1:35:44] preliminary stage as
[1:35:44] preliminary stage as
[1:35:47] recommended by committee.
[1:35:47] recommended by committee.
[1:35:48] >>
[1:35:48] >>
[1:35:50] is there a second?
[1:35:50] is there a second?
[1:35:53] any discussion? All those in favor
[1:35:53] any discussion? All those in favor
[1:35:56] signify by saying aye.
[1:35:56] signify by saying aye.
[1:35:59] any nays? The motion
[1:35:59] any nays? The motion
[1:36:02] carried unanimously. With
[1:36:02] carried unanimously. With
[1:36:05] one recusal and the contract is approved.
[1:36:05] one recusal and the contract is approved.
[1:36:06] we
[1:36:06] we
[1:36:08] will hold for commissioner
[1:36:08] will hold for commissioner
[1:36:11] espy-williams .
[1:36:11] espy-williams .
[1:36:12] >> thank you
[1:36:12] >> thank you
[1:36:18] chair smith.
[1:36:18] chair smith.
[1:36:30] you may
[1:36:30] you may
[1:36:33] now proceed.
[1:36:33] now proceed.
[1:36:34] >>
[1:36:34] >>
[1:36:35] thank you. This commission package
[1:36:35] thank you. This commission package
[1:36:37] requests approval to award a contract
[1:36:37] requests approval to award a contract
[1:36:39] number 82587
[1:36:39] number 82587
[1:36:42] tilden lane large
[1:36:42] tilden lane large
[1:36:43] valve replacement to ross contracting
[1:36:43] valve replacement to ross contracting
[1:36:45] in the amount
[1:36:45] in the amount
[1:36:50] of 2,208,000 four a contract term
[1:36:50] of 2,208,000 four a contract term
[1:36:54] of 675
[1:36:54] of 675
[1:36:57] calendar
[1:36:57] calendar
[1:36:58] days. This consists of the installation
[1:36:58] days. This consists of the installation
[1:37:00] of approximately
[1:37:00] of approximately
[1:37:05] 190 of water main, a 48 inch vertical
[1:37:05] 190 of water main, a 48 inch vertical
[1:37:06] gate valve
[1:37:06] gate valve
[1:37:07] and a new valve involved in tilden
[1:37:07] and a new valve involved in tilden
[1:37:09] lane in north
[1:37:09] lane in north
[1:37:12] bethesda montgomery
[1:37:12] bethesda montgomery
[1:37:15] county, maryland. You can
[1:37:15] county, maryland. You can
[1:37:17] refer to. The work will replace the
[1:37:17] refer to. The work will replace the
[1:37:18] existing valves
[1:37:18] existing valves
[1:37:21] and associated valves that
[1:37:21] and associated valves that
[1:37:24] have reached the end of their useful
[1:37:24] have reached the end of their useful
[1:37:26] life. As part of the public outreach
[1:37:26] life. As part of the public outreach
[1:37:27] efforts
[1:37:27] efforts
[1:37:30] the fact sheets were mailed on
[1:37:30] the fact sheets were mailed on
[1:37:33] june 6th, 2025 to affected customers
[1:37:33] june 6th, 2025 to affected customers
[1:37:36] and the honorable councilmember
[1:37:36] and the honorable councilmember
[1:37:39] kate
[1:37:39] kate
[1:37:40] stewart. The community outreach will
[1:37:40] stewart. The community outreach will
[1:37:42] be conducted approximately
[1:37:42] be conducted approximately
[1:37:43] four to six weeks prior to the start
[1:37:43] four to six weeks prior to the start
[1:37:45] of
[1:37:45] of
[1:37:48] construction
[1:37:48] construction
[1:37:49] with cards mailed to impacted customers
[1:37:49] with cards mailed to impacted customers
[1:37:50] and councilmember stuart. During these
[1:37:50] and councilmember stuart. During these
[1:37:51] meetings we
[1:37:51] meetings we
[1:37:54] will stress that tilden lane is a
[1:37:54] will stress that tilden lane is a
[1:37:57] localized project with minimal
[1:37:57] localized project with minimal
[1:38:00] traffic
[1:38:00] traffic
[1:38:01] impact. One lane will be closed on
[1:38:01] impact. One lane will be closed on
[1:38:03] tilden lane allowing travel
[1:38:03] tilden lane allowing travel
[1:38:06] under
[1:38:06] under
[1:38:09] the direction.
[1:38:09] the direction.
[1:38:12] the existing
[1:38:12] the existing
[1:38:13] valve is one of the mainline valves
[1:38:13] valve is one of the mainline valves
[1:38:18] along a
[1:38:18] along a
[1:38:20] transmission main. That conveys water
[1:38:20] transmission main. That conveys water
[1:38:21] from
[1:38:21] from
[1:38:24] the potomac water
[1:38:24] the potomac water
[1:38:25] filtration plant. In 2021 the valve
[1:38:25] filtration plant. In 2021 the valve
[1:38:28] was evaluated by systems control and
[1:38:28] was evaluated by systems control and
[1:38:30] recommended
[1:38:30] recommended
[1:38:32] for replacement due to ongoing operational
[1:38:32] for replacement due to ongoing operational
[1:38:33] deficiency. The evaluations
[1:38:33] deficiency. The evaluations
[1:38:36] showed that the valve was experienced
[1:38:36] showed that the valve was experienced
[1:38:38] leakage, does not fully seat and does
[1:38:38] leakage, does not fully seat and does
[1:38:39] not divide a
[1:38:39] not divide a
[1:38:42] reliable shut off.
[1:38:42] reliable shut off.
[1:38:44] in addition the valve is currently
[1:38:44] in addition the valve is currently
[1:38:45] broken and has required
[1:38:45] broken and has required
[1:38:47] multiple repairs. Continued operation
[1:38:47] multiple repairs. Continued operation
[1:38:48] of
[1:38:48] of
[1:38:51] this valve represents
[1:38:51] this valve represents
[1:38:54] a risk to system reliability and
[1:38:54] a risk to system reliability and
[1:38:57] could impact wssc's ability to maintain
[1:38:57] could impact wssc's ability to maintain
[1:38:58] service levels
[1:38:58] service levels
[1:39:00] including the ability to supply water
[1:39:00] including the ability to supply water
[1:39:01] to
[1:39:01] to
[1:39:03] critical facilities such as the
[1:39:03] critical facilities such as the
[1:39:04] standpipe and customers throughout
[1:39:04] standpipe and customers throughout
[1:39:06] montgomery and prince
[1:39:06] montgomery and prince
[1:39:09] george's county. Are there
[1:39:09] george's county. Are there
[1:39:12] any questions?
[1:39:12] any questions?
[1:39:13] >> thank
[1:39:13] >> thank
[1:39:14] you chief engineer. Vice chair powell.
[1:39:14] you chief engineer. Vice chair powell.
[1:39:15] >> just
[1:39:15] >> just
[1:39:18] curious why is the
[1:39:18] curious why is the
[1:39:21] contract term
[1:39:21] contract term
[1:39:24] so long?
[1:39:24] so long?
[1:39:26] >> the question from vice chair powell
[1:39:26] >> the question from vice chair powell
[1:39:27] is why is the contract term
[1:39:27] is why is the contract term
[1:39:30] so long.
[1:39:30] so long.
[1:39:31] >> correct.
[1:39:31] >> correct.
[1:39:33] >> we have the staging of
[1:39:33] >> we have the staging of
[1:39:36] the project. The map on
[1:39:36] the project. The map on
[1:39:39] the
[1:39:39] the
[1:39:40] facility. And that planning has to
[1:39:40] facility. And that planning has to
[1:39:42] take place before any
[1:39:42] take place before any
[1:39:45] construction work. There's
[1:39:45] construction work. There's
[1:39:48] going to be procurement of
[1:39:48] going to be procurement of
[1:39:51] the valve systems and equipment that
[1:39:51] the valve systems and equipment that
[1:39:52] need
[1:39:52] need
[1:39:54] to be provided. And so there is some
[1:39:54] to be provided. And so there is some
[1:39:57] construction
[1:39:57] construction
[1:40:00] time, vice chair powell, that proceeds
[1:40:00] time, vice chair powell, that proceeds
[1:40:01] the
[1:40:01] the
[1:40:02] construction activity and then there
[1:40:02] construction activity and then there
[1:40:03] is the
[1:40:03] is the
[1:40:06] issue of when the construction
[1:40:06] issue of when the construction
[1:40:09] can start after the community involvement
[1:40:09] can start after the community involvement
[1:40:12] and the understanding of
[1:40:12] and the understanding of
[1:40:15] the
[1:40:15] the
[1:40:18] traffic flow.
[1:40:18] traffic flow.
[1:40:19] >> inks for
[1:40:19] >> inks for
[1:40:21] the clarification. Any
[1:40:21] the clarification. Any
[1:40:24] additional questions? Do I have
[1:40:24] additional questions? Do I have
[1:40:29] a motion?
[1:40:29] a motion?
[1:40:30] >> I move that the commission
[1:40:30] >> I move that the commission
[1:40:31] approved construction
[1:40:31] approved construction
[1:40:33] contract 82587 two replacement to
[1:40:33] contract 82587 two replacement to
[1:40:34] ross contracting
[1:40:34] ross contracting
[1:40:36] inc. In the amount
[1:40:36] inc. In the amount
[1:40:42] of 2,208,000 four a contract term
[1:40:42] of 2,208,000 four a contract term
[1:40:45] of 675 days as recommended
[1:40:45] of 675 days as recommended
[1:40:48] by management.
[1:40:48] by management.
[1:40:49] >> thank you commissioner
[1:40:49] >> thank you commissioner
[1:40:50] espy-williams.
[1:40:50] espy-williams.
[1:40:51] >> mr. Chair I second.
[1:40:51] >> mr. Chair I second.
[1:40:52] >>
[1:40:52] >>
[1:40:54] any discussion? All
[1:40:54] any discussion? All
[1:40:56] those in favor signify by saying aye.
[1:40:56] those in favor signify by saying aye.
[1:40:57] any
[1:40:57] any
[1:41:00] nays ? The motion carried unanimously
[1:41:00] nays ? The motion carried unanimously
[1:41:01] by a
[1:41:01] by a
[1:41:03] vote of six to zero and the contract
[1:41:03] vote of six to zero and the contract
[1:41:06] is approved. Chief engineer you
[1:41:06] is approved. Chief engineer you
[1:41:08] may now proceed to your final contract
[1:41:08] may now proceed to your final contract
[1:41:09] for
[1:41:09] for
[1:41:12] 85 51 capitol heights
[1:41:12] 85 51 capitol heights
[1:41:15] sewer rehabilitation.
[1:41:15] sewer rehabilitation.
[1:41:16] >>
[1:41:16] >>
[1:41:18] in queue. The commission package requests
[1:41:18] in queue. The commission package requests
[1:41:19] approval
[1:41:19] approval
[1:41:21] to award contract number 48551
[1:41:21] to award contract number 48551
[1:41:24] capitol heights sewer
[1:41:24] capitol heights sewer
[1:41:26] rehabilitation to rivers construction
[1:41:26] rehabilitation to rivers construction
[1:41:27] group limited in the
[1:41:27] group limited in the
[1:41:30] amount
[1:41:30] amount
[1:41:33] of 5,299,000 four contract term of
[1:41:33] of 5,299,000 four contract term of
[1:41:34] 290
[1:41:34] 290
[1:41:36] calendar days. This provides
[1:41:36] calendar days. This provides
[1:41:40] for the repair,
[1:41:40] for the repair,
[1:41:43] rehabilitation and replacement
[1:41:43] rehabilitation and replacement
[1:41:44] of approximately 2.25 miles of deficient
[1:41:44] of approximately 2.25 miles of deficient
[1:41:46] sanitary mains and
[1:41:46] sanitary mains and
[1:41:49] laterals within the basin of prince
[1:41:49] laterals within the basin of prince
[1:41:55] georges county.
[1:41:55] georges county.
[1:41:56] there's a map on the screen that you
[1:41:56] there's a map on the screen that you
[1:41:58] can refer to. The work
[1:41:58] can refer to. The work
[1:41:59] will be performed using multiple construction
[1:41:59] will be performed using multiple construction
[1:42:00] methods including the installation
[1:42:00] methods including the installation
[1:42:04] of 6644 linear
[1:42:04] of 6644 linear
[1:42:07] feet of
[1:42:07] feet of
[1:42:10] pipe. Lining. The replacement
[1:42:10] pipe. Lining. The replacement
[1:42:13] of approximately 5233
[1:42:13] of approximately 5233
[1:42:15] linear feet of sanitary sewer main
[1:42:15] linear feet of sanitary sewer main
[1:42:16] utilizing
[1:42:16] utilizing
[1:42:19] open cut construction
[1:42:19] open cut construction
[1:42:22] methods and rehabilitation of
[1:42:22] methods and rehabilitation of
[1:42:28] approximately 2274.
[1:42:28] approximately 2274.
[1:42:31] approximately 2274
[1:42:31] approximately 2274
[1:42:34] linear feet of defective
[1:42:34] linear feet of defective
[1:42:38] sanitary laterals. The project also
[1:42:38] sanitary laterals. The project also
[1:42:39] includes repair and replacement of
[1:42:39] includes repair and replacement of
[1:42:40] approximately 60 manholes
[1:42:40] approximately 60 manholes
[1:42:43] requiring
[1:42:43] requiring
[1:42:44] corrective action. As part of the
[1:42:44] corrective action. As part of the
[1:42:45] public outreach and stakeholder engagement
[1:42:45] public outreach and stakeholder engagement
[1:42:47] process information fact sheets will
[1:42:47] process information fact sheets will
[1:42:49] be mailed to
[1:42:49] be mailed to
[1:42:52] affected customers,
[1:42:52] affected customers,
[1:42:53] community outreach will be held a
[1:42:53] community outreach will be held a
[1:42:54] proximally four to six weeks prior
[1:42:54] proximally four to six weeks prior
[1:42:55] to the start
[1:42:55] to the start
[1:42:56] of construction and an invitation
[1:42:56] of construction and an invitation
[1:42:58] to participate will be extended to
[1:42:58] to participate will be extended to
[1:42:59] the
[1:42:59] the
[1:43:00] honorable edward burrows the third
[1:43:00] honorable edward burrows the third
[1:43:01] is george's county
[1:43:01] is george's county
[1:43:04] district 8. As part of
[1:43:04] district 8. As part of
[1:43:05] this particular community outreach
[1:43:05] this particular community outreach
[1:43:07] activity we
[1:43:07] activity we
[1:43:10] will stress to the
[1:43:10] will stress to the
[1:43:13] community that half of the capital
[1:43:13] community that half of the capital
[1:43:16] heights project is planned
[1:43:16] heights project is planned
[1:43:19] to be
[1:43:19] to be
[1:43:20] done through lining which is directional
[1:43:20] done through lining which is directional
[1:43:25] work. And have a smaller
[1:43:25] work. And have a smaller
[1:43:26] footprint and less impact to the traffic
[1:43:26] footprint and less impact to the traffic
[1:43:28] compared to open
[1:43:28] compared to open
[1:43:31] cut project.
[1:43:31] cut project.
[1:43:33] during design the designer will look
[1:43:33] during design the designer will look
[1:43:34] for opportunities to
[1:43:34] for opportunities to
[1:43:37] utilize lining methods as much
[1:43:37] utilize lining methods as much
[1:43:40] as possible. For the
[1:43:40] as possible. For the
[1:43:43] open cut portion there will be
[1:43:43] open cut portion there will be
[1:43:46] one traveling for all open
[1:43:46] one traveling for all open
[1:43:49] cut work. There
[1:43:49] cut work. There
[1:43:51] will be flags required to direct pedestrians
[1:43:51] will be flags required to direct pedestrians
[1:43:52] in and out
[1:43:52] in and out
[1:43:54] of the area. For the manholes some
[1:43:54] of the area. For the manholes some
[1:43:55] will be located
[1:43:55] will be located
[1:43:58] in the
[1:43:58] in the
[1:43:59] right-of-way and some will be located
[1:43:59] right-of-way and some will be located
[1:44:01] in the street. So these
[1:44:01] in the street. So these
[1:44:07] are the
[1:44:07] are the
[1:44:08] community impact discussions that
[1:44:08] community impact discussions that
[1:44:10] we will have
[1:44:10] we will have
[1:44:11] and make sure that the community is
[1:44:11] and make sure that the community is
[1:44:13] aware of
[1:44:13] aware of
[1:44:16] these conditions. And they
[1:44:16] these conditions. And they
[1:44:19] will be kept closely
[1:44:19] will be kept closely
[1:44:22] informed as the various stages of
[1:44:22] informed as the various stages of
[1:44:23] the
[1:44:23] the
[1:44:25] project proceed.
[1:44:25] project proceed.
[1:44:28] the project
[1:44:28] the project
[1:44:33] is required because the facilities
[1:44:33] is required because the facilities
[1:44:37] have been installed starting
[1:44:37] have been installed starting
[1:44:40] in 1924 1969 and they
[1:44:40] in 1924 1969 and they
[1:44:43] have exceeded their intended
[1:44:43] have exceeded their intended
[1:44:49] service life.
[1:44:49] service life.
[1:44:50] assessments have identified numerous
[1:44:50] assessments have identified numerous
[1:44:54] deficiencies. Including root intrusion,
[1:44:54] deficiencies. Including root intrusion,
[1:44:55] groundwater infiltration,
[1:44:55] groundwater infiltration,
[1:45:01] structural defects. This rehabilitation
[1:45:01] structural defects. This rehabilitation
[1:45:02] project is
[1:45:02] project is
[1:45:04] essential to restoring system
[1:45:04] essential to restoring system
[1:45:06] integrity, improving reliability,
[1:45:06] integrity, improving reliability,
[1:45:07] mitigating risks associated with
[1:45:07] mitigating risks associated with
[1:45:08] aging infrastructure. The project
[1:45:08] aging infrastructure. The project
[1:45:10] is also
[1:45:10] is also
[1:45:11] funded through the maryland department
[1:45:11] funded through the maryland department
[1:45:13] of environment through a
[1:45:13] of environment through a
[1:45:16] loan with obligates
[1:45:16] loan with obligates
[1:45:18] the commission to complete the work
[1:45:18] the commission to complete the work
[1:45:19] in accordance with the
[1:45:19] in accordance with the
[1:45:22] approved schedule and funding apartments.
[1:45:22] approved schedule and funding apartments.
[1:45:25] approval of this board
[1:45:25] approval of this board
[1:45:26] supports wssc waters long-term infrastructure
[1:45:26] supports wssc waters long-term infrastructure
[1:45:28] renewal objectives. Are there any
[1:45:28] renewal objectives. Are there any
[1:45:29] questions
[1:45:29] questions
[1:45:31] on this?
[1:45:31] on this?
[1:45:34] >> any questions?
[1:45:34] >> any questions?
[1:45:36] seeing none. Chief engineer, I just
[1:45:36] seeing none. Chief engineer, I just
[1:45:37] want to thank
[1:45:37] want to thank
[1:45:40] you for the extra effort
[1:45:40] you for the extra effort
[1:45:43] of understanding the
[1:45:43] of understanding the
[1:45:46] area and those of us
[1:45:46] area and those of us
[1:45:49] that are traversed that road
[1:45:49] that are traversed that road
[1:45:52] every day as I'm
[1:45:52] every day as I'm
[1:45:55] sure 1 million other cars twice
[1:45:55] sure 1 million other cars twice
[1:45:58] in and out of the
[1:45:58] in and out of the
[1:46:01] washington, d.c. Area, I appreciate
[1:46:01] washington, d.c. Area, I appreciate
[1:46:02] all the work you
[1:46:02] all the work you
[1:46:03] and your team are doing to minimize
[1:46:03] and your team are doing to minimize
[1:46:04] traffic impact and facilitate ease
[1:46:04] traffic impact and facilitate ease
[1:46:05] through
[1:46:05] through
[1:46:07] this major in
[1:46:07] this major in
[1:46:10] and out.
[1:46:10] and out.
[1:46:11] >> thank you chair
[1:46:11] >> thank you chair
[1:46:13] smith.
[1:46:13] smith.
[1:46:14] >> do I have a
[1:46:14] >> do I have a
[1:46:18] motion?
[1:46:18] motion?
[1:46:19] >> mr. Chairman, I hereby
[1:46:19] >> mr. Chairman, I hereby
[1:46:20] move that the commission
[1:46:20] move that the commission
[1:46:22] approved contract
[1:46:22] approved contract
[1:46:25] for 8551-125 capitol heights sewer
[1:46:25] for 8551-125 capitol heights sewer
[1:46:28] rehabilitation to ross construction
[1:46:28] rehabilitation to ross construction
[1:46:29] group limited
[1:46:29] group limited
[1:46:31] in the amount
[1:46:31] in the amount
[1:46:34] of 5,299,000 four a contract
[1:46:34] of 5,299,000 four a contract
[1:46:37] term of 290 calendar days recommended
[1:46:37] term of 290 calendar days recommended
[1:46:40] by management.
[1:46:40] by management.
[1:46:41] >> thank you commissioner
[1:46:41] >> thank you commissioner
[1:46:43] speed-bost. Is there
[1:46:43] speed-bost. Is there
[1:46:47] a
[1:46:47] a
[1:46:48] second?
[1:46:48] second?
[1:46:49] >> I second. >> all those
[1:46:49] >> I second. >> all those
[1:46:50] in favor signify by saying aye.
[1:46:50] in favor signify by saying aye.
[1:46:53] any nays or
[1:46:53] any nays or
[1:46:54] abstentions? Hearing on the motion
[1:46:54] abstentions? Hearing on the motion
[1:46:55] carried unanimously and the contract
[1:46:55] carried unanimously and the contract
[1:47:01] is approved.
[1:47:01] is approved.
[1:47:02] >> thank you chair smith.
[1:47:02] >> thank you chair smith.
[1:47:03] >> thank you
[1:47:03] >> thank you
[1:47:04] to you and your team. We will now
[1:47:04] to you and your team. We will now
[1:47:05] recognize director of general services
[1:47:05] recognize director of general services
[1:47:07] allison wilson to present contract
[1:47:07] allison wilson to present contract
[1:47:08] 86589
[1:47:08] 86589
[1:47:11] temple hills
[1:47:11] temple hills
[1:47:12] garage construction.
[1:47:12] garage construction.
[1:47:13] >> good morning
[1:47:13] >> good morning
[1:47:16] chair smith. The mission is, corporate
[1:47:16] chair smith. The mission is, corporate
[1:47:17] secretary, gm powell,
[1:47:17] secretary, gm powell,
[1:47:19] wssc water stakeholders, team h2o
[1:47:19] wssc water stakeholders, team h2o
[1:47:20] and
[1:47:20] and
[1:47:23] the public. For the record, I am
[1:47:23] the public. For the record, I am
[1:47:24] allison wilson, director of general
[1:47:24] allison wilson, director of general
[1:47:26] services.
[1:47:26] services.
[1:47:28] in this commission package requests
[1:47:28] in this commission package requests
[1:47:29] the
[1:47:29] the
[1:47:32] approval to award contract
[1:47:32] approval to award contract
[1:47:35] number 86589 based
[1:47:35] number 86589 based
[1:47:38] in landover,
[1:47:38] in landover,
[1:47:41] maryland
[1:47:41] maryland
[1:47:44] for 2,135,000 with a contract term
[1:47:44] for 2,135,000 with a contract term
[1:47:47] of
[1:47:47] of
[1:47:48] 355 days. The construction of this
[1:47:48] 355 days. The construction of this
[1:47:50] garage is needed
[1:47:50] garage is needed
[1:47:53] to protect trucks
[1:47:53] to protect trucks
[1:47:56] and closed-circuit inspection
[1:47:56] and closed-circuit inspection
[1:47:59] equipment from winter freezing
[1:47:59] equipment from winter freezing
[1:48:00] conditions improving reliability and
[1:48:00] conditions improving reliability and
[1:48:02] reducing
[1:48:02] reducing
[1:48:04] maintenance by sustaining temperatures
[1:48:04] maintenance by sustaining temperatures
[1:48:05] above
[1:48:05] above
[1:48:08] 50
[1:48:08] 50
[1:48:11] degrees. This contract covers
[1:48:11] degrees. This contract covers
[1:48:13] the construction of a 5500 square
[1:48:13] the construction of a 5500 square
[1:48:17] foot pre-engineered metal
[1:48:17] foot pre-engineered metal
[1:48:20] garage with six jet
[1:48:20] garage with six jet
[1:48:26] truck base, hvac, lighting and
[1:48:26] truck base, hvac, lighting and
[1:48:27] electrical and mechanical systems
[1:48:27] electrical and mechanical systems
[1:48:28] and outdoor parking spaces and associated
[1:48:28] and outdoor parking spaces and associated
[1:48:29] site work
[1:48:29] site work
[1:48:32] at 8444 temple
[1:48:32] at 8444 temple
[1:48:35] hills
[1:48:35] hills
[1:48:36] road. B jet truck garage is needed
[1:48:36] road. B jet truck garage is needed
[1:48:38] to support utility services divisions
[1:48:38] to support utility services divisions
[1:48:41] cc tv and jet
[1:48:41] cc tv and jet
[1:48:44] truck operations. During
[1:48:44] truck operations. During
[1:48:47] the months jet trucks
[1:48:47] the months jet trucks
[1:48:49] have experienced significant operation
[1:48:49] have experienced significant operation
[1:48:50] and maintenance issues caused
[1:48:50] and maintenance issues caused
[1:48:52] by freezing temperatures including
[1:48:52] by freezing temperatures including
[1:48:53] ice in
[1:48:53] ice in
[1:48:56] the system and
[1:48:56] the system and
[1:48:57] damaged palms. Freezing conditions
[1:48:57] damaged palms. Freezing conditions
[1:48:59] have also
[1:48:59] have also
[1:49:01] negatively affected electronic equipment
[1:49:01] negatively affected electronic equipment
[1:49:02] used
[1:49:02] used
[1:49:05] in the trucks for sewer
[1:49:05] in the trucks for sewer
[1:49:06] inspection. The construction of this
[1:49:06] inspection. The construction of this
[1:49:08] garage will
[1:49:08] garage will
[1:49:09] allow the vehicles to be stored in
[1:49:09] allow the vehicles to be stored in
[1:49:11] a temperature
[1:49:11] a temperature
[1:49:12] controlled environment during the
[1:49:12] controlled environment during the
[1:49:14] winter months
[1:49:14] winter months
[1:49:17] preventing damage, improving
[1:49:17] preventing damage, improving
[1:49:18] operational reliability and reducing
[1:49:18] operational reliability and reducing
[1:49:20] future maintenance
[1:49:20] future maintenance
[1:49:23] and downtime. I'm pleased
[1:49:23] and downtime. I'm pleased
[1:49:24] to answer any questions you may have
[1:49:24] to answer any questions you may have
[1:49:26] as it relates to this contract and
[1:49:26] as it relates to this contract and
[1:49:28] respectfully request the commission
[1:49:28] respectfully request the commission
[1:49:32] approved contract temple hills
[1:49:32] approved contract temple hills
[1:49:35] jet truck garage at
[1:49:35] jet truck garage at
[1:49:38] this time.
[1:49:38] this time.
[1:49:39] >>
[1:49:39] >>
[1:49:40] thank you director wilson. Any questions?
[1:49:40] thank you director wilson. Any questions?
[1:49:41] I just have a
[1:49:41] I just have a
[1:49:43] very quick question. Just for the
[1:49:43] very quick question. Just for the
[1:49:44] record. Just want to make sure
[1:49:44] record. Just want to make sure
[1:49:47] that
[1:49:47] that
[1:49:50] everyone knows 8444 temple hills road
[1:49:50] everyone knows 8444 temple hills road
[1:49:51] is
[1:49:51] is
[1:49:54] which facility?
[1:49:54] which facility?
[1:49:55] >> the temple hills
[1:49:55] >> the temple hills
[1:49:56] jet
[1:49:56] jet
[1:49:59] truck garage.
[1:49:59] truck garage.
[1:50:00] >> on existing
[1:50:00] >> on existing
[1:50:02] wssc property.
[1:50:02] wssc property.
[1:50:03] >>
[1:50:03] >>
[1:50:05] yes sir.
[1:50:05] yes sir.
[1:50:06] >> the depot. >>
[1:50:06] >> the depot. >>
[1:50:08] thank you. Do I have a
[1:50:08] thank you. Do I have a
[1:50:11] motion?
[1:50:11] motion?
[1:50:12] >>
[1:50:12] >>
[1:50:13] I hereby move that the commission
[1:50:13] I hereby move that the commission
[1:50:14] approved construction
[1:50:14] approved construction
[1:50:16] contract 86589 temple hills jet truck
[1:50:16] contract 86589 temple hills jet truck
[1:50:20] garage construction in the amount
[1:50:20] garage construction in the amount
[1:50:23] of 2,135,000 for a
[1:50:23] of 2,135,000 for a
[1:50:26] contract of 365 days as recommended
[1:50:26] contract of 365 days as recommended
[1:50:32] by management.
[1:50:32] by management.
[1:50:33] >> thank you commissioner
[1:50:33] >> thank you commissioner
[1:50:34] seltzer.
[1:50:34] seltzer.
[1:50:35] is there a second?
[1:50:35] is there a second?
[1:50:36] >> I second mr.
[1:50:36] >> I second mr.
[1:50:37] chair.
[1:50:37] chair.
[1:50:38] >> all those
[1:50:38] >> all those
[1:50:39] in favor signify by saying aye. Any
[1:50:39] in favor signify by saying aye. Any
[1:50:40] nays or
[1:50:40] nays or
[1:50:41] abstentions? The motion carried unanimously.
[1:50:41] abstentions? The motion carried unanimously.
[1:50:42] the
[1:50:42] the
[1:50:44] contract is
[1:50:44] contract is
[1:50:47] approved. Ms. Wilson, you may now
[1:50:47] approved. Ms. Wilson, you may now
[1:50:48] continue to option
[1:50:48] continue to option
[1:50:50] term one on the
[1:50:50] term one on the
[1:50:53] contract 77570 regular cab
[1:50:53] contract 77570 regular cab
[1:50:56] and chassis.
[1:50:56] and chassis.
[1:50:57] >> requesting approval to exercise
[1:50:57] >> requesting approval to exercise
[1:50:59] the first option term to beltway
[1:50:59] the first option term to beltway
[1:51:02] international trucks llc for a contract
[1:51:02] international trucks llc for a contract
[1:51:03] in
[1:51:03] in
[1:51:05] the amount of $10 million to purchase
[1:51:05] the amount of $10 million to purchase
[1:51:06] international
[1:51:06] international
[1:51:08] regular cab and
[1:51:08] regular cab and
[1:51:11] chassis vehicles for wssc water
[1:51:11] chassis vehicles for wssc water
[1:51:14] fleet. This contract aims to add additional
[1:51:14] fleet. This contract aims to add additional
[1:51:15] capacity
[1:51:15] capacity
[1:51:17] to replace aging vehicles,
[1:51:17] to replace aging vehicles,
[1:51:20] support essential water and
[1:51:20] support essential water and
[1:51:26] wastewater operations.
[1:51:26] wastewater operations.
[1:51:29] with full factory warranties, delivery
[1:51:29] with full factory warranties, delivery
[1:51:30] readiness
[1:51:30] readiness
[1:51:32] for service are also included in
[1:51:32] for service are also included in
[1:51:37] the scope. Our heavy fleet plays a
[1:51:37] the scope. Our heavy fleet plays a
[1:51:38] critical role in supporting the daily
[1:51:38] critical role in supporting the daily
[1:51:39] operations
[1:51:39] operations
[1:51:41] of water and wastewater maintenance,
[1:51:41] of water and wastewater maintenance,
[1:51:42] repairs and
[1:51:42] repairs and
[1:51:44] emergency response.
[1:51:44] emergency response.
[1:51:45] a significant portion of the fleet
[1:51:45] a significant portion of the fleet
[1:51:47] is approaching and
[1:51:47] is approaching and
[1:51:50] has exceeded its expected
[1:51:50] has exceeded its expected
[1:51:52] service life. Reduced reliability
[1:51:52] service life. Reduced reliability
[1:51:53] and risk of operational delays due
[1:51:53] and risk of operational delays due
[1:51:56] to
[1:51:56] to
[1:51:58] the downtime. This is aligned with
[1:51:58] the downtime. This is aligned with
[1:51:59] our fleet services
[1:51:59] our fleet services
[1:52:02] replacement plan. And this contract
[1:52:02] replacement plan. And this contract
[1:52:03] will
[1:52:03] will
[1:52:04] provide additional purchasing capacity
[1:52:04] provide additional purchasing capacity
[1:52:05] for
[1:52:05] for
[1:52:09] factory warranty cab
[1:52:09] factory warranty cab
[1:52:10] and chassis. Timely replacement of
[1:52:10] and chassis. Timely replacement of
[1:52:15] aging fleet. This also
[1:52:15] aging fleet. This also
[1:52:18] proves
[1:52:18] proves
[1:52:19] additional access to repair maintenance
[1:52:19] additional access to repair maintenance
[1:52:21] parts and services increasing
[1:52:21] parts and services increasing
[1:52:24] this capacity for faster
[1:52:24] this capacity for faster
[1:52:27] response times and
[1:52:27] response times and
[1:52:28] quicker return of fleet vehicles to
[1:52:28] quicker return of fleet vehicles to
[1:52:30] service strengthening our
[1:52:30] service strengthening our
[1:52:34] overall readiness. It further ensures
[1:52:34] overall readiness. It further ensures
[1:52:35] access to the most cost advantageous
[1:52:35] access to the most cost advantageous
[1:52:36] repair parts
[1:52:36] repair parts
[1:52:37] and services promoting efficiency
[1:52:37] and services promoting efficiency
[1:52:39] and
[1:52:39] and
[1:52:43] fiscal responsibility . Our strategic
[1:52:43] fiscal responsibility . Our strategic
[1:52:45] focus on fleet
[1:52:45] focus on fleet
[1:52:48] asset improvement wssc
[1:52:48] asset improvement wssc
[1:52:49] water will continue to evaluate additional
[1:52:49] water will continue to evaluate additional
[1:52:51] pathways to ensure
[1:52:51] pathways to ensure
[1:52:54] ongoing access to
[1:52:54] ongoing access to
[1:52:57] most competitive and high-value
[1:52:57] most competitive and high-value
[1:52:59] services available. Pleased to answer any questions
[1:52:59] services available. Pleased to answer any questions
[1:53:00] as
[1:53:00] as
[1:53:01] it relates to this contract and request
[1:53:01] it relates to this contract and request
[1:53:03] commission
[1:53:03] commission
[1:53:06] approval for contract 77570 at
[1:53:06] approval for contract 77570 at
[1:53:09] this time.
[1:53:09] this time.
[1:53:10] >> thank you
[1:53:10] >> thank you
[1:53:11] director wilson. Commissioner comments
[1:53:11] director wilson. Commissioner comments
[1:53:12] or questions? We will
[1:53:12] or questions? We will
[1:53:15] have
[1:53:15] have
[1:53:16] a motion.
[1:53:16] a motion.
[1:53:17] >> mr. Chairman, I hereby
[1:53:17] >> mr. Chairman, I hereby
[1:53:18] move the commission
[1:53:18] move the commission
[1:53:19] approve option term one for goods and
[1:53:19] approve option term one for goods and
[1:53:21] services
[1:53:21] services
[1:53:24] contract 77570 regular cab
[1:53:24] contract 77570 regular cab
[1:53:25] and chassis to beltway international
[1:53:25] and chassis to beltway international
[1:53:30] trucks llc and not to exceed
[1:53:30] trucks llc and not to exceed
[1:53:32] amount of $10 million for an option
[1:53:32] amount of $10 million for an option
[1:53:33] term of
[1:53:33] term of
[1:53:36] one year as recommended
[1:53:36] one year as recommended
[1:53:37] by management.
[1:53:37] by management.
[1:53:38] >> thank you commissioner
[1:53:38] >> thank you commissioner
[1:53:40] speed-bost.
[1:53:40] speed-bost.
[1:53:41] >> I second. >> thank
[1:53:41] >> I second. >> thank
[1:53:42] you commissioner foster.
[1:53:42] you commissioner foster.
[1:53:44] any discussion? Hearing none, all
[1:53:44] any discussion? Hearing none, all
[1:53:45] those
[1:53:45] those
[1:53:47] in favor signify by saying aye. Any
[1:53:47] in favor signify by saying aye. Any
[1:53:48] nays or
[1:53:48] nays or
[1:53:50] abstentions? The motion carried unanimously
[1:53:50] abstentions? The motion carried unanimously
[1:53:51] by a vote
[1:53:51] by a vote
[1:53:54] of six to zero. Option
[1:53:54] of six to zero. Option
[1:53:57] turn one is approved. Inky
[1:53:57] turn one is approved. Inky
[1:53:59] ms. Wilson. We will now hear from
[1:53:59] ms. Wilson. We will now hear from
[1:54:00] director of
[1:54:00] director of
[1:54:03] utility services mr. Glenn
[1:54:03] utility services mr. Glenn
[1:54:06] diaz to present option term one on
[1:54:06] diaz to present option term one on
[1:54:09] contract 29447 metallic main
[1:54:09] contract 29447 metallic main
[1:54:12] condition assessment.
[1:54:12] condition assessment.
[1:54:13] >>
[1:54:13] >>
[1:54:15] good morning chair smith, vice chair
[1:54:15] good morning chair smith, vice chair
[1:54:19] powell, commissioners, madam corporate
[1:54:19] powell, commissioners, madam corporate
[1:54:21] secretary, team
[1:54:21] secretary, team
[1:54:24] h2o and our valued customers.
[1:54:24] h2o and our valued customers.
