DOWNRIVER UTILITY WASTEWATER AUTHORITY
APRIL 14, 2022 MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF TAYLOR COUNCIL CHAMBERS WITH VIRTUAL OPTION

1. Roll Call and Introductions
DUWA Chair Gail McLeod (Allen Park) called the hybrid meeting to order at 9:00 AM and asked for roll call to be taken. At the time of roll call, voting representatives were in attendance from 9 communities: Allen Park, Belleville, Dearborn Heights, Ecorse, River Rouge, Romulus, Taylor, Van Buren Township, and Wyandotte. A quorum (at least 7 members) was present.

2. Approval of Agenda
Copies of the Agenda were made available prior to the meeting (Attachment 1). Motion by Mayor Bill Bazzi (Dearborn Heights) and supported by Dave Flaten (Ecorse) to approve the Agenda. The motion passed unanimously by all attending members.

3. Approval of Minutes from March 10, 2022 Board Meeting
Copies of the meeting minutes from the March 10, 2022 Board meeting were distributed by email prior to the meeting (Attachment 2). Motion by Greg Mayhew (Wyandotte) and supported by Mayor Bill Bazzi (Dearborn Heights) to approve the minutes. The motion passed unanimously by all attending members.

4. Legal Update
Attorney Jim Fausone, of Fausone Bohn, provided the Legal Update.

    a. General Counsel Monthly Report
Attorney Fausone stated that a written summary of the monthly legal update was provided in the pre-meeting Board packet (Attachment 3). The Fausone Bohn team has been assisting the System Manager with various contract reviews as well as other matters that will be discussed later in the meeting.

    b. Insurance Comparison Update
Attorney Fausone presented the insurance comparison summary (Attachment 4). Attorney Fausone stated that it can be difficult to compare different insurance coverages as it is not always an ‘apples-to-apples’ comparison. It was necessary to review the different coverages offered and the deductibles to identify the best value to DUWA. The preliminary review suggests that there is no significant benefit to switching DUWA’s insurance coverage to MML at this time, but other insurance coverage options will continue to be reviewed for consideration in the future.

Chairperson McLeod (Allen Park) asked if the premium range of $375k-$425k proposed by MML covers the items listed as having ‘no coverage’. Attorney Fausone responded that this premium would not cover those items listed as having ‘no coverage’, so these items would still need to be maintained by Aon in addition to the other items that would be covered by MML. Further analysis would need to be completed to determine what the total premium would be if certain items were covered by Aon while others were covered by MML.

5. System Manager Update
System Manager Vyto Kaunelis, of OHM Advisors, provided a verbal summary of activities since the last meeting. A written summary was provided in the pre-meeting Board packet for the System Manager Report (Attachment 5).

     a. System Manager Monthly Report
System Manager Kaunelis noted the following highlights from the System Manager Report:

• Congratulations to Kelly Irving as she has been selected to receive the Michigan Water Environment Association (MWEA) Donald M. Pierce Award which recognizes a worthy individual who has demonstrated outstanding performance in a municipal facility.
• Kelly Irving has received a promotion within Veolia and will be the Vice President of Operations for Veolia’s North Central region. Michigan is not within the North Central region, but Kelly will stay in touch and will provide support to DUWA as needed. Jason Tapp and Travis Tuma will take over as Veolia’s local leadership team to DUWA.
• The System Manager is working with DUWA’s three pre-approved, as-needed engineering firms to advance on several projects around the DWTF as the biosolids project wraps up. These projects include HVAC improvements in the IPS Electrical Room to reduce H2S levels, phased HVAC improvements in other buildings around the DWTF, and SFE piping replacement and right-sizing. The SFE pumps were replaced as a part of the biosolids project which reduced the amount of flow, thus the piping now needs to be downsized.
• Communities have been taking a closer look at their water usage as the new rate methodology will consider water usage in the rate calculations. As a result, several communities have identified issues that need to be resolved. Allen Park identified a large water main break that went undetected for a long time, and this issue will be discussed later in the meeting. Romulus and Dearborn Heights have also identified some anomalies and may request adjustments to their water usage data after further analysis has been performed. The preliminary rate package presented at the Finance Committee earlier this week included the latest data, but there may still need to be some revisions to the rate package once these data corrections have been made.
• The rate methodology work is continuing, and Raftelis will soon perform a second cut of the rate impacts to communities based on the latest data. There will be a future Town Hall to present the anticipated rate impacts to communities.

