Board of Directors

Today’s meeting will be held via Zoom. Meeting ID: 812 0874 4759

Or, those interested in joining via phone conference can call toll-free (877)853-5247 or (888)788-0099.

The agenda and relevant documents can be found using the link below 👇🏼 this is also available to the public on GLWA’s website.

https://glwater.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=828305&GUID=9DD39E4C-6FD2-4D51-8D18-35AE43F68317

Welp. Upon entering the meeting ID provided on the agenda, I am prompted to submit a passcode - which is not the agenda 🤦🏼‍♀️🙄

Even better - called the toll free number provided. Prompted to enter Zoom meeting ID. Prompted to enter yet another code - a “personal ID”
- and I cannot get into this meeting today lol 🤯

Got in using the phone number, pressed # instead of entering personal ID.

The Board is now discussing the Connors Creek Sewer System Rehabilitation FY 2022 State Revolving Fund Project. Photos of the area & details regarding the proposed improvements below. https://t.co/NCnAUUDDP6

Below are defects & the potential consequences should no action be taken, including the areas of impact 👇🏼 https://t.co/Qh0O6GpgQO

There was not a definite plan for public outreach provided when asked about it. The presenter did mention various ways the community would be impacted, including traffic interruptions, but said that they would ensure the public is notified of any disturbances

There were no public comments present for this matter, and the public hearing is closed. Any written comment submitted prior to 5:00PM will be documented in public comments for the meeting.

GLWA Board of Directors are now discussing the FY 2022 Clean Water Revolving Fund. https://t.co/IyNQWVpjTq

The valve system is described as a “balloon in the pipes” or “inflatable dams” that inflates/deflates these balloons based on the flow of storm water, essentially controlling the flow of storm water and preventing overflow.

In-System Storage Devices and Valve Remote Gates are two systems that are currently in place. They are looking at alternatives and improvements to the systems, based on their current conditions https://t.co/atbO9RcviD

Photos and descriptions are provided in the presentation to show the existing conditions. The systems are 20 years old and aren’t believed to be in terrible condition. https://t.co/6eJPmj8MTr

Options for improvements are
• No action - $0
• Rehabilitation - $8.1 million
• Full Replacement - $30.8 million

They are recommending option #2. https://t.co/9noVPxku03

There were no public comments during the allotted time for this project and the public hearing was closed.

They opened general public comment & there was nobody present from the public during the meeting. Those who wish to submit a written public comment can send it to daniel.edwards@glwater.org

They are reading the written public comments. All appear to be from the same people, including complaints about receiving no response or acknowledgement of their concerns. One document includes all written correspondence sent to GLWA, totaling 57 pages. https://t.co/lIYAlkRN58

They stopped reading the 57 pages at the 3-minute time limit.

Moving on to new business items that are open for discussion.

The first item is a contract for Rehabilitation of the Woodward Sewer System with Lanzo Construction, the cost summary on the Procurement Form indicates the total cost of the project is estimated at $18.6 million.

Moving on to the next items - The Board of Directors approved a resolution adopting the Connors Creek Sewer System Rehab Project for FY 2022

The Board also approved a resolution to adopt the In-System Storage Device and Dam Remote & Valve Remote Evaluation & Rehab Project for FY 2022.

Next up: 3rd Quarter Budget Amendments through 3/31/21 and proposed resolutions. https://t.co/xLG8tWZ2NO

The budget amendments were reviewed by the Audit Committee last week. No questions for the Board, and the budget amendments are approved.

Next is an Easement Agreement between GLWA and Tenerty Properties, L.C., related to the 14 Mile Road Loop Project. No questions for the Board & the agreement is approved.

They are now running through Chairperson & Board Member Remarks.

The CEO, Sue McCormick, gave her report for May 2021. She ran through it super quick due to the # of closed session items on the agenda & the length of the meeting at this time. Below are various pages from her report. The entire report is available here👇🏼
https://glwater.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=9428491&GUID=A0C8BE68-B7DF-42C8-AB19-9AB69205B3CC https://t.co/NKFtFUvsoc

Mr. Baker asked the Chair if they are required to respond to public comments/questions that are submitted via written form, whether formal or informal. He suggested that the Board respond to those with questions/concerns.

Ms. McCormick referenced several of the topics addressed in the public comment “tribute” earlier in the meeting. She said they address those general issues and questions by providing information to the general public, rather than responding directly.

Those who have questions about a specific project, McCormick says they respond to them directly....

Someone asked where they are advertising, or publishing, this information that they’re responding to. The answer provided was MI Legal News and their website, and one more location that I did not catch thoroughly.

They are now discussing the issues of receiving public comment as a whole. It was mentioned that GLWA published the notice for today’s hearings 3 weeks ago, and that they don’t receive much participation for SRF projects. 😬

Mr. Baker said he’s fine with passing these resolutions forward due to time constraints, but says the Board can expect him to bring up the topic of public comment and outreach efforts when they’re nearing construction. He doesn’t think the public will be too happy.

The Board is now going into closed session. They said they do not expect to come back into open session for anything other than to adjourn the whole meeting.

Now discussing justifications for going into closed session, with intention of voting on going in to closed session for each one. The reasons for closed session include:
• attorney-client privilege
• labor negotiations
• personnel review for the CEO, requested by McCormick

The Board of Directors moved in to closed session at 3:33PM. This concludes the public portion of the Great Lakes Water Authority Board of Directors meeting for May 26, 2021. For more meeting coverage, check out http://documenters.org!

An additional note from the consent agenda, which the Board seems to have gone through while I was wrestling with passcodes to gain access to the meeting -

There’s 3 public hearings scheduled for the next Board of Directors meeting on June 23rd at 2:00PM.

The hearings next month are regarding the following projects:
• 96-inch Water Transmission Main (Relocation Project)
• Downriver Transmission Main Loop
• Ypsilanti Pumping Station Improvements

Additional details for each project, including locations 👇🏼 https://t.co/j4pI4sfdDw