[1:54:25] for the record, my name is glenn diaz,
[1:54:25] for the record, my name is glenn diaz,
[1:54:27] director of
[1:54:27] director of
[1:54:30] utility services. Request approval
[1:54:30] utility services. Request approval
[1:54:33] to exercise option term one for contract
[1:54:33] to exercise option term one for contract
[1:54:36] number 29447. Metallic main
[1:54:36] number 29447. Metallic main
[1:54:39] condition assessment basic
[1:54:39] condition assessment basic
[1:54:42] agreement with the amount of
[1:54:42] agreement with the amount of
[1:54:45] $1 million for one year
[1:54:45] $1 million for one year
[1:54:46] term. Exercising this option will
[1:54:46] term. Exercising this option will
[1:54:47] provide can get funding to support
[1:54:47] provide can get funding to support
[1:54:51] ongoing metallic water main
[1:54:51] ongoing metallic water main
[1:54:52] inspection prioritization and condition
[1:54:52] inspection prioritization and condition
[1:54:54] assessment services
[1:54:54] assessment services
[1:54:57] throughout
[1:54:57] throughout
[1:54:59] water service. On this contract the
[1:54:59] water service. On this contract the
[1:55:00] contractor
[1:55:00] contractor
[1:55:02] performs inspections prioritization
[1:55:02] performs inspections prioritization
[1:55:03] and assessment of metallic
[1:55:03] and assessment of metallic
[1:55:06] water mains
[1:55:06] water mains
[1:55:07] as needed. These include evaluation
[1:55:07] as needed. These include evaluation
[1:55:09] of
[1:55:09] of
[1:55:12] pipe condition and recommendations
[1:55:12] pipe condition and recommendations
[1:55:13] for
[1:55:13] for
[1:55:14] appropriate assessment technologies
[1:55:14] appropriate assessment technologies
[1:55:15] related
[1:55:15] related
[1:55:21] to identification, structural
[1:55:21] to identification, structural
[1:55:24] integrity and surrounding soil and
[1:55:24] integrity and surrounding soil and
[1:55:29] material conditions. In addition it
[1:55:29] material conditions. In addition it
[1:55:30] evaluates and
[1:55:30] evaluates and
[1:55:33] provides recommendations on new
[1:55:33] provides recommendations on new
[1:55:34] and emerging technologies to enhance
[1:55:34] and emerging technologies to enhance
[1:55:36] water main abilities
[1:55:36] water main abilities
[1:55:39] and support data-driven
[1:55:39] and support data-driven
[1:55:42] asset management and long-term system
[1:55:42] asset management and long-term system
[1:55:44] reliability planning. These are critical
[1:55:44] reliability planning. These are critical
[1:55:45] to
[1:55:45] to
[1:55:48] water proactive infrastructure management
[1:55:48] water proactive infrastructure management
[1:55:50] strategy. The ability to assess metallic
[1:55:50] strategy. The ability to assess metallic
[1:55:51] water main
[1:55:51] water main
[1:55:54] condition before
[1:55:54] condition before
[1:55:56] failures occur allows us to better
[1:55:56] failures occur allows us to better
[1:55:57] prioritize
[1:55:57] prioritize
[1:56:00] replacement projects. Reduce service
[1:56:00] replacement projects. Reduce service
[1:56:03] disruptions, minimize emergent
[1:56:03] disruptions, minimize emergent
[1:56:06] and ensure efficient deployment of
[1:56:06] and ensure efficient deployment of
[1:56:07] resources
[1:56:07] resources
[1:56:09] across
[1:56:09] across
[1:56:11] the system. Staff recommends approval
[1:56:11] the system. Staff recommends approval
[1:56:12] to exercise option term one of
[1:56:12] to exercise option term one of
[1:56:15] contract 29447 in
[1:56:15] contract 29447 in
[1:56:18] the amount of
[1:56:18] the amount of
[1:56:20] $1 million. And I am here to answer
[1:56:20] $1 million. And I am here to answer
[1:56:21] any questions you may
[1:56:21] any questions you may
[1:56:24] have.
[1:56:24] have.
[1:56:25] >> any commission or questions?
[1:56:25] >> any commission or questions?
[1:56:26] seeing none,
[1:56:26] seeing none,
[1:56:27] do I have a motion.
[1:56:27] do I have a motion.
[1:56:28] >>
[1:56:28] >>
[1:56:29] mr. Chair, I hereby move that the
[1:56:29] mr. Chair, I hereby move that the
[1:56:30] commission approve option term one
[1:56:30] commission approve option term one
[1:56:33] on architecture and engineering
[1:56:33] on architecture and engineering
[1:56:36] contract 29447 metallic main
[1:56:36] contract 29447 metallic main
[1:56:39] condition assessment basic ordering
[1:56:39] condition assessment basic ordering
[1:56:40] agreement
[1:56:40] agreement
[1:56:41] to cover low engineers incorporated
[1:56:41] to cover low engineers incorporated
[1:56:42] in the amount of
[1:56:42] in the amount of
[1:56:45] $1 million for a term of one year
[1:56:45] $1 million for a term of one year
[1:56:48] as recommended by management.
[1:56:48] as recommended by management.
[1:56:49] >> thank
[1:56:49] >> thank
[1:56:51] you vice chair powell. Is there
[1:56:51] you vice chair powell. Is there
[1:56:57] a second?
[1:56:57] a second?
[1:56:58] >> I second. >> thank you
[1:56:58] >> I second. >> thank you
[1:56:59] commissioner speed-bost. All
[1:56:59] commissioner speed-bost. All
[1:57:00] those in favor signify by aye. Any
[1:57:00] those in favor signify by aye. Any
[1:57:01] nays or abstentions? The motion carries
[1:57:01] nays or abstentions? The motion carries
[1:57:03] by a vote
[1:57:03] by a vote
[1:57:06] of 6-0 and option term one
[1:57:06] of 6-0 and option term one
[1:57:12] is approved.
[1:57:12] is approved.
[1:57:30] >> thank you again, chief engineer
[1:57:30] >> thank you again, chief engineer
[1:57:33] and to the team.
[1:57:33] and to the team.
[1:57:45] >> good
[1:57:45] >> good
[1:57:48] afternoon, chair smith. Vice
[1:57:48] afternoon, chair smith. Vice
[1:57:50] chair powell. Commissioners. Madam
[1:57:50] chair powell. Commissioners. Madam
[1:57:51] corporate
[1:57:51] corporate
[1:57:54] secretary. Madam
[1:57:54] secretary. Madam
[1:57:56] general managers. Team h2o and valued
[1:57:56] general managers. Team h2o and valued
[1:57:57] customers. For the record I
[1:57:57] customers. For the record I
[1:57:59] am james with the general counsel's
[1:57:59] am james with the general counsel's
[1:58:00] office. This
[1:58:00] office. This
[1:58:02] item concerns a request from pipeline
[1:58:02] item concerns a request from pipeline
[1:58:04] design division for authority for
[1:58:04] design division for authority for
[1:58:06] gso to
[1:58:06] gso to
[1:58:09] file a condemnation proceeding to acquire
[1:58:09] file a condemnation proceeding to acquire
[1:58:10] temporary easement interests and access
[1:58:10] temporary easement interests and access
[1:58:12] rights to property owned by
[1:58:12] rights to property owned by
[1:58:15] south stone gate homeowner's
[1:58:15] south stone gate homeowner's
[1:58:17] association inc. As described in exhibit
[1:58:17] association inc. As described in exhibit
[1:58:18] 7 and the
[1:58:18] 7 and the
[1:58:21] information packet provided
[1:58:21] information packet provided
[1:58:24] to the
[1:58:24] to the
[1:58:26] commission. Temporary construction
[1:58:26] commission. Temporary construction
[1:58:27] easement is
[1:58:27] easement is
[1:58:29] ensure wssc water has the necessary
[1:58:29] ensure wssc water has the necessary
[1:58:30] property
[1:58:30] property
[1:58:33] rights to move forward with
[1:58:33] rights to move forward with
[1:58:36] the plan north sherwood forest
[1:58:36] the plan north sherwood forest
[1:58:38] esa project. 2.9 miles of sewer main inclusive
[1:58:38] esa project. 2.9 miles of sewer main inclusive
[1:58:39] of
[1:58:39] of
[1:58:42] the
[1:58:42] the
[1:58:48] sewer lines. The property at issue
[1:58:48] sewer lines. The property at issue
[1:58:51] is subject to a variable with
[1:58:51] is subject to a variable with
[1:58:53] wssc water, sewer easement that existed since
[1:58:53] wssc water, sewer easement that existed since
[1:58:54] the
[1:58:54] the
[1:58:55] time this property was transferred
[1:58:55] time this property was transferred
[1:58:57] to
[1:58:57] to
[1:59:00] the
[1:59:00] the
[1:59:02] south stonegate hoa. Temporary construction
[1:59:02] south stonegate hoa. Temporary construction
[1:59:03] easement would
[1:59:03] easement would
[1:59:06] allow wssc water the right to access
[1:59:06] allow wssc water the right to access
[1:59:07] and
[1:59:07] and
[1:59:09] stage material and equipment in
[1:59:09] stage material and equipment in
[1:59:11] certain areas immediately adjacent
[1:59:11] certain areas immediately adjacent
[1:59:12] to wssc water's
[1:59:12] to wssc water's
[1:59:13] existing easement and conduct the
[1:59:13] existing easement and conduct the
[1:59:15] necessary work within the
[1:59:15] necessary work within the
[1:59:18] easement itself. Wssc water has
[1:59:18] easement itself. Wssc water has
[1:59:20] secured all other right of entry agreements
[1:59:20] secured all other right of entry agreements
[1:59:21] needed to proceed
[1:59:21] needed to proceed
[1:59:24] with this project and acquiring this
[1:59:24] with this project and acquiring this
[1:59:27] particular -- these particular
[1:59:27] particular -- these particular
[1:59:30] access rights around novacourt would
[1:59:30] access rights around novacourt would
[1:59:31] satisfy all
[1:59:31] satisfy all
[1:59:32] land right requirements necessary
[1:59:32] land right requirements necessary
[1:59:33] for
[1:59:33] for
[1:59:36] this project. Wssc water has attempted
[1:59:36] this project. Wssc water has attempted
[1:59:38] to reach south stonegate homeowner's
[1:59:38] to reach south stonegate homeowner's
[1:59:39] association inc. Several times and
[1:59:39] association inc. Several times and
[1:59:41] to date there have been no responses
[1:59:41] to date there have been no responses
[1:59:45] to those outreach efforts. South
[1:59:45] to those outreach efforts. South
[1:59:48] stonegate hoa status is forfeited
[1:59:48] stonegate hoa status is forfeited
[1:59:49] according
[1:59:49] according
[1:59:51] to the maryland state
[1:59:51] to the maryland state
[1:59:53] department of assessment and taxation. And
[1:59:53] department of assessment and taxation. And
[1:59:57] the corporate entity appears to be
[1:59:57] the corporate entity appears to be
[1:59:58] defunct. At this
[1:59:58] defunct. At this
[1:59:59] stage of the process the only option
[1:59:59] stage of the process the only option
[2:00:00] to secure
[2:00:00] to secure
[2:00:02] the necessary property rights is through
[2:00:02] the necessary property rights is through
[2:00:03] filing
[2:00:03] filing
[2:00:06] a condemnation proceeding
[2:00:06] a condemnation proceeding
[2:00:08] in montgomery county circuit court. If
[2:00:08] in montgomery county circuit court. If
[2:00:09] you have questions I'm prepared to
[2:00:09] you have questions I'm prepared to
[2:00:12] answer them
[2:00:12] answer them
[2:00:15] at this time. Thank you.
[2:00:15] at this time. Thank you.
[2:00:16] >>
[2:00:16] >>
[2:00:17] thank you. Any questions? Seeing none,
[2:00:17] thank you. Any questions? Seeing none,
[2:00:18] do
[2:00:18] do
[2:00:21] I
[2:00:21] I
[2:00:24] have
[2:00:24] have
[2:00:30] a motion?
[2:00:30] a motion?
[2:00:35] >> mr. Chairman, I hereby move that
[2:00:35] >> mr. Chairman, I hereby move that
[2:00:36] the
[2:00:36] the
[2:00:40] commission adopt resolution 2026-24
[2:00:40] commission adopt resolution 2026-24
[2:00:42] --let me start
[2:00:42] --let me start
[2:00:45] over. I move that the commission
[2:00:45] over. I move that the commission
[2:00:48] adopt resolution 2026-2415 authorizing the institution
[2:00:48] adopt resolution 2026-2415 authorizing the institution
[2:00:51] of eminent domain
[2:00:51] of eminent domain
[2:00:53] by condemnation proceedings for the
[2:00:53] by condemnation proceedings for the
[2:00:54] temporary construction
[2:00:54] temporary construction
[2:00:56] easement as recommended by management.
[2:00:56] easement as recommended by management.
[2:00:57] >>
[2:00:57] >>
[2:00:58] thank you, commissioner foster. Is
[2:00:58] thank you, commissioner foster. Is
[2:01:00] there a second?
[2:01:00] there a second?
[2:01:01] >> I second, mr.
[2:01:01] >> I second, mr.
[2:01:03] chair.
[2:01:03] chair.
[2:01:04] >> thank you,
[2:01:04] >> thank you,
[2:01:05] commissioner espy-williams. Any discussion? All
[2:01:05] commissioner espy-williams. Any discussion? All
[2:01:06] those in favor signify
[2:01:06] those in favor signify
[2:01:09] by saying aye. Any
[2:01:09] by saying aye. Any
[2:01:11] nays or abstentions? The vote carries
[2:01:11] nays or abstentions? The vote carries
[2:01:12] by a
[2:01:12] by a
[2:01:18] vote of 6-0. Resolution 2026-2415
[2:01:18] vote of 6-0. Resolution 2026-2415
[2:01:21] is approved. Thank you. Again, thank you
[2:01:21] is approved. Thank you. Again, thank you
[2:01:22] mr.
[2:01:22] mr.
[2:01:24] gregor. We will now hear from director of
[2:01:24] gregor. We will now hear from director of
[2:01:27] production ben
[2:01:27] production ben
[2:01:30] thompson to present
[2:01:30] thompson to present
[2:01:36] resolution 2026-2421. Mr. Thompson.
[2:01:36] resolution 2026-2421. Mr. Thompson.
[2:01:37] >>
[2:01:37] >>
[2:01:38] good afternoon, chair smith. Vice
[2:01:38] good afternoon, chair smith. Vice
[2:01:40] chair powell. Commissioners. Madam
[2:01:40] chair powell. Commissioners. Madam
[2:01:42] corporate secretary. General manager
[2:01:42] corporate secretary. General manager
[2:01:45] powell and team. For the record my
[2:01:45] powell and team. For the record my
[2:01:46] name
[2:01:46] name
[2:01:48] is ben thompson. I'm here
[2:01:48] is ben thompson. I'm here
[2:01:51] to request
[2:01:51] to request
[2:01:54] approval of 2026-2421 which authorize
[2:01:54] approval of 2026-2421 which authorize
[2:01:55] as
[2:01:55] as
[2:01:56] $50 one time water bill credit for customers
[2:01:56] $50 one time water bill credit for customers
[2:01:57] who participate
[2:01:57] who participate
[2:02:00] in our 2026 lead and copper
[2:02:00] in our 2026 lead and copper
[2:02:01] rule sampling program. As required
[2:02:01] rule sampling program. As required
[2:02:03] by the
[2:02:03] by the
[2:02:07] epa's lead and copper rule safe
[2:02:07] epa's lead and copper rule safe
[2:02:08] drinking water, wssc water must collect samples
[2:02:08] drinking water, wssc water must collect samples
[2:02:10] from homes
[2:02:10] from homes
[2:02:12] every three years. During the upcoming
[2:02:12] every three years. During the upcoming
[2:02:15] monitoring period of june 1st through
[2:02:15] monitoring period of june 1st through
[2:02:16] september 30th ,
[2:02:16] september 30th ,
[2:02:18] we are required to obtain at least
[2:02:18] we are required to obtain at least
[2:02:22] 50 completed samples. Failure to do
[2:02:22] 50 completed samples. Failure to do
[2:02:25] so would result in regulatory
[2:02:25] so would result in regulatory
[2:02:27] monitoring violation. In prior cycles,
[2:02:27] monitoring violation. In prior cycles,
[2:02:28] wssc
[2:02:28] wssc
[2:02:31] has offered bill credits of
[2:02:31] has offered bill credits of
[2:02:33] $10 and 20. Despite those incentives
[2:02:33] $10 and 20. Despite those incentives
[2:02:35] has been extremely challenging. To
[2:02:35] has been extremely challenging. To
[2:02:36] improve participation and to account
[2:02:36] improve participation and to account
[2:02:37] for
[2:02:37] for
[2:02:39] inflation we're proposing a $50 credit
[2:02:39] inflation we're proposing a $50 credit
[2:02:41] per completed sample. We are also
[2:02:41] per completed sample. We are also
[2:02:43] working with communications
[2:02:43] working with communications
[2:02:44] to enhance all outreach materials
[2:02:44] to enhance all outreach materials
[2:02:46] and
[2:02:46] and
[2:02:47] encourage greater customer participation and
[2:02:47] encourage greater customer participation and
[2:02:49] this year we will
[2:02:49] this year we will
[2:02:51] introduce a new online response option making it
[2:02:51] introduce a new online response option making it
[2:02:52] quick and
[2:02:52] quick and
[2:02:54] easy for customers to indicate their willingness
[2:02:54] easy for customers to indicate their willingness
[2:02:55] to participate. The total
[2:02:55] to participate. The total
[2:02:58] cost of the
[2:02:58] cost of the
[2:03:01] program is expected to range
[2:03:01] program is expected to range
[2:03:03] between $2500 and $5000. Would not
[2:03:03] between $2500 and $5000. Would not
[2:03:04] exceed
[2:03:04] exceed
[2:03:07] 100 samples. This is
[2:03:07] 100 samples. This is
[2:03:10] a modest
[2:03:10] a modest
[2:03:13] investment
[2:03:13] investment
[2:03:14] to ensure compliance. I respectfully
[2:03:14] to ensure compliance. I respectfully
[2:03:15] request the commissioner's approval
[2:03:15] request the commissioner's approval
[2:03:16] and I'm here
[2:03:16] and I'm here
[2:03:18] to answer any questions you may have.
[2:03:18] to answer any questions you may have.
[2:03:19] >>
[2:03:19] >>
[2:03:20] thank
[2:03:20] thank
[2:03:21] you, director thompson. Any questions
[2:03:21] you, director thompson. Any questions
[2:03:22] from commissioners? Hearing none,
[2:03:22] from commissioners? Hearing none,
[2:03:23] do I
[2:03:23] do I
[2:03:24] have a motion?
[2:03:24] have a motion?
[2:03:25] >> mr. Chairman, I
[2:03:25] >> mr. Chairman, I
[2:03:26] hereby
[2:03:26] hereby
[2:03:28] move that the
[2:03:28] move that the
[2:03:30] commission adopt resolution 2026-2421
[2:03:30] commission adopt resolution 2026-2421
[2:03:34] authorizing a one time $50 lead
[2:03:34] authorizing a one time $50 lead
[2:03:36] and copper rule water sampling credit
[2:03:36] and copper rule water sampling credit
[2:03:37] as recommended by
[2:03:37] as recommended by
[2:03:40] management.
[2:03:40] management.
[2:03:41] >> thank you,
[2:03:41] >> thank you,
[2:03:42] commissioner speed-bost. Is there a
[2:03:42] commissioner speed-bost. Is there a
[2:03:43] second?
[2:03:43] second?
[2:03:44] >> I'll
[2:03:44] >> I'll
[2:03:45] second. Any discussion? Hearing none,
[2:03:45] second. Any discussion? Hearing none,
[2:03:46] all those in favor signify
[2:03:46] all those in favor signify
[2:03:49] by saying aye. Aye. Any
[2:03:49] by saying aye. Aye. Any
[2:03:50] nays or abstentions? The motion carries by
[2:03:50] nays or abstentions? The motion carries by
[2:03:55] a vote of 6-0
[2:03:55] a vote of 6-0
[2:03:58] and resolution
[2:03:58] and resolution
[2:04:00] 2026-2421 is approved.
[2:04:00] 2026-2421 is approved.
[2:04:01] >> thank you. >>
[2:04:01] >> thank you. >>
[2:04:02] thank you,
[2:04:02] thank you,
[2:04:03] mr. Thompson. We will now hear from
[2:04:03] mr. Thompson. We will now hear from
[2:04:04] the chief financial officer to present
[2:04:04] the chief financial officer to present
[2:04:07] a series of items for vote
[2:04:07] a series of items for vote
[2:04:10] and
[2:04:10] and
[2:04:11] one item for information. You may
[2:04:11] one item for information. You may
[2:04:13] begin with the
[2:04:13] begin with the
[2:04:15] mid cycle update.
[2:04:15] mid cycle update.
[2:04:16] >> good afternoon,
[2:04:16] >> good afternoon,
[2:04:17] chair smith. Vice
[2:04:17] chair smith. Vice
[2:04:18] chair powell. Commissioners. General
[2:04:18] chair powell. Commissioners. General
[2:04:22] manager. Madam
[2:04:22] manager. Madam
[2:04:25] corporate secretary. The
[2:04:25] corporate secretary. The
[2:04:28] first item that we
[2:04:28] first item that we
[2:04:31] would like to request is
[2:04:31] would like to request is
[2:04:34] a transaction to amend
[2:04:34] a transaction to amend
[2:04:37] the proposed fy 2027 to 32
[2:04:37] the proposed fy 2027 to 32
[2:04:38] capital improvements program. There
[2:04:38] capital improvements program. There
[2:04:40] is a total
[2:04:40] is a total
[2:04:41] increase of $19.23 million in year
[2:04:41] increase of $19.23 million in year
[2:04:43] one
[2:04:43] one
[2:04:46] which is fiscal year 2027
[2:04:46] which is fiscal year 2027
[2:04:47] across five programs. Four programs
[2:04:47] across five programs. Four programs
[2:04:49] are blue plains waste water
[2:04:49] are blue plains waste water
[2:04:50] treatment plants. And the revision
[2:04:50] treatment plants. And the revision
[2:04:52] is a result from
[2:04:52] is a result from
[2:04:54] us receiving updated expenditure schedules
[2:04:54] us receiving updated expenditure schedules
[2:04:55] from
[2:04:55] from
[2:04:57] dc water that pulled forward programmed
[2:04:57] dc water that pulled forward programmed
[2:04:58] expenses
[2:04:58] expenses
[2:05:01] and
[2:05:01] and
[2:05:04] this was a
[2:05:04] this was a
[2:05:07] 28.64
[2:05:07] 28.64
[2:05:10] million increase.
[2:05:10] million increase.
[2:05:16] based on actual
[2:05:16] based on actual
[2:05:17] year end costs versus budgeted costs
[2:05:17] year end costs versus budgeted costs
[2:05:19] that were presented which is earlier
[2:05:19] that were presented which is earlier
[2:05:22] on in the year. And this
[2:05:22] on in the year. And this
[2:05:24] resulted in the $9.41 million decrease. This
[2:05:24] resulted in the $9.41 million decrease. This
[2:05:25] change is
[2:05:25] change is
[2:05:28] within the fy 2027 recommended
[2:05:28] within the fy 2027 recommended
[2:05:29] rate revenue enhancement and it does
[2:05:29] rate revenue enhancement and it does
[2:05:31] not impact our
[2:05:31] not impact our
[2:05:32] metrics. I request the commissioners approve
[2:05:32] metrics. I request the commissioners approve
[2:05:34] this mid cycle update and I'm
[2:05:34] this mid cycle update and I'm
[2:05:37] available for any questions.
[2:05:37] available for any questions.
[2:05:38] >>
[2:05:38] >>
[2:05:40] thank you. Any
[2:05:40] thank you. Any
[2:05:42] questions?
[2:05:42] questions?
[2:05:43] >> hearing none, do I have
[2:05:43] >> hearing none, do I have
[2:05:45] a motion?
[2:05:45] a motion?
[2:05:46] >> mr. Chair, I hereby move
[2:05:46] >> mr. Chair, I hereby move
[2:05:47] that the commission
[2:05:47] that the commission
[2:05:49] approve for transmittal to the county executives
[2:05:49] approve for transmittal to the county executives
[2:05:51] of prince george's and montgomery
[2:05:51] of prince george's and montgomery
[2:05:52] counties the proposed
[2:05:52] counties the proposed
[2:05:55] mid cycle
[2:05:55] mid cycle
[2:05:58] amendments for fiscal years 2027 through 2032
[2:05:58] amendments for fiscal years 2027 through 2032
[2:06:01] capital improvements program as recommended
[2:06:01] capital improvements program as recommended
[2:06:03] by management.
[2:06:03] by management.
[2:06:04] >> thank you, vice
[2:06:04] >> thank you, vice
[2:06:06] chair powell. Second?
[2:06:06] chair powell. Second?
[2:06:07] >> I second. >>
[2:06:07] >> I second. >>
[2:06:08] any discussion? Hearing none, all
[2:06:08] any discussion? Hearing none, all
[2:06:10] those in favor signify by
[2:06:10] those in favor signify by
[2:06:12] saying aye. Any nays or abstentions? Hearing
[2:06:12] saying aye. Any nays or abstentions? Hearing
[2:06:13] none
[2:06:13] none
[2:06:14] the motion carries unanimously by
[2:06:14] the motion carries unanimously by
[2:06:16] a vote
[2:06:16] a vote
[2:06:19] of 6-0. The transmittal of the amendments
[2:06:19] of 6-0. The transmittal of the amendments
[2:06:22] is approved. Mr. Musara you may
[2:06:22] is approved. Mr. Musara you may
[2:06:25] proceed to fiscal year 2027
[2:06:25] proceed to fiscal year 2027
[2:06:27] operating and capital budget for transmittal to
[2:06:27] operating and capital budget for transmittal to
[2:06:28] the counties.
[2:06:28] the counties.
[2:06:29] >> next
[2:06:29] >> next
[2:06:31] we are requesting approval to
[2:06:31] we are requesting approval to
[2:06:33] transmit the fy 2027 proposed budget
[2:06:33] transmit the fy 2027 proposed budget
[2:06:37] to the montgomery and prince george's county
[2:06:37] to the montgomery and prince george's county
[2:06:38] executives. The
[2:06:38] executives. The
[2:06:40] budget consists of $1.97 billion and
[2:06:40] budget consists of $1.97 billion and
[2:06:43] is supported by an overall
[2:06:43] is supported by an overall
[2:06:45] 6% revenue enhancement comprised of
[2:06:45] 6% revenue enhancement comprised of
[2:06:46] a 5% average
[2:06:46] a 5% average
[2:06:49] water and sewer
[2:06:49] water and sewer
[2:06:52] volume metric and fixed fee rate supplemented
[2:06:52] volume metric and fixed fee rate supplemented
[2:06:53] by
[2:06:53] by
[2:06:54] 1% in one time revenue from interest
[2:06:54] 1% in one time revenue from interest
[2:06:55] income and the
[2:06:55] income and the
[2:06:57] temporary rate stabilization fund. The
[2:06:57] temporary rate stabilization fund. The
[2:06:58] rate increase
[2:06:58] rate increase
[2:07:01] will add approximately $4.92
[2:07:01] will add approximately $4.92
[2:07:04] per month. $14.75
[2:07:04] per month. $14.75
[2:07:06] per quarter. Or $59 per year to the
[2:07:06] per quarter. Or $59 per year to the
[2:07:07] bill
[2:07:07] bill
[2:07:10] of a customer using
[2:07:10] of a customer using
[2:07:11] 145-gallons per day. The operating
[2:07:11] 145-gallons per day. The operating
[2:07:13] budget of $1.2 billion
[2:07:13] budget of $1.2 billion
[2:07:16] is an increase of 63.5 million
[2:07:16] is an increase of 63.5 million
[2:07:19] over fy 2026. And the capital budget
[2:07:19] over fy 2026. And the capital budget
[2:07:22] is $770 million
[2:07:22] is $770 million
[2:07:25] an increase of $73.4 million over
[2:07:25] an increase of $73.4 million over
[2:07:26] fy
[2:07:26] fy
[2:07:27] 2026. One note for the commissioners is
[2:07:27] 2026. One note for the commissioners is
[2:07:28] we
[2:07:28] we
[2:07:30] received updated projections related
[2:07:30] received updated projections related
[2:07:31] to
[2:07:31] to
[2:07:33] the commission share of waste water treatment
[2:07:33] the commission share of waste water treatment
[2:07:34] costs
[2:07:34] costs
[2:07:36] for regional sewage disposal at blue
[2:07:36] for regional sewage disposal at blue
[2:07:37] plains and this
[2:07:37] plains and this
[2:07:39] went up by $2.2 million and we're
[2:07:39] went up by $2.2 million and we're
[2:07:40] going
[2:07:40] going
[2:07:42] to absorb that amount in the existing
[2:07:42] to absorb that amount in the existing
[2:07:43] budget. With that I
[2:07:43] budget. With that I
[2:07:46] ask for your approval to transmit
[2:07:46] ask for your approval to transmit
[2:07:47] the
[2:07:47] the
[2:07:48] fy 2027 proposed budget and I'm available
[2:07:48] fy 2027 proposed budget and I'm available
[2:07:49] for any
[2:07:49] for any
[2:07:52] questions.
[2:07:52] questions.
[2:07:53] >> thank you,
[2:07:53] >> thank you,
[2:07:55] chief financial officer munetsi
[2:07:55] chief financial officer munetsi
[2:07:57] musara. I want to comment for you
[2:07:57] musara. I want to comment for you
[2:07:58] and the entire team,
[2:07:58] and the entire team,
[2:08:01] your hard work and diligence do
[2:08:01] your hard work and diligence do
[2:08:04] keep our rates as low as possible. And
[2:08:04] keep our rates as low as possible. And
[2:08:07] the impact of $4.92
[2:08:07] the impact of $4.92
[2:08:09] per month I know that was the target
[2:08:09] per month I know that was the target
[2:08:10] --or that
[2:08:10] --or that
[2:08:13] was an intentional goal. So I
[2:08:13] was an intentional goal. So I
[2:08:16] think that's
[2:08:16] think that's
[2:08:19] a very reasonable reflection of the great
[2:08:19] a very reasonable reflection of the great
[2:08:22] work you've
[2:08:22] work you've
[2:08:24] done. Any other questions? Do I have a
[2:08:24] done. Any other questions? Do I have a
[2:08:25] motion?
[2:08:25] motion?
[2:08:26] >> mr. Chair, I
[2:08:26] >> mr. Chair, I
[2:08:27] move that the commission approval
[2:08:27] move that the commission approval
[2:08:28] for transmittal to the
[2:08:28] for transmittal to the
[2:08:31] county executives of prince george's and
[2:08:31] county executives of prince george's and
[2:08:34] montgomery counties wssc's water proposed fiscal
[2:08:34] montgomery counties wssc's water proposed fiscal
[2:08:36] year 2027 operating and capital budget
[2:08:36] year 2027 operating and capital budget
[2:08:37] as recommended by
[2:08:37] as recommended by
[2:08:40] management.
[2:08:40] management.
[2:08:41] >> thank you,
[2:08:41] >> thank you,
[2:08:42] commissioner seltzer. Is there a second?
[2:08:42] commissioner seltzer. Is there a second?
[2:08:43] >>
[2:08:43] >>
[2:08:44] ask I second.
[2:08:44] ask I second.
[2:08:45] >> thank
[2:08:45] >> thank
[2:08:46] you, commissioner speed-bost. Any
[2:08:46] you, commissioner speed-bost. Any
[2:08:47] discussion? All those in favor
[2:08:47] discussion? All those in favor
[2:08:48] signify by saying aye. Aye. Any nays
[2:08:48] signify by saying aye. Aye. Any nays
[2:08:51] or abstentions? Hearing none the motion
[2:08:51] or abstentions? Hearing none the motion
[2:08:52] carries unanimously by a
[2:08:52] carries unanimously by a
[2:08:55] vote of 6-0 and the transmittal of
[2:08:55] vote of 6-0 and the transmittal of
[2:08:58] the proposed fiscal year 2027 operating
[2:08:58] the proposed fiscal year 2027 operating
[2:08:59] and capital
[2:08:59] and capital
[2:09:01] budgets is approved. Mr. Musara, you
[2:09:01] budgets is approved. Mr. Musara, you
[2:09:03] may now proceed to the front foot
[2:09:03] may now proceed to the front foot
[2:09:04] benefit charge appeals
[2:09:04] benefit charge appeals
[2:09:07] hearing date and hearing officer
[2:09:07] hearing date and hearing officer
[2:09:09] selections.
[2:09:09] selections.
[2:09:10] >> thank you, chair smith. In
[2:09:10] >> thank you, chair smith. In
[2:09:11] early
[2:09:11] early
[2:09:13] spring customers will receive notification
[2:09:13] spring customers will receive notification
[2:09:14] of
[2:09:14] of
[2:09:15] front foot benefit assessments based on
[2:09:15] front foot benefit assessments based on
[2:09:16] last calendar
[2:09:16] last calendar
[2:09:17] year's activity and this will include
[2:09:17] year's activity and this will include
[2:09:19] a date and time
[2:09:19] a date and time
[2:09:22] for an assessment appeal hearing with
[2:09:22] for an assessment appeal hearing with
[2:09:23] the
[2:09:23] the
[2:09:25] wssc water commissioner if they have
[2:09:25] wssc water commissioner if they have
[2:09:26] any concerns that
[2:09:26] any concerns that
[2:09:28] remain from their followup with the
[2:09:28] remain from their followup with the
[2:09:30] property assessments team. We are
[2:09:30] property assessments team. We are
[2:09:31] requesting
[2:09:31] requesting
[2:09:34] the commission set thursday, may
[2:09:34] the commission set thursday, may
[2:09:37] 21st, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. As the date
[2:09:37] 21st, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. As the date
[2:09:40] and time for the 2026 front
[2:09:40] and time for the 2026 front
[2:09:42] foot benefit assessment appeal hearing. And
[2:09:42] foot benefit assessment appeal hearing. And
[2:09:43] that one commissioner be selected
[2:09:43] that one commissioner be selected
[2:09:44] to
[2:09:44] to
[2:09:45] serve as the hearing officer. And
[2:09:45] serve as the hearing officer. And
[2:09:46] that the
[2:09:46] that the
[2:09:49] hearing be conducted via teams. I'm available
[2:09:49] hearing be conducted via teams. I'm available
[2:09:50] for
[2:09:50] for
[2:09:52] any questions and thank you.
[2:09:52] any questions and thank you.
[2:09:53] >> thank
[2:09:53] >> thank
[2:09:55] you, sir. Any questions? Hearing none,
[2:09:55] you, sir. Any questions? Hearing none,
[2:09:56] do I
[2:09:56] do I
[2:09:58] have a motion?
[2:09:58] have a motion?
[2:09:59] >>
[2:09:59] >>
[2:10:00] mr. Chair, I hereby move that the
[2:10:00] mr. Chair, I hereby move that the
[2:10:01] commission set
[2:10:01] commission set
[2:10:04] the 2026 front foot benefit assessment appeal
[2:10:04] the 2026 front foot benefit assessment appeal
[2:10:07] hearing on thursday, may
[2:10:07] hearing on thursday, may
[2:10:10] 21st , 2026 at 3:30
[2:10:10] 21st , 2026 at 3:30
[2:10:13] p.m. Conducted virtually via
[2:10:13] p.m. Conducted virtually via
[2:10:16] teams platform with
[2:10:16] teams platform with
[2:10:18] commissioner seltzer serving as hearing
[2:10:18] commissioner seltzer serving as hearing
[2:10:19] officer.
[2:10:19] officer.
[2:10:20] >> thank you. Is there a
[2:10:20] >> thank you. Is there a
[2:10:22] second?
[2:10:22] second?
[2:10:23] >>
[2:10:23] >>
[2:10:25] second.
[2:10:25] second.
[2:10:26] >> thank you, commissioner espy-williams. All those
[2:10:26] >> thank you, commissioner espy-williams. All those
[2:10:29] in favor signify
[2:10:29] in favor signify
[2:10:32] by saying aye. Aye. Any nays
[2:10:32] by saying aye. Aye. Any nays
[2:10:34] or abstentions? Hearing none the motion
[2:10:34] or abstentions? Hearing none the motion
[2:10:35] carries unanimously. The hearing
[2:10:35] carries unanimously. The hearing
[2:10:38] date and hearing officer are
[2:10:38] date and hearing officer are
[2:10:39] approved. Thank you, commissioner
[2:10:39] approved. Thank you, commissioner
[2:10:41] seltzer for serving
[2:10:41] seltzer for serving
[2:10:42] adds hearing officer. Mr. Musara,
[2:10:42] adds hearing officer. Mr. Musara,
[2:10:44] you may proceed to your
[2:10:44] you may proceed to your
[2:10:46] final item. The financial report for
[2:10:46] final item. The financial report for
[2:10:50] q 2 fy 2026.
[2:10:50] q 2 fy 2026.