Greg Mayhew (Wyandotte) asked if a water service line condition assessment project has been considered at the DWTF in light of the recent water main breaks. System Manager Lambrina Tercala, of OHM Advisors, responded that a water service line condition assessment/inspection is being considered as a component to the pending Capital Improvement Plan refresh. Most of the water main breaks have occurred in or near areas with heavy traffic and loadings, especially near the Biosolids building where DUWA has active construction.

Attorney Kerry Morgan (Riverview’s attorney) asked about the status of the NPDES permit. System Manager Kaunelis responded that a meeting with EGLE is scheduled for April 18th when they will discuss the issue of the language regarding ‘reducing’ versus ‘eliminating’ blending events. EGLE will provide draft language to include in the NPDES permit, but this language has not yet been received.

    b. Biosolids Dryer Facility Project
The biosolids dryer facility monthly progress report is provided in the pre-meeting Board package (Attachment 6). The majority of the heavy construction work is complete. A few small items remain to be installed, such as the knife gate valves that had to be returned to the manufacturer for re-work. The startup process is expected to begin in early May. There will be a 30-day testing period once the startup process is complete; final completion is expected in mid-July, pending delivery of satisfactory knife gate valves.

There have been some issues with the current landfill as they no longer want to accept the DWTF’s biosolids. Waste Management suggested that the biosolids be taken to another one of their landfills farther away. This will result in increased landfilling costs until the dryers are online. There are other landfills available, however, these landfills want to see samples of the final dry product before accepting the biosolids. Samples of the product will not be available until the dryers are online, so consideration of these other landfill options will be delayed until then. Biosolids can also be land applied during the growing season, and this option is continuing to be explored. The Veolia and System Manager team are meeting daily to ensure all potential alternatives are being explored to reduce costs.

Chairperson McLeod (Allen Park) asked why the current landfill no longer wants to accept the DWTF’s biosolids. System Manager Kaunelis responded that the landfill is concerned about PFAS concentrations. PFAS content in biosolids is a national concern. DUWA’s PFAS concentrations are below industrially impacted limits. Chairperson McLeod (Allen Park) asked if DUWA can consider other landfills not owned by Waste Management. System Manager Kaunelis responded that the teams are looking into other landfills, but there has not been much interest from these landfills to accept DUWA’s biosolids as they are aware that the biosolids volume will be reduced once the dryers are online, which will reduce their revenue.

6. Other Requests for Authorizations and Approvals
System Manager Lambrina Tercala, of OHM Advisors, provided the following requests to the Board.

    a. Riverview Tunnel Connection and Metering Review
The City of Riverview has experienced localized basement backups in an upstream portion of their local sanitary sewer system during large rain events. A flow metering and modeling analysis of this area was performed by Riverview’s consultants (CE Raines and Fishbeck), and the recommended alternative was to construct a relief sewer from the area experiencing basement backups to the DRSTS (Tunnel). ASI’s hydrologic analysis showed that this connection would have negligible impact on DUWA’s ability to convey peak flows through the collection system. This connection is proposed to include a flow meter to monitor flows coming into the Tunnel.

It is proposed that ASI review the flow metering element while Wade Trim reviews all other plan considerations as Wade Trim is the as-needed engineer for this work. ASI will review Riverview’s suggested approach and provide comment on the best meter technology to use for the location. ASI prepared a task order proposal for this effort for a not-to-exceed fee of $10,600 (Attachment 7). Approximately $6,900 has already been used from this proposed fee as some of the project tasks are now complete while others are still in progress. This fee will be paid from DUWA’s Engineering Services budget line item. The expense will then be billed back to Riverview for reimbursement to DUWA in accordance with the DUWA-Riverview Tunnel Agreement.

