HomeMy Public PortalAbout02-03-22 Minutes Regular Meeting
101 E. Orange St., PO Box 429, Hillsborough, NC 27278
919-732-1270 | www.hillsboroughnc.gov | @HillsboroughGov
WATER AND SEWER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES | 1 of 2
Minutes
WATER AND SEWER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Remote regular meeting
7 p.m. Feb. 3, 2022
Virtual meeting via YouTube Live
Town of Hillsborough YouTube channel
Present: Chair Arthur Sprinczeles, Vice Chair Jenn Sykes, Paul Cough,
Saru Salvi, Barry Weston, Daniel Rawlins, Barry Hupp,
Commissioner Matt Hughes
Absent: None
Staff: Utilities Director Marie Strandwitz, Communications Manager Catherine Wright,
Communications Specialist Cheryl Sadgrove
1. Call to order and welcome of guests
Chair Arthur Sprinczeles called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Director Marie Strandwitz took the roll call
and confirmed a quorum.
2. Agenda changes and approval
No changes were presented.
Motion: Vice Chair Jenn Sykes moved to approve as presented. Member Saru Salvi seconded the motion.
All in favor.
Vote: 5-0. Ayes:5. Nays: 0.
3. Minutes review and approval
Minutes from regular meeting on Jan. 4, 2022
Motion: Sykes moved to approve as presented. Salvi seconded the motion. All in favor.
Vote: 5-0. Ayes:5. Nays: 0.
4. Updates
A. Strandwitz went over the Utilities Status Report, highlighting that the reservoir is starting to fill, funding
applications were submitted for federal grants for River Pumping Station and OWASA Booster Pumping
Station, and receipt of a condition report for Lawndale sewer basin. A discussion about inflow and
infiltration and capacity ensued.
B. Sprinczeles indicated there were several applications for the in-town member vacancy and he reached out
to some regarding continued interest.
WATER AND SEWER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES | 2 of 2
5. Discussion
A. Final review of the memo to the town board requesting joint meetings to discuss rate structure had no
discussion. It will be presented at the next board meeting.
B. Outreach messages and delivery methods was discussed. The communications staff is requesting a
prioritized list of items so they can plan their releases and topics. Various topics were mentioned with a
priority being why is the water expensive to “what are …” type messages. The billing statement was
brought up as a possible review item to tweak. Sprinczeles brought up Last Fridays and having a table to
educate people. Strandwitz mentioned more candid videos and plant tours. Member Paul Cough likes the
communication plan and agrees the material needs to be in a catchier format. Members are to get back
with any more topics and prioritizations.
6. Future agenda Items
A. Last Friday’s and an outreach table
B. Outreach
C. Town Board memo response
D. February recurring items
7. Member reports
Member Daniel Rawlins indicated he attended the January 10 board meeting and highlighted the utilities
employees who received their service recognition awards. He also recapped board discussion about returning
to in person meetings and the advisory board research Commissioner Mark Bell was requesting.
Sykes recapped a few projects that were discussed with the Joint Public Hearing with the Planning Board and
the interest in more high-density housing.
Cough discussed the town board workshop and the parcels that had expressed interest in annexation or
connection to the town system like the large parcel on Lawrence Road that is proposed for a charter school
and athletic fields. Strandwitz mentioned a charter school statute that said the town had to reserve capacity
for two years upon request for just the school.
8. Assignments for other meetings
All main assignments for upcoming meetings were accepted. Due to the advisory board memo being
presented to the board on the 14th, Strandwitz suggested that the Chair and Vice Chair be present as panelists
at the meeting in case they want to add something or answer questions.
9. Adjournment
Sykes motioned to adjourn. Cough seconded. All in favor. Sprinczeles adjourned the meeting at 8:19 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
K. Marie Strandwitz, PE
Utilities Director
Approved: Apr. 7, 2022