[2:10:51] >> thank you,
[2:10:51] >> thank you,
[2:10:52] chair smith. Providing our informational update
[2:10:52] chair smith. Providing our informational update
[2:10:56] for the
[2:10:56] for the
[2:10:59] q2
[2:10:59] q2
[2:11:02] financial status report. For q2
[2:11:02] financial status report. For q2
[2:11:04] fy2026 we had a targeted 50% spend
[2:11:04] fy2026 we had a targeted 50% spend
[2:11:05] which are represented by
[2:11:05] which are represented by
[2:11:08] the
[2:11:08] the
[2:11:10] green bars. And for capital actual
[2:11:10] green bars. And for capital actual
[2:11:11] spend
[2:11:11] spend
[2:11:13] is 34% and for operating it's at 44%
[2:11:13] is 34% and for operating it's at 44%
[2:11:15] shown by the blue bars. I just want
[2:11:15] shown by the blue bars. I just want
[2:11:17] to provide a clarification
[2:11:17] to provide a clarification
[2:11:20] as it relates to the capital
[2:11:20] as it relates to the capital
[2:11:22] budget. In these numbers here I'm
[2:11:22] budget. In these numbers here I'm
[2:11:23] simply presenting
[2:11:23] simply presenting
[2:11:25] the high level aggregate information
[2:11:25] the high level aggregate information
[2:11:26] on the capital budget
[2:11:26] on the capital budget
[2:11:27] and details on the program activity
[2:11:27] and details on the program activity
[2:11:29] and
[2:11:29] and
[2:11:31] the break out of its various categories
[2:11:31] the break out of its various categories
[2:11:34] including wssc water control projects
[2:11:34] including wssc water control projects
[2:11:35] versus
[2:11:35] versus
[2:11:36] projects driven by other parties will
[2:11:36] projects driven by other parties will
[2:11:38] be discussed
[2:11:38] be discussed
[2:11:40] in the quarterly capital report that
[2:11:40] in the quarterly capital report that
[2:11:41] is
[2:11:41] is
[2:11:42] being presented by our chief engineer later
[2:11:42] being presented by our chief engineer later
[2:11:44] in
[2:11:44] in
[2:11:46] today's commission meeting. In the
[2:11:46] today's commission meeting. In the
[2:11:48] operating budget, tracking the budget
[2:11:48] operating budget, tracking the budget
[2:11:50] versus actual
[2:11:50] versus actual
[2:11:52] by major expense category, we see
[2:11:52] by major expense category, we see
[2:11:55] that salaries and wages, heat, light
[2:11:55] that salaries and wages, heat, light
[2:11:57] and power. Regional sewage disposal
[2:11:57] and power. Regional sewage disposal
[2:11:59] and debt service are within
[2:11:59] and debt service are within
[2:12:00] the expected range. The activity and
[2:12:00] the expected range. The activity and
[2:12:02] the
[2:12:02] the
[2:12:03] all other category is lagging but
[2:12:03] all other category is lagging but
[2:12:05] we expect this to pick up as
[2:12:05] we expect this to pick up as
[2:12:08] the fiscal year progresses. Here
[2:12:08] the fiscal year progresses. Here
[2:12:10] we present the dollar comparison by
[2:12:10] we present the dollar comparison by
[2:12:14] major expense category for both
[2:12:14] major expense category for both
[2:12:17] operating and capital. Q2
[2:12:17] operating and capital. Q2
[2:12:20] 25 compared to 26. Operating
[2:12:20] 25 compared to 26. Operating
[2:12:23] gross expenses
[2:12:23] gross expenses
[2:12:26] at $501 million. And again we
[2:12:26] at $501 million. And again we
[2:12:29] expect to see an uptick in
[2:12:29] expect to see an uptick in
[2:12:30] expenditure activity and all other
[2:12:30] expenditure activity and all other
[2:12:31] categories for operating and capital,
[2:12:31] categories for operating and capital,
[2:12:32] as well as
[2:12:32] as well as
[2:12:34] contract work and consulting engineers
[2:12:34] contract work and consulting engineers
[2:12:35] in the
[2:12:35] in the
[2:12:38] capital budget over the next
[2:12:38] capital budget over the next
[2:12:40] two quarters. The monthly revenues
[2:12:40] two quarters. The monthly revenues
[2:12:41] from q2
[2:12:41] from q2
[2:12:43] are tracking along with the budget. The
[2:12:43] are tracking along with the budget. The
[2:12:44] december
[2:12:44] december
[2:12:45] revenues were strong and the concern
[2:12:45] revenues were strong and the concern
[2:12:47] we had from revenue
[2:12:47] we had from revenue
[2:12:49] collections coming out of october
[2:12:49] collections coming out of october
[2:12:50] government shutdown has become
[2:12:50] government shutdown has become
[2:12:52] less of an issue as we are slightly
[2:12:52] less of an issue as we are slightly
[2:12:53] behind our
[2:12:53] behind our
[2:12:56] linear trend
[2:12:56] linear trend
[2:12:58] right now. Just for reference, revenues collected
[2:12:58] right now. Just for reference, revenues collected
[2:12:59] in
[2:12:59] in
[2:13:02] november related to october were $70.5
[2:13:02] november related to october were $70.5
[2:13:05] million. And revenues
[2:13:05] million. And revenues
[2:13:07] collected in december were $88.5 million. Which
[2:13:07] collected in december were $88.5 million. Which
[2:13:08] is
[2:13:08] is
[2:13:11] about the linear trend we expect
[2:13:11] about the linear trend we expect
[2:13:14] for revenues. Q2 operating
[2:13:14] for revenues. Q2 operating
[2:13:16] expenses are trending under the linear
[2:13:16] expenses are trending under the linear
[2:13:19] target and as noted earlier, in the presentation
[2:13:19] target and as noted earlier, in the presentation
[2:13:20] we are
[2:13:20] we are
[2:13:22] at 44%. Versus the targeted 50%. So
[2:13:22] at 44%. Versus the targeted 50%. So
[2:13:23] activity
[2:13:23] activity
[2:13:25] is expected to pick up other the remainder
[2:13:25] is expected to pick up other the remainder
[2:13:28] of the fiscal year. This last slide
[2:13:28] of the fiscal year. This last slide
[2:13:32] is the updated five year trend for
[2:13:32] is the updated five year trend for
[2:13:33] operating and capital budgets. And
[2:13:33] operating and capital budgets. And
[2:13:35] as mentioned we are
[2:13:35] as mentioned we are
[2:13:38] in range for operating but
[2:13:38] in range for operating but
[2:13:41] the capital budget will be
[2:13:41] the capital budget will be
[2:13:43] provided by the chief engineer. With
[2:13:43] provided by the chief engineer. With
[2:13:44] that I'm available for
[2:13:44] that I'm available for
[2:13:46] any questions.
[2:13:46] any questions.
[2:13:47] >> thank you, chief
[2:13:47] >> thank you, chief
[2:13:48] engineer. Sorry, thank
[2:13:48] engineer. Sorry, thank
[2:13:50] you chief financial officer. Any
[2:13:50] you chief financial officer. Any
[2:13:53] questions
[2:13:53] questions
[2:13:54] from the commission? Hearing none,
[2:13:54] from the commission? Hearing none,
[2:13:56] thank you, mr. Musara.
[2:13:56] thank you, mr. Musara.
[2:13:57] >> thank
[2:13:57] >> thank
[2:13:59] you.
[2:13:59] you.
[2:14:00] >> we'll now
[2:14:00] >> we'll now
[2:14:01] recognize john curry to present the
[2:14:01] recognize john curry to present the
[2:14:05] monthly customer
[2:14:05] monthly customer
[2:14:11] service indicators.
[2:14:11] service indicators.
[2:14:26] >> good afternoon,
[2:14:26] >> good afternoon,
[2:14:29] chair, vice chair, corporate
[2:14:29] chair, vice chair, corporate
[2:14:32] secretary, gm customers and
[2:14:32] secretary, gm customers and
[2:14:34] team h2o. My name is john curry. Director
[2:14:34] team h2o. My name is john curry. Director
[2:14:35] of customer
[2:14:35] of customer
[2:14:37] service. And I was going to be joined
[2:14:37] service. And I was going to be joined
[2:14:38] by chuck. He may
[2:14:38] by chuck. He may
[2:14:41] pop in. If not I'll cover
[2:14:41] pop in. If not I'll cover
[2:14:43] his slides. We're presenting the performance indicators
[2:14:43] his slides. We're presenting the performance indicators
[2:14:47] for the
[2:14:47] for the
[2:14:49] customer service department. He's
[2:14:49] customer service department. He's
[2:14:50] made it. And this
[2:14:50] made it. And this
[2:14:53] presentation
[2:14:53] presentation
[2:14:56] is
[2:14:56] is
[2:14:59] for informational purposes only. All
[2:14:59] for informational purposes only. All
[2:15:00] right. Moving to the agenda here. In
[2:15:00] right. Moving to the agenda here. In
[2:15:02] addition to the metrics we have
[2:15:02] addition to the metrics we have
[2:15:05] an update on the successful get
[2:15:05] an update on the successful get
[2:15:07] current program that ended at the
[2:15:07] current program that ended at the
[2:15:08] end of
[2:15:08] end of
[2:15:11] january and we've also snuck in a
[2:15:11] january and we've also snuck in a
[2:15:14] bill format you probably know we updated
[2:15:14] bill format you probably know we updated
[2:15:15] the bill
[2:15:15] the bill
[2:15:16] that went live in january. So some
[2:15:16] that went live in january. So some
[2:15:17] of you may
[2:15:17] of you may
[2:15:20] have
[2:15:20] have
[2:15:21] already received it. Looking at the
[2:15:21] already received it. Looking at the
[2:15:23] call center metrics for the
[2:15:23] call center metrics for the
[2:15:26] month of january, we can see a
[2:15:26] month of january, we can see a
[2:15:29] 21% increase in calls
[2:15:29] 21% increase in calls
[2:15:32] from $1,263 calls
[2:15:32] from $1,263 calls
[2:15:35] per day to 1,537. We
[2:15:35] per day to 1,537. We
[2:15:38] resumed
[2:15:38] resumed
[2:15:39] the collections outreach. The storm fern
[2:15:39] the collections outreach. The storm fern
[2:15:41] kind of dues that average because
[2:15:41] kind of dues that average because
[2:15:44] call volume was higher before
[2:15:44] call volume was higher before
[2:15:47] fern and was real lively
[2:15:47] fern and was real lively
[2:15:49] low during fern. Fern will also impact
[2:15:49] low during fern. Fern will also impact
[2:15:50] the customer service department
[2:15:50] the customer service department
[2:15:53] for a few months as we
[2:15:53] for a few months as we
[2:15:55] work through any estimated bills or
[2:15:55] work through any estimated bills or
[2:15:56] high bills that may
[2:15:56] high bills that may
[2:15:58] have occurred during that period. Just
[2:15:58] have occurred during that period. Just
[2:15:59] want to thank
[2:15:59] want to thank
[2:16:01] the utility services department, especially meter
[2:16:01] the utility services department, especially meter
[2:16:02] readers who
[2:16:02] readers who
[2:16:05] have done an excellent job of getting
[2:16:05] have done an excellent job of getting
[2:16:06] us reads
[2:16:06] us reads
[2:16:07] in these difficult conditions. However,
[2:16:07] in these difficult conditions. However,
[2:16:08] some of them
[2:16:08] some of them
[2:16:11] were just not accessible or
[2:16:11] were just not accessible or
[2:16:14] unsafe
[2:16:14] unsafe
[2:16:16] to access. We remained focused on
[2:16:16] to access. We remained focused on
[2:16:17] assisting customers
[2:16:17] assisting customers
[2:16:20] with understanding bills and
[2:16:20] with understanding bills and
[2:16:23] financial stance. Through
[2:16:23] financial stance. Through
[2:16:25] the resumption of turn ons through
[2:16:25] the resumption of turn ons through
[2:16:26] the next few months as well
[2:16:26] the next few months as well
[2:16:28] as any questions with fern. Our average speed
[2:16:28] as any questions with fern. Our average speed
[2:16:29] of answer
[2:16:29] of answer
[2:16:31] was approximately 9 minutes and the average
[2:16:31] was approximately 9 minutes and the average
[2:16:32] handle time
[2:16:32] handle time
[2:16:34] was approximately 9 minutes leaving us
[2:16:34] was approximately 9 minutes leaving us
[2:16:35] with a call
[2:16:35] with a call
[2:16:38] answer rate of 90 percent. Moving
[2:16:38] answer rate of 90 percent. Moving
[2:16:39] to the next
[2:16:39] to the next
[2:16:41] slide here, we have our customer
[2:16:41] slide here, we have our customer
[2:16:44] e-mails and start stops. We maintained
[2:16:44] e-mails and start stops. We maintained
[2:16:45] a
[2:16:45] a
[2:16:47] relatively low number here
[2:16:47] relatively low number here
[2:16:50] as 861 items open an average
[2:16:50] as 861 items open an average
[2:16:52] of three days. Fern did create those
[2:16:52] of three days. Fern did create those
[2:16:53] hazardous conditions
[2:16:53] hazardous conditions
[2:16:56] which also impacted any rereading
[2:16:56] which also impacted any rereading
[2:16:57] or
[2:16:57] or
[2:16:59] changing of meters that would
[2:16:59] changing of meters that would
[2:17:01] also impact our start-stop processing
[2:17:01] also impact our start-stop processing
[2:17:02] and we're working
[2:17:02] and we're working
[2:17:03] with utility services to make sure
[2:17:03] with utility services to make sure
[2:17:05] that we've addressed any
[2:17:05] that we've addressed any
[2:17:07] items that were open from them. And
[2:17:07] items that were open from them. And
[2:17:08] making sure
[2:17:08] making sure
[2:17:11] that team h2o was
[2:17:11] that team h2o was
[2:17:13] safe. Over to payments here. The payments are
[2:17:13] safe. Over to payments here. The payments are
[2:17:14] in line
[2:17:14] in line
[2:17:17] with the previous month and
[2:17:17] with the previous month and
[2:17:20] we're continuing our outreach on the resumption
[2:17:20] we're continuing our outreach on the resumption
[2:17:21] of turn
[2:17:21] of turn
[2:17:22] offs here that will happen in march
[2:17:22] offs here that will happen in march
[2:17:23] and april. There is a
[2:17:23] and april. There is a
[2:17:25] three month cycle so that's going
[2:17:25] three month cycle so that's going
[2:17:26] to
[2:17:26] to
[2:17:28] cover our quarterly bills. It'll take
[2:17:28] cover our quarterly bills. It'll take
[2:17:29] a little longer to get through
[2:17:29] a little longer to get through
[2:17:32] the whole account base. Fern's also
[2:17:32] the whole account base. Fern's also
[2:17:35] impacted the estimated bills. They're now
[2:17:35] impacted the estimated bills. They're now
[2:17:36] at
[2:17:36] at
[2:17:38] 29,000 accounts. And that will
[2:17:38] 29,000 accounts. And that will
[2:17:39] impact delinquencies and payments
[2:17:39] impact delinquencies and payments
[2:17:41] other the next few
[2:17:41] other the next few
[2:17:44] weeks and months as those estimated
[2:17:44] weeks and months as those estimated
[2:17:45] bills
[2:17:45] bills
[2:17:47] get
[2:17:47] get
[2:17:49] cured and rebilled. So with our delinquent
[2:17:49] cured and rebilled. So with our delinquent
[2:17:50] accounts here they've risen
[2:17:50] accounts here they've risen
[2:17:52] slightly month over month. They really
[2:17:52] slightly month over month. They really
[2:17:53] do vary every
[2:17:53] do vary every
[2:17:56] day. I get excited when they
[2:17:56] day. I get excited when they
[2:17:58] dip down below $70 million. And get
[2:17:58] dip down below $70 million. And get
[2:17:59] a little depressed
[2:17:59] a little depressed
[2:18:01] when they go over 70 million. That's
[2:18:01] when they go over 70 million. That's
[2:18:02] just part
[2:18:02] just part
[2:18:05] of our
[2:18:05] of our
[2:18:08] normal ebb and flow. Holidays
[2:18:08] normal ebb and flow. Holidays
[2:18:10] and weekends and meter reading do
[2:18:10] and weekends and meter reading do
[2:18:11] drive a lot
[2:18:11] drive a lot
[2:18:14] of that cycle there. Next slide will
[2:18:14] of that cycle there. Next slide will
[2:18:17] highlight what's going on with
[2:18:17] highlight what's going on with
[2:18:19] that residential accounts being the
[2:18:19] that residential accounts being the
[2:18:20] 70%
[2:18:20] 70%
[2:18:23] of the dollars and 95% of
[2:18:23] of the dollars and 95% of
[2:18:26] the total accounts. So our outreach
[2:18:26] the total accounts. So our outreach
[2:18:29] occurs by robocalls and letters, in addition
[2:18:29] occurs by robocalls and letters, in addition
[2:18:32] to text messages from promise
[2:18:32] to text messages from promise
[2:18:34] our partner for payment plans. For
[2:18:34] our partner for payment plans. For
[2:18:35] the commercial
[2:18:35] the commercial
[2:18:37] and multifamily accounts and other types
[2:18:37] and multifamily accounts and other types
[2:18:38] of accounts,
[2:18:38] of accounts,
[2:18:41] we review large balances and contact customers
[2:18:41] we review large balances and contact customers
[2:18:42] to
[2:18:42] to
[2:18:44] assist with any issues they may have
[2:18:44] assist with any issues they may have
[2:18:47] in terms of the understanding the
[2:18:47] in terms of the understanding the
[2:18:51] bill or needing
[2:18:51] bill or needing
[2:18:53] a payment plan. On the next slide
[2:18:53] a payment plan. On the next slide
[2:18:54] you
[2:18:54] you
[2:18:56] can see the distribution of delinquencies
[2:18:56] can see the distribution of delinquencies
[2:19:00] as we resume turnoffs in march
[2:19:00] as we resume turnoffs in march
[2:19:02] and april. We'll prioritize the largest accounts
[2:19:02] and april. We'll prioritize the largest accounts
[2:19:03] and
[2:19:03] and
[2:19:04] we'll have worked through the engagement
[2:19:04] we'll have worked through the engagement
[2:19:06] of those customers
[2:19:06] of those customers
[2:19:08] to avoid a turn off which can be done
[2:19:08] to avoid a turn off which can be done
[2:19:10] either through paying the balance
[2:19:10] either through paying the balance
[2:19:12] or getting into a payment plan
[2:19:12] or getting into a payment plan
[2:19:15] which is relative will
[2:19:15] which is relative will
[2:19:18] I affordable. The next slide
[2:19:18] I affordable. The next slide
[2:19:21] highlights that we have not had
[2:19:21] highlights that we have not had
[2:19:23] any turnoffs during the get current
[2:19:23] any turnoffs during the get current
[2:19:24] period. As
[2:19:24] period. As
[2:19:26] we engage customers there are about
[2:19:26] we engage customers there are about
[2:19:27] 11,000 customers
[2:19:27] 11,000 customers
[2:19:30] that are at risk of turn off for
[2:19:30] that are at risk of turn off for
[2:19:31] owing at least $500 and not being
[2:19:31] owing at least $500 and not being
[2:19:36] in a payment
[2:19:36] in a payment
[2:19:37] plan. So the new bill here you can
[2:19:37] plan. So the new bill here you can
[2:19:39] see the front
[2:19:39] see the front
[2:19:41] and the back. There are about nine
[2:19:41] and the back. There are about nine
[2:19:42] key changes we've
[2:19:42] key changes we've
[2:19:45] made to it to make it
[2:19:45] made to it to make it
[2:19:46] more understandable to customers. We
[2:19:46] more understandable to customers. We
[2:19:48] took
[2:19:48] took
[2:19:50] input from customers. Customer service
[2:19:50] input from customers. Customer service
[2:19:51] advisors
[2:19:51] advisors
[2:19:53] and various other stake holders. We
[2:19:53] and various other stake holders. We
[2:19:54] are
[2:19:54] are
[2:19:55] listening to the feedback as it comes
[2:19:55] listening to the feedback as it comes
[2:19:57] in with
[2:19:57] in with
[2:19:59] the new bill format and are ready
[2:19:59] the new bill format and are ready
[2:20:00] to
[2:20:00] to
[2:20:03] make any more updates or
[2:20:03] make any more updates or
[2:20:04] explanations as needed. There's summaries
[2:20:04] explanations as needed. There's summaries
[2:20:06] of
[2:20:06] of
[2:20:09] the nine key
[2:20:09] the nine key
[2:20:12] areas there. So switching to get current here. We
[2:20:12] areas there. So switching to get current here. We
[2:20:14] have wound down the program for new
[2:20:14] have wound down the program for new
[2:20:15] enrollments. But
[2:20:15] enrollments. But
[2:20:18] it is still very
[2:20:18] it is still very
[2:20:20] much something that customer service and
[2:20:20] much something that customer service and
[2:20:21] I.t. And
[2:20:21] I.t. And
[2:20:22] our partners are working through on
[2:20:22] our partners are working through on
[2:20:24] a daily basis. The
[2:20:24] a daily basis. The
[2:20:26] payment plans for the most recent
[2:20:26] payment plans for the most recent
[2:20:27] iteration go
[2:20:27] iteration go
[2:20:30] out 12 months. And there are
[2:20:30] out 12 months. And there are
[2:20:32] still active payment plans. A total
[2:20:32] still active payment plans. A total
[2:20:36] of about 3,181
[2:20:36] of about 3,181
[2:20:39] payment plans
[2:20:39] payment plans
[2:20:42] were started. There were 10,381
[2:20:42] were started. There were 10,381
[2:20:45] time payers. 13,561 customers
[2:20:45] time payers. 13,561 customers
[2:20:47] took advantage of the program. And
[2:20:47] took advantage of the program. And
[2:20:50] we've collected almost 5.5 million
[2:20:50] we've collected almost 5.5 million
[2:20:53] through the program. An additional
[2:20:53] through the program. An additional
[2:20:54] 867,000
[2:20:54] 867,000
[2:20:56] in revenue to be collected. That means
[2:20:56] in revenue to be collected. That means
[2:20:58] we've given almost 5 million-dollars
[2:20:58] we've given almost 5 million-dollars
[2:21:02] in assistance to our customers as many
[2:21:02] in assistance to our customers as many
[2:21:03] of those
[2:21:03] of those
[2:21:06] collections were matched
[2:21:06] collections were matched
[2:21:09] dollar for dollar. Chuck
[2:21:09] dollar for dollar. Chuck
[2:21:12] will give you the update on the outreach.
[2:21:12] will give you the update on the outreach.
[2:21:13] >>
[2:21:13] >>
[2:21:14] for the record, chuck brown. Funny
[2:21:14] for the record, chuck brown. Funny
[2:21:15] story, I
[2:21:15] story, I
[2:21:17] was downstairs in line for the bake
[2:21:17] was downstairs in line for the bake
[2:21:18] sale
[2:21:18] sale
[2:21:20] where the proceeds are benefiting
[2:21:20] where the proceeds are benefiting
[2:21:21] the water
[2:21:21] the water
[2:21:23] fund. Huge hit. So hopefully you guys
[2:21:23] fund. Huge hit. So hopefully you guys
[2:21:24] would be able to make
[2:21:24] would be able to make
[2:21:26] it down there. But then somebody said
[2:21:26] it down there. But then somebody said
[2:21:29] you're up next, you better get upstairs very
[2:21:29] you're up next, you better get upstairs very
[2:21:30] quickly. You
[2:21:30] quickly. You
[2:21:31] guys are running really ahead of schedule. I
[2:21:31] guys are running really ahead of schedule. I
[2:21:33] got out of line
[2:21:33] got out of line
[2:21:36] for the buntinis to make it up
[2:21:36] for the buntinis to make it up
[2:21:38] here on time. I'm told somebody got
[2:21:38] here on time. I'm told somebody got
[2:21:41] mine for me. Proceeds go to the water
[2:21:41] mine for me. Proceeds go to the water
[2:21:44] fund. This will be my last update. Get
[2:21:44] fund. This will be my last update. Get
[2:21:45] current
[2:21:45] current
[2:21:46] officially has ended. So I just wanted
[2:21:46] officially has ended. So I just wanted
[2:21:48] to share with you
[2:21:48] to share with you
[2:21:51] some really
[2:21:51] some really
[2:21:54] good, really great
[2:21:54] good, really great
[2:21:55] numbers actually. Targeting those
[2:21:55] numbers actually. Targeting those
[2:21:57] zip codes which have
[2:21:57] zip codes which have
[2:21:59] the highest rearages through a variety
[2:21:59] the highest rearages through a variety
[2:22:01] of tactics. Streaming impressions
[2:22:01] of tactics. Streaming impressions
[2:22:03] passed over a
[2:22:03] passed over a
[2:22:06] million up from
[2:22:06] million up from
[2:22:09] 918,000 over last
[2:22:09] 918,000 over last
[2:22:12] month. Web display
[2:22:12] month. Web display
[2:22:13] impressions, 1.5 million. Community
[2:22:13] impressions, 1.5 million. Community
[2:22:15] events, 123
[2:22:15] events, 123
[2:22:18] up from 111 last month. This is
[2:22:18] up from 111 last month. This is
[2:22:20] all driving customers or did drive
[2:22:20] all driving customers or did drive
[2:22:21] customers to
[2:22:21] customers to
[2:22:24] our get current web page
[2:22:24] our get current web page
[2:22:26] making it the second most visited
[2:22:26] making it the second most visited
[2:22:27] web
[2:22:27] web
[2:22:30] page
[2:22:30] page
[2:22:33] on our website. So it's been really
[2:22:33] on our website. So it's been really
[2:22:34] an
[2:22:34] an
[2:22:35] honor to market this and to promote
[2:22:35] honor to market this and to promote
[2:22:36] this and to work with
[2:22:36] this and to work with
[2:22:39] john and his team to ensure
[2:22:39] john and his team to ensure
[2:22:45] our customers were aware from get
[2:22:45] our customers were aware from get
[2:22:47] current. Our message did get out. Obviously,
[2:22:47] current. Our message did get out. Obviously,
[2:22:48] but based
[2:22:48] but based
[2:22:50] on these metrics. But we actually
[2:22:50] on these metrics. But we actually
[2:22:51] heard back from one of
[2:22:51] heard back from one of
[2:22:54] our customers. I wanted to
[2:22:54] our customers. I wanted to
[2:22:57] share
[2:22:57] share
[2:23:00] a video. Then hit play.
[2:23:00] a video. Then hit play.
[2:23:01] >> okay, so time to drop something
[2:23:01] >> okay, so time to drop something
[2:23:03] that could be
[2:23:03] that could be
[2:23:06] a little bit helpful. Washington
[2:23:06] a little bit helpful. Washington
[2:23:08] --wssc the water company, they have
[2:23:08] --wssc the water company, they have
[2:23:09] this promotion going
[2:23:09] this promotion going
[2:23:11] on right now. They honestly have a
[2:23:11] on right now. They honestly have a
[2:23:12] lot of hardship financial
[2:23:12] lot of hardship financial
[2:23:14] programs or just programs you can
[2:23:14] programs or just programs you can
[2:23:15] apply
[2:23:15] apply
[2:23:17] for to lower your bill. This is the
[2:23:17] for to lower your bill. This is the
[2:23:18] one of
[2:23:18] one of
[2:23:20] the month. January 31st is in a few
[2:23:20] the month. January 31st is in a few
[2:23:21] days so if you
[2:23:21] days so if you
[2:23:23] have any kind of balance on their
[2:23:23] have any kind of balance on their
[2:23:24] page,
[2:23:24] page,
[2:23:26] go to this program. So me being a
[2:23:26] go to this program. So me being a
[2:23:27] homeowner or just a
[2:23:27] homeowner or just a
[2:23:30] person who is trying to cut any costs
[2:23:30] person who is trying to cut any costs
[2:23:31] and
[2:23:31] and
[2:23:32] especially like you tillties, I did
[2:23:32] especially like you tillties, I did
[2:23:33] this and it did
[2:23:33] this and it did
[2:23:36] work for me. So just wanted to
[2:23:36] work for me. So just wanted to
[2:23:37] share on this beautiful thursday just
[2:23:37] share on this beautiful thursday just
[2:23:39] in case it can apply and
[2:23:39] in case it can apply and
[2:23:42] work for you.
[2:23:42] work for you.
[2:23:43] >> so, again, we get these
[2:23:43] >> so, again, we get these
[2:23:44] from time to time. I wanted to share this
[2:23:44] from time to time. I wanted to share this
[2:23:45] last one with you
[2:23:45] last one with you
[2:23:48] as we close
[2:23:48] as we close
[2:23:51] out and conclude get current. We are
[2:23:51] out and conclude get current. We are
[2:23:52] going to
[2:23:52] going to
[2:23:54] be sending her a nice gift basket
[2:23:54] be sending her a nice gift basket
[2:23:55] for
[2:23:55] for
[2:23:57] promoting this to all of her
[2:23:57] promoting this to all of her
[2:24:00] followers and thanking her for her participation
[2:24:00] followers and thanking her for her participation
[2:24:02] in get current. And finally, my last
[2:24:02] in get current. And finally, my last
[2:24:03] slide here is we're continuing
[2:24:03] slide here is we're continuing
[2:24:06] to work with john's team to
[2:24:06] to work with john's team to
[2:24:09] inform our customers on the
[2:24:09] inform our customers on the
[2:24:11] collection's outreach. Using a variety
[2:24:11] collection's outreach. Using a variety
[2:24:12] of tactics
[2:24:12] of tactics
[2:24:14] from paid broadcast outreach. Paid and
[2:24:14] from paid broadcast outreach. Paid and
[2:24:18] free
[2:24:18] free
[2:24:20] social media. A lot of stuff out through
[2:24:20] social media. A lot of stuff out through
[2:24:21] all of our
[2:24:21] all of our
[2:24:24] channels. With march coming
[2:24:24] channels. With march coming
[2:24:26] up with commercial collections resuming and
[2:24:26] up with commercial collections resuming and
[2:24:27] april
[2:24:27] april
[2:24:29] for residential, we want to ensure
[2:24:29] for residential, we want to ensure
[2:24:30] our customers are aware
[2:24:30] our customers are aware
[2:24:33] this is starting and it's not
[2:24:33] this is starting and it's not
[2:24:36] a surprise.
[2:24:36] a surprise.
[2:24:42] with that we
[2:24:42] with that we
[2:24:44] can take questions. Any questions? Seeing none. Thank
[2:24:44] can take questions. Any questions? Seeing none. Thank
[2:24:45] you.
[2:24:45] you.
[2:24:46] >> mr.
[2:24:46] >> mr.
[2:24:48] chair.
[2:24:48] chair.
[2:24:49] >> I'm sorry. >> I
[2:24:49] >> I'm sorry. >> I
[2:24:50] have a comment and then something. I
[2:24:50] have a comment and then something. I
[2:24:51] never thought I would see
[2:24:51] never thought I would see
[2:24:54] the day when a
[2:24:54] the day when a
[2:24:57] social media influencer would be promoting our
[2:24:57] social media influencer would be promoting our
[2:24:58] customer
[2:24:58] customer
[2:24:59] assistance programs but I do want to
[2:24:59] assistance programs but I do want to
[2:25:00] say thank you. I want
[2:25:00] say thank you. I want
[2:25:03] to sign the
[2:25:03] to sign the
[2:25:06] card personally when we
[2:25:06] card personally when we
[2:25:09] send the wssc water
[2:25:09] send the wssc water
[2:25:11] swag. We should probably look at getting
[2:25:11] swag. We should probably look at getting
[2:25:12] more influencers
[2:25:12] more influencers
[2:25:15] to promote all of our
[2:25:15] to promote all of our
[2:25:18] offerings and programs. I want
[2:25:18] offerings and programs. I want
[2:25:20] to thank customers for being focused
[2:25:20] to thank customers for being focused
[2:25:21] on paying
[2:25:21] on paying
[2:25:23] the bill. It occurred to me while
[2:25:23] the bill. It occurred to me while
[2:25:24] we were in the call
[2:25:24] we were in the call
[2:25:27] center
[2:25:27] center
[2:25:33] last weekend.
[2:25:33] last weekend.
[2:25:42] it
[2:25:42] it
[2:25:45] occurred to me that customers calling
[2:25:45] occurred to me that customers calling
[2:25:48] to enroll their bill into promise
[2:25:48] to enroll their bill into promise
[2:25:49] pay, so
[2:25:49] pay, so
[2:25:51] they can have a
[2:25:51] they can have a
[2:25:54] monthly bill to pay that are
[2:25:54] monthly bill to pay that are
[2:25:55] in effect becoming delinquent because
[2:25:55] in effect becoming delinquent because
[2:25:57] they're not paying their whole
[2:25:57] they're not paying their whole
[2:25:58] bill on time. They're paying over
[2:25:58] bill on time. They're paying over
[2:26:00] the course of a couple months because
[2:26:00] the course of a couple months because
[2:26:01] they want to
[2:26:01] they want to
[2:26:03] pay a
[2:26:03] pay a
[2:26:06] monthly bill. So I think one of the
[2:26:06] monthly bill. So I think one of the
[2:26:08] things we'll try to achieve in this next
[2:26:08] things we'll try to achieve in this next
[2:26:09] month is to
[2:26:09] month is to
[2:26:12] look at the impact of the
[2:26:12] look at the impact of the
[2:26:15] promise pay payment plans on
[2:26:15] promise pay payment plans on
[2:26:18] the delinquency numbers. I think
[2:26:18] the delinquency numbers. I think
[2:26:20] that is incorporated in that and then
[2:26:20] that is incorporated in that and then
[2:26:21] try to figure
[2:26:21] try to figure
[2:26:24] out what's happening with those customers that
[2:26:24] out what's happening with those customers that
[2:26:26] are more than 365 days overdue. Thank
[2:26:26] are more than 365 days overdue. Thank
[2:26:27] you to the
[2:26:27] you to the
[2:26:30] customers for signing up for
[2:26:30] customers for signing up for
[2:26:33] promise pay. Calling to pay your bill. Wanting
[2:26:33] promise pay. Calling to pay your bill. Wanting
[2:26:34] to
[2:26:34] to
[2:26:36] pay your bill. But we can look at
[2:26:36] pay your bill. But we can look at
[2:26:37] the
[2:26:37] the
[2:26:39] influence of that on those
[2:26:39] influence of that on those
[2:26:45] numbers as well. I think there may
[2:26:45] numbers as well. I think there may
[2:26:46] be
[2:26:46] be
[2:26:48] something positive to
[2:26:48] something positive to
[2:26:51] share.
[2:26:51] share.
[2:26:52] >> thank you. >> next we'll
[2:26:52] >> thank you. >> next we'll
[2:26:53] hear
[2:26:53] hear
[2:26:54] from
[2:26:54] from
[2:26:57] chief engineer. To present the quarterly
[2:26:57] chief engineer. To present the quarterly
[2:27:00] capital improvements
[2:27:00] capital improvements
[2:27:03] program
[2:27:03] program
[2:27:06] cip update.
[2:27:06] cip update.
[2:27:07] >> thank you,
[2:27:07] >> thank you,
[2:27:11] chair smith. Commissioners. Corporate
[2:27:11] chair smith. Commissioners. Corporate
[2:27:12] secretary
[2:27:12] secretary
[2:27:16] and
[2:27:16] and
[2:27:17] general manager powell. We're pleased to
[2:27:17] general manager powell. We're pleased to
[2:27:19] present a quarterly update
[2:27:19] present a quarterly update
[2:27:22] of
[2:27:22] of
[2:27:23] the capital improvement program. The
[2:27:23] the capital improvement program. The
[2:27:25] agenda is on
[2:27:25] agenda is on
[2:27:28] the next slide. And this is the
[2:27:28] the next slide. And this is the
[2:27:30] order we're going to take today. Review
[2:27:30] order we're going to take today. Review
[2:27:34] the spending to
[2:27:34] the spending to
[2:27:37] date. Look at
[2:27:37] date. Look at
[2:27:38] the reconstruction program's mileage
[2:27:38] the reconstruction program's mileage
[2:27:40] kpi
[2:27:40] kpi
[2:27:41] that we're striving to meet. Going
[2:27:41] that we're striving to meet. Going
[2:27:43] to next go
[2:27:43] to next go
[2:27:46] to project highlights by program
[2:27:46] to project highlights by program
[2:27:49] areas. And then we're going to
[2:27:49] areas. And then we're going to
[2:27:52] go into the procurement
[2:27:52] go into the procurement
[2:27:53] and contracts status. Then vendor
[2:27:53] and contracts status. Then vendor
[2:27:55] outreach. Then entertain any
[2:27:55] outreach. Then entertain any
[2:28:01] questions
[2:28:01] questions
[2:28:04] you may have. This first slide
[2:28:04] you may have. This first slide
[2:28:07] summaries the fy 2025 and fy
[2:28:07] summaries the fy 2025 and fy
[2:28:09] 2026 spending to date. The blue line
[2:28:09] 2026 spending to date. The blue line
[2:28:12] below represents the spending for
[2:28:12] below represents the spending for
[2:28:13] 2025
[2:28:13] 2025
[2:28:16] and the red
[2:28:16] and the red
[2:28:17] line above represents 2026 which if
[2:28:17] line above represents 2026 which if
[2:28:19] you do the
[2:28:19] you do the
[2:28:21] numbers at the end of these curves
[2:28:21] numbers at the end of these curves
[2:28:25] 2026 is a 30% increase. So this is
[2:28:25] 2026 is a 30% increase. So this is
[2:28:28] just a summary
[2:28:28] just a summary
[2:28:31] of our spending in our
[2:28:31] of our spending in our
[2:28:34] scale
[2:28:34] scale
[2:28:35] of spending. This next slide summarizes
[2:28:35] of spending. This next slide summarizes
[2:28:37] the year to
[2:28:37] the year to
[2:28:40] date
[2:28:40] date
[2:28:41] actuals through december of 2025. So
[2:28:41] actuals through december of 2025. So
[2:28:43] we
[2:28:43] we
[2:28:46] see for fy 26
[2:28:46] see for fy 26
[2:28:49] the approved budget
[2:28:49] the approved budget
[2:28:51] was 715,000,529. It includes not only
[2:28:51] was 715,000,529. It includes not only
[2:28:55] the
[2:28:55] the
[2:28:58] cip projects that engineering
[2:28:58] cip projects that engineering
[2:28:59] and construction is responsible to deliver,
[2:28:59] and construction is responsible to deliver,
[2:29:04] but also includes growth
[2:29:04] but also includes growth
[2:29:06] and interjurisdictional agreement
[2:29:06] and interjurisdictional agreement
[2:29:07] projects. That
[2:29:07] projects. That
[2:29:10] total of
[2:29:10] total of
[2:29:12] $715 million includes all three. If
[2:29:12] $715 million includes all three. If
[2:29:13] you look
[2:29:13] you look
[2:29:16] at the
[2:29:16] at the
[2:29:19] cip
[2:29:19] cip
[2:29:22] budget alone,
[2:29:22] budget alone,
[2:29:28] that's $
[2:29:28] that's $
[2:29:30] 592,046,000. Which is about 83% of
[2:29:30] 592,046,000. Which is about 83% of
[2:29:32] the total. The approved expenditures
[2:29:32] the total. The approved expenditures
[2:29:34] so
[2:29:34] so
[2:29:37] far have been
[2:29:37] far have been
[2:29:40] $235,532,000. Which is about 40%
[2:29:40] $235,532,000. Which is about 40%
[2:29:43] of the budget. And then
[2:29:43] of the budget. And then
[2:29:46] the expenditures for wssc water
[2:29:46] the expenditures for wssc water
[2:29:48] programs and projects to date compared
[2:29:48] programs and projects to date compared
[2:29:49] to
[2:29:49] to
[2:29:52] the budget, budgeted
[2:29:52] the budget, budgeted
[2:29:55] amount
[2:29:55] amount
[2:29:58] is $195,666, 476. Which, again,
[2:29:58] is $195,666, 476. Which, again,
[2:30:01] is close to 83% of the
[2:30:01] is close to 83% of the
[2:30:04] budgeted
[2:30:04] budgeted
[2:30:05] expenditures through december. If
[2:30:05] expenditures through december. If
[2:30:06] you calculate the average burn rate
[2:30:06] you calculate the average burn rate
[2:30:07] just for
[2:30:07] just for
[2:30:09] ease of analysis as we go through
[2:30:09] ease of analysis as we go through
[2:30:10] the next
[2:30:10] the next
[2:30:12] series of slides. It's 32 million per
[2:30:12] series of slides. It's 32 million per
[2:30:16] month is
[2:30:16] month is
[2:30:17] the average monthly burn rate. Go
[2:30:17] the average monthly burn rate. Go
[2:30:19] to the next
[2:30:19] to the next
[2:30:22] slide. This shows
[2:30:22] slide. This shows
[2:30:28] the monthly expenditures. Minus
[2:30:28] the monthly expenditures. Minus
[2:30:32] the interjurisdictional agreements projects. The
[2:30:32] the interjurisdictional agreements projects. The
[2:30:34] 32 million line. The red
[2:30:34] 32 million line. The red
[2:30:37] line is the average monthly burn
[2:30:37] line is the average monthly burn
[2:30:40] rate. You can see some
[2:30:40] rate. You can see some
[2:30:41] variation but the since september
[2:30:41] variation but the since september
[2:30:46] we've been steady. We had a
[2:30:46] we've been steady. We had a
[2:30:49] nice uptick in
[2:30:49] nice uptick in
[2:30:51] august. So the next two slides please bear
[2:30:51] august. So the next two slides please bear
[2:30:52] with me,
[2:30:52] with me,
[2:30:55] we'll do a
[2:30:55] we'll do a
[2:30:58] deeper dive to analysis the health of our
[2:30:58] deeper dive to analysis the health of our
[2:31:01] fy 26 cip budget. In order to do that
[2:31:01] fy 26 cip budget. In order to do that
[2:31:04] deep
[2:31:04] deep
[2:31:07] dive, we wanted
[2:31:07] dive, we wanted
[2:31:09] to identify some of the budgets that
[2:31:09] to identify some of the budgets that
[2:31:13] were originally in our budget. For
[2:31:13] were originally in our budget. For
[2:31:14] various
[2:31:14] various
[2:31:16] reasons we've not been able to
[2:31:16] reasons we've not been able to
[2:31:18] spend that budget. So one example is
[2:31:18] spend that budget. So one example is
[2:31:19] at
[2:31:19] at
[2:31:22] the
[2:31:22] the
[2:31:25] very top. The orange highlighted row. We
[2:31:25] very top. The orange highlighted row. We
[2:31:26] see
[2:31:26] see
[2:31:28] for
[2:31:28] for
[2:31:34] the I-495
[2:31:34] the I-495
[2:31:37] 495/270 traffic
[2:31:37] 495/270 traffic
[2:31:40] that was canceled. The
[2:31:40] that was canceled. The
[2:31:42] variance in spending is all that amount
[2:31:42] variance in spending is all that amount
[2:31:43] because that project was canceled. So
[2:31:43] because that project was canceled. So
[2:31:46] what we wanted to
[2:31:46] what we wanted to
[2:31:49] do with this
[2:31:49] do with this
[2:31:52] deep dive is show a little more
[2:31:52] deep dive is show a little more
[2:31:53] clarity in terms of how we're doing
[2:31:53] clarity in terms of how we're doing
[2:31:55] on the projects that we can
[2:31:55] on the projects that we can
[2:31:58] control the spending
[2:31:58] control the spending
[2:32:01] on. Next two blue rows
[2:32:01] on. Next two blue rows
[2:32:04] show the
[2:32:04] show the
[2:32:05] blue plains waste water treatment plant
[2:32:05] blue plains waste water treatment plant
[2:32:07] budgets that we are provided
[2:32:07] budgets that we are provided
[2:32:10] by blue
[2:32:10] by blue
[2:32:12] plains through our interjurisdictional agreement. You
[2:32:12] plains through our interjurisdictional agreement. You
[2:32:13] can see
[2:32:13] can see
[2:32:16] the approved budget for the liquid
[2:32:16] the approved budget for the liquid
[2:32:19] treatment train is
[2:32:19] treatment train is
[2:32:22] 13 million. And
[2:32:22] 13 million. And
[2:32:25] for the management is
[2:32:25] for the management is
[2:32:28] almost 6 million. Historically we've
[2:32:28] almost 6 million. Historically we've
[2:32:31] found there dc
[2:32:31] found there dc
[2:32:33] blue plains is pretty liberal in their
[2:32:33] blue plains is pretty liberal in their
[2:32:34] budgets
[2:32:34] budgets
[2:32:37] and they generally end up
[2:32:37] and they generally end up
[2:32:39] only spending maybe 50, maybe 60%
[2:32:39] only spending maybe 50, maybe 60%
[2:32:43] max in terms of what they're
[2:32:43] max in terms of what they're
[2:32:45] budgeting. So what we're doing is
[2:32:45] budgeting. So what we're doing is
[2:32:46] taking a little bit
[2:32:46] taking a little bit
[2:32:49] of a haircut in terms of their
[2:32:49] of a haircut in terms of their
[2:32:51] budget. So that's not held against
[2:32:51] budget. So that's not held against
[2:32:52] us because that money
[2:32:52] us because that money
[2:32:55] is
[2:32:55] is
[2:32:57] not being spent. Below the blue lines are
[2:32:57] not being spent. Below the blue lines are
[2:32:58] some of the projects that
[2:32:58] some of the projects that
[2:33:01] we do have control. Yes. Yes, chair
[2:33:01] we do have control. Yes. Yes, chair
[2:33:03] smith.
