MINUTES OF MEETING OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS PARKWAY UTILITY DISTRICT
March 13, 2024
THE STATE OF TEXAS § COUNTY OF HARRIS §
PARKWAY UTILITY DISTRICT §
The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Parkway Utility District (the “District”) convened in a regular session via telconference. A roll call was taken of the persons present:
Brenda McNeil, President
Ron Everhart, Vice President
Gloria Woods, Secretary
Cody Pogue, Investment Officer
Shiwann Simpson, Assistant Secretary
All Directors for Parkway UD were present via Zoom teleconference, thus constituting a quorum. Also attending all or parts of the meeting, via Zoom teleconference, were: Ms. Veronica Hernandez and Ms. Demitra Berry of McLennan & Associates, L.P. (“Bookkeeper” or “McLennan”), bookkeepers for the District; Ms. Brittany Keeswood of Assessments of the Southwest (“Tax Assessor-Collector” or “ASW”), tax assessor and collector for the District; Mr. Jeffery Bishop and Mr. Drew Alford of Quiddity, engineers for the District; Mr. Gary Syzek of Systems Project Management, General Manager for the District; Mr. Josh Maas with M. Marlon Ivy & Associates (“MMIA”), operator for the District; Ms. Karen Sears of Storm Water Solutions; Mr. Reginald Wilson, Mr. Charles Graham, and Ms. Madeline Lopez of Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP (“NRF”), attorneys for the District; Mr. Jamal Singleton of Direct Waste Solutions; Captain Ganey of Harris County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office; and Ms. Lisa Stewart, member of the public.
In accordance with notice posted pursuant to law, copies of certificates of posting of which are attached hereto as Exhibit “A,” the following business was transacted:
Call to Order. Mr. Wilson called the meeting to order and proceeded with the meeting business.
1. Public Comments (2 minutes each). Ms. Stewart expressed concern regarding Direct Waste not picking up trash. She noted that Direct Waste is not responsive to complaints.
Ms. Stewart further expressed concern regarding activity near the track at night. She inquired about security patrol, if there are security cameras near the track, and if there are dog waste stations.
Ms. Stewart inquired about letter pertaining to water waste chemical checks-and-balances system.
Ms. Stewart noted the sewer system odor near the corner of the track.
2. Update on facilities jointly owned with Greenwood Utility District. This item was tabled.
3. Approve the minutes of the meeting on February 14, 2024. Minutes of the regular meeting of February 14, 2024 were previously distributed to the Board and were presented for consideration and approval. Upon motion by Director Everhart, seconded by Director Pogue, after full discussion and the question being put to the Board, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes.
4. Report from General Manager. President McNeil recognized Mr. Syzek, who reviewed and presented the District’s General Manager’s Report, a copy is attached as Exhibit “B.”
Mr. Syzek provided an update regarding wire/breaker thief and cyber-crime alert.
Mr. Syzek reported on the ongoing area drainage improvements.
Mr. Syzek reported on the Cravens Early Childhood Learning Center expansion. He provided an update regarding Global New Millenium’s project.
Mr. Syzek reported on the joint wastewater plant operational status. Mr. Wilson inquired if the Board was interested in hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony, with Greenwood Utility District, in April 2024. Mr. Wilson stated he will coordinate with the Board to schedule the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the wastewater treatment plant. Mr. Syzek continued to review photos of the wastewater treatment plant.
Upon motion by Director Simpson, seconded by Director Everhart, after full discussion and the question being put to the Board, the Board voted unanimously to approve the General Manager’s Report.
5. Report by Harris County Precinct Three Constable, including community Crime Watch, and action relating to Security. Captain Ganey reviewed the security report for the month of February, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “C.” He discussed the increase of stolen vehicles in the area. Captain Ganey also discussed Flock Safety camera system.
Captain Ganey addressed Ms. Stewart’s concern regarding visibility and the deputies’ response times to calls.
Captain Ganey discussed gun shot activity near the District and laws pertaining to discharging firearms. He encouraged residents to call the Constables when they hear gun shots.
Upon inquiry by Ms. Stewart, Mr. Wilson stated there are no cameras around the track. Captain Ganey stated that any security camera signage is not affiliated with Harris County Precinct Three Constables.
Upon motion by Director Simpson, seconded by Director Woods, after full discussion and the question being put to the Board, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Harris County Precinct Three Constable Report.
6. Tax Assessor and Collector’s Report, status of delinquent tax accounts, and payment of bills. Ms. Keeswood presented to and reviewed with the Board the Tax Assessor-Collector’s Report for February a copy of which is attached as Exhibit “D.” Ms. Keeswood reported that 91.95% of the District’s 2023 taxes have been collected as of February 29, 2024.
Ms. Keeswood presented 12 checks and 2 wires to the Board for review and approval.
Ms. Keeswood reviewed the delinquent tax report.
Upon motion by Director Woods, seconded by Director Everhart, after a full discussion and the question being put to the Board, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Tax Assessor and Collector’s Report and to authorize the termination of delinquent accounts.
7. Authorize delinquent tax attorney to enforce the collection of delinquent taxes pursuant to contract. This item was deferred.
8. Bookkeeper’s Report, Investment Report, payment of bills, and take any necessary action. Ms. Hernandez reviewed the Bookkeeper’s Report and quarterly investment report, copies of which are attached as Exhibit “E.”
Ms. Hernandez reviewed the various fund balances.
Ms. Hernandez presented checks and deposit refunds for Board approval.
Ms. Hernandez reviewed the schedule of investments through current day.
Ms. Hernandez reviewed the Investment report for February with the Board.