Motion by Roberto Scappaticci (Romulus) and supported by Rick Rutherford (Belleville) to approve ASI’s task order proposal for review of the proposed Riverview connection to the Tunnel and flow metering of this connection for a not-to-exceed fee of $10,600. This fee will be paid from DUWA’s Engineering Services line item of the budget. Due to this motion being related to authorizing a professional services contract, a roll call vote is required. A roll call vote was taken and the motion passed with 68% of the vote (affirmative vote by all attending members). Motion passed unanimously.

    b. DWTF Water Main Repair
Jason Tapp, of Veolia, shared with the Board the details of the two recent water main breaks at the DWTF. A small water leak was discovered on February 18^th near the Solids Handling building in the sludge hauling truck route where trucks are loaded up with biosolids to be taken to the landfill. Veolia’s operations team discovered the leak quickly as they were monitoring the water meter readings. RJ&J was called to perform the emergency repair, and a repair band was installed on the break. Three days later, a larger leak appeared 40 ft. down from the repair on the same water main. RJ&J was called again to fully replace the 60 ft. of pipe.

Veolia paid RJ&J for the first repair and is not seeking reimbursement. Veolia requests reimbursement only for the second repair, in the amount of $26,400 inclusive of Veolia’s 10% markup (Attachment 8). Veolia will perform the backfilling, compaction, and pavement work in-house as part of their markup.

Attorney Kerry Morgan (Riverview’s attorney) asked if this water main is under the road and if heavy vehicles caused this water main break as he noted that 21AA will be used in the restoration. Jason Tapp, of Veolia, responded that it is likely that the heavy sludge hauling trucks in this area caused the water main breaks. He also noted that Veolia desires to perform a condition assessment on all of their water main infrastructure throughout the DWTF in order to perform preventative maintenance before a break occurs.

Mayor Tim Woolley (Taylor) asked why Veolia included a 10% markup on the cost. Jason Tapp, of Veolia, responded that Veolia includes a 10% markup for efforts that are above-and-beyond the baseline activities per the terms of the OM contract.

Motion by Rick Rutherford (Belleville) and supported by Greg Mayhew (Wyandotte) to authorize payment to Veolia for $26,400 in association with repair of the water main at the DWTF. This will be paid from DUWA’s Capital Outlay – Other Critical Repairs line item of the budget. The motion passed unanimously with all attending members.

    c. Accusonics Meter RV-1 Replacement
Two Accusonics meters have been replaced with less expensive ADS Triton+ meters in the past year. ADS meters are simpler, but still provide a sufficient quality of data in most meter locations. Accusonics meters are more robust than ADS meters, but spare parts are no longer available as these meters are several generations old and replacement meters cost $200k. Veolia has been identifying Accusonics meter locations that can be replaced by ADS meters so that the Accusonics meters can be reserved for those locations that require these robust meters to gather quality data. Veolia is requesting to replace Accusonics meter RV-1 with an ADS meter so that the spare Accusonics meter can be shelved for spare parts for the remaining units. Veolia proposes to replace meter RV-1 with an ADS Triton+ meter for a not-to-exceed fee of $17,000, inclusive of Veolia’s 10% markup and 15% contingency for unforeseen conditions (Attachment 9). This fee will be paid from DUWA’s Small Capital Budget.

The Technical Committee reviewed this request and recommended $15,000 for approval. The request for an additional 15% contingency was not presented to the Technical Committee.

Motion by Mayor Bill Bazzi (Dearborn Heights) and supported by Roberto Scappaticci (Romulus) to authorize Veolia to replace the Accusonics flow meter at RV-1 with an ADS Triton+ flow meter for a not-to-exceed fee of $17,000, which includes Veolia’s 10% markup and 15% contingency. This fee will be paid from DUWA’s Small Capital Budget. The motion passed unanimously with all attending members.

    d. Towbro Clarifier Replacements
Jason Tapp, of Veolia, presented the request to the Board to purchase two Towbro clarifier assembly replacements. The Towbro assemblies are a critical component of the secondary clarifiers. They are located on the lowest level of the secondary clarifiers and rotate around the center column. Sludge often pools up on the leading edge of the Towbro. Veolia has been having a difficult time managing sludge rates within the secondary clarifiers. Veolia draws down the clarifiers every six months to perform repairs and weld patches onto the holes on the Towbros. Degradation of the Towbros appears to be increasing each time the clarifiers are inspected, and Veolia has concerns that the Towbro assemblies will start to collapse.