[2:33:03] smith.
[2:33:04] >> sorry to interrupt you,
[2:33:04] >> sorry to interrupt you,
[2:33:05] chief engineer. I don't want
[2:33:05] chief engineer. I don't want
[2:33:07] us to lose this. You're going quite
[2:33:07] us to lose this. You're going quite
[2:33:10] in detail. Mr. Musara, could
[2:33:10] in detail. Mr. Musara, could
[2:33:13] you please explain the impact when
[2:33:13] you please explain the impact when
[2:33:14] we receive
[2:33:14] we receive
[2:33:16] a request and
[2:33:16] a request and
[2:33:18] put into our budget 13.5 million and
[2:33:18] put into our budget 13.5 million and
[2:33:19] then as it trues
[2:33:19] then as it trues
[2:33:22] up it's
[2:33:22] up it's
[2:33:28] closer
[2:33:28] closer
[2:33:31] to 8.1.
[2:33:31] to 8.1.
[2:33:32] >> thanks, chair smith. Munetsi
[2:33:32] >> thanks, chair smith. Munetsi
[2:33:34] musara. If we are under
[2:33:34] musara. If we are under
[2:33:36] budget because capital funding is
[2:33:36] budget because capital funding is
[2:33:37] multiyear, when we receive
[2:33:37] multiyear, when we receive
[2:33:39] the debt for that particular year
[2:33:39] the debt for that particular year
[2:33:40] if the project
[2:33:40] if the project
[2:33:42] isn't in place and the spending doesn't happen
[2:33:42] isn't in place and the spending doesn't happen
[2:33:43] and it's delayed the
[2:33:43] and it's delayed the
[2:33:45] funds that we don't spend carry over
[2:33:45] funds that we don't spend carry over
[2:33:46] so they're available in
[2:33:46] so they're available in
[2:33:49] the next year. What also happens is
[2:33:49] the next year. What also happens is
[2:33:50] that between
[2:33:50] that between
[2:33:51] projects since there's so many of
[2:33:51] projects since there's so many of
[2:33:52] them
[2:33:52] them
[2:33:55] you have projects that
[2:33:55] you have projects that
[2:33:58] overspend, underspend, we can reallocate the resources. We
[2:33:58] overspend, underspend, we can reallocate the resources. We
[2:34:00] want to be as close to the budget
[2:34:00] want to be as close to the budget
[2:34:01] that way we're
[2:34:01] that way we're
[2:34:03] not overborrowing and having that additional
[2:34:03] not overborrowing and having that additional
[2:34:04] debt service. From
[2:34:04] debt service. From
[2:34:07] a budget perspective so long as there's
[2:34:07] a budget perspective so long as there's
[2:34:09] availability we can reallocate based
[2:34:09] availability we can reallocate based
[2:34:10] on what engineering and
[2:34:10] on what engineering and
[2:34:12] construction delays they can overcome
[2:34:12] construction delays they can overcome
[2:34:13] versus what they
[2:34:13] versus what they
[2:34:16] have in place.
[2:34:16] have in place.
[2:34:17] >> thank you, mr. Musara. Any
[2:34:17] >> thank you, mr. Musara. Any
[2:34:18] additional questions? My apologies. I just
[2:34:18] additional questions? My apologies. I just
[2:34:19] thought it was
[2:34:19] thought it was
[2:34:21] important to cover that point. Please
[2:34:21] important to cover that point. Please
[2:34:22] proceed.
[2:34:22] proceed.
[2:34:23] >> thank
[2:34:23] >> thank
[2:34:25] you, chair smith. So if we go down the
[2:34:25] you, chair smith. So if we go down the
[2:34:26] rest
[2:34:26] rest
[2:34:28] of the list and the first
[2:34:28] of the list and the first
[2:34:31] page, the green, the green
[2:34:31] page, the green, the green
[2:34:34] are projects that we recognize are
[2:34:34] are projects that we recognize are
[2:34:37] behind the spending that we, schedule
[2:34:37] behind the spending that we, schedule
[2:34:40] that we budgeted. For various
[2:34:40] that we budgeted. For various
[2:34:42] reasons they're behind. We're documenting
[2:34:42] reasons they're behind. We're documenting
[2:34:43] what
[2:34:43] what
[2:34:46] those reasons are so we can
[2:34:46] those reasons are so we can
[2:34:49] implement any possible changes to
[2:34:49] implement any possible changes to
[2:34:50] the delivery
[2:34:50] the delivery
[2:34:52] of that project to expedite
[2:34:52] of that project to expedite
[2:34:55] the spending. These are basically
[2:34:55] the spending. These are basically
[2:34:57] projects on alert that we're watching
[2:34:57] projects on alert that we're watching
[2:34:59] very closely to
[2:34:59] very closely to
[2:35:02] see if we can find ways to
[2:35:02] see if we can find ways to
[2:35:04] expedite them. The next page also
[2:35:04] expedite them. The next page also
[2:35:07] has some green projects. There's a
[2:35:07] has some green projects. There's a
[2:35:08] couple
[2:35:08] couple
[2:35:09] more blue ones. The next blue one
[2:35:09] more blue ones. The next blue one
[2:35:11] is
[2:35:11] is
[2:35:14] the master planning. Facilities
[2:35:14] the master planning. Facilities
[2:35:17] planning program. And
[2:35:17] planning program. And
[2:35:20] that was
[2:35:20] that was
[2:35:22] liberally budgeted by wssc. We've
[2:35:22] liberally budgeted by wssc. We've
[2:35:25] recognized after the first year as
[2:35:25] recognized after the first year as
[2:35:27] well as looking at the scope going
[2:35:27] well as looking at the scope going
[2:35:29] forward doesn't appear we're
[2:35:29] forward doesn't appear we're
[2:35:31] going to need to expend all those
[2:35:31] going to need to expend all those
[2:35:32] funds that were budgeted
[2:35:32] funds that were budgeted
[2:35:35] for the master plan. So we're
[2:35:35] for the master plan. So we're
[2:35:38] taking
[2:35:38] taking
[2:35:40] that into account. Finally the other
[2:35:40] that into account. Finally the other
[2:35:43] blue program is a lead reduction program. And
[2:35:43] blue program is a lead reduction program. And
[2:35:44] the
[2:35:44] the
[2:35:46] fact that we're underspending is good
[2:35:46] fact that we're underspending is good
[2:35:47] news. Because what
[2:35:47] news. Because what
[2:35:50] that means is we're not
[2:35:50] that means is we're not
[2:35:53] finding as
[2:35:53] finding as
[2:35:55] many lead services that were in the database. So
[2:35:55] many lead services that were in the database. So
[2:35:56] that
[2:35:56] that
[2:35:58] means there's less construction work
[2:35:58] means there's less construction work
[2:36:01] needed and construction dollars that
[2:36:01] needed and construction dollars that
[2:36:02] will be
[2:36:02] will be
[2:36:03] spent on this program. We're watching
[2:36:03] spent on this program. We're watching
[2:36:05] that closely. We
[2:36:05] that closely. We
[2:36:07] are going to moderate our budgets
[2:36:07] are going to moderate our budgets
[2:36:11] going forward to
[2:36:11] going forward to
[2:36:12] reflect this type of information. I
[2:36:12] reflect this type of information. I
[2:36:14] want to go to the
[2:36:14] want to go to the
[2:36:16] next slide. Next slide kind of summarizes where
[2:36:16] next slide. Next slide kind of summarizes where
[2:36:17] we are
[2:36:17] we are
[2:36:20] in
[2:36:20] in
[2:36:23] this analysis. This
[2:36:23] this analysis. This
[2:36:26] is a summary of
[2:36:26] is a summary of
[2:36:28] our budget health for fy 26. We started
[2:36:28] our budget health for fy 26. We started
[2:36:32] on the left hand column with the original
[2:36:32] on the left hand column with the original
[2:36:35] 12 month budget. We've
[2:36:35] 12 month budget. We've
[2:36:38] reduced or
[2:36:38] reduced or
[2:36:41] subtracted the approved
[2:36:41] subtracted the approved
[2:36:43] budgets for interjurisdictional agreements and
[2:36:43] budgets for interjurisdictional agreements and
[2:36:44] growth
[2:36:44] growth
[2:36:46] projects. We were subtracting the
[2:36:46] projects. We were subtracting the
[2:36:49] 123. We're also subtracting the excessive
[2:36:49] 123. We're also subtracting the excessive
[2:36:50] or excess
[2:36:50] or excess
[2:36:53] budget that we've identified in
[2:36:53] budget that we've identified in
[2:36:56] those projects I describe which is 65
[2:36:56] those projects I describe which is 65
[2:36:59] million. So we have an adjusted budget
[2:36:59] million. So we have an adjusted budget
[2:37:02] in the fourth
[2:37:02] in the fourth
[2:37:05] column of 526. For the
[2:37:05] column of 526. For the
[2:37:08] year. And then if you reduce it
[2:37:08] year. And then if you reduce it
[2:37:11] by 50% you
[2:37:11] by 50% you
[2:37:13] get 263. For a six month budget you compare
[2:37:13] get 263. For a six month budget you compare
[2:37:14] that to
[2:37:14] that to
[2:37:17] our spend for just our projects
[2:37:17] our spend for just our projects
[2:37:20] that we control. 195. We get a
[2:37:20] that we control. 195. We get a
[2:37:23] percentage of 74%. Now where we
[2:37:23] percentage of 74%. Now where we
[2:37:26] need to go is towards
[2:37:26] need to go is towards
[2:37:28] 90. That's the metric that engineering
[2:37:28] 90. That's the metric that engineering
[2:37:29] and
[2:37:29] and
[2:37:30] construction has been provided. So
[2:37:30] construction has been provided. So
[2:37:32] we will continue
[2:37:32] we will continue
[2:37:35] to monitor this kpi and
[2:37:35] to monitor this kpi and
[2:37:38] strive
[2:37:38] strive
[2:37:39] towards increasing the 74%. Are there
[2:37:39] towards increasing the 74%. Are there
[2:37:41] any
[2:37:41] any
[2:37:44] questions
[2:37:44] questions
[2:37:47] on this table?
[2:37:47] on this table?
[2:37:48] >> commissioner
[2:37:48] >> commissioner
[2:37:49] speed-bost.
[2:37:49] speed-bost.
[2:37:50] >> I was going to ask
[2:37:50] >> I was going to ask
[2:37:53] it relates also to slide
[2:37:53] it relates also to slide
[2:37:56] --your slide three. Remind
[2:37:56] --your slide three. Remind
[2:37:59] me again, I think I understand
[2:37:59] me again, I think I understand
[2:38:02] why we back
[2:38:02] why we back
[2:38:05] out the interjurisdictional agreement amounts. Why
[2:38:05] out the interjurisdictional agreement amounts. Why
[2:38:08] do we back
[2:38:08] do we back
[2:38:11] out growth projects?
[2:38:11] out growth projects?
[2:38:12] >> the growth
[2:38:12] >> the growth
[2:38:14] projects are dictated
[2:38:14] projects are dictated
[2:38:17] by the developer projects that
[2:38:17] by the developer projects that
[2:38:20] we are supporting. So initially they
[2:38:20] we are supporting. So initially they
[2:38:22] provide of course a projection in
[2:38:22] provide of course a projection in
[2:38:23] terms of what
[2:38:23] terms of what
[2:38:25] they're going to need in terms of
[2:38:25] they're going to need in terms of
[2:38:29] our services. And when. But we
[2:38:29] our services. And when. But we
[2:38:31] don't have actual control, commissioner speed-bost,
[2:38:31] don't have actual control, commissioner speed-bost,
[2:38:35] of the
[2:38:35] of the
[2:38:37] developer's schedule. And budget. But
[2:38:37] developer's schedule. And budget. But
[2:38:38] especially schedule. So what's probably
[2:38:38] especially schedule. So what's probably
[2:38:40] going to happen in those projects, commissioner
[2:38:40] going to happen in those projects, commissioner
[2:38:41] speed-bost,
[2:38:41] speed-bost,
[2:38:44] is that those funds that have
[2:38:44] is that those funds that have
[2:38:46] not been spent to date could be pushed into
[2:38:46] not been spent to date could be pushed into
[2:38:47] the
[2:38:47] the
[2:38:50] next fiscal year. But for
[2:38:50] next fiscal year. But for
[2:38:53] analyzing our kpis for this fiscal
[2:38:53] analyzing our kpis for this fiscal
[2:38:56] year that's the reason why we're not
[2:38:56] year that's the reason why we're not
[2:38:58] counting those unspent funds.
[2:38:58] counting those unspent funds.
[2:38:59] >> and
[2:38:59] >> and
[2:39:00] so our
[2:39:00] so our
[2:39:02] budget,
[2:39:02] budget,
[2:39:04] we create the budget or the developer?
[2:39:04] we create the budget or the developer?
[2:39:05] >>
[2:39:05] >>
[2:39:06] they create the
[2:39:06] they create the
[2:39:08] schedule and their needs and then
[2:39:08] schedule and their needs and then
[2:39:10] we together estimate the cost of the
[2:39:10] we together estimate the cost of the
[2:39:11] water or sewer service or
[2:39:11] water or sewer service or
[2:39:14] other work that we have to do
[2:39:14] other work that we have to do
[2:39:17] to support their
[2:39:17] to support their
[2:39:20] project.
[2:39:20] project.
[2:39:21] >> is there any --this
[2:39:21] >> is there any --this
[2:39:23] is the estimate for
[2:39:23] is the estimate for
[2:39:26] our capital expenditures
[2:39:26] our capital expenditures
[2:39:27] associated with development projects.
[2:39:27] associated with development projects.
[2:39:29] this doesn't go
[2:39:29] this doesn't go
[2:39:32] to the developer's
[2:39:32] to the developer's
[2:39:35] portion.
[2:39:35] portion.
[2:39:36] >> that's correct. Totally
[2:39:36] >> that's correct. Totally
[2:39:37] separate. It's on our side of the
[2:39:37] separate. It's on our side of the
[2:39:38] ledger.
[2:39:38] ledger.
[2:39:39] >>
[2:39:39] >>
[2:39:41] thank you. That helps.
[2:39:41] thank you. That helps.
[2:39:42] >> you're
[2:39:42] >> you're
[2:39:43] welcome, commissioner.
[2:39:43] welcome, commissioner.
[2:39:44] >> if I may go
[2:39:44] >> if I may go
[2:39:45] to
[2:39:45] to
[2:39:47] the next slide. This is
[2:39:47] the next slide. This is
[2:39:50] one of our favorite slides. It took
[2:39:50] one of our favorite slides. It took
[2:39:51] us a
[2:39:51] us a
[2:39:52] while to come up with the packing
[2:39:52] while to come up with the packing
[2:39:53] so
[2:39:53] so
[2:39:55] much information into one chart. But
[2:39:55] much information into one chart. But
[2:39:56] I'll, I'll
[2:39:56] I'll, I'll
[2:39:59] walk
[2:39:59] walk
[2:40:02] you through it. We have
[2:40:02] you through it. We have
[2:40:05] at chair
[2:40:05] at chair
[2:40:08] smith's
[2:40:08] smith's
[2:40:10] request analyzed our fy 23 through
[2:40:10] request analyzed our fy 23 through
[2:40:11] fy
[2:40:11] fy
[2:40:14] 26 spending on our
[2:40:14] 26 spending on our
[2:40:15] approved capital projects. Just looking
[2:40:15] approved capital projects. Just looking
[2:40:17] at the big
[2:40:17] at the big
[2:40:20] chunks you can see a
[2:40:20] chunks you can see a
[2:40:23] significant ramp up from 23 to
[2:40:23] significant ramp up from 23 to
[2:40:26] 26 from 136
[2:40:26] 26 from 136
[2:40:29] million,
[2:40:29] million,
[2:40:32] 14
[2:40:32] 14
[2:40:34] projects. Fy 26. 239, 49 projects. We've
[2:40:34] projects. Fy 26. 239, 49 projects. We've
[2:40:35] provided two bars
[2:40:35] provided two bars
[2:40:37] for each fiscal year. The first bar is
[2:40:37] for each fiscal year. The first bar is
[2:40:38] a schedule bar. The
[2:40:38] a schedule bar. The
[2:40:41] second bar is a cost
[2:40:41] second bar is a cost
[2:40:44] bar. And what the
[2:40:44] bar. And what the
[2:40:47] color coding legend is, let me just
[2:40:47] color coding legend is, let me just
[2:40:50] review that quickly. Anything
[2:40:50] review that quickly. Anything
[2:40:52] in blue the schedule or the schedule
[2:40:52] in blue the schedule or the schedule
[2:40:53] is
[2:40:53] is
[2:40:56] on time. Or if it's
[2:40:56] on time. Or if it's
[2:40:59] a cost bar, the budget is on
[2:40:59] a cost bar, the budget is on
[2:41:02] budget. The project budget
[2:41:02] budget. The project budget
[2:41:05] is on budget. If we see
[2:41:05] is on budget. If we see
[2:41:07] black for schedule, that represents
[2:41:07] black for schedule, that represents
[2:41:08] a
[2:41:08] a
[2:41:11] project that is between 1 to
[2:41:11] project that is between 1 to
[2:41:14] 15 days behind schedule. And
[2:41:14] 15 days behind schedule. And
[2:41:17] then on the
[2:41:17] then on the
[2:41:20] cost bar, black denotes 5%
[2:41:20] cost bar, black denotes 5%
[2:41:23] above budget. So these are
[2:41:23] above budget. So these are
[2:41:26] warnings that we have. Developing
[2:41:26] warnings that we have. Developing
[2:41:29] for every single project in
[2:41:29] for every single project in
[2:41:32] our cip budget. Anything
[2:41:32] our cip budget. Anything
[2:41:35] in
[2:41:35] in
[2:41:37] orange is worse. For schedule it's
[2:41:37] orange is worse. For schedule it's
[2:41:38] 60 days behind. More
[2:41:38] 60 days behind. More
[2:41:41] than 60 days behind. And for
[2:41:41] than 60 days behind. And for
[2:41:44] cost more than
[2:41:44] cost more than
[2:41:47] 5%
[2:41:47] 5%
[2:41:50] above budget. So deputy chief engineer
[2:41:50] above budget. So deputy chief engineer
[2:41:51] cavill is
[2:41:51] cavill is
[2:41:53] sitting next to me and
[2:41:53] sitting next to me and
[2:41:56] she has all the information by every project
[2:41:56] she has all the information by every project
[2:41:57] in terms
[2:41:57] in terms
[2:41:59] of their coding. So if you have any desire
[2:41:59] of their coding. So if you have any desire
[2:42:02] to ask any questions
[2:42:02] to ask any questions
[2:42:05] about specific projects, she's available
[2:42:05] about specific projects, she's available
[2:42:08] to answer
[2:42:08] to answer
[2:42:11] them today.
[2:42:11] them today.
[2:42:12] >> any questions? You may
[2:42:12] >> any questions? You may
[2:42:14] proceed.
[2:42:14] proceed.
[2:42:15] >> okay. Thank
[2:42:15] >> okay. Thank
[2:42:17] you, chair smith. This next slide
[2:42:17] you, chair smith. This next slide
[2:42:20] was
[2:42:20] was
[2:42:23] generated from a question you posed
[2:42:23] generated from a question you posed
[2:42:24] a meeting
[2:42:24] a meeting
[2:42:26] ago. The question was how do
[2:42:26] ago. The question was how do
[2:42:29] we prioritize
[2:42:29] we prioritize
[2:42:32] our
[2:42:32] our
[2:42:35] cip
[2:42:35] cip
[2:42:38] projects? So we're using a way
[2:42:38] projects? So we're using a way
[2:42:40] of prioritizing our projects. We have
[2:42:40] of prioritizing our projects. We have
[2:42:41] a process where
[2:42:41] a process where
[2:42:44] we can adjust the math and
[2:42:44] we can adjust the math and
[2:42:45] adjust the prior cityization. This
[2:42:45] adjust the prior cityization. This
[2:42:47] is the
[2:42:47] is the
[2:42:50] current prioritization
[2:42:50] current prioritization
[2:42:53] scheme we have. Regulatory driven
[2:42:53] scheme we have. Regulatory driven
[2:42:56] projects get a 30% score, if you will. Health
[2:42:56] projects get a 30% score, if you will. Health
[2:42:59] and safety, another 30%. That's
[2:42:59] and safety, another 30%. That's
[2:43:02] a
[2:43:02] a
[2:43:05] total of 60. Level of
[2:43:05] total of 60. Level of
[2:43:08] service, 15. Reliability and resilience. Maintaining
[2:43:08] service, 15. Reliability and resilience. Maintaining
[2:43:09] good
[2:43:09] good
[2:43:11] repair is ten. That is connected
[2:43:11] repair is ten. That is connected
[2:43:14] to asset management program which
[2:43:14] to asset management program which
[2:43:17] we have many years of work
[2:43:17] we have many years of work
[2:43:20] developing that program. Then
[2:43:20] developing that program. Then
[2:43:24] we have 5% score for
[2:43:24] we have 5% score for
[2:43:27] what we
[2:43:27] what we
[2:43:30] call innovation,
[2:43:30] call innovation,
[2:43:31] initiatives plans, policies. We're looking
[2:43:31] initiatives plans, policies. We're looking
[2:43:33] ahead in
[2:43:33] ahead in
[2:43:36] terms
[2:43:36] terms
[2:43:38] of emerging regulations. We're looking
[2:43:38] of emerging regulations. We're looking
[2:43:39] ahead
[2:43:39] ahead
[2:43:42] at emerging economic shifts
[2:43:42] at emerging economic shifts
[2:43:45] like
[2:43:45] like
[2:43:48] data centers. So we want to give
[2:43:48] data centers. So we want to give
[2:43:51] projects a score. To
[2:43:51] projects a score. To
[2:43:54] account for
[2:43:54] account for
[2:43:57] that type of value
[2:43:57] that type of value
[2:44:00] to the cip. Chair smith, if
[2:44:00] to the cip. Chair smith, if
[2:44:02] you would like some additional more
[2:44:02] you would like some additional more
[2:44:05] detail on how we prioritize we'd be
[2:44:05] detail on how we prioritize we'd be
[2:44:06] happy to provide
[2:44:06] happy to provide
[2:44:12] that.
[2:44:12] that.
[2:44:13] >> questions? >> can you
[2:44:13] >> questions? >> can you
[2:44:15] differentiate for me between
[2:44:15] differentiate for me between
[2:44:18] the health and
[2:44:18] the health and
[2:44:20] safety attribute or assessment and
[2:44:20] safety attribute or assessment and
[2:44:22] the reliability and resilience and how
[2:44:22] the reliability and resilience and how
[2:44:24] those
[2:44:24] those
[2:44:26] are distinguished?
[2:44:26] are distinguished?
[2:44:27] >> so the question
[2:44:27] >> so the question
[2:44:28] is how
[2:44:28] is how
[2:44:29] do we distinguish between the health and
[2:44:29] do we distinguish between the health and
[2:44:30] safety metric
[2:44:30] safety metric
[2:44:33] and the reliability metric?
[2:44:33] and the reliability metric?
[2:44:34] >>
[2:44:34] >>
[2:44:35] yes.
[2:44:35] yes.
[2:44:36] >> commissioner speed-bost. Starting
[2:44:36] >> commissioner speed-bost. Starting
[2:44:38] with health and safety. Again, that's
[2:44:38] with health and safety. Again, that's
[2:44:39] also
[2:44:39] also
[2:44:42] tied to regulations. But for
[2:44:42] tied to regulations. But for
[2:44:44] example the pfas regulations that
[2:44:44] example the pfas regulations that
[2:44:45] are
[2:44:45] are
[2:44:47] pending and that could impact what
[2:44:47] pending and that could impact what
[2:44:48] we need to
[2:44:48] we need to
[2:44:51] do down the road in terms
[2:44:51] do down the road in terms
[2:44:54] of treatment at our
[2:44:54] of treatment at our
[2:44:57] water
[2:44:57] water
[2:45:00] treatment plants. Or biosolids
[2:45:00] treatment plants. Or biosolids
[2:45:02] management. If it was a water treatment project
[2:45:02] management. If it was a water treatment project
[2:45:05] or a biosolids project it would get
[2:45:05] or a biosolids project it would get
[2:45:06] a high score
[2:45:06] a high score
[2:45:08] in it terms of health and safety. It
[2:45:08] in it terms of health and safety. It
[2:45:09] also would get
[2:45:09] also would get
[2:45:13] credit for reliability. All of our
[2:45:13] credit for reliability. All of our
[2:45:15] upgrades we
[2:45:15] upgrades we
[2:45:18] do
[2:45:18] do
[2:45:20] at our facilities they are rarely the entire
[2:45:20] at our facilities they are rarely the entire
[2:45:21] system
[2:45:21] system
[2:45:23] of the plant or the linear system. It's
[2:45:23] of the plant or the linear system. It's
[2:45:24] a
[2:45:24] a
[2:45:27] component of it. So if there's
[2:45:27] component of it. So if there's
[2:45:29] a failure in part of the system then
[2:45:29] a failure in part of the system then
[2:45:30] we
[2:45:30] we
[2:45:33] have to fix it and may not be expending all
[2:45:33] have to fix it and may not be expending all
[2:45:35] the funds that we would have to to
[2:45:35] the funds that we would have to to
[2:45:36] replace the
[2:45:36] replace the
[2:45:39] system but it would get scored
[2:45:39] system but it would get scored
[2:45:42] for reliability as well
[2:45:42] for reliability as well
[2:45:45] as
[2:45:45] as
[2:45:48] health and safety.
[2:45:48] health and safety.
[2:45:49] >> can I add something? >>
[2:45:49] >> can I add something? >>
[2:45:51] please.
[2:45:51] please.
[2:45:52] >> I'll just add to
[2:45:52] >> I'll just add to
[2:45:53] help clarity for distinguishing between
[2:45:53] help clarity for distinguishing between
[2:45:54] the two. For the
[2:45:54] the two. For the
[2:45:55] reliability and resilience component that
[2:45:55] reliability and resilience component that
[2:45:57] is for example if it
[2:45:57] is for example if it
[2:45:59] we're adding redundancy to our network. So if
[2:45:59] we're adding redundancy to our network. So if
[2:46:00] we see
[2:46:00] we see
[2:46:03] that we have
[2:46:03] that we have
[2:46:06] an area that is
[2:46:06] an area that is
[2:46:08] a major only being served by one major
[2:46:08] a major only being served by one major
[2:46:12] pipeline and adding a
[2:46:12] pipeline and adding a
[2:46:15] secondary pipeline. So if
[2:46:15] secondary pipeline. So if
[2:46:18] that major popline large area isn't
[2:46:18] that major popline large area isn't
[2:46:19] without
[2:46:19] without
[2:46:20] service for very long. That is an
[2:46:20] service for very long. That is an
[2:46:21] example of
[2:46:21] example of
[2:46:24] the resilience and reliability
[2:46:24] the resilience and reliability
[2:46:27] side of
[2:46:27] side of
[2:46:30] the scoring.
[2:46:30] the scoring.
[2:46:31] >> I'm still
[2:46:31] >> I'm still
[2:46:32] not sure I'm there yet, but I don't
[2:46:32] not sure I'm there yet, but I don't
[2:46:33] have
[2:46:33] have
[2:46:34] a specific question so I'll think
[2:46:34] a specific question so I'll think
[2:46:36] about it some
[2:46:36] about it some
[2:46:38] more maybe ask in a follow up meeting.
[2:46:38] more maybe ask in a follow up meeting.
[2:46:39] >>
[2:46:39] >>
[2:46:40] this is
[2:46:40] this is
[2:46:41] a truncated version of the scoring
[2:46:41] a truncated version of the scoring
[2:46:42] within each of these
[2:46:42] within each of these
[2:46:44] there are subcategories. So maybe
[2:46:44] there are subcategories. So maybe
[2:46:45] if we provide
[2:46:45] if we provide
[2:46:48] you with the more
[2:46:48] you with the more
[2:46:51] detailed chart it
[2:46:51] detailed chart it
[2:46:52] will help the thinking process between
[2:46:52] will help the thinking process between
[2:46:54] how we're assigning the scores. Would
[2:46:54] how we're assigning the scores. Would
[2:46:57] that be helpful?
[2:46:57] that be helpful?
[2:46:58] >> that
[2:46:58] >> that
[2:47:00] may
[2:47:00] may
[2:47:03] be helpful.
[2:47:03] be helpful.
[2:47:04] >>
[2:47:04] >>
[2:47:05] thank you. You may proceed.
[2:47:05] thank you. You may proceed.
[2:47:06] >> I'll
[2:47:06] >> I'll
[2:47:09] just
[2:47:09] just
[2:47:11] add, commissioner speed-bost, it's
[2:47:11] add, commissioner speed-bost, it's
[2:47:12] important
[2:47:12] important
[2:47:15] to have a method
[2:47:15] to have a method
[2:47:18] that every
[2:47:18] that every
[2:47:20] project is scored by. So these --
[2:47:20] project is scored by. So these --
[2:47:21] this
[2:47:21] this
[2:47:23] scoring system is something that we've developed
[2:47:23] scoring system is something that we've developed
[2:47:24] over the course
[2:47:24] over the course
[2:47:27] of the years. As
[2:47:27] of the years. As
[2:47:30] our system needs evolve,
[2:47:30] our system needs evolve,
[2:47:32] this type of prioritization, these scoring
[2:47:32] this type of prioritization, these scoring
[2:47:33] systems
[2:47:33] systems
[2:47:36] will
[2:47:36] will
[2:47:38] be adjusted.
[2:47:38] be adjusted.
[2:47:39] >> thank you for that. To
[2:47:39] >> thank you for that. To
[2:47:40] be
[2:47:40] be
[2:47:42] clear, I'm supportive of a ranking,
[2:47:42] clear, I'm supportive of a ranking,
[2:47:44] if you will, of a process that can
[2:47:44] if you will, of a process that can
[2:47:45] be applied across all
[2:47:45] be applied across all
[2:47:48] of
[2:47:48] of
[2:47:51] the projects. So we know we have a
[2:47:51] the projects. So we know we have a
[2:47:53] systematic way of approaching the work. Maybe
[2:47:53] systematic way of approaching the work. Maybe
[2:47:54] I should have
[2:47:54] I should have
[2:47:55] used the word definitions or something. I
[2:47:55] used the word definitions or something. I
[2:48:00] think the additional detail might
[2:48:00] think the additional detail might
[2:48:01] help
[2:48:01] help
[2:48:02] get me a better understanding of how each
[2:48:02] get me a better understanding of how each
[2:48:03] of the categories work so
[2:48:03] of the categories work so
[2:48:05] I have a better framework. I appreciate
[2:48:05] I have a better framework. I appreciate
[2:48:06] that.
[2:48:06] that.
[2:48:07] >> thank
[2:48:07] >> thank
[2:48:09] you,
[2:48:09] you,
[2:48:12] commissioner. We'll
[2:48:12] commissioner. We'll
[2:48:15] provide that. This
[2:48:15] provide that. This
[2:48:20] next slide we wanted to summarize. In
[2:48:20] next slide we wanted to summarize. In
[2:48:21] this table
[2:48:21] this table
[2:48:24] if you look at the top of the table
[2:48:24] if you look at the top of the table
[2:48:25] and
[2:48:25] and
[2:48:27] the two green areas, the design
[2:48:27] the two green areas, the design
[2:48:30] of sewer reconstruction projects and construction
[2:48:30] of sewer reconstruction projects and construction
[2:48:33] of sewer reconstruction projects
[2:48:33] of sewer reconstruction projects
[2:48:36] left to right. You can see we have
[2:48:36] left to right. You can see we have
[2:48:37] mileage goals. I
[2:48:37] mileage goals. I
[2:48:38] know the commissioners are aware of
[2:48:38] know the commissioners are aware of
[2:48:39] this. So we
[2:48:39] this. So we
[2:48:42] have mileage goals
[2:48:42] have mileage goals
[2:48:45] that we track. These
[2:48:45] that we track. These
[2:48:47] are actual mileage of infrastructure
[2:48:47] are actual mileage of infrastructure
[2:48:48] in the
[2:48:48] in the
[2:48:51] ground. This is based on what's
[2:48:51] ground. This is based on what's
[2:48:54] happened in the field. So
[2:48:54] happened in the field. So
[2:48:57] on the sewer construction program
[2:48:57] on the sewer construction program
[2:49:00] we see we're
[2:49:00] we see we're
[2:49:03] doing well. We've exceeded the
[2:49:03] doing well. We've exceeded the
[2:49:04] design miles completed compared to
[2:49:04] design miles completed compared to
[2:49:09] the design mileage goals. For the
[2:49:09] the design mileage goals. For the
[2:49:11] sewer reconstruction program. For
[2:49:11] sewer reconstruction program. For
[2:49:12] the large chunk sewer program
[2:49:12] the large chunk sewer program
[2:49:14] we are about where we should be since
[2:49:14] we are about where we should be since
[2:49:15] we're
[2:49:15] we're
[2:49:18] about halfway through the
[2:49:18] about halfway through the
[2:49:21] year. We're over the
[2:49:21] year. We're over the
[2:49:24] 4.5 versus the 9 for
[2:49:24] 4.5 versus the 9 for
[2:49:27] the sewer program. Design wise
[2:49:27] the sewer program. Design wise
[2:49:30] we're in good shape. On the
[2:49:30] we're in good shape. On the
[2:49:32] construction side, on the right you
[2:49:32] construction side, on the right you
[2:49:33] can
[2:49:33] can
[2:49:36] see we've completed
[2:49:36] see we've completed
[2:49:42] 6.6 miles. Compared to the goal
[2:49:42] 6.6 miles. Compared to the goal
[2:49:45] we have. I'm going to provide
[2:49:45] we have. I'm going to provide
[2:49:47] some insight into that. On the sewer
[2:49:47] some insight into that. On the sewer
[2:49:51] side we've completed two
[2:49:51] side we've completed two
[2:49:54] miles versus 16. The background
[2:49:54] miles versus 16. The background
[2:49:57] here is that
[2:49:57] here is that
[2:50:00] we have
[2:50:00] we have
[2:50:03] identified a procurement process that
[2:50:03] identified a procurement process that
[2:50:05] definitely expedites the number of
[2:50:05] definitely expedites the number of
[2:50:06] projects that get
[2:50:06] projects that get
[2:50:08] through our procurement system faster
[2:50:08] through our procurement system faster
[2:50:09] and gives
[2:50:09] and gives
[2:50:12] us the ability to
[2:50:12] us the ability to
[2:50:15] award
[2:50:15] award
[2:50:18] contracts faster. That is the prequalification contracting
[2:50:18] contracts faster. That is the prequalification contracting
[2:50:19] approach
[2:50:19] approach
[2:50:21] where we advertise and we
[2:50:21] where we advertise and we
[2:50:24] get maybe 20, 30 firms. Maybe 40
[2:50:24] get maybe 20, 30 firms. Maybe 40
[2:50:26] firms that respond. And then from
[2:50:26] firms that respond. And then from
[2:50:30] that list of 30 or 40 we reduce it
[2:50:30] that list of 30 or 40 we reduce it
[2:50:31] down
[2:50:31] down
[2:50:33] to maybe half. Maybe 20 that
[2:50:33] to maybe half. Maybe 20 that
[2:50:36] are
[2:50:36] are
[2:50:37] all prequalified. To do this construction
[2:50:37] all prequalified. To do this construction
[2:50:39] work on our
[2:50:39] work on our
[2:50:41] sewer pipelines. And then when we
[2:50:41] sewer pipelines. And then when we
[2:50:45] have these designs completed and
[2:50:45] have these designs completed and
[2:50:48] we need a contractor on board to do
[2:50:48] we need a contractor on board to do
[2:50:51] the work we go to that prequalified 20
[2:50:51] the work we go to that prequalified 20
[2:50:54] list and say firm a
[2:50:54] list and say firm a
[2:50:57] we have this project, submit a proposal to
[2:50:57] we have this project, submit a proposal to
[2:51:00] do this project. There's no more proposals,
[2:51:00] do this project. There's no more proposals,
[2:51:03] if you will. It's
[2:51:03] if you will. It's
[2:51:06] basically pricing. There's no advertise. Not
[2:51:06] basically pricing. There's no advertise. Not
[2:51:07] a
[2:51:07] a
[2:51:09] lot of time lost in terms of
[2:51:09] lot of time lost in terms of
[2:51:12] securing that contractor. So that
[2:51:12] securing that contractor. So that
[2:51:13] process has
[2:51:13] process has
[2:51:15] been in place for maybe 6 months
[2:51:15] been in place for maybe 6 months
[2:51:18] or maybe a
[2:51:18] or maybe a
[2:51:22] bit more. We know it is
[2:51:22] bit more. We know it is
[2:51:24] increasing our ability to have more
[2:51:24] increasing our ability to have more
[2:51:26] projects in construction. I think
[2:51:26] projects in construction. I think
[2:51:28] the numbers
[2:51:28] the numbers
[2:51:31] if I'm not mistaken deputy
[2:51:31] if I'm not mistaken deputy
[2:51:34] chief is it 30? 32
[2:51:34] chief is it 30? 32
[2:51:37] or 36 projects
[2:51:37] or 36 projects
[2:51:38] were awarded in the first half of
[2:51:38] were awarded in the first half of
[2:51:40] the
[2:51:40] the
[2:51:41] year? Yeah. Yeah.
