OWASA Board of Directors Meeting Summary for April 23

OWASA’s Board of Directors met virtually on Thursday, April 23, 2020, to consider an agenda that included updates on the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, OWASA’s Forest Management plan, and the financial performance and fiscal position for the nine-month period ending on March 31. The full agenda as well as other Board materials can be found here.

The Board of Directors is currently meeting virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pandemic Preparedness and Response

The Board received an update from staff on OWASA’s preparations and response to COVID-19. OWASA continues to take proactive measures to ensure we provide the Carrboro and Chapel Hill communities with high-quality and reliable water, wastewater, and reclaimed water services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of OWASA staff have moved to working remotely or on-call hours; OWASA’s administrative office is closed to the public; recreation season has been postponed; and measures are in place to limit in-person interaction.

Forest Management Activities

The Board received an update on OWASA’s Forest Management activities since a presentation to the Board at its meeting on March 12, 2020. A draft stewardship plan for the roughly 83-acre Meadow Crest North property has been prepared by a consultant and reviewed by partner agencies. The plan will be shared with neighbors before the work will begin.

Financial Performance and Fiscal Position

The Board received a report from staff on OWASA’s financial performance and fiscal position for the nine-month period ending on March 31, 2020. Operating revenue was about $1.2 million under budget for the nine-month period; operating expenses were under budget by about $1 million. All financial performance measurement goals were met.

Next Meeting

The Board will hold its next meeting remotely on Thursday, May 14, 2020, via Microsoft Teams at 6 p.m.; a link will be provided here.

OWASA’s administrative office is closed to the public to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Customers in need of assistance can still contact OWASA from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday by calling (919) 968-4421, emailing customerinquiries@owasa.org, or using the chat function available in the bottom-right corner of the web page. Please allow for additional time for OWASA staff to respond during this time. We appreciate your patience.