Veolia solicited bids for a stainless steel Towbro assembly and received two quotes. The low bidder was Evoqua, who is also the original equipment manufacturer of the Towbros. Veolia requests to purchase two Towbro assemblies from Evoqua for a fee of $330k, inclusive of Veolia’s 10% markup to perform the installation (Attachment 10). Veolia plans to replace the worst two Towbros this year, then replace another two Towbros next year. This fee would be paid from DUWA’s Small Capital Budget, which included up to $350k for this work. The Technical Committee did not have the opportunity to review this request due to the timing of receipt of the budgetary estimates.

Rick Rutherford (Belleville) asked what the life expectancy is for stainless steel material versus galvanized material. Jason Tapp, of Veolia, responded that there is no guaranteed life expectancy for these materials because the life expectancy is largely dependent on the environment in which these Towbros will be installed. DUWA’s secondary clarifiers contain significant levels of ferric and oxygen, which are very corrosive. Galvanized material would not have a long-life expectancy in these conditions. Attorney Kerry Morgan (Riverview’s attorney) asked if degradation will continue to occur due to the chemicals used in the clarifiers. Jason Tapp, of Veolia, responded that these corrosive chemicals will not react nearly as much with stainless steel as they did with the hot-dipped galvanized material. The original design of the Towbro assemblies and materials was not compatible with the corrosive conditions of the clarifiers.

Roberto Scappaticci (Romulus) asked if there is a warranty on the equipment. Jason Tapp, of Veolia, responded that there is a one-year warranty on the materials and that Veolia will work with Evoqua’s technicians to perform the installation. Evoqua’s technicians will then check the startup process and perform the inspection once the installation is complete.

Mayor Bill Bazzi (Dearborn Heights) stated that there is a coating product called SermaGard that provides a robust coating to protect metals from corrosion and provide longer life expectancies of metal components. Jason Tapp, of Veolia, responded that Veolia looked into coating options for the Towbros, but the manufacturer advised against coating the Towbros due to the added weight it would place on the drive unit that operates the rotating arms. Mayor Bill Bazzi (Dearborn Heights) asked if the life expectancies between the proposed material and a stronger material such as titanium were compared. Jason Tapp, of Veolia, responded that Evoqua, who warranties the equipment, recommends the stainless steel material for corrosive environments.

Motion by Todd Saums (Van Buren Township) and supported by Mayor Tim Woolley (Taylor) to authorize Veolia to execute a contract with Evoqua to furnish and install two Towbro circular clarifier replacement assemblies for a not-to-exceed fee of $330,000.  This fee will be paid from DUWA’s Capital Outlay – TowBro Clarifier Rehab budget line item. The motion passed unanimously with all attending members.

    e. Allen Park Base Flow Adjustment
A revised agenda item was sent the day before the Board meeting regarding Allen Park’s request for an adjustment to their 2020 and 2021 base flows. Tom Murray, of Allen Park, and Maria Sedki, of Fishbeck, presented the request to the Board.

Tom Murray, of Allen Park, stated that several water main breaks occurred in June 2020. Review of Allen Park’s water usage from GLWA showed an increased water usage in 2020, however this was thought to be due to more people working from home during COVID-19 and potential inaccuracies from the GLWA master meters. Allen Park was also in the process of replacing their residential water meters at that same time, so there was no readily available accurate data to verify the high water usage. Allen Park then noticed a significant increase in their water loss and hired a leak detection company to identify leaks throughout the distribution system. The leak detection company identified several smaller leaks and one large leak that was discharging into a nearby creek in a fairly hidden area, unlikely to be noticed. There were also no reports of any low water pressure issues in this area before the break was repaired. These leaks were repaired in late 2021 and water usage levels have since returned to normal.