[2:51:41] year? Yeah. Yeah.
[2:51:42] >> around 30. >>
[2:51:42] >> around 30. >>
[2:51:43] right. So we hope to
[2:51:43] right. So we hope to
[2:51:46] pick up the pace. Same thing
[2:51:46] pick up the pace. Same thing
[2:51:49] on
[2:51:49] on
[2:51:51] the sewer reconstruction program. On
[2:51:51] the sewer reconstruction program. On
[2:51:52] the water
[2:51:52] the water
[2:51:55] programs we are looking well,
[2:51:55] programs we are looking well,
[2:51:58] in
[2:51:58] in
[2:52:00] good shape. Again, the 15.95 miles completed versus
[2:52:00] good shape. Again, the 15.95 miles completed versus
[2:52:04] 18 and the
[2:52:04] 18 and the
[2:52:07] 4.17 versus 4, that's going
[2:52:07] 4.17 versus 4, that's going
[2:52:08] well. We're not going to change anything
[2:52:08] well. We're not going to change anything
[2:52:09] we're doing on the water side in it
[2:52:09] we're doing on the water side in it
[2:52:13] terms of the procurement and
[2:52:13] terms of the procurement and
[2:52:14] awarding of those contracts. Securing
[2:52:14] awarding of those contracts. Securing
[2:52:16] contractors. Things are
[2:52:16] contractors. Things are
[2:52:18] going well. So our focus is mainly
[2:52:18] going well. So our focus is mainly
[2:52:19] on
[2:52:19] on
[2:52:22] the sewer side. Likewise on the
[2:52:22] the sewer side. Likewise on the
[2:52:25] construction, we are for the
[2:52:25] construction, we are for the
[2:52:27] distribution system we're doing well
[2:52:27] distribution system we're doing well
[2:52:30] at 16.31 versus 27. We need to pick
[2:52:30] at 16.31 versus 27. We need to pick
[2:52:34] up on the transmission
[2:52:34] up on the transmission
[2:52:36] water construction program. We're
[2:52:36] water construction program. We're
[2:52:37] .71
[2:52:37] .71
[2:52:38] versus 5. And again, that has to do
[2:52:38] versus 5. And again, that has to do
[2:52:40] with the size
[2:52:40] with the size
[2:52:43] of those
[2:52:43] of those
[2:52:46] reconstruction transmission
[2:52:46] reconstruction transmission
[2:52:49] water programs. And the
[2:52:49] water programs. And the
[2:52:52] construction scopes generally require a
[2:52:52] construction scopes generally require a
[2:52:55] very
[2:52:55] very
[2:52:57] --a larger prime contractor. That's what
[2:52:57] --a larger prime contractor. That's what
[2:52:58] we --that's
[2:52:58] we --that's
[2:53:00] the only thing we're trying to do
[2:53:00] the only thing we're trying to do
[2:53:01] is attract more. But
[2:53:01] is attract more. But
[2:53:02] I think we'll be able to pick up the
[2:53:02] I think we'll be able to pick up the
[2:53:04] pace
[2:53:04] pace
[2:53:07] on
[2:53:07] on
[2:53:10] that program also. Chair
[2:53:10] that program also. Chair
[2:53:12] smith.
[2:53:12] smith.
[2:53:13] >> yes, sir. I think you're
[2:53:13] >> yes, sir. I think you're
[2:53:14] probably going to want to
[2:53:14] probably going to want to
[2:53:16] call a friend
[2:53:16] call a friend
[2:53:21] on this one. I understand and appreciate
[2:53:21] on this one. I understand and appreciate
[2:53:23] the expedited process allowing us
[2:53:23] the expedited process allowing us
[2:53:28] to catch up with 6.62 versus
[2:53:28] to catch up with 6.62 versus
[2:53:31] 46. Even if using
[2:53:31] 46. Even if using
[2:53:32] your previous methodologies. You know
[2:53:32] your previous methodologies. You know
[2:53:34] of 50%. That would mean we
[2:53:34] of 50%. That would mean we
[2:53:37] should be somewhere
[2:53:37] should be somewhere
[2:53:39] around 23. My question is and I'm very happy
[2:53:39] around 23. My question is and I'm very happy
[2:53:40] we're
[2:53:40] we're
[2:53:46] going to accelerate. However, if
[2:53:46] going to accelerate. However, if
[2:53:48] we have preapproved contractors, is
[2:53:48] we have preapproved contractors, is
[2:53:55] there any adverse impact on additional contractors
[2:53:55] there any adverse impact on additional contractors
[2:53:58] getting access to those.
[2:53:58] getting access to those.
[2:53:59] >> I'll start
[2:53:59] >> I'll start
[2:54:01] with that answer. I believe we can
[2:54:01] with that answer. I believe we can
[2:54:02] also get some supportive information
[2:54:02] also get some supportive information
[2:54:04] too.
[2:54:04] too.
[2:54:05] >> the
[2:54:05] >> the
[2:54:07] friend is coming to
[2:54:07] friend is coming to
[2:54:10] the mic.
[2:54:10] the mic.
[2:54:11] >> yes. We
[2:54:11] >> yes. We
[2:54:12] actually did add more prequalified
[2:54:12] actually did add more prequalified
[2:54:13] contractors once we found out
[2:54:13] contractors once we found out
[2:54:16] this was working. Do you remember the
[2:54:16] this was working. Do you remember the
[2:54:19] numbers?
[2:54:19] numbers?
[2:54:20] >> we had roughly 8 contractors initially
[2:54:20] >> we had roughly 8 contractors initially
[2:54:22] and then we actually did an amendment
[2:54:22] and then we actually did an amendment
[2:54:23] so
[2:54:23] so
[2:54:25] that we could increase that
[2:54:25] that we could increase that
[2:54:27] sooner than the original contract
[2:54:27] sooner than the original contract
[2:54:28] allowed. So
[2:54:28] allowed. So
[2:54:31] now we're up to I believe
[2:54:31] now we're up to I believe
[2:54:34] 12 or 13 contractors. And we have
[2:54:34] 12 or 13 contractors. And we have
[2:54:35] a cadence
[2:54:35] a cadence
[2:54:37] in which we're opening the pool
[2:54:37] in which we're opening the pool
[2:54:40] again so that additional contractors
[2:54:40] again so that additional contractors
[2:54:41] who qualify
[2:54:41] who qualify
[2:54:42] based on the requirements can add
[2:54:42] based on the requirements can add
[2:54:43] their
[2:54:43] their
[2:54:45] name to the list. So they're not excluded. We
[2:54:45] name to the list. So they're not excluded. We
[2:54:46] thought
[2:54:46] thought
[2:54:48] about that. We wanted this pool to
[2:54:48] about that. We wanted this pool to
[2:54:49] be, you know, as large
[2:54:49] be, you know, as large
[2:54:51] as possible so we had enough resources
[2:54:51] as possible so we had enough resources
[2:54:52] to do
[2:54:52] to do
[2:54:55] the amount of work
[2:54:55] the amount of work
[2:54:57] we have done.
[2:54:57] we have done.
[2:54:58] >> they didn't need
[2:54:58] >> they didn't need
[2:54:59] me.
[2:54:59] me.
[2:55:00] >> no,
[2:55:00] >> no,
[2:55:01] we need you.
[2:55:01] we need you.
[2:55:02] >>
[2:55:02] >>
[2:55:03] chief procurement officer. And to
[2:55:03] chief procurement officer. And to
[2:55:04] the point just
[2:55:04] the point just
[2:55:06] made, it's on a rolling basis. Annually
[2:55:06] made, it's on a rolling basis. Annually
[2:55:07] we will
[2:55:07] we will
[2:55:10] open it up so that the vendor
[2:55:10] open it up so that the vendor
[2:55:12] community who did not participate
[2:55:12] community who did not participate
[2:55:13] initially have
[2:55:13] initially have
[2:55:15] an opportunity to propose and of course
[2:55:15] an opportunity to propose and of course
[2:55:17] there are some minimum qualifications
[2:55:17] there are some minimum qualifications
[2:55:19] and qualifications associated with that
[2:55:19] and qualifications associated with that
[2:55:21] program. It certainly gives new vendors an
[2:55:21] program. It certainly gives new vendors an
[2:55:22] opportunity to participate. There
[2:55:22] opportunity to participate. There
[2:55:25] will be a
[2:55:25] will be a
[2:55:26] rolling admissions in the fall.
[2:55:26] rolling admissions in the fall.
[2:55:27] >>
[2:55:27] >>
[2:55:28] thank you very
[2:55:28] thank you very
[2:55:33] much. Thank you. Thanks.
[2:55:33] much. Thank you. Thanks.
[2:55:34] >> thank
[2:55:34] >> thank
[2:55:35] you. So if
[2:55:35] you. So if
[2:55:36] there aren't any more questions on
[2:55:36] there aren't any more questions on
[2:55:37] that table. I'm just going to do
[2:55:37] that table. I'm just going to do
[2:55:40] a real quick dive through some of
[2:55:40] a real quick dive through some of
[2:55:41] these projects that we'd
[2:55:41] these projects that we'd
[2:55:43] like to high light for this quarter. So
[2:55:43] like to high light for this quarter. So
[2:55:44] I'm
[2:55:44] I'm
[2:55:46] not going to go over every one in
[2:55:46] not going to go over every one in
[2:55:49] your slide deck. If it we can go
[2:55:49] your slide deck. If it we can go
[2:55:55] to the anacostia one. We do
[2:55:55] to the anacostia one. We do
[2:55:58] expect a completion in november
[2:55:58] expect a completion in november
[2:56:01] of 2026. And this is another example
[2:56:01] of 2026. And this is another example
[2:56:04] of some of the
[2:56:04] of some of the
[2:56:07] upgrades for operational resiliency
[2:56:07] upgrades for operational resiliency
[2:56:10] that we've talked about
[2:56:10] that we've talked about
[2:56:13] for our facilities. Next one I'd like
[2:56:13] for our facilities. Next one I'd like
[2:56:16] to
[2:56:16] to
[2:56:19] go
[2:56:19] go
[2:56:22] to is the
[2:56:22] to is the
[2:56:24] anacostia depot reconfiguration. The
[2:56:24] anacostia depot reconfiguration. The
[2:56:25] need for
[2:56:25] need for
[2:56:28] providing the work space as we
[2:56:28] providing the work space as we
[2:56:31] are upskilling our workforce. We need
[2:56:31] are upskilling our workforce. We need
[2:56:32] to provide
[2:56:32] to provide
[2:56:33] them better and more capable work
[2:56:33] them better and more capable work
[2:56:37] space and facilities. So
[2:56:37] space and facilities. So
[2:56:40] this project is
[2:56:40] this project is
[2:56:43] 98% complete. And we're going to
[2:56:43] 98% complete. And we're going to
[2:56:45] really enjoy this expanded facility because it's
[2:56:45] really enjoy this expanded facility because it's
[2:56:46] going to be able
[2:56:46] going to be able
[2:56:49] to support a
[2:56:49] to support a
[2:56:50] lot more productivity.
[2:56:50] lot more productivity.
[2:57:04] one of 64
[2:57:04] one of 64
[2:57:07] hour water
[2:57:07] hour water
[2:57:10] storage tanks. These projects touch a lot
[2:57:10] storage tanks. These projects touch a lot
[2:57:11] of the community, because
[2:57:11] of the community, because
[2:57:12] they are spread out and they are visible.
[2:57:12] they are spread out and they are visible.
[2:57:13] and in some cases they are
[2:57:13] and in some cases they are
[2:57:16] very proximate to
[2:57:16] very proximate to
[2:57:19] the residence. So the work we are
[2:57:19] the residence. So the work we are
[2:57:20] doing on
[2:57:20] doing on
[2:57:21] these is very important. The work
[2:57:21] these is very important. The work
[2:57:22] has been
[2:57:22] has been
[2:57:25] deferred and
[2:57:25] deferred and
[2:57:28] it's hard but
[2:57:28] it's hard but
[2:57:30] straightforward work. Some demolition,
[2:57:30] straightforward work. Some demolition,
[2:57:31] rehabilitation
[2:57:31] rehabilitation
[2:57:34] and obviously an upgrade
[2:57:34] and obviously an upgrade
[2:57:37] painting and so forth of
[2:57:37] painting and so forth of
[2:57:40] the facility. The last one, not
[2:57:40] the facility. The last one, not
[2:57:43] the last one but the one I
[2:57:43] the last one but the one I
[2:57:46] will go to next is the
[2:57:46] will go to next is the
[2:57:49] potomac water filtration plant
[2:57:49] potomac water filtration plant
[2:57:51] consent decree. In previous sessions
[2:57:51] consent decree. In previous sessions
[2:57:52] we
[2:57:52] we
[2:57:56] have remarked that this consent decree
[2:57:56] have remarked that this consent decree
[2:57:58] is near completion and this is an
[2:57:58] is near completion and this is an
[2:58:01] example. This particular project
[2:58:01] example. This particular project
[2:58:04] is 92% complete and you can see
[2:58:04] is 92% complete and you can see
[2:58:06] the size and extent of the project
[2:58:06] the size and extent of the project
[2:58:07] and this will allow
[2:58:07] and this will allow
[2:58:09] us to put this consent decree behind
[2:58:09] us to put this consent decree behind
[2:58:10] us
[2:58:10] us
[2:58:13] and then the monies that
[2:58:13] and then the monies that
[2:58:15] we've been spending on this consent
[2:58:15] we've been spending on this consent
[2:58:16] decree can be
[2:58:16] decree can be
[2:58:19] used for other
[2:58:19] used for other
[2:58:22] future needs. In the last are
[2:58:22] future needs. In the last are
[2:58:25] for
[2:58:25] for
[2:58:27] context in his situational awareness.
[2:58:27] context in his situational awareness.
[2:58:28] the master
[2:58:28] the master
[2:58:31] plan project is going
[2:58:31] plan project is going
[2:58:36] to generate a master plan and a number
[2:58:36] to generate a master plan and a number
[2:58:37] of facility plans that
[2:58:37] of facility plans that
[2:58:40] will then feed into
[2:58:40] will then feed into
[2:58:43] the future capital improvement program
[2:58:43] the future capital improvement program
[2:58:44] so as we
[2:58:44] so as we
[2:58:45] said before, we are looking ahead.
[2:58:45] said before, we are looking ahead.
[2:58:46] we don't want to
[2:58:46] we don't want to
[2:58:49] be
[2:58:49] be
[2:58:51] caught. And surprised about some of
[2:58:51] caught. And surprised about some of
[2:58:52] the needs that
[2:58:52] the needs that
[2:58:55] we have for our system.
[2:58:55] we have for our system.
[2:59:01] so this is going to generate a good
[2:59:01] so this is going to generate a good
[2:59:02] deal of insight
[2:59:02] deal of insight
[2:59:03] into what our future requirement is
[2:59:03] into what our future requirement is
[2:59:04] going to be. We are about a year
[2:59:04] going to be. We are about a year
[2:59:06] into this. And then the last one I
[2:59:06] into this. And then the last one I
[2:59:07] wanted to mention is the
[2:59:07] wanted to mention is the
[2:59:10] lead reduction program. We are finding a lot
[2:59:10] lead reduction program. We are finding a lot
[2:59:13] less led in the
[2:59:13] less led in the
[2:59:16] system, thank god.
[2:59:16] system, thank god.
[2:59:18] so we are going to have reductions
[2:59:18] so we are going to have reductions
[2:59:19] in this program but we
[2:59:19] in this program but we
[2:59:22] are
[2:59:22] are
[2:59:24] being vigilant in terms of adhering
[2:59:24] being vigilant in terms of adhering
[2:59:25] to the federal requirements
[2:59:25] to the federal requirements
[2:59:28] for the programs and so we don't want
[2:59:28] for the programs and so we don't want
[2:59:31] this to get into a
[2:59:31] this to get into a
[2:59:33] situation where we are struggling
[2:59:33] situation where we are struggling
[2:59:34] because there's
[2:59:34] because there's
[2:59:37] too much lead in
[2:59:37] too much lead in
[2:59:40] the communities. And finally, I want
[2:59:40] the communities. And finally, I want
[2:59:41] to go to vendor
[2:59:41] to go to vendor
[2:59:46] outreach. This is something that chief
[2:59:46] outreach. This is something that chief
[2:59:49] procurement officer has
[2:59:49] procurement officer has
[2:59:52] been very supportive in
[2:59:52] been very supportive in
[2:59:55] terms of helping engineering and construction
[2:59:55] terms of helping engineering and construction
[2:59:56] with getting our
[2:59:56] with getting our
[2:59:58] products not only on the street
[2:59:58] products not only on the street
[3:00:02] but attracting qualified
[3:00:02] but attracting qualified
[3:00:03] service vendors. The last four that
[3:00:03] service vendors. The last four that
[3:00:05] we had on this list, I
[3:00:05] we had on this list, I
[3:00:08] will just mention that the first
[3:00:08] will just mention that the first
[3:00:09] one, the capital improvement team
[3:00:09] one, the capital improvement team
[3:00:11] were due
[3:00:11] were due
[3:00:14] to get their
[3:00:14] to get their
[3:00:17] final proposals
[3:00:17] final proposals
[3:00:20] in march. So that's
[3:00:20] in march. So that's
[3:00:21] coming up. And then the last one on
[3:00:21] coming up. And then the last one on
[3:00:23] the list the
[3:00:23] the list the
[3:00:26] water
[3:00:26] water
[3:00:27] quality p fas treatment pilot is to
[3:00:27] quality p fas treatment pilot is to
[3:00:29] implement a very innovative
[3:00:29] implement a very innovative
[3:00:32] design, build, operate and
[3:00:32] design, build, operate and
[3:00:35] maintain project
[3:00:35] maintain project
[3:00:36] for a innovative pilot plant that
[3:00:36] for a innovative pilot plant that
[3:00:38] will evaluate
[3:00:38] will evaluate
[3:00:39] p fas treatment facilities as well
[3:00:39] p fas treatment facilities as well
[3:00:41] as
[3:00:41] as
[3:00:43] other waller water quality treatment
[3:00:43] other waller water quality treatment
[3:00:44] in
[3:00:44] in
[3:00:50] the future.
[3:00:50] the future.
[3:00:54] wraps up the procurement and contract
[3:00:54] wraps up the procurement and contract
[3:00:56] award and you can
[3:00:56] award and you can
[3:00:59] see that so far there's been
[3:00:59] see that so far there's been
[3:01:00] 70 awards and that is quite an achievement
[3:01:00] 70 awards and that is quite an achievement
[3:01:02] in terms
[3:01:02] in terms
[3:01:05] of the procurement program.
[3:01:05] of the procurement program.
[3:01:08] and the size of
[3:01:08] and the size of
[3:01:09] the contract. I'd be happy to answer
[3:01:09] the contract. I'd be happy to answer
[3:01:16] any questions.
[3:01:16] any questions.
[3:01:17] >> thank you chief
[3:01:17] >> thank you chief
[3:01:18] engineer. Seeing
[3:01:18] engineer. Seeing
[3:01:20] none. You may proceed.
[3:01:20] none. You may proceed.
[3:01:21] >> I did
[3:01:21] >> I did
[3:01:23] want to go
[3:01:23] want to go
[3:01:24] back to commissioner speed-bost's
[3:01:24] back to commissioner speed-bost's
[3:01:25] question while we are still on this
[3:01:25] question while we are still on this
[3:01:26] question
[3:01:26] question
[3:01:27] to make sure we understood the question.
[3:01:27] to make sure we understood the question.
[3:01:29] we will follow up with
[3:01:29] we will follow up with
[3:01:32] the detailed as the
[3:01:32] the detailed as the
[3:01:35] team said. We may have shown
[3:01:35] team said. We may have shown
[3:01:40] this before I'm not sure but I understood
[3:01:40] this before I'm not sure but I understood
[3:01:41] your question
[3:01:41] your question
[3:01:43] to be what is the difference between
[3:01:43] to be what is the difference between
[3:01:44] the
[3:01:44] the
[3:01:47] health and safety metric and the
[3:01:47] health and safety metric and the
[3:01:50] reliability and
[3:01:50] reliability and
[3:01:52] resilience metric. So under health
[3:01:52] resilience metric. So under health
[3:01:53] and
[3:01:53] and
[3:01:55] safety which also includes business
[3:01:55] safety which also includes business
[3:01:56] risk
[3:01:56] risk
[3:01:59] exposure scores we
[3:01:59] exposure scores we
[3:02:02] have anything, the
[3:02:02] have anything, the
[3:02:03] team is scoring based on business
[3:02:03] team is scoring based on business
[3:02:05] risk exposure. We can
[3:02:05] risk exposure. We can
[3:02:08] do a deep dive on that when we
[3:02:08] do a deep dive on that when we
[3:02:10] show the detail graphic next month,
[3:02:10] show the detail graphic next month,
[3:02:11] I'll
[3:02:11] I'll
[3:02:14] include that in
[3:02:14] include that in
[3:02:17] the presentation. But it also addresses
[3:02:17] the presentation. But it also addresses
[3:02:20] enterprise
[3:02:20] enterprise
[3:02:23] risk and anything, any project that
[3:02:23] risk and anything, any project that
[3:02:24] addresses
[3:02:24] addresses
[3:02:26] physical
[3:02:26] physical
[3:02:29] security
[3:02:29] security
[3:02:32] needs, the health and safety of
[3:02:32] needs, the health and safety of
[3:02:35] the public.
[3:02:35] the public.
[3:02:38] so it's typically related to
[3:02:38] so it's typically related to
[3:02:40] treatment. Where we are making sure
[3:02:40] treatment. Where we are making sure
[3:02:41] we
[3:02:41] we
[3:02:44] are providing water treatment that
[3:02:44] are providing water treatment that
[3:02:45] will
[3:02:45] will
[3:02:48] be protective of public health and
[3:02:48] be protective of public health and
[3:02:50] anything
[3:02:50] anything
[3:02:53] related to safety measures.
[3:02:53] related to safety measures.
[3:02:54] any projects related to safety measures
[3:02:54] any projects related to safety measures
[3:02:56] we
[3:02:56] we
[3:02:59] sometimes
[3:02:59] sometimes
[3:03:01] have facilities or at our facilities
[3:03:01] have facilities or at our facilities
[3:03:02] where there may
[3:03:02] where there may
[3:03:05] be some deterioration of equipment
[3:03:05] be some deterioration of equipment
[3:03:08] or platforms or whatever. Those are
[3:03:08] or platforms or whatever. Those are
[3:03:09] included
[3:03:09] included
[3:03:11] in the health and
[3:03:11] in the health and
[3:03:14] safety bucket as well. And then under
[3:03:14] safety bucket as well. And then under
[3:03:15] reliability
[3:03:15] reliability
[3:03:17] and resilience
[3:03:17] and resilience
[3:03:20] it really is closing
[3:03:20] it really is closing
[3:03:23] gaps on vulnerabilities we
[3:03:23] gaps on vulnerabilities we
[3:03:26] have identified with
[3:03:26] have identified with
[3:03:29] our infrastructure. That would also
[3:03:29] our infrastructure. That would also
[3:03:31] include making sure we have redundant
[3:03:31] include making sure we have redundant
[3:03:32] infrastructure, it
[3:03:32] infrastructure, it
[3:03:36] also includes addressing climate change
[3:03:36] also includes addressing climate change
[3:03:40] or instability, greenhouse gas emissions
[3:03:40] or instability, greenhouse gas emissions
[3:03:41] so that
[3:03:41] so that
[3:03:44] would be some of the projects
[3:03:44] would be some of the projects
[3:03:47] in our energy portfolio as
[3:03:47] in our energy portfolio as
[3:03:50] well. And anything related to emergency
[3:03:50] well. And anything related to emergency
[3:03:51] response
[3:03:51] response
[3:03:56] but typically maintaining our infrastructure
[3:03:56] but typically maintaining our infrastructure
[3:03:57] in a
[3:03:57] in a
[3:03:59] state of good repair. So
[3:03:59] state of good repair. So
[3:04:02] we have many projects like the potomac
[3:04:02] we have many projects like the potomac
[3:04:03] work
[3:04:03] work
[3:04:05] that is driven by
[3:04:05] that is driven by
[3:04:07] consent decrees but we are more often
[3:04:07] consent decrees but we are more often
[3:04:11] than not really just trying to maintain
[3:04:11] than not really just trying to maintain
[3:04:14] our infrastructure in a state of
[3:04:14] our infrastructure in a state of
[3:04:17] good repair where it is
[3:04:17] good repair where it is
[3:04:18] functioning, meeting the level of
[3:04:18] functioning, meeting the level of
[3:04:20] service that we need to provide service
[3:04:20] service that we need to provide service
[3:04:21] to
[3:04:21] to
[3:04:23] the customers, it addresses
[3:04:23] the customers, it addresses
[3:04:26] asset management
[3:04:26] asset management
[3:04:29] risks that have been
[3:04:29] risks that have been
[3:04:32] identified, any thing that
[3:04:32] identified, any thing that
[3:04:35] is identified by the teams, the
[3:04:35] is identified by the teams, the
[3:04:41] operation teams that is impacting
[3:04:41] operation teams that is impacting
[3:04:42] operation and maintenance as
[3:04:42] operation and maintenance as
[3:04:47] well. So making sure essentially that
[3:04:47] well. So making sure essentially that
[3:04:48] our
[3:04:48] our
[3:04:49] infrastructure is reliable in terms
[3:04:49] infrastructure is reliable in terms
[3:04:50] of service and
[3:04:50] of service and
[3:04:52] then addressing resilience including
[3:04:52] then addressing resilience including
[3:04:53] making
[3:04:53] making
[3:04:56] sure that we can
[3:04:56] sure that we can
[3:04:59] continue to serve or get things back
[3:04:59] continue to serve or get things back
[3:05:00] online having the redundancies that
[3:05:00] online having the redundancies that
[3:05:02] are
[3:05:02] are
[3:05:07] necessary. And the last point is reducing,
[3:05:07] necessary. And the last point is reducing,
[3:05:08] does the
[3:05:08] does the
[3:05:11] project reduce the amount of
[3:05:11] project reduce the amount of
[3:05:13] time that we have outages for instance?
[3:05:13] time that we have outages for instance?
[3:05:14] some
[3:05:14] some
[3:05:17] of the installations that
[3:05:17] of the installations that
[3:05:20] you see, we have a number in
[3:05:20] you see, we have a number in
[3:05:23] the system that may not
[3:05:23] the system that may not
[3:05:26] be operating when the team goes
[3:05:26] be operating when the team goes
[3:05:29] to do a shut off for instance, they
[3:05:29] to do a shut off for instance, they
[3:05:30] may
[3:05:30] may
[3:05:31] have to back up and shut off a larger
[3:05:31] have to back up and shut off a larger
[3:05:35] area because we have an
[3:05:35] area because we have an
[3:05:38] inoperable valve. By replacing those
[3:05:38] inoperable valve. By replacing those
[3:05:39] valves, we
[3:05:39] valves, we
[3:05:40] are able to tighten up the area and
[3:05:40] are able to tighten up the area and
[3:05:43] potentially keep those customers,
[3:05:43] potentially keep those customers,
[3:05:44] put less customers out of service
[3:05:44] put less customers out of service
[3:05:49] but also lessen the impact to the
[3:05:49] but also lessen the impact to the
[3:05:50] customers that have been
[3:05:50] customers that have been
[3:05:53] placed on service. Hopefully that
[3:05:53] placed on service. Hopefully that
[3:05:56] helps explain in
[3:05:56] helps explain in
[3:05:58] the interim, we will provide more
[3:05:58] the interim, we will provide more
[3:05:59] detail in the follow-up
[3:05:59] detail in the follow-up
[3:06:05] as well.
[3:06:05] as well.
[3:06:06] >> thank
[3:06:06] >> thank
[3:06:07] you gm and I applaud you and your
[3:06:07] you gm and I applaud you and your
[3:06:09] team for
[3:06:09] team for
[3:06:12] real-time updates. Chief engineer
[3:06:12] real-time updates. Chief engineer
[3:06:14] and deputy chief engineer I look forward
[3:06:14] and deputy chief engineer I look forward
[3:06:15] to your next
[3:06:15] to your next
[3:06:21] quarterly update
[3:06:21] quarterly update
[3:06:27] in particular
[3:06:27] in particular
[3:06:30] slide 22 very informative.
[3:06:30] slide 22 very informative.
[3:06:32] so look forward to all of your updates.
[3:06:32] so look forward to all of your updates.
[3:06:33] >> thank you
[3:06:33] >> thank you
[3:06:39] chair smith.
[3:06:39] chair smith.
[3:06:40] >> we will now
[3:06:40] >> we will now
[3:06:41] hear from water resources protection
[3:06:41] hear from water resources protection
[3:06:42] division
[3:06:42] division
[3:06:43] manager to present the regional water
[3:06:43] manager to present the regional water
[3:06:45] supply program
[3:06:45] supply program
[3:06:48] followed by u.s.
[3:06:48] followed by u.s.
[3:06:49] army corps of engineers baltimore
[3:06:49] army corps of engineers baltimore
[3:06:51] study
[3:06:51] study
[3:06:53] manager and lead planner to present
[3:06:53] manager and lead planner to present
[3:06:54] the secondary
[3:06:54] the secondary
[3:06:57] water source feasibility
[3:06:57] water source feasibility
[3:07:03] study update. And I apologize if
[3:07:03] study update. And I apologize if
[3:07:09] I mispronounced.
[3:07:09] I mispronounced.
[3:07:12] >>
[3:07:12] >>
[3:07:18] good afternoon.
[3:07:18] good afternoon.
[3:07:21] corporate
[3:07:21] corporate
[3:07:23] secretary. Customers, team h2o and
[3:07:23] secretary. Customers, team h2o and
[3:07:24] those on
[3:07:24] those on
[3:07:28] the lifestream. My name is katie foreman
[3:07:28] the lifestream. My name is katie foreman
[3:07:29] for the record. Division manager of
[3:07:29] for the record. Division manager of
[3:07:30] the
[3:07:30] the
[3:07:31] water resources protection division
[3:07:31] water resources protection division
[3:07:33] here at
[3:07:33] here at
[3:07:36] wssc water. I appreciate the
[3:07:36] wssc water. I appreciate the
[3:07:37] opportunity to talk to you today about
[3:07:37] opportunity to talk to you today about
[3:07:38] key water supply efforts and want
[3:07:38] key water supply efforts and want
[3:07:39] to
[3:07:39] to
[3:07:40] take an opportunity to introduce those
[3:07:40] take an opportunity to introduce those
[3:07:42] who
[3:07:42] who
[3:07:45] have joined. The director of
[3:07:45] have joined. The director of
[3:07:48] the department of reliability
[3:07:48] the department of reliability
[3:07:50] and resilience where my division sits
[3:07:50] and resilience where my division sits
[3:07:51] as
[3:07:51] as
[3:07:54] well as tom hilton with the
[3:07:54] well as tom hilton with the
[3:07:56] planning division as manager. I'd
[3:07:56] planning division as manager. I'd
[3:07:57] also like
[3:07:57] also like
[3:08:00] to introduce jackie who has joined
[3:08:00] to introduce jackie who has joined
[3:08:01] us
[3:08:01] us
[3:08:03] from the u.s. Army corps
[3:08:03] from the u.s. Army corps
[3:08:07] of engineers and baltimore district
[3:08:07] of engineers and baltimore district
[3:08:08] planning division who will be presenting
[3:08:08] planning division who will be presenting
[3:08:09] after
[3:08:09] after
[3:08:11] I provide some opening context and
[3:08:11] I provide some opening context and
[3:08:15] introduction remarks. And I
[3:08:15] introduction remarks. And I
[3:08:18] also want to
[3:08:18] also want to
[3:08:19] note that what jackie will be talking
[3:08:19] note that what jackie will be talking
[3:08:21] about is a very
[3:08:21] about is a very
[3:08:22] large regional effort and giving an
[3:08:22] large regional effort and giving an
[3:08:24] update on
[3:08:24] update on
[3:08:25] the secondary water source feasibility
[3:08:25] the secondary water source feasibility
[3:08:27] study that the u.s. Army corps
[3:08:27] study that the u.s. Army corps
[3:08:30] of engineers. This is
[3:08:30] of engineers. This is
[3:08:33] a large, bless you,
[3:08:33] a large, bless you,
[3:08:35] regional effort and I just want to
[3:08:35] regional effort and I just want to
[3:08:36] note that within the
[3:08:36] note that within the
[3:08:39] audience today are the nonfederal
[3:08:39] audience today are the nonfederal
[3:08:40] local sponsors of this study through
[3:08:40] local sponsors of this study through
[3:08:42] the federal
[3:08:42] the federal
[3:08:44] funding with the metropolitan washington
[3:08:44] funding with the metropolitan washington
[3:08:50] council government. I just want to
[3:08:50] council government. I just want to
[3:08:51] thank those who have joined
[3:08:51] thank those who have joined
[3:08:53] us to talk about these really important
[3:08:53] us to talk about these really important
[3:08:54] efforts that
[3:08:54] efforts that
[3:08:57] are ongoing.
[3:08:57] are ongoing.
[3:08:59] and this doesn't represent the full
[3:08:59] and this doesn't represent the full
[3:09:00] team. There is a really large
[3:09:00] team. There is a really large
[3:09:03] regional team of folks working
[3:09:03] regional team of folks working
[3:09:08] on this topic and I want to extend
[3:09:08] on this topic and I want to extend
[3:09:09] a thank you to
[3:09:09] a thank you to
[3:09:10] those as well who are here today.
[3:09:10] those as well who are here today.
[3:09:12] so with that I'm going to start
[3:09:12] so with that I'm going to start
[3:09:17] by saying we are talking about water
[3:09:17] by saying we are talking about water
[3:09:18] supply, it seems like there is water
[3:09:18] supply, it seems like there is water
[3:09:20] everywhere. Between the icemelt and
[3:09:20] everywhere. Between the icemelt and
[3:09:21] all of the
[3:09:21] all of the
[3:09:22] snow that we've had recently. But
[3:09:22] snow that we've had recently. But
[3:09:24] we are in a
[3:09:24] we are in a
[3:09:27] very dry time and we have
[3:09:27] very dry time and we have
[3:09:30] been for a couple of years. So we
[3:09:30] been for a couple of years. So we
[3:09:32] are hoping this helps, we are about
[3:09:32] are hoping this helps, we are about
[3:09:33] an eight
[3:09:33] an eight
[3:09:35] inch deficit in the potomac river
[3:09:35] inch deficit in the potomac river
[3:09:39] since august for rainfall and we would
[3:09:39] since august for rainfall and we would
[3:09:40] normally
[3:09:40] normally
[3:09:44] have. So there is rain in the forecast,
[3:09:44] have. So there is rain in the forecast,
[3:09:45] I keep crossing
[3:09:45] I keep crossing
[3:09:47] my fingers but we are in a drought
[3:09:47] my fingers but we are in a drought
[3:09:48] condition
[3:09:48] condition
[3:09:51] for a couple of years. We
[3:09:51] for a couple of years. We
[3:09:54] had saved here and there with rainfall
[3:09:54] had saved here and there with rainfall
[3:09:57] but generally speaking pretty
[3:09:57] but generally speaking pretty
[3:09:59] dry. Many of the areas draining our
[3:09:59] dry. Many of the areas draining our
[3:10:00] water
[3:10:00] water
[3:10:03] supply are have been declared
[3:10:03] supply are have been declared
[3:10:04] either extreme drought conditions
[3:10:04] either extreme drought conditions
[3:10:06] or moderate
[3:10:06] or moderate
[3:10:08] drought conditions. Hoping that turns
[3:10:08] drought conditions. Hoping that turns
[3:10:09] around but just to
[3:10:09] around but just to
[3:10:10] provide the context it's a really
[3:10:10] provide the context it's a really
[3:10:11] timely conversation to be talking
[3:10:11] timely conversation to be talking
[3:10:12] about water
[3:10:12] about water
[3:10:15] supply today. So shifting a
[3:10:15] supply today. So shifting a
[3:10:17] little bit from what's happening today
[3:10:17] little bit from what's happening today
[3:10:18] to forecast in
[3:10:18] to forecast in
[3:10:23] the future. I'm summarizing the interstate
[3:10:23] the future. I'm summarizing the interstate
[3:10:27] commission study on water
[3:10:27] commission study on water
[3:10:30] supply and
[3:10:30] supply and
[3:10:31] resource availability. They released
[3:10:31] resource availability. They released
[3:10:33] this report every five
[3:10:33] this report every five
[3:10:34] years. This is for the potomac river
[3:10:34] years. This is for the potomac river
[3:10:36] in
[3:10:36] in
[3:10:39] particular and the findings were released
[3:10:39] particular and the findings were released
[3:10:40] late
[3:10:40] late
[3:10:42] last year. What was found within the
[3:10:42] last year. What was found within the
[3:10:43] study
[3:10:43] study
[3:10:45] is that the river
[3:10:45] is that the river
[3:10:47] is at higher risk of drought to climate
[3:10:47] is at higher risk of drought to climate
[3:10:48] pressures and
[3:10:48] pressures and
[3:10:51] expanded uses.
