PARKWAY UTILITY DISTRICT MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
APRIL 24, 2018
The Board of Directors (the “Board” or “Directors”) of Parkway Utility District (the “District”) met in regular session, at 6:30 p.m., at 12843 Tidwell Road, Houston, Texas, on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, pursuant to notice of said meeting posted in accordance with Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code; whereupon the roll was called of the members of the Board, to-wit:
Brenda McNeil – President
Alphonso P. Rettig, Jr. – Vice President
Jennifer Balderas – Secretary
Ron Everhart – Assistant Secretary
Gloria M. Woods – Director
The Board of Directors (the “Board” or “Directors”) of Parkway Utility District (the “District”) met in special session, at 6:30 p.m., at the District’s office located at 12843 Tidwell Road, Houston, Texas, on Thursday, April 24, 2018, pursuant to notice of said meeting posted in accordance with Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code; whereupon the roll was called of the members of the Board, to-wit:
Brenda McNeil President
Alphonso P. Rettig, Jr. Vice President
Jennifer Balderas Secretary
Ron Everhart Assistant Secretary
Gloria M. Woods Director
All members of the Board were present. Also attending were Bill Blitch of Blitch Associates, Inc.; Rebecca Marcucci and Charlie Chapline of Municipal District Services (“Operator” or “MDS”); ; and Elliot M. Barner, attorney, and Diane F. Brewer, paralegal, of Radcliffe Bobbitt Adams Polley PLLC (“Attorney” or “RBAP”).
The President, after finding that the notice of the meeting was posted as required by law and determining that a quorum of the Board of Directors was present, called the meeting to order and declared it open for such business as may come before it.
PROPOSALS FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES
Mr. Barner first explained selection of engineering services procedures and advised that the Board should discuss ranking engineering firms that presented proposals. A lengthy discussion ensued.
It was the consensus of the Board to rank engineering firms as follows:
- Jones|Carter;
- LJA Engineering;
- AEI Engineering, LLC; and
- A&S Engineers, Inc.
Ms. Marcucci entered the meeting at this time.
Upon a motion by Director Rettig, seconded by Director Woods, after full discussion and with all Directors present voting aye, the Board authorized entering into an agreement for professional engineering services with subject to Attorney review and resolution of any concerns about fees.
RATE STUDY
Mr. Blitch presented the Rate Study, a copy of which is attached hereto. Mr. Blitch first reviewed residential water consumption averages. Mr. Blitch next reviewed Schedules A through D of the Rate Study. Discussion ensued. Mr. Barner recommended the Board review rates on an annual basis.
Upon a motion by Director Everhart, seconded by Director Balderas, after full discussion and with all Directors present voting aye, the Board approved amending the District’s Rate Order to increase residential water rates.
Mr. Blitch then stated that he will meet with the Operator to review commercial rates.
Mr. Blitch exited the meeting at this time.
RATE ORDER
Mrs. Marcucci and Mr. Chapline presented recommendations to amend the District’s Rate Order, a copy of which is attached hereto, including billing and delinquent fees, reconnect fee, inspection fees, service fees, builder deposits and returned check fee. Discussion ensued.
Director McNeil inquired regarding delinquent commercial accounts and Mrs. Marcucci responded that the commercial deposit is 2.5% times the average bill.
Next, Mrs. Marcucci recommended the Board consider a grease surcharge to commercial customers and apartments as a separate line item on utility bills. Discussion ensued regarding the history of grease discharge in the District and new tenant packets distributed by apartment managers. Mr. Chapline stated that a lot can be published on the District website regarding grease. Mrs. Marcucci discussed community events to address grease discharge. Director Balderas recommended publishing information regarding disposal of grease and wipes, pinpointing problem areas in the District and the cost to repair on the District’s website. Mr. Chapline indicated that he will coordinate with Off Cinco regarding publication of notices on the District website.
Mrs. Marcucci then discussed a customer survey regarding disposal of grease and wipes and water bill rebates.
Upon a motion by Director Everhart, seconded by Director Rettig, after full discussion and with all Directors present voting aye, the Board approved amending the Rate Order to increase the residential and commercial sewer inspection fees; increase the residential customer service fee; increase the pre-builder and final builder inspection fee; increase the initial grease trap inspection and monthly grease trap inspection fees; reduce the monthly grease mitigation fee for apartments and commercial only; reduce the residential builder deposit; increase the commercial builder deposit; increase the 5/8-inch and ¾-inch residential tap; increase the commercial service agreement fee; increase the insufficient funds fee; and offer a $5.00 rebate on customers’ next water bills upon completion of an online survey.
TEXAS HOUSE COMMITTEE ON URBAN AFFAIRS
Mr. Barner stated that Rudy England with the Texas House Committee on Urban Affairs contacted his office about an Urban Affairs Committee hearing on Tuesday, May 20, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. in the Sheldon area. Mr. Barner went on to state that Mr. England invited Billy O’Neill, on behalf of Greenwood Utility District, and Director McNeil, on behalf of the District, to testify at the hearing. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2018, at 1:00 p.m., at the Sheldon Independent School District board meeting room. Director McNeil stated that she is interested in participating and will contact Mr. England.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD, the meeting was adjourned.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the 15th day of May, 2018.
Secretary, Board of Directors
April 24, 2018 Minutes Signature