Allen Park worked with Fishbeck and CE Raines to perform an analysis of the water usage data to determine an appropriate base flow adjustment request. For the 2020 base flow, it is proposed to use the base flow from 2019 and increase it by 1%. GLWA’s review of their sanitary meters showed a collective 1% increase in base flow to their system between 2019 and 2020, thus since Allen Park discharges approximately 25% of their flow to GLWA, Allen Park requests that their 2020 base flow be equal to their 2019 base flow plus 1%. GLWA has not yet performed a review of their 2021 sanitary sewer meter data, thus the 2021 base flow adjustment was determined by another method. The 2021 base flow is proposed to be adjusted down based on the decrease in volume identified in Allen Park’s wholesale purchase after the leaks were repaired (Attachment 11). OHM Advisors and Plante Moran reviewed these requested adjustments and agree with the approaches based on the best available information. These base flow trends are also relatively consistent with the base flow trends of other DUWA communities.

Allen Park is requesting the adjustment of their 2020 and 2021 base flows in consideration of the new rate methodology that will use a 5-year rolling average of base flows in the rate calculations for each community. Allen Park is not requesting a refund for expenses already paid to DUWA based on the increased flows. The Technical Committee reviewed the request to adjust the 2020 base flow and recommended it for approval, but did not have the opportunity to review the 2021 base flow adjustment request based on the timing of receipt of the request.

Mayor Tim Woolley (Taylor) asked if DUWA has approved flow adjustments in the past noting that caution should be taken in setting a precedence considering that all communities suffer from water main breaks and it is not necessarily all of the DUWA communities’ responsibility to pay for them. System Manager Tercala responded that a flow adjustment was approved for Ecorse when they discovered a large water main break and a flow adjustment was approved for Brownstown Township when incorrect values were reported. She also noted that there is an overpayment/underpayment and deduct policy in place. Fausone Bohn is working on development of a ‘major water leak’ policy recognizing that water main breaks are part of normal business, but to define the magnitude of a major water main break above what would be considered to be typical water loss. Chairperson McLeod (Allen Park) added that the sheer volume of water lost was outside the norm of a typical water main break. Tom Murray, of Allen Park, also added that GLWA meters their system so it is easier to identify water loss, but DUWA relies on self-reported water consumptions. Plante Moran and OHM Advisor, are working to simplify the self-reporting form for communities to minimize issues of over/under reporting.

Attorney Kerry Morgan (Riverview’s attorney) asked if the purpose of the motion is to rectify the flows in consideration of the rate methodology or if Allen Park is requesting a refund. System Manager Tercala responded that the purpose of the motion is to provide more accurate flows for the current rate methodology calculations (5 year average) and future projections. The Finance Committee met earlier in the week to develop the pre-final rate package that includes these adjusted flows. A refund is not being requested.

Mayor Bill Bazzi (Dearborn Heights) asked if Allen Park tracks their water loss and why it took so long to discover the water main break. Tom Murray, of Allen Park, responded that it took about six months to receive accurate data from the upgraded residential water meters, which made it difficult to track water loss in 2020 without retail data. Allen Park averages approximately 13% water loss each year, but their water loss increased to 47% when the water main breaks occurred.

Motion by Dave Flaten (Ecorse) and supported by Roberto Scappaticci (Romulus) to approve the adjustment of Allen Park’s 2020 and 2021 base flows for current and future rate making. The motion passed unanimously with all attending members.

7. Contract Operator Update
Jason Tapp, of Veolia, provided the Contract Operator update.

    a. February 2022 MOR
The February 2022 Monthly Operating Report (MOR) was provided in the Board’s pre-meeting packet (Attachment 12). Highlights from the summary and other updates included the following:

• The plant remained within compliance for the month of February.
• Several large rains occurred in February, totaling 2.6-inches of rain received over the month.
• About 1.6 billion gallons of wastewater were processed in February. Average flow into the DWTF was about 57 MGD and maximum flow was 120 MGD. No blending events occurred now that the DWTF can handle 137.5 MGD. The Tunnel Pump Station was run for a brief period to cause it to be empty in case heavy rainfall occurred.
• The operations team makes rounds on every shift and takes daily meter readings to ensure everything is operating as expected. This is how the water main leak at the DWTF was discovered so quickly.
• The operations team identified areas that might be susceptible to icing to ensure all areas are safe for employees.
• The sludge age and food to mass ratio are at excellent levels, which indicate that the treatment processes are working very well.
• The airport is not sending the DWTF as much glycol as usual since only one centrifuge at the DWTF is currently operational. The second centrifuge is expected to be operational within the month.
• 126 Miss Dig tickets were received, and only 20 tickets were emergencies. The number of Miss Dig tickets is expected to increase with the summer months approaching as Veolia typically receives 200-300 tickets each month.
• Three letters of violation have been sent to IPP customers, and the IPP manager made five IPP site visits.
• PFAS concentrations are below the Water Quality Standard. A local Detroit Free Press article suggested that wastewater treatment plants could generate PFAS, although this has not been experienced at the DWTF as lower PFAS concentrations have been found in the effluent than in the influent.
• Waste Management has expressed concern that there is PFAS in DUWA’s biosolids, however, lab results show that the biosolids product is not above water quality limits per TCLP results.
• There are 3 staff openings: one for a mechanic/maintenance, one for an operator, and one for a laborer.
• Veolia continues to emphasize the importance of safety around the plant. Veolia holds monthly safety talks to discuss various issues. This month’s topic was winter and cold stress. Electrical and equipment safety was also discussed through team workshops.
• A trapper was brought in to relocate some raccoons in the maintenance building.
• Electrical consumption is directly related to the amount of rain received due to the pump run times necessary when heavier flows are received.
• Oxygen consumption is lower than usual due to the decrease in glycol received.
• Ferric consumption is higher than usual due to the decrease in glycol received.
• Water consumption continues to trend down as Veolia finds new ways to save water. New water meters have been installed on pumps, seals are regularly cleaned, and recycled water is used to serve certain processes instead of potable water.
• Gas consumption is trending downward, but will increase once the dryers are online.
• Sludge disposal is lower than normal due to the decrease in glycol received.
• Prices of chemicals are significantly increasing and there are longer lead times to receive chemicals. Thus, Veolia is ensuring they keep their chemical storage tanks full in case there are delays in chemical deliveries.
• Many maintenance activities have been completed, including the following:
  • Several pumps have been repaired that required confined space entries.
  • A stress crack in the pump casing was identified and grouted. This crack will continue to be monitored closely.
  • Veolia worked with the electrical manufacturer on the heat sink issues with the VFDs on pumps 5 and 6. The heat sink fans are now operational.
  • Veolia has purchased the spare soft start, but is experiencing a 20-30 week lead time to obtain the equipment due to supply chain issues.

System Manager Tercala added that Veolia bears the risk on the total consumption volume of chemicals while DUWA bears the risk on the unit prices of the chemicals. As the DWTF has received lower amounts of glycol this year, the cost for the additional consumption of ferric needed will be covered by Veolia.

Mayor Bill Bazzi (Dearborn Heights) asked for further detail on the glycol that is received from the airport. Jason Tapp, of Veolia, responded that the airport has ponds that collect rainwater and the runoff from de-icing activities (which contains glycol). The airport typically sends the DWTF more glycol as the pond depths increase to prevent breaching of the pond sidewalls. The airport often sends more glycol to the DWTF during the winter months as well as during April when the weather is rainy. Veolia had to limit the amount of glycol that the DWTF received when one of the centrifuges was out of service.

Attorney Kerry Morgan (Riverview’s attorney) asked if landfills will still have concerns about the PFAS concentrations in the biosolids when the dryers are operational. Jason Tapp, of Veolia, responded that Veolia has been requesting that the biosolids be landfilled with ordinary trash since regular trash has a much higher PFAS concentration than the biosolids. System Manager Kaunelis added that the drier biosolids can be land applied for six months of the year, and PFAS content of the biosolids is low. Veolia is assessing a land application contract once the dried product is available and tested. Attorney Kerry Morgan (Riverview’s attorney) asked if there are national concerns related to landfilling biosolids. Jason Tapp, of Veolia, responded that there is a national PFAS concern with biosolids in landfills, particularly regarding the wet to dry ratio and slope stability. Many of the landfills within the tri-state area limit the amount of biosolids they receive because of this. The dryers will produce a better biosolids product that may allow more doors to open once they are online. Alternative options are also actively being considered.