[3:10:51] expanded uses.
[3:10:54] in particular as something that is
[3:10:54] in particular as something that is
[3:10:55] new from
[3:10:55] new from
[3:10:57] the study findings from other
[3:10:57] the study findings from other
[3:11:00] findings is our regional water supply
[3:11:00] findings is our regional water supply
[3:11:01] was shown
[3:11:01] was shown
[3:11:02] to be at risk of shortage in the immediate
[3:11:02] to be at risk of shortage in the immediate
[3:11:03] term during extreme drought conditions.
[3:11:03] term during extreme drought conditions.
[3:11:06] so this is sooner than
[3:11:06] so this is sooner than
[3:11:09] we thought and again, a lot of caveats.
[3:11:09] we thought and again, a lot of caveats.
[3:11:10] we are
[3:11:10] we are
[3:11:12] at risk but nonetheless an
[3:11:12] at risk but nonetheless an
[3:11:15] important finding to
[3:11:15] important finding to
[3:11:16] build the context around what we are
[3:11:16] build the context around what we are
[3:11:18] talking
[3:11:18] talking
[3:11:21] about today. So moving in a
[3:11:21] about today. So moving in a
[3:11:23] little bit to our general vulnerability
[3:11:23] little bit to our general vulnerability
[3:11:24] from our
[3:11:24] from our
[3:11:30] water supply, zooming in
[3:11:30] water supply, zooming in
[3:11:32] a little bit, I talked about the potomac
[3:11:32] a little bit, I talked about the potomac
[3:11:33] river basin. Obviously we also rely
[3:11:33] river basin. Obviously we also rely
[3:11:34] on
[3:11:34] on
[3:11:36] the river for water supply. We largely
[3:11:36] the river for water supply. We largely
[3:11:37] rely on
[3:11:37] rely on
[3:11:39] the potomac river but both water supplies
[3:11:39] the potomac river but both water supplies
[3:11:42] have
[3:11:42] have
[3:11:44] vulnerabilities. Including in terms
[3:11:44] vulnerabilities. Including in terms
[3:11:45] of the water quantity issues so
[3:11:45] of the water quantity issues so
[3:11:48] we are
[3:11:48] we are
[3:11:51] talking about increased demand,
[3:11:51] talking about increased demand,
[3:11:54] drought, our capacity to store within
[3:11:54] drought, our capacity to store within
[3:11:57] our reservoirs. But
[3:11:57] our reservoirs. But
[3:12:00] also
[3:12:00] also
[3:12:03] very up-front the risk around
[3:12:03] very up-front the risk around
[3:12:06] acute and chronic water
[3:12:06] acute and chronic water
[3:12:09] quality issues. Spills, sanitary sewer
[3:12:09] quality issues. Spills, sanitary sewer
[3:12:10] overflows,
[3:12:10] overflows,
[3:12:11] extreme weather events, contaminants,
[3:12:11] extreme weather events, contaminants,
[3:12:12] persistent algal blooms for instance.
[3:12:12] persistent algal blooms for instance.
[3:12:13] those are
[3:12:13] those are
[3:12:15] some of the many things that we think
[3:12:15] some of the many things that we think
[3:12:16] when we
[3:12:16] when we
[3:12:17] think about the vulnerability of our
[3:12:17] think about the vulnerability of our
[3:12:23] water supply. This wouldn't be as
[3:12:23] water supply. This wouldn't be as
[3:12:24] big of an issue if we
[3:12:24] big of an issue if we
[3:12:25] didn't have limited water supply within
[3:12:25] didn't have limited water supply within
[3:12:27] our systems. In
[3:12:27] our systems. In
[3:12:30] the case that one
[3:12:30] the case that one
[3:12:33] of these supplies needs to
[3:12:33] of these supplies needs to
[3:12:36] be supplemented. So to talk
[3:12:36] be supplemented. So to talk
[3:12:37] about the vulnerabilities is hard.
[3:12:37] about the vulnerabilities is hard.
[3:12:39] I'm going to shift to solutions because
[3:12:39] I'm going to shift to solutions because
[3:12:40] those
[3:12:40] those
[3:12:41] are really important. A lot of these
[3:12:41] are really important. A lot of these
[3:12:42] solutions
[3:12:42] solutions
[3:12:48] are required and diverse array of
[3:12:48] are required and diverse array of
[3:12:50] approaches. In the shorter term, longer
[3:12:50] approaches. In the shorter term, longer
[3:12:51] term, with
[3:12:51] term, with
[3:12:56] regional support, this is the way
[3:12:56] regional support, this is the way
[3:12:57] we are going to mitigate
[3:12:57] we are going to mitigate
[3:13:00] risks within our supply. So today,
[3:13:00] risks within our supply. So today,
[3:13:01] the
[3:13:01] the
[3:13:02] focus is really on these regional
[3:13:02] focus is really on these regional
[3:13:03] solutions that we are focused
[3:13:03] solutions that we are focused
[3:13:09] in on.
[3:13:09] in on.
[3:13:11] cooperative water management agreement
[3:13:11] cooperative water management agreement
[3:13:12] in the washington
[3:13:12] in the washington
[3:13:15] metropolitan area that is the reason
[3:13:15] metropolitan area that is the reason
[3:13:16] why we have
[3:13:16] why we have
[3:13:21] the can additional storage upstream
[3:13:21] the can additional storage upstream
[3:13:22] and water
[3:13:22] and water
[3:13:23] supply coordination agreement that
[3:13:23] supply coordination agreement that
[3:13:24] was signed in 1982 setting up the
[3:13:24] was signed in 1982 setting up the
[3:13:25] cooperative water supply operations
[3:13:25] cooperative water supply operations
[3:13:28] which have been very successful
[3:13:28] which have been very successful
[3:13:29] and the reason we are here today talking
[3:13:29] and the reason we are here today talking
[3:13:31] about these
[3:13:31] about these
[3:13:33] things. So large-scale secondary storage
[3:13:33] things. So large-scale secondary storage
[3:13:36] additional storage has been identified
[3:13:36] additional storage has been identified
[3:13:40] as critical to our water
[3:13:40] as critical to our water
[3:13:43] resiliency into
[3:13:43] resiliency into
[3:13:44] the future. That is something that
[3:13:44] the future. That is something that
[3:13:45] has been noted for many years. I also
[3:13:45] has been noted for many years. I also
[3:13:46] want
[3:13:46] want
[3:13:49] to focus on the quarry in
[3:13:49] to focus on the quarry in
[3:13:52] montgomery county
[3:13:52] montgomery county
[3:13:53] identified as a regional storage solution
[3:13:53] identified as a regional storage solution
[3:13:55] time and time
[3:13:55] time and time
[3:13:56] again. So several studies conducted
[3:13:56] again. So several studies conducted
[3:13:58] since the early
[3:13:58] since the early
[3:14:01] 2000 support this
[3:14:01] 2000 support this
[3:14:03] conclusion. And within these studies
[3:14:03] conclusion. And within these studies
[3:14:04] we
[3:14:04] we
[3:14:07] find there is urgency as well.
[3:14:07] find there is urgency as well.
[3:14:09] we have about 10 years between planning,
[3:14:09] we have about 10 years between planning,
[3:14:13] design, construction, that
[3:14:13] design, construction, that
[3:14:15] means that time is ticking. So the
[3:14:15] means that time is ticking. So the
[3:14:16] sooner
[3:14:16] sooner
[3:14:19] the better on secondary
[3:14:19] the better on secondary
[3:14:21] storage. It doesn't come without a
[3:14:21] storage. It doesn't come without a
[3:14:23] great cost. About $800 million was
[3:14:23] great cost. About $800 million was
[3:14:25] the price tag put
[3:14:25] the price tag put
[3:14:28] on the quarry which
[3:14:28] on the quarry which
[3:14:31] is why
[3:14:31] is why
[3:14:32] shifting into what jackie will be
[3:14:32] shifting into what jackie will be
[3:14:34] talking about is the water
[3:14:34] talking about is the water
[3:14:37] resource
[3:14:37] resource
[3:14:38] development act has been used to help
[3:14:38] development act has been used to help
[3:14:40] us fund the feasibility study
[3:14:40] us fund the feasibility study
[3:14:43] given this big
[3:14:43] given this big
[3:14:46] price tag. And back in 2024 the
[3:14:46] price tag. And back in 2024 the
[3:14:47] u.s. Army corps of engineers started
[3:14:47] u.s. Army corps of engineers started
[3:14:49] this feasibility study and
[3:14:49] this feasibility study and
[3:14:52] begin
[3:14:52] begin
[3:14:55] it and additional appropriations
[3:14:55] it and additional appropriations
[3:14:58] were needed. So last year
[3:14:58] were needed. So last year
[3:15:01] we had a great update
[3:15:01] we had a great update
[3:15:04] from the army corps showing a
[3:15:04] from the army corps showing a
[3:15:05] couple small and large scale alternatives
[3:15:05] couple small and large scale alternatives
[3:15:07] that have been
[3:15:07] that have been
[3:15:10] whittled down for further study. However, the
[3:15:10] whittled down for further study. However, the
[3:15:13] study was delayed due to lapse
[3:15:13] study was delayed due to lapse
[3:15:16] in appropriations in mid-2025. The
[3:15:16] in appropriations in mid-2025. The
[3:15:19] great news is that it is up and
[3:15:19] great news is that it is up and
[3:15:23] running again and that it is beginning
[3:15:23] running again and that it is beginning
[3:15:25] as we
[3:15:25] as we
[3:15:28] speak.
[3:15:28] speak.
[3:15:29] however, there have been additional
[3:15:29] however, there have been additional
[3:15:30] guidance from the u.s. Army corps
[3:15:30] guidance from the u.s. Army corps
[3:15:31] of
[3:15:31] of
[3:15:34] engineers on
[3:15:34] engineers on
[3:15:36] a particularly w rda and how it is
[3:15:36] a particularly w rda and how it is
[3:15:37] being implement it including
[3:15:37] being implement it including
[3:15:40] restrictions on the cost
[3:15:40] restrictions on the cost
[3:15:43] being 3 million, the study being
[3:15:43] being 3 million, the study being
[3:15:48] completed within four years and that
[3:15:48] completed within four years and that
[3:15:49] it must complete 35% of the design
[3:15:49] it must complete 35% of the design
[3:15:51] commensurate with the cost estimate.
[3:15:51] commensurate with the cost estimate.
[3:15:52] some of these
[3:15:52] some of these
[3:15:55] larger scale projects that were
[3:15:55] larger scale projects that were
[3:15:58] identified are not going to fit
[3:15:58] identified are not going to fit
[3:15:59] within the guidance. Those include
[3:15:59] within the guidance. Those include
[3:16:02] the quarry as I mentioned before is
[3:16:02] the quarry as I mentioned before is
[3:16:04] one of the solutions we identified
[3:16:04] one of the solutions we identified
[3:16:05] as
[3:16:05] as
[3:16:06] well as larger scale water reuse projects
[3:16:06] well as larger scale water reuse projects
[3:16:07] and
[3:16:07] and
[3:16:09] additional reservoirs in virginia.
[3:16:09] additional reservoirs in virginia.
[3:16:10] I'm not
[3:16:10] I'm not
[3:16:12] going to go over this in a lot of
[3:16:12] going to go over this in a lot of
[3:16:13] detail, but just to
[3:16:13] detail, but just to
[3:16:16] mention
[3:16:16] mention
[3:16:17] that it's time for us to recalibrate
[3:16:17] that it's time for us to recalibrate
[3:16:19] and think about going forward
[3:16:19] and think about going forward
[3:16:21] how these larger scale projects are
[3:16:21] how these larger scale projects are
[3:16:22] going to
[3:16:22] going to
[3:16:25] be continued beyond
[3:16:25] be continued beyond
[3:16:28] this effort. The
[3:16:28] this effort. The
[3:16:31] next summarizes the alternatives in
[3:16:31] next summarizes the alternatives in
[3:16:34] 2025 versus
[3:16:34] 2025 versus
[3:16:37] the new what is moving forward today.
[3:16:37] the new what is moving forward today.
[3:16:38] I'm
[3:16:38] I'm
[3:16:40] not going to talk a lot
[3:16:40] not going to talk a lot
[3:16:43] about this but to have
[3:16:43] about this but to have
[3:16:46] it in one slide for
[3:16:46] it in one slide for
[3:16:49] reference later. Solutions we've identified
[3:16:49] reference later. Solutions we've identified
[3:16:53] such will require additional regional
[3:16:53] such will require additional regional
[3:16:55] partnership and we expect that going
[3:16:55] partnership and we expect that going
[3:16:56] forward, it's
[3:16:56] forward, it's
[3:16:57] been a great working relationship.
[3:16:57] been a great working relationship.
[3:17:01] so just to sort of wrap up to
[3:17:01] so just to sort of wrap up to
[3:17:04] talk more broadly about
[3:17:04] talk more broadly about
[3:17:08] wssc water general strategy before
[3:17:08] wssc water general strategy before
[3:17:10] I hand it over
[3:17:10] I hand it over
[3:17:13] to jackie. Talking about
[3:17:13] to jackie. Talking about
[3:17:14] a regional solution for additional
[3:17:14] a regional solution for additional
[3:17:16] storage is one part of it.
[3:17:16] storage is one part of it.
[3:17:19] it is requires a
[3:17:19] it is requires a
[3:17:22] multifaceted approach. So those
[3:17:22] multifaceted approach. So those
[3:17:25] other things that we are
[3:17:25] other things that we are
[3:17:27] working toward our near-term and longer-term
[3:17:27] working toward our near-term and longer-term
[3:17:29] activities including potential investment
[3:17:29] activities including potential investment
[3:17:31] that might be in
[3:17:31] that might be in
[3:17:34] the future. Related to things such
[3:17:34] the future. Related to things such
[3:17:35] as
[3:17:35] as
[3:17:37] operational optimization. So drought
[3:17:37] operational optimization. So drought
[3:17:38] preparedness
[3:17:38] preparedness
[3:17:39] and response, management, optimization
[3:17:39] and response, management, optimization
[3:17:40] of our
[3:17:40] of our
[3:17:43] existing storage, enhancing existing
[3:17:43] existing storage, enhancing existing
[3:17:44] water
[3:17:44] water
[3:17:46] storage and sources. These are all
[3:17:46] storage and sources. These are all
[3:17:47] really good
[3:17:47] really good
[3:17:48] opportunities for us to build more
[3:17:48] opportunities for us to build more
[3:17:49] resiliency in
[3:17:49] resiliency in
[3:17:52] our system. Also
[3:17:52] our system. Also
[3:17:55] we are working
[3:17:55] we are working
[3:17:56] on demand reduction including thinking
[3:17:56] on demand reduction including thinking
[3:17:57] about the technology for reducing
[3:17:57] about the technology for reducing
[3:18:01] water loss and the opportunities long-term
[3:18:01] water loss and the opportunities long-term
[3:18:02] for conservation
[3:18:02] for conservation
[3:18:04] efforts and
[3:18:04] efforts and
[3:18:07] non-potable reuse. And
[3:18:07] non-potable reuse. And
[3:18:10] then finally contaminant
[3:18:10] then finally contaminant
[3:18:13] risk reduction. Source water protection
[3:18:13] risk reduction. Source water protection
[3:18:15] which is how you protect at the source
[3:18:15] which is how you protect at the source
[3:18:16] and then
[3:18:16] and then
[3:18:19] also how the best way to mitigate
[3:18:19] also how the best way to mitigate
[3:18:20] risks related
[3:18:20] risks related
[3:18:22] to spills and other things
[3:18:22] to spills and other things
[3:18:25] that we can't necessarily predict.
[3:18:25] that we can't necessarily predict.
[3:18:27] so just wanted to provide the larger
[3:18:27] so just wanted to provide the larger
[3:18:28] scale view and
[3:18:28] scale view and
[3:18:31] really appreciate
[3:18:31] really appreciate
[3:18:33] your time. I can take any questions
[3:18:33] your time. I can take any questions
[3:18:34] before
[3:18:34] before
[3:18:36] jackie talks specifically about the
[3:18:36] jackie talks specifically about the
[3:18:37] feasibility study
[3:18:37] feasibility study
[3:18:40] and details.
[3:18:40] and details.
[3:18:41] >> commissioner questions.
[3:18:41] >> commissioner questions.
[3:18:42] just
[3:18:42] just
[3:18:43] a quick question, ms. Foreman.
[3:18:43] a quick question, ms. Foreman.
[3:18:49] I've been
[3:18:49] I've been
[3:18:51] reading and studying from afar the
[3:18:51] reading and studying from afar the
[3:18:52] challenges with the colorado river
[3:18:52] challenges with the colorado river
[3:18:55] and those states not being able to
[3:18:55] and those states not being able to
[3:18:56] come
[3:18:56] come
[3:18:58] to grips on how they manage going
[3:18:58] to grips on how they manage going
[3:19:01] forward. If you could just
[3:19:01] forward. If you could just
[3:19:04] provide context I know that is a much
[3:19:04] provide context I know that is a much
[3:19:05] more severe situation
[3:19:05] more severe situation
[3:19:06] but where would you say in relationship
[3:19:06] but where would you say in relationship
[3:19:07] to that we
[3:19:07] to that we
[3:19:11] are currently?
[3:19:11] are currently?
[3:19:12] >> we are not
[3:19:12] >> we are not
[3:19:14] in the western states, where
[3:19:14] in the western states, where
[3:19:17] there is limited
[3:19:17] there is limited
[3:19:19] water and every year you are talking
[3:19:19] water and every year you are talking
[3:19:20] about
[3:19:20] about
[3:19:21] where is your water going to come
[3:19:21] where is your water going to come
[3:19:23] from. We have generally been in
[3:19:23] from. We have generally been in
[3:19:26] a resource rich and
[3:19:26] a resource rich and
[3:19:28] water rich area. The last couple years
[3:19:28] water rich area. The last couple years
[3:19:29] have
[3:19:29] have
[3:19:30] been dry but we do have years that
[3:19:30] been dry but we do have years that
[3:19:32] are not and we can think of
[3:19:32] are not and we can think of
[3:19:35] those flooding years
[3:19:35] those flooding years
[3:19:36] as well. Into context it is imperative
[3:19:36] as well. Into context it is imperative
[3:19:38] that we think toward
[3:19:38] that we think toward
[3:19:39] the future where we are looking at
[3:19:39] the future where we are looking at
[3:19:40] dryer conditions but we are not yet
[3:19:40] dryer conditions but we are not yet
[3:19:41] at
[3:19:41] at
[3:19:43] that dire state of the situation where
[3:19:43] that dire state of the situation where
[3:19:44] year-to-year
[3:19:44] year-to-year
[3:19:46] you're trying to figure out how do
[3:19:46] you're trying to figure out how do
[3:19:47] you
[3:19:47] you
[3:19:50] conserve water.
[3:19:50] conserve water.
[3:19:52] I think looking to our western states
[3:19:52] I think looking to our western states
[3:19:56] to learn
[3:19:56] to learn
[3:19:58] is something what can we learn from
[3:19:58] is something what can we learn from
[3:19:59] what they
[3:19:59] what they
[3:20:02] are doing. Certainly we are
[3:20:02] are doing. Certainly we are
[3:20:05] trending dryer.
[3:20:05] trending dryer.
[3:20:06] >> thank you
[3:20:06] >> thank you
[3:20:11] very much. I appreciate the context.
[3:20:11] very much. I appreciate the context.
[3:20:14] no further questions. You
[3:20:14] no further questions. You
[3:20:16] may proceed.
[3:20:16] may proceed.
[3:20:17] >> thank you. Thank you
[3:20:17] >> thank you. Thank you
[3:20:18] for having
[3:20:18] for having
[3:20:22] me here. My name is jackie with the
[3:20:22] me here. My name is jackie with the
[3:20:23] army corps of engineers based
[3:20:23] army corps of engineers based
[3:20:24] out of baltimore district in their
[3:20:24] out of baltimore district in their
[3:20:27] planning division. I am the lead planner
[3:20:27] planning division. I am the lead planner
[3:20:29] for this feasibility
[3:20:29] for this feasibility
[3:20:31] study. This feasibility study as katie
[3:20:31] study. This feasibility study as katie
[3:20:32] mentioned
[3:20:32] mentioned
[3:20:35] began in
[3:20:35] began in
[3:20:38] 2024 september. This is a study with
[3:20:38] 2024 september. This is a study with
[3:20:41] the purpose to enable water
[3:20:41] the purpose to enable water
[3:20:44] suppliers to be able to provide their
[3:20:44] suppliers to be able to provide their
[3:20:45] customers with water in the case that
[3:20:45] customers with water in the case that
[3:20:47] the potomac is not
[3:20:47] the potomac is not
[3:20:51] usable. So she talked about vulnerabilities
[3:20:51] usable. So she talked about vulnerabilities
[3:20:53] that affect the potomac river, issues
[3:20:53] that affect the potomac river, issues
[3:20:56] of contamination and
[3:20:56] of contamination and
[3:20:59] drought primarily. And then also
[3:20:59] drought primarily. And then also
[3:21:02] mentioned the recent
[3:21:02] mentioned the recent
[3:21:05] study which
[3:21:05] study which
[3:21:06] forecasted conditions in the future
[3:21:06] forecasted conditions in the future
[3:21:08] and projected that at some point
[3:21:08] and projected that at some point
[3:21:11] water supply will become
[3:21:11] water supply will become
[3:21:14] more scarce. So to address
[3:21:14] more scarce. So to address
[3:21:18] these vulnerabilities in the water
[3:21:18] these vulnerabilities in the water
[3:21:20] resource development act of 2022 there
[3:21:20] resource development act of 2022 there
[3:21:21] was
[3:21:21] was
[3:21:23] a
[3:21:23] a
[3:21:26] steady authority
[3:21:26] steady authority
[3:21:27] included, quite a broad authority
[3:21:27] included, quite a broad authority
[3:21:29] and included identification of a secondary
[3:21:29] and included identification of a secondary
[3:21:30] water
[3:21:30] water
[3:21:32] source and additional
[3:21:32] source and additional
[3:21:35] steerage capability
[3:21:35] steerage capability
[3:21:37] and included a broad geographic area.
[3:21:37] and included a broad geographic area.
[3:21:38] as
[3:21:38] as
[3:21:41] well as maryland
[3:21:41] well as maryland
[3:21:44] and virginia. Feasibility cost sharing
[3:21:44] and virginia. Feasibility cost sharing
[3:21:45] agreement
[3:21:45] agreement
[3:21:47] starts
[3:21:47] starts
[3:21:50] the study between the core and
[3:21:50] the study between the core and
[3:21:53] nonfederal sponsor that was signed
[3:21:53] nonfederal sponsor that was signed
[3:21:56] in september 30th, 2024.
[3:21:56] in september 30th, 2024.
[3:21:59] since then we've been working on a
[3:21:59] since then we've been working on a
[3:22:01] study. We did have a complicating
[3:22:01] study. We did have a complicating
[3:22:02] factor which
[3:22:02] factor which
[3:22:05] was
[3:22:05] was
[3:22:07] that 2024 changed the cost share for
[3:22:07] that 2024 changed the cost share for
[3:22:08] the study. Typically
[3:22:08] the study. Typically
[3:22:11] these are cost shared
[3:22:11] these are cost shared
[3:22:14] 50% federal, 50% nonfederal
[3:22:14] 50% federal, 50% nonfederal
[3:22:17] but that changed the cost share to
[3:22:17] but that changed the cost share to
[3:22:20] be 90% federal
[3:22:20] be 90% federal
[3:22:22] 10% nonfederal. We did not have the
[3:22:22] 10% nonfederal. We did not have the
[3:22:23] federal funds
[3:22:23] federal funds
[3:22:26] to support that change in
[3:22:26] to support that change in
[3:22:29] the share. So it did result in a little
[3:22:29] the share. So it did result in a little
[3:22:32] bit of a delay related
[3:22:32] bit of a delay related
[3:22:35] to that.
[3:22:35] to that.
[3:22:36] I think everyone recognizes the federal
[3:22:36] I think everyone recognizes the federal
[3:22:38] interest in the d.c.
[3:22:38] interest in the d.c.
[3:22:41] water supply. Obviously millions of
[3:22:41] water supply. Obviously millions of
[3:22:42] people
[3:22:42] people
[3:22:44] work and live ndc, we have a
[3:22:44] work and live ndc, we have a
[3:22:47] lot of national security assets and
[3:22:47] lot of national security assets and
[3:22:48] critical
[3:22:48] critical
[3:22:50] infrastructure within
[3:22:50] infrastructure within
[3:22:53] the area. And related to the
[3:22:53] the area. And related to the
[3:22:55] army corps we own and operate the
[3:22:55] army corps we own and operate the
[3:22:56] washington aqueduct,
[3:22:56] washington aqueduct,
[3:22:59] the only federally owned
[3:22:59] the only federally owned
[3:23:02] and operated water supply in
[3:23:02] and operated water supply in
[3:23:05] the
[3:23:05] the
[3:23:08] country. So I think you've had briefings
[3:23:08] country. So I think you've had briefings
[3:23:09] on
[3:23:09] on
[3:23:10] this so I will limit the background
[3:23:10] this so I will limit the background
[3:23:11] to that but happy to take questions
[3:23:11] to that but happy to take questions
[3:23:13] on it. I wanted to move to the phase
[3:23:13] on it. I wanted to move to the phase
[3:23:17] of study so where we've been a little
[3:23:17] of study so where we've been a little
[3:23:20] bit with the study and
[3:23:20] bit with the study and
[3:23:23] you guidance related to
[3:23:23] you guidance related to
[3:23:26] the study. This is a diagram that
[3:23:26] the study. This is a diagram that
[3:23:27] shows our
[3:23:27] shows our
[3:23:31] planning process. We have been in
[3:23:31] planning process. We have been in
[3:23:32] the scoping
[3:23:32] the scoping
[3:23:34] face so at that timeline at the top
[3:23:34] face so at that timeline at the top
[3:23:35] left. That means that
[3:23:35] left. That means that
[3:23:38] we
[3:23:38] we
[3:23:40] were looking at what existing conditions
[3:23:40] were looking at what existing conditions
[3:23:41] we have in the study
[3:23:41] we have in the study
[3:23:44] area, what solutions have been
[3:23:44] area, what solutions have been
[3:23:47] presented and trying to come
[3:23:47] presented and trying to come
[3:23:49] up with a set of alternatives that
[3:23:49] up with a set of alternatives that
[3:23:51] we presented at a milestone meeting
[3:23:51] we presented at a milestone meeting
[3:23:53] to our higher
[3:23:53] to our higher
[3:23:56] authorities in
[3:23:56] authorities in
[3:23:59] june 2025. We have a couple different
[3:23:59] june 2025. We have a couple different
[3:24:00] decision
[3:24:00] decision
[3:24:01] checkpoints we have to go to through
[3:24:01] checkpoints we have to go to through
[3:24:02] in
[3:24:02] in
[3:24:05] the process. That allowed us
[3:24:05] the process. That allowed us
[3:24:08] to continue
[3:24:08] to continue
[3:24:11] proceeding forward
[3:24:11] proceeding forward
[3:24:14] we are currently in this alternative
[3:24:14] we are currently in this alternative
[3:24:15] formulation and analysis
[3:24:15] formulation and analysis
[3:24:17] phase so taking that array of
[3:24:17] phase so taking that array of
[3:24:23] alternative and doing some comprehensive
[3:24:23] alternative and doing some comprehensive
[3:24:25] evaluation of the benefits and costs
[3:24:25] evaluation of the benefits and costs
[3:24:26] related to those and then selecting
[3:24:26] related to those and then selecting
[3:24:28] the one that should be the agency
[3:24:28] the one that should be the agency
[3:24:32] recommendation plan.
[3:24:32] recommendation plan.
[3:24:35] we are getting
[3:24:35] we are getting
[3:24:37] quite a lot of new guidance at this
[3:24:37] quite a lot of new guidance at this
[3:24:38] time so it looks like this process
[3:24:38] time so it looks like this process
[3:24:40] will change a little bit but still
[3:24:40] will change a little bit but still
[3:24:41] have basically the same decision checkpoints
[3:24:41] have basically the same decision checkpoints
[3:24:42] along
[3:24:42] along
[3:24:44] the way.
[3:24:44] the way.
[3:24:47] and then highlight that the study
[3:24:47] and then highlight that the study
[3:24:48] is scheduled
[3:24:48] is scheduled
[3:24:51] to end september
[3:24:51] to end september
[3:24:54] 30th, 2028. So
[3:24:54] 30th, 2028. So
[3:24:55] I won't talk about this much but this
[3:24:55] I won't talk about this much but this
[3:24:57] is the
[3:24:57] is the
[3:25:00] alternative process. There have
[3:25:00] alternative process. There have
[3:25:01] been a lot of studies done on this
[3:25:01] been a lot of studies done on this
[3:25:03] in
[3:25:03] in
[3:25:09] the past.
[3:25:09] the past.
[3:25:10] army corps had a value planning study
[3:25:10] army corps had a value planning study
[3:25:12] done a few
[3:25:12] done a few
[3:25:17] years ago so all of this was looked
[3:25:17] years ago so all of this was looked
[3:25:18] at in coordination with
[3:25:18] at in coordination with
[3:25:19] all the different alternatives presented.
[3:25:19] all the different alternatives presented.
[3:25:21] at that time. Primarily with the
[3:25:21] at that time. Primarily with the
[3:25:24] goal to find
[3:25:24] goal to find
[3:25:26] a regional solution that can aid all
[3:25:26] a regional solution that can aid all
[3:25:27] of the
[3:25:27] of the
[3:25:31] water suppliers. We went through a
[3:25:31] water suppliers. We went through a
[3:25:33] number of different
[3:25:33] number of different
[3:25:34] screening steps, alternatives and
[3:25:34] screening steps, alternatives and
[3:25:35] had different decision criteria and
[3:25:35] had different decision criteria and
[3:25:36] then whittled
[3:25:36] then whittled
[3:25:39] these down to our array
[3:25:39] these down to our array
[3:25:40] of alternatives that was presented
[3:25:40] of alternatives that was presented
[3:25:42] at the
[3:25:42] at the
[3:25:48] milestone meeting.
[3:25:48] milestone meeting.
[3:25:51] this just gives
[3:25:51] this just gives
[3:25:52] you an idea of some of the different
[3:25:52] you an idea of some of the different
[3:25:53] strategies that we've looked at. Quite
[3:25:53] strategies that we've looked at. Quite
[3:25:54] a wide
[3:25:54] a wide
[3:25:57] range of strategies,
[3:25:57] range of strategies,
[3:25:59] building new reservoirs, desalination,
[3:25:59] building new reservoirs, desalination,
[3:26:02] groundwater use, wastewater reuse,
[3:26:02] groundwater use, wastewater reuse,
[3:26:03] a
[3:26:03] a
[3:26:06] wide variety
[3:26:06] wide variety
[3:26:08] of things. Some of them were technically
[3:26:08] of things. Some of them were technically
[3:26:09] infeasible or
[3:26:09] infeasible or
[3:26:12] had other
[3:26:12] had other
[3:26:13] constraints so were screened in coordination
[3:26:13] constraints so were screened in coordination
[3:26:18] with utilities. So
[3:26:18] with utilities. So
[3:26:19] the focused array of alternatives
[3:26:19] the focused array of alternatives
[3:26:21] that we resented to
[3:26:21] that we resented to
[3:26:24] our management when we received
[3:26:24] our management when we received
[3:26:26] the approval to move forward is shown
[3:26:26] the approval to move forward is shown
[3:26:27] here.
[3:26:27] here.
[3:26:30] primarily quarry alternatives,
[3:26:30] primarily quarry alternatives,
[3:26:33] and then luck
[3:26:33] and then luck
[3:26:36] stone quarry, blue planes was an option.
[3:26:36] stone quarry, blue planes was an option.
[3:26:39] and then the
[3:26:39] and then the
[3:26:41] reservoir expansion which was always
[3:26:41] reservoir expansion which was always
[3:26:42] intended just to be
[3:26:42] intended just to be
[3:26:48] an add-on
[3:26:48] an add-on
[3:26:49] to one of these other alternatives
[3:26:49] to one of these other alternatives
[3:26:51] given that the quarry
[3:26:51] given that the quarry
[3:26:52] alternative would have met the regional
[3:26:52] alternative would have met the regional
[3:26:54] need much better than
[3:26:54] need much better than
[3:26:57] something
[3:26:57] something
[3:27:00] like that. So that's kind of where
[3:27:00] like that. So that's kind of where
[3:27:01] we
[3:27:01] we
[3:27:03] have
[3:27:03] have
[3:27:05] been and as katie mentioned we have
[3:27:05] been and as katie mentioned we have
[3:27:06] now received
[3:27:06] now received
[3:27:08] new guidance. From our headquarters
[3:27:08] new guidance. From our headquarters
[3:27:09] as well as
[3:27:09] as well as
[3:27:11] the assistant secretary of the army
[3:27:11] the assistant secretary of the army
[3:27:12] for civil
[3:27:12] for civil
[3:27:15] works and that's what
[3:27:15] works and that's what
[3:27:18] is guiding our
[3:27:18] is guiding our
[3:27:19] direction today. What we've heard
[3:27:19] direction today. What we've heard
[3:27:20] from them is we need to stay within
[3:27:20] from them is we need to stay within
[3:27:21] the
[3:27:21] the
[3:27:23] confines of the three by three role.
[3:27:23] confines of the three by three role.
[3:27:24] something
[3:27:24] something
[3:27:27] that
[3:27:27] that
[3:27:30] was enacted in 2014 basically
[3:27:30] was enacted in 2014 basically
[3:27:33] that the court needs to
[3:27:33] that the court needs to
[3:27:35] complete visibility studies within
[3:27:35] complete visibility studies within
[3:27:36] three years and within
[3:27:36] three years and within
[3:27:38] a $3 million budget. We had originally
[3:27:38] a $3 million budget. We had originally
[3:27:42] scoped this study to be a $13
[3:27:42] scoped this study to be a $13
[3:27:43] million study and take over six years
[3:27:43] million study and take over six years
[3:27:45] when we were looking at a
[3:27:45] when we were looking at a
[3:27:48] regional solution. So having to constrain
[3:27:48] regional solution. So having to constrain
[3:27:49] the
[3:27:49] the
[3:27:50] study within three years and $3 million
[3:27:50] study within three years and $3 million
[3:27:51] is quite
[3:27:51] is quite
[3:27:54] a big difference. But
[3:27:54] a big difference. But
[3:27:57] that's where we are today. They did
[3:27:57] that's where we are today. They did
[3:27:58] allow
[3:27:58] allow
[3:28:00] us to complete the
[3:28:00] us to complete the
[3:28:02] study within four years given the
[3:28:02] study within four years given the
[3:28:03] delays that we've had
[3:28:03] delays that we've had
[3:28:05] in funding related to the cost share
[3:28:05] in funding related to the cost share
[3:28:06] and then just
[3:28:06] and then just
[3:28:08] not receiving appropriations in a
[3:28:08] not receiving appropriations in a
[3:28:09] timely
[3:28:09] timely
[3:28:12] manner. So we are looking at
[3:28:12] manner. So we are looking at
[3:28:14] completing the study for 3 million
[3:28:14] completing the study for 3 million
[3:28:15] by
[3:28:15] by
[3:28:18] september 2028.
[3:28:18] september 2028.
[3:28:21] the other new requirement is that
[3:28:21] the other new requirement is that
[3:28:22] we
[3:28:22] we
[3:28:23] need to by the end of the feasibility
[3:28:23] need to by the end of the feasibility
[3:28:27] study complete a 35%
[3:28:27] study complete a 35%
[3:28:30] engineering design. This also limits
[3:28:30] engineering design. This also limits
[3:28:31] the
[3:28:31] the
[3:28:33] options that we can look
[3:28:33] options that we can look
[3:28:36] at because things that
[3:28:36] at because things that
[3:28:39] have miles of pipeline for
[3:28:39] have miles of pipeline for
[3:28:41] 35% design we will have two boreholes
[3:28:41] 35% design we will have two boreholes
[3:28:42] along that length and
[3:28:42] along that length and
[3:28:45] it really increases the
[3:28:45] it really increases the
[3:28:46] cost. So unfortunately with these
[3:28:46] cost. So unfortunately with these
[3:28:48] new studies
[3:28:48] new studies
[3:28:49] limitations we are now focusing on
[3:28:49] limitations we are now focusing on
[3:28:51] much smaller
[3:28:51] much smaller
[3:28:53] scale alternatives. We are looking
[3:28:53] scale alternatives. We are looking
[3:28:54] at things that could be
[3:28:54] at things that could be
[3:28:57] implanted
[3:28:57] implanted
[3:29:00] more quickly.
[3:29:00] more quickly.
[3:29:03] things that have synergy with
[3:29:03] things that have synergy with
[3:29:05] longer-term solutions. One of the
[3:29:05] longer-term solutions. One of the
[3:29:06] key takeaways of this is
[3:29:06] key takeaways of this is
[3:29:09] that this is a small component
[3:29:09] that this is a small component
[3:29:12] or increment of a larger
[3:29:12] or increment of a larger
[3:29:15] solution and also going to require
[3:29:15] solution and also going to require
[3:29:16] significant efforts
[3:29:16] significant efforts
[3:29:21] by others. It could be in the future the core
[3:29:21] by others. It could be in the future the core
[3:29:23] will be able to address this or completely,
[3:29:23] will be able to address this or completely,
[3:29:26] study authority remains so we could
[3:29:26] study authority remains so we could
[3:29:27] work
[3:29:27] work
[3:29:30] on it at a regional solution in the
[3:29:30] on it at a regional solution in the
[3:29:31] future
[3:29:31] future
[3:29:32] or others in the interim could do
[3:29:32] or others in the interim could do
[3:29:33] their
[3:29:33] their
[3:29:39] own studies. So
[3:29:39] own studies. So
[3:29:42] the internal project delivery team
[3:29:42] the internal project delivery team
[3:29:43] has
[3:29:43] has
[3:29:45] now been looking at
[3:29:45] now been looking at
[3:29:47] these smaller scale alternatives that
[3:29:47] these smaller scale alternatives that
[3:29:48] perhaps
[3:29:48] perhaps
[3:29:52] overlooked initially looking at a
[3:29:52] overlooked initially looking at a
[3:29:56] regional solution. So we've gone back
[3:29:56] regional solution. So we've gone back
[3:29:57] through some of the previous
[3:29:57] through some of the previous
[3:29:59] studies and options that are out there
[3:29:59] studies and options that are out there
[3:30:00] for some of the smaller
[3:30:00] for some of the smaller
[3:30:03] scale things on this
[3:30:03] scale things on this
[3:30:06] slide. So still an option,
[3:30:06] slide. So still an option,
[3:30:09] there have been other ideas for reservoirs
[3:30:09] there have been other ideas for reservoirs
[3:30:10] at
[3:30:10] at
[3:30:11] different locations and a different
[3:30:11] different locations and a different
[3:30:12] scale.