Ms. Hernandez reviewed budget information and the budget comparison through February.
Mr. Wilson discussed documentation of payment portions for wastewater treatment plant.
Upon motion by Director Woods, seconded by Director Everhart, after a full discussion and the question being put to the Board, the Board voted unanimously to approve the bookkeeper’s report.
9. Operator’s Report from M. Marlon Ivy & Associates. Mr. Maas presented and reviewed with the board the Operator’s Report, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “F.”
Mr. Maas reported Parkway currently has 2441 active connections.
Mr. Maas reviewed the bill and collections report for January through February with the Board.
Mr. Maas reviewed the production and sales report and stated the District has 107.6% accountability.
Mr. Maas reviewed historical data over a 4 month average.
Mr. Maas stated there were no violations at the wastewater treatment plant.
Mr. Maas addressed Ms. Stewart’s question pertaining to the notification letter, per the TCEQ’s requirement, regarding the lab bill not being paid. He confirmed the lab samples were taken and the test results were good. He stated the payment issue was resolved.
Mr. Maas addressed Ms. Stewart’s concern regarding odor, near detention pond, that resulted from the lift stations being turned off. He stated that an operator will check the lift station located near the detention pond.
Upon motion by Director Simpson, seconded by Director Pogue, after full discussion and the question being put to the Board, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Operator’s Report.
10. Receive and approve Engineer’s Report, including approval of pay estimates and authorize action relating to plans and projects, including conveyances of real property and/or District facilities. Mr. Bishop presented to and reviewed with the Board the Engineer’s Report, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit “G.”
Mr. Bishop provided an update regarding the water well no. 1 re-work stating C&C Water mechanically cleaned and removed the debris from the bottom of the well. He noted the second camera survey is complete and Quiddity is reviewing the camera survey.
Mr. Bishop reported on the Global New Millenium lift station and force main, stating Quiddity is proceeding with the design of Lift Station No. 8 and force main, now that the private development site design has progressed, and expect to submit to agencies for plan review this month. He stated Quiddity awaits for response from the Villas at Stonefield HOA regarding the necessary force main sanitary sewer easement. Mr. Bishop further reported that Quiddity is coordinating execution of correction deed by the developer.
Mr. Bishop reported on the Sierra Ranch and Stonefield Terrace Section 3 Drainage Improvement Project, stating Harris Cunty is working to acquire the land from the HOA and plans to begin construction in August 2024.
Mr. Bishop reported on the Tidwell Road Basin and Storm Sewer Improvement Project, stating the Harris County continues with excavation of the detention pond, cutting backslope swales, and installation of water and storm piping.
Mr. Bishop stated Quiddity compiled the initial lead service line inventory of the public and private water system and are coordinating with the operator to conduct necessary field investigations of pre-1989 connections. Following the field investigations, Quiddity will submit the lead service line inventory to TCEQ.
Mr. Bishop reported on the Lift Station No. 1 Rehabilitation, stating they are proceeding with the design phase of the project.
Mr. Bishop reported on the Surface Water Transfer Facility Expansion, stating Gemini Contracting Services, Inc. constructed the foundations for the new hydro-pneumatic tank and the ground storage tanks. He presented Pay Application No. 1, in the amount of $42,660, and recommended payment of the District’s pro-rata share of $21,330. Upon motion by Director Everhart, seconded by Director Pogue, after full discussion and the question being put to the Board, the Board voted unanimously to authorize payment for Pay Application No. 1, to Gemini Contracting Services, Inc., in the amount of $21,330.
Mr. Bishop provided an update regarding the Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion project and recommended payment of pay application no. 34. Upon motion by Director Simpson, seconded by Director Everhart, after full discussion and the question being put to the Board, the Board voted unanimously to authorize payment of Pay Application No. 34, to CSA Construction, Inc. for $60,816.64.
Upon motion by Director Pogue, seconded by Director Woods, after full discussion and the question being put to the Board, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Engineer’s Report.
11. Report from Storm Water Solutions, and take any necessary action. Ms. Sears reviewed a report from Storm Water Solutions, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “H.” Ms. Sears reviewed photographs of the various ponds throughout the District and discussed services completed and upcoming services needed.
Upon motion by Director Everhart, seconded by Director Simpson, after full discussion and the question being put to the Board, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Storm Water Solutions Report.
12. Adopt Order Declaring Unopposed Candidates Elected to Office. Mr. Wilson presented and reviewed the Order Declaring Unopposed Candidates Elected to Office, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “I.”
Upon motion by Director Everhart, seconded by Director Pogue, after a full discussion and the question being put to the Board, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the order.
13. Authorize filing on Comptroller database under SB625. Mr. Wilson stated this is an annual filing requirement and will be completed on behalf of the District.
Upon motion by Director Pogue, seconded by Director Simpson, after a full discussion and the question being put to the Board, the Board voted unanimously to authorize the filing.
14. Report from Direct Waste Solutions. Mr. Singleton presented and reviewed the report. He stated there were four recycling days averaging 11 tons per week.
Mr. Singleton addressed Mr. Stewarts concern regarding late trash pick-up in the District. He stated Direct Waste Solutions is addressing issues with vehicles and will prolong service into the next day to pick-up trash. Discussion ensued.
Upon motion by Director Pogue, seconded by Director Simpson, after full discussion and the question being put to the Board, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Direct Waste Solutions Report.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE BOARD, the meeting was adjourned.
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The foregoing minutes were passed and approved by the Board of Directors on April 10, 2024.
President, Board of Directors
ATTEST:
Secretary, Board of Directors
(DISTRICT SEAL)