Chairperson McLeod (Allen Park) stated that landfilling biosolids will continue to be an issue even when they dryers are online, and the landfills will need to have a better understanding of the dried product and be willing to work with DUWA and Veolia. Jason Tapp, of Veolia, added that many capital dollars have been spent on the biosolids dryer facility, and had this project not been implemented, DUWA would be in an even worse position with the landfills. Attorney Kerry Morgan added that the PFAS concerns in biosolids nationwide will continue to increase landfill costs, so an alternative option should be considered.

8. Treasurer’s Report

    a. Aging AR
Treasurer Jason Couture (Taylor) presented the Aging Accounts Receivable report (Attachment 13). Treasurer Couture stated that most communities are up to date on their payments. The total amount in the Accounts Receivable is about $1.2M, and about $1.16M of that is less than 60 days old. Belleville has an outstanding payment of about $20k that is over 60 days. Treasurer Couture encouraged the Belleville representative to follow up with their billing department to get the payments resolved as soon as possible. Chairperson McLeod (Allen Park) requested that the Aging Accounts Receivable spreadsheet be shared with her.

    b. Pending Invoices
Treasurer Jason Couture presented the invoice register for a request for payment. The invoice register was provided in the pre-meeting packet (Attachment 14). The invoice register included 35 invoices due for a total of $731,172.15. Largest invoices included those to Walsh for the biosolids dryer facility project and Wyandotte for utility services. Veolia’s monthly invoice was not included on this invoice register, so next month’s invoice register will include two Veolia invoices.

Motion by Greg Mayhew (Wyandotte) and supported by Mayor Tim Woolley (Taylor) to pay the invoice register. The motion passed unanimously with all attending members.

9. Public Comment
Laura Reiners was invited to introduce herself to the Board by Mayor Bill Bazzi (Dearborn Heights). Ms. Reiners represents Growth Works, which provides substance abuse programs, counseling and case management, family services, as well as other resources. She indicated that she would be happy to be of service to the DUWA communities as Growth Works serves all of Wayne County. 

10. Other Business
Chairperson McLeod (Allen Park) announced that DUWA’s Vice Chair, Dustin Lent (Southgate), will be leaving Southgate to become the City Administrator at the City of St. Clair Shores. Thus, a new Vice Chair will need to be appointed. Chairperson McLeod (Allen Park) encouraged any of the Board members willing to serve as DUWA’s Vice Chair to let System Manager Tercala know.

11. Next Board Meeting Date: Thursday, May 12, 2022 (9:00 AM; In-Person)
Chairperson McLeod (Allen Park) reminded the Board that the next meeting would take place on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at 9:00 AM in-person at Taylor City Hall.

12. Adjournment
There being no other business, Chairperson McLeod (Allen Park) announced that a motion to adjourn would be in order. Motion by Mayor Bill Bazzi (Dearborn Heights) and supported by Dave Flaten (Ecorse) to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed unanimously at 10:25 AM.

 

Meeting Minutes Prepared by:
Mackenzie Johnson, OHM Advisors, Engineer

Meeting Minutes Reviewed by:
Lambrina Tercala, OHM Advisors, DUWA System Manager

Attachments

1. Meeting Agenda
2. March 10, 2022 DUWA Board Meeting Minutes
3. Monthly Legal Update (by Fausone Bohn)
4. Insurance Comparison (by Fausone Bohn)
5. System Manager Report for April 2022 Board Meeting (by OHM Advisors)
6. Biosolids Dryer Facility Project March 2022 Monthly Progress Summary (by Veolia)
7. Riverview Connection and Metering Review Task Order Proposal (by ASI)
8. Water Main Repair Reimbursement (by Veolia)
9. RV-1 Flow Meter Replacement (by Veolia)
10. Towbro Clarifier Replacements (by Veolia)
11. Allen Park Base Flow Adjustments (by Fishbeck)
12. Monthly Operating Report for February 2022 (by Veolia)
13. Aged Accounts Receivable Report, dated April 8, 2022 (by Doug Drysdale)
14. Invoice Register, dated April 8, 2022 (by Doug Drysdale)