[3:30:12] scale.
[3:30:15] modifying
[3:30:15] modifying
[3:30:17] some reservoirs were looking at things
[3:30:17] some reservoirs were looking at things
[3:30:18] like connections that
[3:30:18] like connections that
[3:30:21] could provide increased resilience
[3:30:21] could provide increased resilience
[3:30:22] to the
[3:30:22] to the
[3:30:28] water supply. Through
[3:30:28] water supply. Through
[3:30:29] that review and also pending discussions
[3:30:29] that review and also pending discussions
[3:30:30] with utilities, we have a meeting
[3:30:30] with utilities, we have a meeting
[3:30:34] coming up on march 10th to
[3:30:34] coming up on march 10th to
[3:30:37] discuss this. At
[3:30:37] discuss this. At
[3:30:38] this point, dalecarlia reservoir expansion
[3:30:38] this point, dalecarlia reservoir expansion
[3:30:40] appears to be the most
[3:30:40] appears to be the most
[3:30:43] beneficial and
[3:30:43] beneficial and
[3:30:46] feasible alternative. The expansion
[3:30:46] feasible alternative. The expansion
[3:30:49] of dalecarlia reservoir
[3:30:49] of dalecarlia reservoir
[3:30:51] might double the size of the reservoir,
[3:30:51] might double the size of the reservoir,
[3:30:55] it would
[3:30:55] it would
[3:30:58] provide additional 12 hours of
[3:30:58] provide additional 12 hours of
[3:30:59] water supply to the washington aqueduct.
[3:30:59] water supply to the washington aqueduct.
[3:31:01] this is a
[3:31:01] this is a
[3:31:03] small contribution to the overall
[3:31:03] small contribution to the overall
[3:31:04] problem and we
[3:31:04] problem and we
[3:31:06] certainly recognize that. But it's
[3:31:06] certainly recognize that. But it's
[3:31:07] an increment that
[3:31:07] an increment that
[3:31:10] could still
[3:31:10] could still
[3:31:13] be meaningful. 12 hours is
[3:31:13] be meaningful. 12 hours is
[3:31:14] time in case of an emergency where
[3:31:14] time in case of an emergency where
[3:31:15] you could make notifications, you
[3:31:15] you could make notifications, you
[3:31:18] could prepare and mobilize resources.
[3:31:18] could prepare and mobilize resources.
[3:31:19] we do
[3:31:19] we do
[3:31:22] see this as being a meaningful but
[3:31:22] see this as being a meaningful but
[3:31:23] small contribution
[3:31:23] small contribution
[3:31:25] to the overall and larger
[3:31:25] to the overall and larger
[3:31:28] problem. If we do go with
[3:31:28] problem. If we do go with
[3:31:31] dalecarlia there
[3:31:31] dalecarlia there
[3:31:34] are considerations. Obviously
[3:31:34] are considerations. Obviously
[3:31:35] engineering considerations. We have
[3:31:35] engineering considerations. We have
[3:31:37] to pass various policy hurdles
[3:31:37] to pass various policy hurdles
[3:31:40] including doing a
[3:31:40] including doing a
[3:31:44] cost-benefit calculation for policy
[3:31:44] cost-benefit calculation for policy
[3:31:46] and of course there is
[3:31:46] and of course there is
[3:31:47] potential environmental and cultural
[3:31:47] potential environmental and cultural
[3:31:52] resource impacts. So needing to do
[3:31:52] resource impacts. So needing to do
[3:31:53] a lot of stakeholder and public involvement
[3:31:53] a lot of stakeholder and public involvement
[3:31:55] engagement along
[3:31:55] engagement along
[3:31:58] those lines.
[3:31:58] those lines.
[3:32:01] related to schedule
[3:32:01] related to schedule
[3:32:04] and funding we
[3:32:04] and funding we
[3:32:05] are trying to work within these new
[3:32:05] are trying to work within these new
[3:32:07] constraints but said he
[3:32:07] constraints but said he
[3:32:10] will
[3:32:10] will
[3:32:13] end in september 2028. We are
[3:32:13] end in september 2028. We are
[3:32:16] still waiting for funding
[3:32:16] still waiting for funding
[3:32:19] and we expect that in march,
[3:32:19] and we expect that in march,
[3:32:24] maybe april. The federal funding we
[3:32:24] maybe april. The federal funding we
[3:32:25] have received
[3:32:25] have received
[3:32:26] about $500,000 of federal funding,
[3:32:26] about $500,000 of federal funding,
[3:32:27] we are awaiting an additional $1.8
[3:32:27] we are awaiting an additional $1.8
[3:32:28] million, we've
[3:32:28] million, we've
[3:32:31] also received
[3:32:31] also received
[3:32:34] the nonfederal contribution and
[3:32:34] the nonfederal contribution and
[3:32:35] additional nonfederal funds once we
[3:32:35] additional nonfederal funds once we
[3:32:37] receive our additional
[3:32:37] receive our additional
[3:32:39] federal money. There is a balance
[3:32:39] federal money. There is a balance
[3:32:40] of a few
[3:32:40] of a few
[3:32:43] hundred
[3:32:43] hundred
[3:32:45] thousand that will make up the $3
[3:32:45] thousand that will make up the $3
[3:32:46] million that we
[3:32:46] million that we
[3:32:51] will request that's all I have. Happy
[3:32:51] will request that's all I have. Happy
[3:32:52] to
[3:32:52] to
[3:32:55] take questions.
[3:32:55] take questions.
[3:32:56] >>
[3:32:56] >>
[3:32:58] thank you. Commissioner
[3:32:58] thank you. Commissioner
[3:33:01] seltzer.
[3:33:01] seltzer.
[3:33:02] >> thank you for being here.
[3:33:02] >> thank you for being here.
[3:33:04] really generous of the army
[3:33:04] really generous of the army
[3:33:07] corps to brief us. This
[3:33:07] corps to brief us. This
[3:33:10] is all I hadn't heard about
[3:33:10] is all I hadn't heard about
[3:33:12] these changes in the guidelines. It's
[3:33:12] these changes in the guidelines. It's
[3:33:13] very alarming and
[3:33:13] very alarming and
[3:33:16] incredibly disappointing. It
[3:33:16] incredibly disappointing. It
[3:33:19] seems these
[3:33:19] seems these
[3:33:20] small practices to make additional
[3:33:20] small practices to make additional
[3:33:22] 12 hours I think that
[3:33:22] 12 hours I think that
[3:33:25] is just in the district of columbia
[3:33:25] is just in the district of columbia
[3:33:26] that wouldn't support wssc at all.
[3:33:26] that wouldn't support wssc at all.
[3:33:30] so it seems like we are not on any
[3:33:30] so it seems like we are not on any
[3:33:31] type of path at
[3:33:31] type of path at
[3:33:33] all to maybe addressing the serious
[3:33:33] all to maybe addressing the serious
[3:33:34] and
[3:33:34] and
[3:33:40] ongoing concern. I don't
[3:33:40] ongoing concern. I don't
[3:33:42] know how we get back on that path
[3:33:42] know how we get back on that path
[3:33:43] if there is any opportunities
[3:33:43] if there is any opportunities
[3:33:46] to engage or restart
[3:33:46] to engage or restart
[3:33:51] conversations. But it's incredibly
[3:33:51] conversations. But it's incredibly
[3:33:52] disappointing
[3:33:52] disappointing
[3:33:55] and alarming.
[3:33:55] and alarming.
[3:33:56] >> there has
[3:33:56] >> there has
[3:33:57] been a lot of congressional interest
[3:33:57] been a lot of congressional interest
[3:33:58] so we are
[3:33:58] so we are
[3:34:00] keep an eye on that and what comes
[3:34:00] keep an eye on that and what comes
[3:34:04] from that. We have also been speaking
[3:34:04] from that. We have also been speaking
[3:34:07] with utilities and we will do more
[3:34:07] with utilities and we will do more
[3:34:08] at this meeting
[3:34:08] at this meeting
[3:34:10] we have in march about a way that
[3:34:10] we have in march about a way that
[3:34:13] the utilities themselves could
[3:34:13] the utilities themselves could
[3:34:14] conduct these studies under the section
[3:34:14] conduct these studies under the section
[3:34:18] 203 authority and send you more information
[3:34:18] 203 authority and send you more information
[3:34:19] on that which
[3:34:19] on that which
[3:34:20] is an authority that allows nonfederal
[3:34:20] is an authority that allows nonfederal
[3:34:22] entities to conduct a
[3:34:22] entities to conduct a
[3:34:25] study with army
[3:34:25] study with army
[3:34:28] corps assistance. And that results
[3:34:28] corps assistance. And that results
[3:34:29] in
[3:34:29] in
[3:34:31] a chief report which is the same as
[3:34:31] a chief report which is the same as
[3:34:34] what the study would result in.
[3:34:34] what the study would result in.
[3:34:35] the difference being the nonfederal
[3:34:35] the difference being the nonfederal
[3:34:37] entity is paying for that study
[3:34:37] entity is paying for that study
[3:34:40] with potential reimbursement at the
[3:34:40] with potential reimbursement at the
[3:34:41] end. There
[3:34:41] end. There
[3:34:43] are ways that others
[3:34:43] are ways that others
[3:34:46] could conduct this work and we
[3:34:46] could conduct this work and we
[3:34:49] could support the absence of
[3:34:49] could support the absence of
[3:34:51] not being able to do that ourselves
[3:34:51] not being able to do that ourselves
[3:34:52] and we can provide more information
[3:34:52] and we can provide more information
[3:34:53] on that.
[3:34:53] on that.
[3:34:55] >> I'd be interested. I
[3:34:55] >> I'd be interested. I
[3:34:56] imagine my commissioners would be
[3:34:56] imagine my commissioners would be
[3:35:01] as well. That secondary path where
[3:35:01] as well. That secondary path where
[3:35:04] we potentially do
[3:35:04] we potentially do
[3:35:07] their own
[3:35:07] their own
[3:35:10] visibility studies. It is
[3:35:10] visibility studies. It is
[3:35:13] called a
[3:35:13] called a
[3:35:16] chief report. The end of the feasibility
[3:35:16] chief report. The end of the feasibility
[3:35:18] study process to congress for recommendation
[3:35:18] study process to congress for recommendation
[3:35:19] and then would
[3:35:19] and then would
[3:35:22] get authorization and
[3:35:22] get authorization and
[3:35:24] appropriations.
[3:35:24] appropriations.
[3:35:25] >> that could open
[3:35:25] >> that could open
[3:35:26] the door for
[3:35:26] the door for
[3:35:28] federal funding.
[3:35:28] federal funding.
[3:35:34] thank you.
[3:35:34] thank you.
[3:35:35] >> any
[3:35:35] >> any
[3:35:36] additional questions?
[3:35:36] additional questions?
[3:35:37] >> mr. Chair
[3:35:37] >> mr. Chair
[3:35:38] if
[3:35:38] if
[3:35:40] I may. I just wanted to provide a
[3:35:40] I may. I just wanted to provide a
[3:35:41] bit
[3:35:41] bit
[3:35:43] more perspective as well. And thank
[3:35:43] more perspective as well. And thank
[3:35:44] the
[3:35:44] the
[3:35:45] army corps of engineers and I do want
[3:35:45] army corps of engineers and I do want
[3:35:46] to
[3:35:46] to
[3:35:49] say that the feedback that I've
[3:35:49] say that the feedback that I've
[3:35:52] received from the corps including
[3:35:52] received from the corps including
[3:35:53] the
[3:35:53] the
[3:35:55] kernel is that the corps is
[3:35:55] kernel is that the corps is
[3:35:58] very much supportive of finding
[3:35:58] very much supportive of finding
[3:36:00] a solution, focusing on a solution
[3:36:00] a solution, focusing on a solution
[3:36:01] for
[3:36:01] for
[3:36:05] the
[3:36:05] the
[3:36:06] region. Just maybe in different roles
[3:36:06] region. Just maybe in different roles
[3:36:08] and responsibilities in
[3:36:08] and responsibilities in
[3:36:11] this process.
[3:36:11] this process.
[3:36:12] just to provide some perspective how
[3:36:12] just to provide some perspective how
[3:36:14] we got to
[3:36:14] we got to
[3:36:16] this point we made a decision as a
[3:36:16] this point we made a decision as a
[3:36:17] region
[3:36:17] region
[3:36:20] to get
[3:36:20] to get
[3:36:22] this into for funding for the study
[3:36:22] this into for funding for the study
[3:36:23] first and
[3:36:23] first and
[3:36:26] then hopefully the funding
[3:36:26] then hopefully the funding
[3:36:29] for
[3:36:29] for
[3:36:31] the construction. That required us
[3:36:31] the construction. That required us
[3:36:32] to
[3:36:32] to
[3:36:33] go back and do a feasibility study.
[3:36:33] go back and do a feasibility study.
[3:36:35] because we had to go through
[3:36:35] because we had to go through
[3:36:38] that process in order to
[3:36:38] that process in order to
[3:36:41] access funds. We have
[3:36:41] access funds. We have
[3:36:42] a lot of information at our disposal
[3:36:42] a lot of information at our disposal
[3:36:45] that basically we had to rework to
[3:36:45] that basically we had to rework to
[3:36:47] use this source of
[3:36:47] use this source of
[3:36:50] funding. So
[3:36:50] funding. So
[3:36:53] I don't think we are
[3:36:53] I don't think we are
[3:36:55] necessarily behind. The region is
[3:36:55] necessarily behind. The region is
[3:36:56] still working
[3:36:56] still working
[3:36:57] together to look at how we advance
[3:36:57] together to look at how we advance
[3:37:01] and now shift essentially back to
[3:37:01] and now shift essentially back to
[3:37:05] the
[3:37:05] the
[3:37:08] approach before. We would
[3:37:08] approach before. We would
[3:37:10] still like to have external funds
[3:37:10] still like to have external funds
[3:37:11] but biggest
[3:37:11] but biggest
[3:37:12] concern is having the funding for
[3:37:12] concern is having the funding for
[3:37:14] construction and building
[3:37:14] construction and building
[3:37:20] the solution. I
[3:37:20] the solution. I
[3:37:23] think we have been having some
[3:37:23] think we have been having some
[3:37:25] recent discussions as late as late
[3:37:25] recent discussions as late as late
[3:37:26] last week to talk about how
[3:37:26] last week to talk about how
[3:37:28] we would advance to get through design
[3:37:28] we would advance to get through design
[3:37:32] which is more
[3:37:32] which is more
[3:37:35] manageable and
[3:37:35] manageable and
[3:37:38] getting
[3:37:38] getting
[3:37:41] things to a chiefs report
[3:37:41] things to a chiefs report
[3:37:44] that could then be eligible for
[3:37:44] that could then be eligible for
[3:37:47] construction funding. So we are
[3:37:47] construction funding. So we are
[3:37:50] still working together
[3:37:50] still working together
[3:37:53] just may be in different
[3:37:53] just may be in different
[3:37:59] ways. And from a water
[3:37:59] ways. And from a water
[3:38:01] quantity standpoint as well as water
[3:38:01] quantity standpoint as well as water
[3:38:02] quality
[3:38:02] quality
[3:38:06] standpoint. And the recent events
[3:38:06] standpoint. And the recent events
[3:38:08] underscores the need to make
[3:38:08] underscores the need to make
[3:38:09] sure that if there are any impacts
[3:38:09] sure that if there are any impacts
[3:38:11] to the river
[3:38:11] to the river
[3:38:14] that we have the
[3:38:14] that we have the
[3:38:17] ability to have a source that
[3:38:17] ability to have a source that
[3:38:20] is protected. So we will
[3:38:20] is protected. So we will
[3:38:23] continue
[3:38:23] continue
[3:38:26] that focus.
[3:38:26] that focus.
[3:38:27] >> thank you for the
[3:38:27] >> thank you for the
[3:38:29] additional context.
[3:38:29] additional context.
[3:38:30] >>
[3:38:30] >>
[3:38:32] chair
[3:38:32] chair
[3:38:35] smith. That was louder than I expected.
[3:38:35] smith. That was louder than I expected.
[3:38:36] I received a question, not sure who
[3:38:36] I received a question, not sure who
[3:38:38] it came from so I wanted to
[3:38:38] it came from so I wanted to
[3:38:41] address it. The question was
[3:38:41] address it. The question was
[3:38:43] what are wssc waters current secondary
[3:38:43] what are wssc waters current secondary
[3:38:46] storage ? This would be an additional
[3:38:46] storage ? This would be an additional
[3:38:50] secondary storage, we currently do
[3:38:50] secondary storage, we currently do
[3:38:52] have our existing water resources
[3:38:52] have our existing water resources
[3:38:53] on a day-to-day
[3:38:53] on a day-to-day
[3:38:56] basis, the potomac river and
[3:38:56] basis, the potomac river and
[3:38:59] reservoirs and two backup storage
[3:38:59] reservoirs and two backup storage
[3:39:00] reservoirs,
[3:39:00] reservoirs,
[3:39:02] randolph and
[3:39:02] randolph and
[3:39:08] little seneca in place if
[3:39:08] little seneca in place if
[3:39:10] it were not to rain, if the river were
[3:39:10] it were not to rain, if the river were
[3:39:11] to dry up those could provide
[3:39:11] to dry up those could provide
[3:39:13] over a month of regional water supply
[3:39:13] over a month of regional water supply
[3:39:14] and managed regionally that speaks
[3:39:14] and managed regionally that speaks
[3:39:15] to the
[3:39:15] to the
[3:39:16] strength of the history of regional
[3:39:16] strength of the history of regional
[3:39:17] cooperation in the water
[3:39:17] cooperation in the water
[3:39:19] supply. So if you have any other questions
[3:39:19] supply. So if you have any other questions
[3:39:20] I'm happy to answer.
[3:39:20] I'm happy to answer.
[3:39:21] >> thank you.
[3:39:21] >> thank you.
[3:39:23] any additional questions? Commissioner
[3:39:23] any additional questions? Commissioner
[3:39:26] seltzer.
[3:39:26] seltzer.
[3:39:27] >> is there any ongoing cooperation
[3:39:27] >> is there any ongoing cooperation
[3:39:28] with some
[3:39:28] with some
[3:39:29] of the d.c. Water on
[3:39:29] of the d.c. Water on
[3:39:32] water reuse?
[3:39:32] water reuse?
[3:39:33] >>
[3:39:33] >>
[3:39:35] absolutely. You can add to this. I
[3:39:35] absolutely. You can add to this. I
[3:39:36] don't think
[3:39:36] don't think
[3:39:38] I introduced myself. Priscilla, director
[3:39:38] I introduced myself. Priscilla, director
[3:39:39] of
[3:39:39] of
[3:39:41] operational reliability for
[3:39:41] operational reliability for
[3:39:43] the record. We have been tracking the
[3:39:43] the record. We have been tracking the
[3:39:44] initiative by d.c. Water
[3:39:44] initiative by d.c. Water
[3:39:47] related to water reuse
[3:39:47] related to water reuse
[3:39:50] and so they are studying the
[3:39:50] and so they are studying the
[3:39:51] opportunities to use a water resource
[3:39:51] opportunities to use a water resource
[3:39:53] that they have
[3:39:53] that they have
[3:39:56] at the planes advanced water treatment
[3:39:56] at the planes advanced water treatment
[3:39:57] plant
[3:39:57] plant
[3:39:59] and apply that to water reuse. This
[3:39:59] and apply that to water reuse. This
[3:40:00] is a
[3:40:00] is a
[3:40:01] pattern that you would see across
[3:40:01] pattern that you would see across
[3:40:02] the nation in water
[3:40:02] the nation in water
[3:40:05] scarce areas is to move toward using
[3:40:05] scarce areas is to move toward using
[3:40:06] the
[3:40:06] the
[3:40:08] water you have
[3:40:08] water you have
[3:40:11] already and treating it
[3:40:11] already and treating it
[3:40:17] for more , reusing that
[3:40:17] for more , reusing that
[3:40:20] water. So we are
[3:40:20] water. So we are
[3:40:22] continuing to track that initiative and we are
[3:40:22] continuing to track that initiative and we are
[3:40:23] in conversation with d.c.
[3:40:23] in conversation with d.c.
[3:40:26] water to work
[3:40:26] water to work
[3:40:27] toward understanding what they are
[3:40:27] toward understanding what they are
[3:40:29] working on and the placement in the
[3:40:29] working on and the placement in the
[3:40:34] regional solution. At the same time
[3:40:34] regional solution. At the same time
[3:40:35] the secondary
[3:40:35] the secondary
[3:40:37] source solution for the region continues
[3:40:37] source solution for the region continues
[3:40:38] to be
[3:40:38] to be
[3:40:41] very
[3:40:41] very
[3:40:44] reliable and a good solution for
[3:40:44] reliable and a good solution for
[3:40:47] the region. That is because it
[3:40:47] the region. That is because it
[3:40:49] provides storage, provides protection
[3:40:49] provides storage, provides protection
[3:40:53] from drought as well
[3:40:53] from drought as well
[3:40:54] as contamination and its placement
[3:40:54] as contamination and its placement
[3:40:56] is very in proximity to where the
[3:40:56] is very in proximity to where the
[3:40:57] facilities are
[3:40:57] facilities are
[3:40:58] to be able to distribute drinking
[3:40:58] to be able to distribute drinking
[3:40:59] water.
[3:40:59] water.
[3:41:02] it also water reuse at
[3:41:02] it also water reuse at
[3:41:05] the scale being discussed is a
[3:41:05] the scale being discussed is a
[3:41:11] very
[3:41:11] very
[3:41:13] expensive project. And requires a
[3:41:13] expensive project. And requires a
[3:41:14] great deal of infrastructure and
[3:41:14] great deal of infrastructure and
[3:41:17] time
[3:41:17] time
[3:41:18] to understand. So because the water
[3:41:18] to understand. So because the water
[3:41:20] supply shortage
[3:41:20] supply shortage
[3:41:23] being forecasted is nearer than
[3:41:23] being forecasted is nearer than
[3:41:25] we expected having a solution that
[3:41:25] we expected having a solution that
[3:41:26] is more implemented in the near term
[3:41:26] is more implemented in the near term
[3:41:30] would
[3:41:30] would
[3:41:33] be advantageous.
[3:41:33] be advantageous.
[3:41:34] >>
[3:41:34] >>
[3:41:35] thanks. Stating the obvious but also
[3:41:35] thanks. Stating the obvious but also
[3:41:36] prioritizing a
[3:41:36] prioritizing a
[3:41:39] solution that is regional and
[3:41:39] solution that is regional and
[3:41:42] broader community that pulls
[3:41:42] broader community that pulls
[3:41:45] reports this--resources.
[3:41:45] reports this--resources.
[3:41:48] appreciate that and find a way
[3:41:48] appreciate that and find a way
[3:41:51] to collaborate.
[3:41:51] to collaborate.
[3:41:54] thank you.
[3:41:54] thank you.
[3:41:55] >> any additional
[3:41:55] >> any additional
[3:41:57] questions? Thank you ms.
[3:41:57] questions? Thank you ms.
[3:41:58] foreman. And just a quick point of
[3:41:58] foreman. And just a quick point of
[3:42:04] personal privilege having so much
[3:42:04] personal privilege having so much
[3:42:05] of the great work that the army corps
[3:42:05] of the great work that the army corps
[3:42:06] of engineers
[3:42:06] of engineers
[3:42:07] is doing all over the country in particular
[3:42:07] is doing all over the country in particular
[3:42:09] in new orleans and st. Bernard
[3:42:09] in new orleans and st. Bernard
[3:42:12] parish and seeing the emblem
[3:42:12] parish and seeing the emblem
[3:42:14] and now connecting it with the washington
[3:42:14] and now connecting it with the washington
[3:42:19] aqueduct gatehouse. Is that too far
[3:42:19] aqueduct gatehouse. Is that too far
[3:42:21] a leap to see that is exactly
[3:42:21] a leap to see that is exactly
[3:42:24] what
[3:42:24] what
[3:42:27] I'm seeing? I can't wait to be able
[3:42:27] I'm seeing? I can't wait to be able
[3:42:29] to boast of what this is to some of
[3:42:29] to boast of what this is to some of
[3:42:30] my colleagues. So I
[3:42:30] my colleagues. So I
[3:42:31] think you for that. Thank you everyone.
[3:42:31] think you for that. Thank you everyone.
[3:42:33] >> more than happy to
[3:42:33] >> more than happy to
[3:42:35] give a tour and the headquarters building
[3:42:35] give a tour and the headquarters building
[3:42:36] is
[3:42:36] is
[3:42:39] in bethesda so they drink
[3:42:39] in bethesda so they drink
[3:42:42] more water there.
[3:42:42] more water there.
[3:42:45] >> excellent. We
[3:42:45] >> excellent. We
[3:42:46] will now turn to the office of intergovernmental
[3:42:46] will now turn to the office of intergovernmental
[3:42:48] relations. I will
[3:42:48] relations. I will
[3:42:49] first recognize commissioner espy-williams
[3:42:49] first recognize commissioner espy-williams
[3:42:51] for a brief slate of
[3:42:51] for a brief slate of
[3:42:54] committee update.
[3:42:54] committee update.
[3:42:55] >> thank you
[3:42:55] >> thank you
[3:42:56] mr. Chair. The legislative committee
[3:42:56] mr. Chair. The legislative committee
[3:42:57] met with staff on
[3:42:57] met with staff on
[3:42:59] february 11th and during that meeting
[3:42:59] february 11th and during that meeting
[3:43:00] staff
[3:43:00] staff
[3:43:03] provided the updates resented to
[3:43:03] provided the updates resented to
[3:43:06] you
[3:43:06] you
[3:43:07] shortly. Prior to doing that I'd like
[3:43:07] shortly. Prior to doing that I'd like
[3:43:09] to extend my appreciation as
[3:43:09] to extend my appreciation as
[3:43:11] I understand from so many wonderful
[3:43:11] I understand from so many wonderful
[3:43:12] things about the
[3:43:12] things about the
[3:43:17] legislative luncheon but we want to
[3:43:17] legislative luncheon but we want to
[3:43:18] thank the
[3:43:18] thank the
[3:43:19] staff for organizing such a successful
[3:43:19] staff for organizing such a successful
[3:43:21] event. The event was well attended
[3:43:21] event. The event was well attended
[3:43:22] by
[3:43:22] by
[3:43:24] elected officials and provided
[3:43:24] elected officials and provided
[3:43:26] a value opportunity to engage directly
[3:43:26] a value opportunity to engage directly
[3:43:27] on
[3:43:27] on
[3:43:30] matters important to wssc water.
[3:43:30] matters important to wssc water.
[3:43:31] I am confident the time invested will
[3:43:31] I am confident the time invested will
[3:43:32] meaningfully support the advancement
[3:43:32] meaningfully support the advancement
[3:43:33] of
[3:43:33] of
[3:43:34] the commission legislative priorities
[3:43:34] the commission legislative priorities
[3:43:37] this season. I will turn the presentation
[3:43:37] this season. I will turn the presentation
[3:43:39] over to
[3:43:39] over to
[3:43:42] director monica who
[3:43:42] director monica who
[3:43:43] will brief the commission on the amendments
[3:43:43] will brief the commission on the amendments
[3:43:45] to the bill
[3:43:45] to the bill
[3:43:46] and provide updates on other legislation
[3:43:46] and provide updates on other legislation
[3:43:48] we
[3:43:48] we
[3:43:50] are tracking.
[3:43:50] are tracking.
[3:43:51] >> thank you commissioner
[3:43:51] >> thank you commissioner
[3:43:52] espy-williams.
[3:43:52] espy-williams.
[3:43:54] good afternoon chair smith, vice
[3:43:54] good afternoon chair smith, vice
[3:43:55] chair apparel, commissioners, general
[3:43:55] chair apparel, commissioners, general
[3:44:00] manager powell, team h2o and our
[3:44:00] manager powell, team h2o and our
[3:44:01] valued customers. I am director of
[3:44:01] valued customers. I am director of
[3:44:03] government affairs at the
[3:44:03] government affairs at the
[3:44:06] intergovernmental office at wssc
[3:44:06] intergovernmental office at wssc
[3:44:08] water. Staff will be providing a review
[3:44:08] water. Staff will be providing a review
[3:44:09] of legislative
[3:44:09] of legislative
[3:44:11] issues shaping this session, provide
[3:44:11] issues shaping this session, provide
[3:44:15] an update
[3:44:15] an update
[3:44:18] on legislation
[3:44:18] on legislation
[3:44:20] previously introduced to the commission,
[3:44:20] previously introduced to the commission,
[3:44:21] present on
[3:44:21] present on
[3:44:24] key legislation staff recommends
[3:44:24] key legislation staff recommends
[3:44:26] the commission takes a position. The
[3:44:26] the commission takes a position. The
[3:44:27] first month of
[3:44:27] first month of
[3:44:29] the session lawmakers focused on addressing
[3:44:29] the session lawmakers focused on addressing
[3:44:32] high-priority legislation. Curbing
[3:44:32] high-priority legislation. Curbing
[3:44:35] energy cost and improving stability
[3:44:35] energy cost and improving stability
[3:44:36] is at
[3:44:36] is at
[3:44:38] the forefront with governor moore
[3:44:38] the forefront with governor moore
[3:44:39] introducing his major
[3:44:39] introducing his major
[3:44:45] policy initiative. The act
[3:44:45] policy initiative. The act
[3:44:48] proposes using $200 million from
[3:44:48] proposes using $200 million from
[3:44:50] maryland strategic energy investment
[3:44:50] maryland strategic energy investment
[3:44:51] fund to provide $100 million in direct
[3:44:51] fund to provide $100 million in direct
[3:44:54] utility bill rebates
[3:44:54] utility bill rebates
[3:44:57] and invest in modernization.
[3:44:57] and invest in modernization.
[3:44:58] it also requires utilities to adopt
[3:44:58] it also requires utilities to adopt
[3:45:00] advanced technologies and support
[3:45:00] advanced technologies and support
[3:45:05] modernization plans to improve reliability
[3:45:05] modernization plans to improve reliability
[3:45:06] and support
[3:45:06] and support
[3:45:11] clean energy. Also a focus with both
[3:45:11] clean energy. Also a focus with both
[3:45:12] chambers recently passing emergency
[3:45:12] chambers recently passing emergency
[3:45:13] legislation
[3:45:13] legislation
[3:45:14] preventing law enforcement from entering
[3:45:14] preventing law enforcement from entering
[3:45:17] or maintaining agreements which are
[3:45:17] or maintaining agreements which are
[3:45:18] immigration and
[3:45:18] immigration and
[3:45:21] customs enforcement partnership
[3:45:21] customs enforcement partnership
[3:45:22] program that allows local police to
[3:45:22] program that allows local police to
[3:45:24] enforce
[3:45:24] enforce
[3:45:28] immigration law. And swiftly approved
[3:45:28] immigration law. And swiftly approved
[3:45:30] house bill 488
[3:45:30] house bill 488
[3:45:32] which withdraws congressional districts and
[3:45:32] which withdraws congressional districts and
[3:45:33] of the 2026 midterm
[3:45:33] of the 2026 midterm
[3:45:34] elections. However, senate leaders
[3:45:34] elections. However, senate leaders
[3:45:36] do not seem
[3:45:36] do not seem
[3:45:39] amenable to made a
[3:45:39] amenable to made a
[3:45:45] decade redistricting.
[3:45:45] decade redistricting.
[3:45:48] a range of other bills
[3:45:48] a range of other bills
[3:45:51] currently
[3:45:51] currently
[3:45:54] tracking. Continues to monitor law
[3:45:54] tracking. Continues to monitor law
[3:45:55] enforcement conduct
[3:45:55] enforcement conduct
[3:46:00] and procedurals.
[3:46:00] and procedurals.
[3:46:12] including
[3:46:12] including
[3:46:15] electricity, gas, water or
[3:46:15] electricity, gas, water or
[3:46:16] internet services. Staff will continue
[3:46:16] internet services. Staff will continue
[3:46:18] to monitor
[3:46:18] to monitor
[3:46:21] and evaluate
[3:46:21] and evaluate
[3:46:23] this legislation and others as they
[3:46:23] this legislation and others as they
[3:46:24] continue to introduce and move through
[3:46:24] continue to introduce and move through
[3:46:27] the process. Now shifting to our
[3:46:27] the process. Now shifting to our
[3:46:32] proposed legislation. Washington suburban
[3:46:32] proposed legislation. Washington suburban
[3:46:36] sanitary commission. Which makes targeted
[3:46:36] sanitary commission. Which makes targeted
[3:46:37] enhancements
[3:46:37] enhancements
[3:46:39] to the divisions and
[3:46:39] to the divisions and
[3:46:41] public utilities. Staff received the
[3:46:41] public utilities. Staff received the
[3:46:42] amended version of the bill
[3:46:42] amended version of the bill
[3:46:45] and now awaits
[3:46:45] and now awaits
[3:46:48] additional review by the metro
[3:46:48] additional review by the metro
[3:46:51] washington committee. Following that
[3:46:51] washington committee. Following that
[3:46:52] review
[3:46:52] review
[3:46:53] it would had to the full montgomery
[3:46:53] it would had to the full montgomery
[3:46:56] county delegation. Would then move
[3:46:56] county delegation. Would then move
[3:46:57] over to prince georges county house
[3:46:57] over to prince georges county house
[3:46:58] delegation for their
[3:46:58] delegation for their
[3:46:59] review and a vote before heading to
[3:46:59] review and a vote before heading to
[3:47:00] the
[3:47:00] the
[3:47:05] environmental committee. Staff has
[3:47:05] environmental committee. Staff has
[3:47:06] begun following up with legislators
[3:47:06] begun following up with legislators
[3:47:07] to outline and explain
[3:47:07] to outline and explain
[3:47:09] the amendments and is working
[3:47:09] the amendments and is working
[3:47:11] with stakeholders and associations
[3:47:11] with stakeholders and associations
[3:47:12] to secure letters of support ahead
[3:47:12] to secure letters of support ahead
[3:47:13] of
[3:47:13] of
[3:47:14] its hearing. I will now pause for
[3:47:14] its hearing. I will now pause for
[3:47:19] any questions
[3:47:19] any questions
[3:47:21] on 102-26.
[3:47:21] on 102-26.
[3:47:22] >> commissioner questions.
[3:47:22] >> commissioner questions.
[3:47:25] seeing none.
[3:47:25] seeing none.
[3:47:26] please proceed.
[3:47:26] please proceed.
[3:47:27] >> thank you. I will
[3:47:27] >> thank you. I will
[3:47:28] provide
[3:47:28] provide
[3:47:31] a update on 104-26
[3:47:31] a update on 104-26
[3:47:32] washington suburban sanitary commission
[3:47:32] washington suburban sanitary commission
[3:47:34] personal management
[3:47:34] personal management
[3:47:36] disciplinary actions. Staff continues
[3:47:36] disciplinary actions. Staff continues
[3:47:37] to work
[3:47:37] to work
[3:47:40] with bill sponsor as well as
[3:47:40] with bill sponsor as well as
[3:47:43] the proponents to address areas
[3:47:43] the proponents to address areas
[3:47:44] of the bill that could potentially
[3:47:44] of the bill that could potentially
[3:47:46] resolve short
[3:47:46] resolve short
[3:47:47] of legislation. Staff anticipates
[3:47:47] of legislation. Staff anticipates
[3:47:49] the bill will be revisited
[3:47:49] the bill will be revisited
[3:47:50] for review at the upcoming committee
[3:47:50] for review at the upcoming committee
[3:47:55] work session. I will now turn it
[3:47:55] work session. I will now turn it
[3:47:57] over to mr. Simons to present on key
[3:47:57] over to mr. Simons to present on key
[3:47:58] pieces of legislation
[3:47:58] pieces of legislation
[3:48:00] staff has identified in recommended
[3:48:00] staff has identified in recommended
[3:48:01] positions for commissioner
[3:48:01] positions for commissioner
[3:48:04] vote
[3:48:04] vote
[3:48:07] today.
[3:48:07] today.
[3:48:08] >>
[3:48:08] >>
[3:48:09] thank you. Good afternoon chair smith,
[3:48:09] thank you. Good afternoon chair smith,
[3:48:10] vice chair paul,
[3:48:10] vice chair paul,
[3:48:13] commissioners,
[3:48:13] commissioners,
[3:48:14] madam secretary, general manager powell,
[3:48:14] madam secretary, general manager powell,
[3:48:16] team h2o and
[3:48:16] team h2o and
[3:48:18] valued customers. I am kenneth simons,
[3:48:18] valued customers. I am kenneth simons,
[3:48:19] government affairs
[3:48:19] government affairs
[3:48:22] manager here at wssc water.
[3:48:22] manager here at wssc water.
[3:48:25] today I
[3:48:25] today I
[3:48:28] will review four pieces of
[3:48:28] will review four pieces of
[3:48:29] legislation staff has determined should
[3:48:29] legislation staff has determined should
[3:48:30] be brought to the commission attention
[3:48:30] be brought to the commission attention
[3:48:31] three of which staff
[3:48:31] three of which staff
[3:48:32] has provided recommendations of support
[3:48:32] has provided recommendations of support
[3:48:34] or support
[3:48:34] or support
[3:48:36] with amendments and one for informational
[3:48:36] with amendments and one for informational
[3:48:37] purposes.
[3:48:37] purposes.
