11:33Following this, the committee engaged in discussions regarding the single financial audit report for federal grant funds and the final financial audit report for FY2024. An auditor provided insights into the audit process, covering areas such as the airport runway grant project, ARPA funds, and FEMA reimbursement. The audit found no issues, reflecting positively on the city’s financial management. Council members appreciated the auditor’s thoroughness and the importance of understanding these audits, especially for newer members. Motions to place the audit communications on file were unanimously approved.

12:36A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a proposal for forming a special committee for the Waterford Community Center project. This project has been under consideration for several meetings, and the proposal emphasized the need for a small, focused committee comprising three to five members with relevant expertise in business and construction. The aim is to ensure efficient management and oversight of the community center, which various community groups will utilize. Previous experiences with larger committees, like the 13-member school building committee, highlighted coordination challenges, leading to a preference for a smaller, more agile group. The committee’s tasks would include establishing rental policies and procedures, managing communication across departments, and facilitating regular meetings to improve project efficiency. The proposed committee would also need to define its membership, scope, and duration, with suggestions to include individuals with experience in managing large projects due to the complexity and number of agencies involved.

23:12Concerns about the ongoing functionality and management of the building housing entities like the CAC, senior center, and Growing Places were raised. There were suggestions to maintain the committee for at least a year and a half after all entities are operational to address any follow-up renovations or outstanding issues. A mechanism for regular feedback was deemed essential for effective management, particularly to handle potential scheduling conflicts among various groups using the facility.

38:47Discussions also addressed the custodial and facilities management systems within the city. The lack of a formal organizational chart for custodial services was highlighted as a concern, with variability in how building maintenance is handled across different facilities such as the Greenwood Pool and City Hall. The discussion suggested exploring a more centralized management structure to improve efficiency, particularly with the addition of the Waterford Community Center. The mayor expressed openness to reviewing the current custodial structure, emphasizing the importance of identifying efficiencies without compromising existing labor agreements.