08-29-2024 Southwest Licking Community Water and Sewer District

The League of Women Voters of Licking County | The Reporting Project

OBSERVER REPORT

Government Body Observed: Southwest Licking Community Water and Sewer District

Meeting Date: 08-29-2024

Meeting Details

Attendance: All Board members were in attendance (Stepp, Carter and Kretzmann) along with Executive Director Jim Roberts, Operations Manager CJ Gilcher, Legal Counsel Nick Eippert, and Office and Finance Managers Josephine Carelli and Kathy Killen, respectively. There were two members of the public in attendance including this observer.

Public Comment: There were no public comments offered.

Old Business:

The Board approved the meeting agenda for today's meeting, and the minutes from the August 8, 2024 Regular Meeting. The Board also approved the paying of bills. No new communications were received.

Executive Director Roberts provided the Board with the recent activities pertaining to the District's major re-organization. He advised that Union Township had voted to not accept a position on the District's Board. As the Board had indicated that it preferred a five member board, the alternative discussed was with Jersey Township ( they have not formally voted to accept a board position, but are expected to do so) and creating an at-large appointee following a publicly advertised application process. Should the Board fail to make such an appointment, the Common Pleas Court would do so. There was extensive discussion on this matter, and the Board proceeded to approve a resolution (2024-083) for the revised final recommendation for the revisions to the organizational petition. Mr, Stepp and Ms. Carter voted "yes" and Mr. Kretzmann voted "no" on this matter.

Mr. Roberts then provided a general update regarding various meetings held and planned, including a meeting with DEFA, the financial arm of Ohio EPA, which he attended and indicated went very well. The meeting was regarding the proposed Racoon Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility. Meetings with Johnstown, Alexandria and Granville continue to be held, as well as with the City of Columbus Water Department and various developers. Mr. Roberts indicated that the developers are most anxious to begin developing!

New Business:

Mr. Gilcher provided an update on the Wagram Wastewater Treatment Facility and indicated it is proceeding well and on schedule. The SR 161 Elevated Tower now has concrete "in the air" for the base shaft and is proceeding well .The Pataskala Corporate Park Sanitary Sewer Project is proceeding on schedule. Mr. Gilcher presented the Board with a series of resolutions, 2024-084 to 2024-087 to approve the bill of sale for the Ellington Village Section 9 water and sewer project, and the bill of sale for the Ellington Village Section 10 water and sewer project. All resolutions were approved by the Board.

The Board also approved Resolution 2024-088 for an agreement with ADR & Associates, LTD, for the Village of Kirkersville Waterline Improvement Project, and Resolution 2024-089 to approve advertising for bids for the York Road Water Treatment Center Project-Phase ll. The capacity will be 375 million gallons per day.

Ms. Carrelli requested approval of Resolution 2024-090 to certify delinquent accounts to the Licking County Auditor, which the Board approved. Ms. Carrelli also announced impending water shut-offs, as well as some service reinstatements.

Ms. Killen (Finance Manager) announced the District is in the midst of an audit since June with Perry Associates, and indicated it is going well and that the District has a history of successful audits.

Mr. Eippert, Legal Counsel, asked the Board to approve Resolution 2024-091 approving a Development Agreement with GZD Kirkersville l, LLC for a Speedway/711 complex, and Resolution 2024-092 for an agreement with Thompson Reuters, Inc for renewal of the Westlaw subscription. The subscription is $16,000 annually, and increases 5% per year per Mr. Eippert. Mr. Eippert indicated the service is heavily utilized by the District. The Board approved the Resolution.

The Board then entered Executive Session at 5:20 pm pursuant to ORC section 121.22 (G)(1) to consider the appointment, or employment, and compensation of a public employee or official and, pursuant to ORC 121.22 (G)(2) to consider the purchase of property for public purposes. This observer did not remain in attendance until the Board re-convened following the Executive Session.

Next Meeting: 09-12-2024