[3:48:40] the first is
[3:48:40] the first is
[3:48:43] house bill 721 and senate
[3:48:43] house bill 721 and senate
[3:48:46] bill 243 titled
[3:48:46] bill 243 titled
[3:48:49] the uniformed
[3:48:49] the uniformed
[3:48:52] services spouses
[3:48:52] services spouses
[3:48:54] act which amend several sections of
[3:48:54] act which amend several sections of
[3:48:55] maryland law to
[3:48:55] maryland law to
[3:48:58] expand benefits and preferences
[3:48:58] expand benefits and preferences
[3:48:59] previously reserved for veterans and
[3:48:59] previously reserved for veterans and
[3:49:01] active servicemembers to also
[3:49:01] active servicemembers to also
[3:49:04] include their
[3:49:04] include their
[3:49:07] spouses. Specifically 721 and
[3:49:07] spouses. Specifically 721 and
[3:49:10] sb 243 requires public colleges and
[3:49:10] sb 243 requires public colleges and
[3:49:11] universities to offer priority
[3:49:11] universities to offer priority
[3:49:13] course registration to spouses
[3:49:13] course registration to spouses
[3:49:14] of servicemembers and veterans for
[3:49:14] of servicemembers and veterans for
[3:49:16] up to four
[3:49:16] up to four
[3:49:17] academic years within 15 years of
[3:49:17] academic years within 15 years of
[3:49:19] the servicemember last active
[3:49:19] the servicemember last active
[3:49:21] duty service and provide support to
[3:49:21] duty service and provide support to
[3:49:22] both veterans and
[3:49:22] both veterans and
[3:49:25] their
[3:49:25] their
[3:49:26] spouses. Also allows spouses of active
[3:49:26] spouses. Also allows spouses of active
[3:49:28] servicemembers to receive
[3:49:28] servicemembers to receive
[3:49:30] delicate scholarships in maryland.
[3:49:30] delicate scholarships in maryland.
[3:49:31] able
[3:49:31] able
[3:49:36] to expand references in both public
[3:49:36] to expand references in both public
[3:49:37] and private sectors to spouses
[3:49:37] and private sectors to spouses
[3:49:40] of active
[3:49:40] of active
[3:49:43] servicemembers,
[3:49:43] servicemembers,
[3:49:45] and surviving spouses of eligible
[3:49:45] and surviving spouses of eligible
[3:49:46] veterans. Lastly, the
[3:49:46] veterans. Lastly, the
[3:49:49] legislation updates and
[3:49:49] legislation updates and
[3:49:52] standardizes definitions of
[3:49:52] standardizes definitions of
[3:49:53] servicemembers, veterans and spouses
[3:49:53] servicemembers, veterans and spouses
[3:49:55] across
[3:49:55] across
[3:49:58] state law. Senator sponsor
[3:49:58] state law. Senator sponsor
[3:50:01] of sb 243 requested support of
[3:50:01] of sb 243 requested support of
[3:50:02] the bill. Staff has reviewed the bill
[3:50:02] the bill. Staff has reviewed the bill
[3:50:04] and determined that portions
[3:50:04] and determined that portions
[3:50:07] would apply that there would be
[3:50:07] would apply that there would be
[3:50:09] no operation of local or financial
[3:50:09] no operation of local or financial
[3:50:10] impact
[3:50:10] impact
[3:50:13] from compliance.
[3:50:13] from compliance.
[3:50:16] the build requirements can be
[3:50:16] the build requirements can be
[3:50:19] handled with existing
[3:50:19] handled with existing
[3:50:22] budget resources and no effect
[3:50:22] budget resources and no effect
[3:50:25] on revenues. With no conflict
[3:50:25] on revenues. With no conflict
[3:50:28] or concern staff respectfully requests
[3:50:28] or concern staff respectfully requests
[3:50:29] the commission
[3:50:29] the commission
[3:50:31] vote to support
[3:50:31] vote to support
[3:50:34] hb
[3:50:34] hb
[3:50:37] 721/sb 243. I will pause for
[3:50:37] 721/sb 243. I will pause for
[3:50:40] any questions.
[3:50:40] any questions.
[3:50:41] >> thank you
[3:50:41] >> thank you
[3:50:42] mr. Simons. Any further questions
[3:50:42] mr. Simons. Any further questions
[3:50:43] on the request to support
[3:50:43] on the request to support
[3:50:46] this bill? Hearing none.
[3:50:46] this bill? Hearing none.
[3:50:47] >> mr.
[3:50:47] >> mr.
[3:50:49] chair. Just wanted to make
[3:50:49] chair. Just wanted to make
[3:50:52] a note. As
[3:50:52] a note. As
[3:50:55] we review all legislation including
[3:50:55] we review all legislation including
[3:50:56] ours we
[3:50:56] ours we
[3:50:58] try to understand what
[3:50:58] try to understand what
[3:51:01] the fiscal impact may be.
[3:51:01] the fiscal impact may be.
[3:51:04] for this legislation and the
[3:51:04] for this legislation and the
[3:51:07] others there is also always a
[3:51:07] others there is also always a
[3:51:10] fiscal note. There appears
[3:51:10] fiscal note. There appears
[3:51:13] to be no
[3:51:13] to be no
[3:51:16] impact and certainly not to the
[3:51:16] impact and certainly not to the
[3:51:18] commission. But we don't yet have
[3:51:18] commission. But we don't yet have
[3:51:19] any
[3:51:19] any
[3:51:21] specific detail one way or the other
[3:51:21] specific detail one way or the other
[3:51:22] what the
[3:51:22] what the
[3:51:25] impact may be related to
[3:51:25] impact may be related to
[3:51:30] the scholarship. But this would present
[3:51:30] the scholarship. But this would present
[3:51:34] or provide benefits to
[3:51:34] or provide benefits to
[3:51:37] our team that
[3:51:37] our team that
[3:51:40] our veterans. We believe those
[3:51:40] our veterans. We believe those
[3:51:43] benefits outweigh what might
[3:51:43] benefits outweigh what might
[3:51:44] potentially be impacts related to
[3:51:44] potentially be impacts related to
[3:51:46] the
[3:51:46] the
[3:51:47] scholarships. I just wanted to provide
[3:51:47] scholarships. I just wanted to provide
[3:51:49] that
[3:51:49] that
[3:51:52] context.
[3:51:52] context.
[3:51:53] because there are sensitivities related
[3:51:53] because there are sensitivities related
[3:51:55] to budget items at the
[3:51:55] to budget items at the
[3:51:58] state level.
[3:51:58] state level.
[3:51:59] >> thank you for the
[3:51:59] >> thank you for the
[3:52:01] additional context. Any
[3:52:01] additional context. Any
[3:52:04] additional questions?
[3:52:04] additional questions?
[3:52:05] >> I hereby
[3:52:05] >> I hereby
[3:52:07] move that the commission support house
[3:52:07] move that the commission support house
[3:52:08] bill 721 and
[3:52:08] bill 721 and
[3:52:10] senate bill 243
[3:52:10] senate bill 243
[3:52:12] uniformed services act as recommended
[3:52:12] uniformed services act as recommended
[3:52:16] by management.
[3:52:16] by management.
[3:52:17] >>
[3:52:17] >>
[3:52:21] any discussion? Seeing none, all those
[3:52:21] any discussion? Seeing none, all those
[3:52:24] in favor will signify by saying aye.
[3:52:24] in favor will signify by saying aye.
[3:52:28] any nays or
[3:52:28] any nays or
[3:52:31] abstention? Hearing none, the motion
[3:52:31] abstention? Hearing none, the motion
[3:52:33] carried unanimously. And the bill
[3:52:33] carried unanimously. And the bill
[3:52:40] is supported. Director
[3:52:40] is supported. Director
[3:52:43] you may proceed to your
[3:52:43] you may proceed to your
[3:52:45] next items.
[3:52:45] next items.
[3:52:46] >> thank you chair smith.
[3:52:46] >> thank you chair smith.
[3:52:53] once back. One
[3:52:53] once back. One
[3:52:56] second. Okay.
[3:52:56] second. Okay.
[3:52:57] >>
[3:52:57] >>
[3:52:59] thank you. The next bill I
[3:52:59] thank you. The next bill I
[3:53:02] will discuss is also house bill 1022 and senate
[3:53:02] will discuss is also house bill 1022 and senate
[3:53:05] bill 686
[3:53:05] bill 686
[3:53:08] pfas chemicals product phaseouts
[3:53:08] pfas chemicals product phaseouts
[3:53:11] and requirements. Which phases
[3:53:11] and requirements. Which phases
[3:53:12] out the sale of many consumer products
[3:53:12] out the sale of many consumer products
[3:53:14] containing intentionally added
[3:53:14] containing intentionally added
[3:53:16] pfas chemicals in maryland establishes
[3:53:16] pfas chemicals in maryland establishes
[3:53:19] mandatory project exposure and creates
[3:53:19] mandatory project exposure and creates
[3:53:22] a dedicated.
[3:53:22] a dedicated.
[3:53:23] >> I'm sorry to cut you
[3:53:23] >> I'm sorry to cut you
[3:53:25] off. I have it on the agenda in the
[3:53:25] off. I have it on the agenda in the
[3:53:29] opposite order. I have the
[3:53:29] opposite order. I have the
[3:53:32] sludge first and
[3:53:32] sludge first and
[3:53:33] then the phaseouts although materials
[3:53:33] then the phaseouts although materials
[3:53:35] are in that
[3:53:35] are in that
[3:53:41] order.
[3:53:41] order.
[3:53:42] >>
[3:53:42] >>
[3:53:47] >> the next bill I will discuss is
[3:53:47] >> the next bill I will discuss is
[3:53:49] house bill 925 and senate bill 719
[3:53:49] house bill 925 and senate bill 719
[3:53:54] sewage sludge substances regulation.
[3:53:54] sewage sludge substances regulation.
[3:53:56] which would
[3:53:56] which would
[3:53:57] establish new statewide regulations
[3:53:57] establish new statewide regulations
[3:53:59] to reduce the
[3:53:59] to reduce the
[3:54:05] presence of
[3:54:05] presence of
[3:54:06] pfas also referred to as fervor chemicals
[3:54:06] pfas also referred to as fervor chemicals
[3:54:07] in sewage sludge and to control how
[3:54:07] in sewage sludge and to control how
[3:54:08] sludge
[3:54:08] sludge
[3:54:12] containing pfas can be used and managed.
[3:54:12] containing pfas can be used and managed.
[3:54:13] it seeks to protect public health,
[3:54:13] it seeks to protect public health,
[3:54:14] soil quality
[3:54:14] soil quality
[3:54:17] and water by limiting pfas
[3:54:17] and water by limiting pfas
[3:54:18] exposure. The bill has several key
[3:54:18] exposure. The bill has several key
[3:54:19] provisions including restrictions
[3:54:19] provisions including restrictions
[3:54:20] on
[3:54:20] on
[3:54:22] land application and temporary blending
[3:54:22] land application and temporary blending
[3:54:23] allowance, monitoring
[3:54:23] allowance, monitoring
[3:54:25] and testing requirements, industrial
[3:54:25] and testing requirements, industrial
[3:54:26] standards,
[3:54:26] standards,
[3:54:29] local authority for rates and
[3:54:29] local authority for rates and
[3:54:31] fees, source reduction encouragement
[3:54:31] fees, source reduction encouragement
[3:54:32] and
[3:54:32] and
[3:54:35] an overall
[3:54:35] an overall
[3:54:37] management framework. Staff has reviewed
[3:54:37] management framework. Staff has reviewed
[3:54:38] the
[3:54:38] the
[3:54:41] bill and proposes several amendments.
[3:54:41] bill and proposes several amendments.
[3:54:42] for discussion on this I will turn
[3:54:42] for discussion on this I will turn
[3:54:44] to
[3:54:44] to
[3:54:47] dr. Priscilla.
[3:54:47] dr. Priscilla.
[3:54:48] >> operational
[3:54:48] >> operational
[3:54:51] reliability director. I believe you
[3:54:51] reliability director. I believe you
[3:54:53] have a memo with more details but
[3:54:53] have a memo with more details but
[3:54:54] I will go
[3:54:54] I will go
[3:54:55] through our rationale for support
[3:54:55] through our rationale for support
[3:54:56] and
[3:54:56] and
[3:54:59] amendments.
[3:54:59] amendments.
[3:55:02] so firstly wssc water is broadly
[3:55:02] so firstly wssc water is broadly
[3:55:03] supportive of some of the elements
[3:55:03] supportive of some of the elements
[3:55:04] of the bill. The language affirming
[3:55:04] of the bill. The language affirming
[3:55:05] source tracking
[3:55:05] source tracking
[3:55:08] and treatment authority for pfas
[3:55:08] and treatment authority for pfas
[3:55:10] reduction , clear standards to guide
[3:55:10] reduction , clear standards to guide
[3:55:11] decision-making
[3:55:11] decision-making
[3:55:14] and justify significant investments
[3:55:14] and justify significant investments
[3:55:15] as well as some of the measures to
[3:55:15] as well as some of the measures to
[3:55:17] enhance analytical confidence
[3:55:17] enhance analytical confidence
[3:55:20] in samples. As
[3:55:20] in samples. As
[3:55:22] for impacts there are fiscal impacts
[3:55:22] for impacts there are fiscal impacts
[3:55:23] to the bill
[3:55:23] to the bill
[3:55:26] as introduced. And
[3:55:26] as introduced. And
[3:55:32] I want to go through
[3:55:32] I want to go through
[3:55:35] that. Our pfas
[3:55:35] that. Our pfas
[3:55:36] concentration the sum of them is what
[3:55:36] concentration the sum of them is what
[3:55:38] is being assessed in the bill and
[3:55:38] is being assessed in the bill and
[3:55:39] our
[3:55:39] our
[3:55:40] levels would be above 25 parts per
[3:55:40] levels would be above 25 parts per
[3:55:41] billion which
[3:55:41] billion which
[3:55:42] would mean on the date effective we
[3:55:42] would mean on the date effective we
[3:55:47] would be begin to need
[3:55:47] would be begin to need
[3:55:50] to adopt alternative management practices
[3:55:50] to adopt alternative management practices
[3:55:53] for
[3:55:53] for
[3:55:56] biosolids management. At the same time
[3:55:56] biosolids management. At the same time
[3:55:57] we would be building on our current
[3:55:57] we would be building on our current
[3:55:58] source tracking and mitigation and
[3:55:58] source tracking and mitigation and
[3:55:59] we would expect that
[3:55:59] we would expect that
[3:56:02] levels could fall below that threshold
[3:56:02] levels could fall below that threshold
[3:56:05] of 25 parts per billion
[3:56:05] of 25 parts per billion
[3:56:08] in approximately five to seven years.
[3:56:08] in approximately five to seven years.
[3:56:11] as such
[3:56:11] as such
[3:56:13] when the threshold goes into effect
[3:56:13] when the threshold goes into effect
[3:56:14] our fiscal
[3:56:14] our fiscal
[3:56:17] impact would
[3:56:17] impact would
[3:56:18] include using reduced land application
[3:56:18] include using reduced land application
[3:56:20] rates at
[3:56:20] rates at
[3:56:22] an additional cost of about 7.5 million
[3:56:22] an additional cost of about 7.5 million
[3:56:24] per year. For the permitted time of
[3:56:24] per year. For the permitted time of
[3:56:26] one year. Followed
[3:56:26] one year. Followed
[3:56:31] by landfilling for approximately six
[3:56:31] by landfilling for approximately six
[3:56:32] years and additional cost
[3:56:32] years and additional cost
[3:56:35] of 8.2 million per year. And
[3:56:35] of 8.2 million per year. And
[3:56:38] as we are implementing industrial
[3:56:38] as we are implementing industrial
[3:56:39] treatment and
[3:56:39] treatment and
[3:56:43] source reduction if that were not
[3:56:43] source reduction if that were not
[3:56:44] adequate to bring us below
[3:56:44] adequate to bring us below
[3:56:47] the 25 parts per billion
[3:56:47] the 25 parts per billion
[3:56:50] threshold then wssc water may
[3:56:50] threshold then wssc water may
[3:56:56] opt in treatment systems which could be
[3:56:56] opt in treatment systems which could be
[3:56:57] at an estimated cost
[3:56:57] at an estimated cost
[3:56:58] of 200 million in capital. Although we are
[3:56:58] of 200 million in capital. Although we are
[3:56:59] currently working
[3:56:59] currently working
[3:57:01] to research and develop technologies that
[3:57:01] to research and develop technologies that
[3:57:02] could reduce this capital cost
[3:57:02] could reduce this capital cost
[3:57:05] as well as to
[3:57:05] as well as to
[3:57:07] identify sources to prevent or downsize
[3:57:07] identify sources to prevent or downsize
[3:57:08] the need for
[3:57:08] the need for
[3:57:10] that treatment. Our amendments that
[3:57:10] that treatment. Our amendments that
[3:57:11] we
[3:57:11] we
[3:57:16] proposed our revolve around feasible
[3:57:16] proposed our revolve around feasible
[3:57:17] in fermentation
[3:57:17] in fermentation
[3:57:20] to preserve the critical
[3:57:20] to preserve the critical
[3:57:23] community need and continuity
[3:57:23] community need and continuity
[3:57:24] in large-scale wastewater management. So
[3:57:24] in large-scale wastewater management. So
[3:57:26] we would
[3:57:26] we would
[3:57:28] be proposing amendments related to
[3:57:28] be proposing amendments related to
[3:57:29] extending the
[3:57:29] extending the
[3:57:33] time before application restrictions
[3:57:33] time before application restrictions
[3:57:35] enter effect by one year to
[3:57:35] enter effect by one year to
[3:57:36] provide sufficient time to solicit
[3:57:36] provide sufficient time to solicit
[3:57:38] and procure necessary contracts
[3:57:38] and procure necessary contracts
[3:57:41] to meet the alternative
[3:57:41] to meet the alternative
[3:57:44] management measure. To extend
[3:57:44] management measure. To extend
[3:57:47] the deadline for the alternative
[3:57:47] the deadline for the alternative
[3:57:48] management measures particularly blending
[3:57:48] management measures particularly blending
[3:57:50] and reduced land
[3:57:50] and reduced land
[3:57:53] application rates for a longer. Of time and
[3:57:53] application rates for a longer. Of time and
[3:57:54] the reason is to provide flexibility
[3:57:54] the reason is to provide flexibility
[3:57:56] and availability of
[3:57:56] and availability of
[3:58:01] management options. This is critical
[3:58:01] management options. This is critical
[3:58:02] because that mitigates the risk of
[3:58:02] because that mitigates the risk of
[3:58:03] cutting
[3:58:03] cutting
[3:58:06] off options on the
[3:58:06] off options on the
[3:58:08] viability of continuous wastewater
[3:58:08] viability of continuous wastewater
[3:58:09] management. It would recognize that
[3:58:09] management. It would recognize that
[3:58:12] if we were
[3:58:12] if we were
[3:58:15] to take
[3:58:15] to take
[3:58:18] blending operations that
[3:58:18] blending operations that
[3:58:21] would require private
[3:58:21] would require private
[3:58:22] partners and they would need a period
[3:58:22] partners and they would need a period
[3:58:24] of longer than
[3:58:24] of longer than
[3:58:28] two years. To recognize that more
[3:58:28] two years. To recognize that more
[3:58:30] time
[3:58:30] time
[3:58:31] is required to implement and see source
[3:58:31] is required to implement and see source
[3:58:33] reductions whether through
[3:58:33] reductions whether through
[3:58:36] industrial treatment or
[3:58:36] industrial treatment or
[3:58:39] product phaseouts. And to
[3:58:39] product phaseouts. And to
[3:58:41] recognize that facility upgrades are
[3:58:41] recognize that facility upgrades are
[3:58:42] the most
[3:58:42] the most
[3:58:46] costly reduction. And more time is
[3:58:46] costly reduction. And more time is
[3:58:48] needed to judge
[3:58:48] needed to judge
[3:58:50] the effectiveness before taking these
[3:58:50] the effectiveness before taking these
[3:58:51] large
[3:58:51] large
[3:58:53] financial commitments. Finally, that
[3:58:53] financial commitments. Finally, that
[3:58:54] time extension
[3:58:54] time extension
[3:58:57] is requested as an
[3:58:57] is requested as an
[3:59:00] amendment because large-scale
[3:59:00] amendment because large-scale
[3:59:01] system technology could take five
[3:59:01] system technology could take five
[3:59:03] to seven years to plan, permit
[3:59:03] to seven years to plan, permit
[3:59:06] and design build. We
[3:59:06] and design build. We
[3:59:08] are also suggesting introducing a
[3:59:08] are also suggesting introducing a
[3:59:09] deadline
[3:59:09] deadline
[3:59:11] to complete the source tracking plan which
[3:59:11] to complete the source tracking plan which
[3:59:12] is
[3:59:12] is
[3:59:15] currently not in the bill
[3:59:15] currently not in the bill
[3:59:16] to demonstrate our commitment to sustainable
[3:59:16] to demonstrate our commitment to sustainable
[3:59:18] and
[3:59:18] and
[3:59:19] cost-effective solutions. We would
[3:59:19] cost-effective solutions. We would
[3:59:21] like to
[3:59:21] like to
[3:59:23] recommend revising the timeframe to
[3:59:23] recommend revising the timeframe to
[3:59:24] allow for the
[3:59:24] allow for the
[3:59:27] time needed in case of
[3:59:27] time needed in case of
[3:59:30] system upgrades as
[3:59:30] system upgrades as
[3:59:33] well as
[3:59:33] well as
[3:59:34] permission for granted time extensions
[3:59:34] permission for granted time extensions
[3:59:36] on alternative management
[3:59:36] on alternative management
[3:59:39] measures and mitigation
[3:59:39] measures and mitigation
[3:59:41] plan implementation for those utilities
[3:59:41] plan implementation for those utilities
[3:59:42] that
[3:59:42] that
[3:59:45] are implementing control and
[3:59:45] are implementing control and
[3:59:48] mitigation. Finally to clarify
[3:59:48] mitigation. Finally to clarify
[3:59:51] the requirements outside
[3:59:51] the requirements outside
[3:59:54] of the state of
[3:59:54] of the state of
[3:59:55] maryland. In addition there are several
[3:59:55] maryland. In addition there are several
[3:59:57] specific amendments we are
[3:59:57] specific amendments we are
[4:00:00] suggesting and more detail on
[4:00:00] suggesting and more detail on
[4:00:03] those provided. In
[4:00:03] those provided. In
[4:00:04] closing, we believe supporting this
[4:00:04] closing, we believe supporting this
[4:00:06] legislation with amendments for realistic
[4:00:06] legislation with amendments for realistic
[4:00:07] and
[4:00:07] and
[4:00:08] feasible implementation are an opportunity
[4:00:08] feasible implementation are an opportunity
[4:00:14] for maryland to set an example on
[4:00:14] for maryland to set an example on
[4:00:15] how prioritizing source control is
[4:00:15] how prioritizing source control is
[4:00:16] a cost-effective
[4:00:16] a cost-effective
[4:00:17] and sustainable model for pfas reduction
[4:00:17] and sustainable model for pfas reduction
[4:00:18] in
[4:00:18] in
[4:00:21] our environment. I can
[4:00:21] our environment. I can
[4:00:22] take any questions if there are any.
[4:00:22] take any questions if there are any.
[4:00:24] >> thank you doctor.
[4:00:24] >> thank you doctor.
[4:00:27] any questions? You may
[4:00:27] any questions? You may
[4:00:28] proceed.
[4:00:28] proceed.
[4:00:29] >> in queue chair smith.
[4:00:29] >> in queue chair smith.
[4:00:30] for the
[4:00:30] for the
[4:00:33] reasons detailed by
[4:00:33] reasons detailed by
[4:00:36] staff respectfully requests commissioners
[4:00:36] staff respectfully requests commissioners
[4:00:37] vote to support
[4:00:37] vote to support
[4:00:39] amendments hb 95 and senate
[4:00:39] amendments hb 95 and senate
[4:00:42] bill 719.
[4:00:42] bill 719.
[4:00:43] >>
[4:00:43] >>
[4:00:44] are there any final questions? Do
[4:00:44] are there any final questions? Do
[4:00:45] I have
[4:00:45] I have
[4:00:48] a motion?
[4:00:48] a motion?
[4:00:49] >> I hereby
[4:00:49] >> I hereby
[4:00:50] move that the commission support with
[4:00:50] move that the commission support with
[4:00:51] amendments house bill 925 and
[4:00:51] amendments house bill 925 and
[4:00:54] senate bill
[4:00:54] senate bill
[4:00:57] 719 titled
[4:00:57] 719 titled
[4:00:59] sewage sludge regulation as recommended
[4:00:59] sewage sludge regulation as recommended
[4:01:03] by management.
[4:01:03] by management.
[4:01:04] >> is there
[4:01:04] >> is there
[4:01:09] a second?
[4:01:09] a second?
[4:01:10] >>
[4:01:10] >>
[4:01:11] second.
[4:01:11] second.
[4:01:12] >> thank you vice chair powell.
[4:01:12] >> thank you vice chair powell.
[4:01:15] any discussion? Seeing none, all those
[4:01:15] any discussion? Seeing none, all those
[4:01:18] in favor signify by saying aye. Any
[4:01:18] in favor signify by saying aye. Any
[4:01:19] nays
[4:01:19] nays
[4:01:21] or extensions. The motion
[4:01:21] or extensions. The motion
[4:01:22] carried unanimously by a vote of five
[4:01:22] carried unanimously by a vote of five
[4:01:24] to zero with one recusal
[4:01:24] to zero with one recusal
[4:01:27] and the bill is supported
[4:01:27] and the bill is supported
[4:01:33] with amendments.
[4:01:33] with amendments.
[4:01:36] >> the next bill I will
[4:01:36] >> the next bill I will
[4:01:37] discuss is also cross filed house
[4:01:37] discuss is also cross filed house
[4:01:39] bill 1022 and senate
[4:01:39] bill 1022 and senate
[4:01:43] bill 686 pfas chemicals product phaseouts
[4:01:43] bill 686 pfas chemicals product phaseouts
[4:01:45] and requirements.
[4:01:45] and requirements.
[4:01:47] which faces out the sale of many consumer
[4:01:47] which faces out the sale of many consumer
[4:01:48] products
[4:01:48] products
[4:01:51] containing intentionally added pfas
[4:01:51] containing intentionally added pfas
[4:01:52] chemicals
[4:01:52] chemicals
[4:01:54] in maryland establishes mandatory
[4:01:54] in maryland establishes mandatory
[4:01:55] product registration
[4:01:55] product registration
[4:01:57] and disclosure creates a
[4:01:57] and disclosure creates a
[4:02:00] dedicated fund for assessment
[4:02:00] dedicated fund for assessment
[4:02:03] and remediation and implements
[4:02:03] and remediation and implements
[4:02:05] strong enforcement and funding mechanisms
[4:02:05] strong enforcement and funding mechanisms
[4:02:06] to protect
[4:02:06] to protect
[4:02:09] public health and
[4:02:09] public health and
[4:02:11] the environment. The lead sponsor
[4:02:11] the environment. The lead sponsor
[4:02:17] of hb 122 and senator love from montgomery
[4:02:17] of hb 122 and senator love from montgomery
[4:02:18] county is the lead sponsor of
[4:02:18] county is the lead sponsor of
[4:02:21] sb 686. This prohibits the
[4:02:21] sb 686. This prohibits the
[4:02:23] manufacture, sale and distribution
[4:02:23] manufacture, sale and distribution
[4:02:24] of certain products containing intentionally
[4:02:24] of certain products containing intentionally
[4:02:25] added
[4:02:25] added
[4:02:27] chemicals with phased implement
[4:02:27] chemicals with phased implement
[4:02:30] patient effective
[4:02:30] patient effective
[4:02:32] january 1st staggered through january
[4:02:32] january 1st staggered through january
[4:02:35] 1st 2029. Phaseouts begin with products
[4:02:35] 1st 2029. Phaseouts begin with products
[4:02:36] such as
[4:02:36] such as
[4:02:38] cleaning products, footwear, cosmetics,
[4:02:38] cleaning products, footwear, cosmetics,
[4:02:39] personal
[4:02:39] personal
[4:02:42] care phonics, feminine
[4:02:42] care phonics, feminine
[4:02:45] hygiene products, packaging,
[4:02:45] hygiene products, packaging,
[4:02:48] and later includes fabric
[4:02:48] and later includes fabric
[4:02:51] treatment, textiles,
[4:02:51] treatment, textiles,
[4:02:54] furnishings, upholstery
[4:02:54] furnishings, upholstery
[4:02:55] and paint. Exemptions are provided
[4:02:55] and paint. Exemptions are provided
[4:02:59] for products governed by federal law
[4:02:59] for products governed by federal law
[4:03:00] used or recycled products and
[4:03:00] used or recycled products and
[4:03:03] those that determined by
[4:03:03] those that determined by
[4:03:04] the department of environment as having
[4:03:04] the department of environment as having
[4:03:06] a
[4:03:06] a
[4:03:07] currently unavoidable use essential
[4:03:07] currently unavoidable use essential
[4:03:09] for health, safety and
[4:03:09] for health, safety and
[4:03:12] societal function for which
[4:03:12] societal function for which
[4:03:15] alternatives are not
[4:03:15] alternatives are not
[4:03:18] currently available. The bill
[4:03:18] currently available. The bill
[4:03:20] also mandates registration and disclosure from
[4:03:20] also mandates registration and disclosure from
[4:03:21] manufacturers that intentionally add
[4:03:21] manufacturers that intentionally add
[4:03:22] pfas
[4:03:22] pfas
[4:03:24] with the department of the
[4:03:24] with the department of the
[4:03:27] environment which is empowered to
[4:03:27] environment which is empowered to
[4:03:28] conduct compliance testing and
[4:03:28] conduct compliance testing and
[4:03:30] administer penalties. Additionally
[4:03:30] administer penalties. Additionally
[4:03:31] the bill
[4:03:31] the bill
[4:03:34] creates the maryland
[4:03:34] creates the maryland
[4:03:37] pfas chemicals protection
[4:03:37] pfas chemicals protection
[4:03:38] and remediation fund administered
[4:03:38] and remediation fund administered
[4:03:39] by the department of environment.
[4:03:39] by the department of environment.
[4:03:40] the fund is
[4:03:40] the fund is
[4:03:42] financed through registration fees,
[4:03:42] financed through registration fees,
[4:03:43] penalties
[4:03:43] penalties
[4:03:45] and other sources including state
[4:03:45] and other sources including state
[4:03:46] appropriations. The purpose is
[4:03:46] appropriations. The purpose is
[4:03:48] to assess, prevent and remediate contamination
[4:03:48] to assess, prevent and remediate contamination
[4:03:52] across maryland,
[4:03:52] across maryland,
[4:03:54] support activities such as monitoring,
[4:03:54] support activities such as monitoring,
[4:03:56] emergency relief, research and innovation
[4:03:56] emergency relief, research and innovation
[4:03:58] and detection and
[4:03:58] and detection and
[4:04:01] remediation as well as
[4:04:01] remediation as well as
[4:04:03] enforcement action. Lastly, amends
[4:04:03] enforcement action. Lastly, amends
[4:04:04] and expands
[4:04:04] and expands
[4:04:06] several sections of the maryland environmental
[4:04:06] several sections of the maryland environmental
[4:04:07] articles
[4:04:07] articles
[4:04:10] notably repealing previous
[4:04:10] notably repealing previous
[4:04:11] provisions of disposal, updating definitions
[4:04:11] provisions of disposal, updating definitions
[4:04:13] and inserting
[4:04:13] and inserting
[4:04:17] the requirements. Staff has reviewed
[4:04:17] the requirements. Staff has reviewed
[4:04:19] the bill and determined it could have
[4:04:19] the bill and determined it could have
[4:04:21] a positive impact on reducing domestic
[4:04:21] a positive impact on reducing domestic
[4:04:22] contributions into
[4:04:22] contributions into
[4:04:25] our wastewater in the
[4:04:25] our wastewater in the
[4:04:28] long run.
[4:04:28] long run.
[4:04:29] this level of control could potentially
[4:04:29] this level of control could potentially
[4:04:31] avert the need for large-scale
[4:04:31] avert the need for large-scale
[4:04:33] treatment investments to comply with
[4:04:33] treatment investments to comply with
[4:04:38] expected limits. Though will take
[4:04:38] expected limits. Though will take
[4:04:40] time to
[4:04:40] time to
[4:04:41] see domestic contributions decreased
[4:04:41] see domestic contributions decreased
[4:04:43] due to the bills
[4:04:43] due to the bills
[4:04:46] set timelines for
[4:04:46] set timelines for
[4:04:49] product phaseouts
[4:04:49] product phaseouts
[4:04:52] of the bill will positively
[4:04:52] of the bill will positively
[4:04:53] impact the environment and the commission.
[4:04:53] impact the environment and the commission.
[4:04:54] and therefore staff respectfully requests
[4:04:54] and therefore staff respectfully requests
[4:04:55] that commissioners vote to
[4:04:55] that commissioners vote to
[4:04:56] support house bill 1022 and senate
[4:04:56] support house bill 1022 and senate
[4:04:58] bill 686. I will pause here for
[4:04:58] bill 686. I will pause here for
[4:05:01] any questions.
[4:05:01] any questions.
[4:05:02] >> any
[4:05:02] >> any
[4:05:03] commissioner questions? Do I have
[4:05:03] commissioner questions? Do I have
[4:05:04] a
[4:05:04] a
[4:05:06] motion?
[4:05:06] motion?
[4:05:07] >> I hereby move that the
[4:05:07] >> I hereby move that the
[4:05:08] commission support house
[4:05:08] commission support house
[4:05:10] bill 1022 and senate bill
[4:05:10] bill 1022 and senate bill
[4:05:13] six 86 product phaseouts
[4:05:13] six 86 product phaseouts
[4:05:14] and registration requirements as recommended
[4:05:14] and registration requirements as recommended
[4:05:19] by management.
[4:05:19] by management.
[4:05:20] >> do I have
[4:05:20] >> do I have
[4:05:22] a second?
[4:05:22] a second?
[4:05:23] >> I second. >>
[4:05:23] >> I second. >>
[4:05:25] any discussion? All those in favor
[4:05:25] any discussion? All those in favor
[4:05:28] signify by saying aye. Any nays or
[4:05:28] signify by saying aye. Any nays or
[4:05:31] abstentions? The motion carried unanimously
[4:05:31] abstentions? The motion carried unanimously
[4:05:32] by
[4:05:32] by
[4:05:34] a vote of five to
[4:05:34] a vote of five to
[4:05:35] zero with one recusal and the bill
[4:05:35] zero with one recusal and the bill
[4:05:37] is supported. Thank
[4:05:37] is supported. Thank
[4:05:40] you director and mr. Simons. And dr.
[4:05:40] you director and mr. Simons. And dr.
[4:05:46] thank you.
[4:05:46] thank you.
[4:05:52] >> thank
[4:05:52] >> thank
[4:05:55] you all.
[4:05:55] you all.
[4:05:58] >> there is one committee report.
[4:05:58] >> there is one committee report.
[4:05:59] I
[4:05:59] I
[4:06:00] recognize vice chair powell to report
[4:06:00] recognize vice chair powell to report
[4:06:01] on the february 2026 audit
[4:06:01] on the february 2026 audit
[4:06:03] committee meeting.
[4:06:03] committee meeting.
[4:06:04] >> the audit committee
[4:06:04] >> the audit committee
[4:06:05] met on
[4:06:05] met on
[4:06:07] february 5th. The office of the
[4:06:07] february 5th. The office of the
[4:06:10] inspector general recorded study
[4:06:10] inspector general recorded study
[4:06:16] audit activity
[4:06:16] audit activity
[4:06:25] and authorization of
[4:06:25] and authorization of
[4:06:27] large billing adjustment. Agreed to
[4:06:27] large billing adjustment. Agreed to
[4:06:28] implement stronger
[4:06:28] implement stronger
[4:06:30] controls by the end of february. The
[4:06:30] controls by the end of february. The
[4:06:31] committee received a briefing
[4:06:31] committee received a briefing
[4:06:34] on
[4:06:34] on
[4:06:35] the updated enterprise risk management
[4:06:35] the updated enterprise risk management
[4:06:37] program, included information on risks
[4:06:37] program, included information on risks
[4:06:38] covered by
[4:06:38] covered by
[4:06:40] the program. The next committee
[4:06:40] the program. The next committee
[4:06:43] meeting is thursday, may 7th.
[4:06:43] meeting is thursday, may 7th.
[4:06:44] >>
[4:06:44] >>
[4:06:46] thank you vice
[4:06:46] thank you vice
[4:06:48] chair powell. The open session business
[4:06:48] chair powell. The open session business
[4:06:49] has now concluded. I have reviewed
[4:06:49] has now concluded. I have reviewed
[4:06:52] and approved the closing
[4:06:52] and approved the closing
[4:06:54] statement. Do I have a motion to end
[4:06:54] statement. Do I have a motion to end
[4:06:55] open session and go
[4:06:55] open session and go
[4:06:58] into closed?
[4:06:58] into closed?
[4:06:59] >> I hereby
[4:06:59] >> I hereby
[4:07:01] move that the commission go
[4:07:01] move that the commission go
[4:07:02] into closed session pursuant to maryland
[4:07:02] into closed session pursuant to maryland
[4:07:03] code annotated general provisions
[4:07:03] code annotated general provisions
[4:07:04] article title three
[4:07:04] article title three
[4:07:07] open meetings act. Closed sessions
[4:07:07] open meetings act. Closed sessions
[4:07:10] section 3
[4:07:10] section 3
[4:07:13] to approve the january 21st, 2026
[4:07:13] to approve the january 21st, 2026
[4:07:14] closed
[4:07:14] closed
[4:07:16] session minutes.
[4:07:16] session minutes.
[4:07:19] section 3-305
[4:07:19] section 3-305
[4:07:20] to receive legal advice on a specific
[4:07:20] to receive legal advice on a specific
[4:07:22] matter
[4:07:22] matter
[4:07:25] and to consider matters that relate
[4:07:25] and to consider matters that relate
[4:07:28] to collective
[4:07:28] to collective
[4:07:31] bargaining negotiations.
[4:07:31] bargaining negotiations.
[4:07:32] >> is there
[4:07:32] >> is there
[4:07:34] a second?
[4:07:34] a second?
[4:07:36] any discussion? Hearing none, all
[4:07:36] any discussion? Hearing none, all
[4:07:37] those in favor signify by saying
[4:07:37] those in favor signify by saying
[4:07:40] aye. Any nays or
[4:07:40] aye. Any nays or
[4:07:41] abstentions? Hearing none, the motion
[4:07:41] abstentions? Hearing none, the motion
[4:07:43] passes unanimously and it
[4:07:43] passes unanimously and it
[4:07:46] is now 2:10. The commission will
[4:07:46] is now 2:10. The commission will
[4:07:46] now recess and reconvene in
[4:07:46] now recess and reconvene in
[4:07:48] closed session. This concludes the
[4:07:48] closed session. This concludes the
[4:07:49] open session
[4:07:49] open session
[4:07:50] of the february commission meeting.
[4:07:50] of the february commission meeting.