The authority’s net position stood strong, and they managed to keep expenses under budget by about 8%. The clean audit was received positively, with Joseph Danielson, the executive director, expressing gratitude towards the staff. April Roach, the auditor, highlighted that this marked a decade of clean audits for the authority.

The appointment of new officers took place during the meeting. Teresa Ford was confirmed as the chairperson for the year, with Ramen Barrison as vice chairperson. Tameshwar Farooqi was appointed as the secretary treasurer after Arnold Schmidt deferred the nomination, and Schmidt was then appointed as the assistant secretary treasurer. Additionally, the authority moved to approve several appointments, including CME Associates as Consulting Engineer, and Eric Bernstein and Associates LLC as general counsel. TD Bank was reappointed as the official depository.

The meeting also involved the adoption of several resolutions related to the authority’s operations. These included the appointment of Hudik and Morrison PA division of PKF O’Connor Davies as the auditor, the selection of the Courier News as the official newspaper, and the reauthorization of the petty cash fund. Dr. April Roach was reappointed as the qualified purchasing agent, and the authority established signatory powers for various positions.

The executive director, Joseph Danielson, provided updates on key projects such as the Marcy Street project and the Somerset Street Pump Station rehab, among others. He also reported on the revenue and expenses status as of December 31st, and informed about the completion of the 2023 audit and discussions with Franklin Township Municipality regarding internal engineering connections.

Commissioner Schmidt brought attention to a workplace incident where an employee suffered a broken ankle due to a slip on snow. The luncheon provided by the authority for the staff was acknowledged, where the injured employee was seen to be in good spirits.

The authority’s financial responsibilities were also a point of discussion. The board voted to approve resolutions related to various financial accounts, including operating expenses and general fund expenses. Agreements and resolutions concerning the development community were also on the agenda. These included a specific developers’ agreement for Three Ronson LLC and the renewal of short-term and long-term disability benefits plans with Guardian Life Insurance Company of America.

A developers’ agreement for a project on Davidson Avenue took center stage as it involved a gravity sewer line near the end of its lifecycle. The authority discussed the need for repairs or upgrades to the sewer line, with a focus on a partnership with the developer to share the costs of necessary improvements. The estimated costs and the developer’s contribution – not to exceed $50,000 – were debated.

The authority also had a brief debate about the necessity of entering an executive session to discuss matters related to attorney-client privilege and potential litigation. It was decided that revisions to the rules and regulations would be discussed, particularly concerning the Davidson Avenue project, which requires construction of two new manholes and considerations regarding the depth and load capacity of the pipe.