Board of Water Commissioners, May Committee Meetings
Detroit Water and Sewerage Department
Utilities
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
1:00 p.m. — 5:00 p.m. EDT
Remote
Five consecutive committee meetings — same Zoom link
To attend online: https://cityofdetroit.zoom.us/j/81572635118
Agendas and times listed on the Legistar page:
https://dwsd.legistar.com/
Check the source website for additional information
Reporting
Edited and summarized by the Detroit - MI Documenters Team
Note-taking by
Sandi Nelson
DWSD gets $11.3M FEMA grant for Jefferson Chalmers sewer upgrades to improve stormwater capture. Construction expected to begin in summer 2024.
Live reporting by
Meghan Rutigliano
DWSD gets $11.3M FEMA grant for Jefferson Chalmers sewer upgrades to improve stormwater capture. Construction expected to begin in summer 2024.
MotorCityMegs
@MotorCityMegs8
Hi Detroit! I’ll be wading into the waters of the BOWC starting at 1pm on behalf of #DETdocumenters.
@DetDocumenters media partners:
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@chalkbeatDET
@freep
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@michigan_public
@media_outlier
@PlanetDetroit
@wdet
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@DetDocumenters media partners:
@BridgeDet313
@chalkbeatDET
@freep
@metrotimes
@michigan_public
@media_outlier
@PlanetDetroit
@wdet
@wxyzdetroit
07:18 AM May 1, 2024 CDT
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Board of Water Commissioners (BOWC) will host 5 consecutive committee meetings which are open to the public.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit The public is invited to join virtually by Zoom or via phone. Joining information can be found here:
dwsd.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit I'll be back this afternoon to begin meeting coverage.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit I'm back! Meeting begins in moments.
IMPORTANT: If you believe anything in the coverage today is inaccurate, please email us at documenters@outliermedia.org with "Correction Request" in the subject line.
IMPORTANT: If you believe anything in the coverage today is inaccurate, please email us at documenters@outliermedia.org with "Correction Request" in the subject line.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit The first committee meeting will be the Capital Improvement Program and Operations Committee. A PDF of the meeting agenda is here:
dwsd.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.…
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit There will be time for public comment. More about the process for giving public comment is here:
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Meeting commencing 1:01pm. No quorum. They are moving just to discussion without decisions.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit They will share previous meeting minutes and agenda with other board members. They could not approve these items.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Public comment now. Instructions being read presently.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit No hands are raised. Have not received emails. They are moving on. Public participation now closed.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit No unfinished business. They are now on the New Business item:
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Darker red areas depicted above are areas where there is risk of hazard.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Question: What does this show us? A: These areas are near schools, rail lines, have had previous failures...these are areas where there is RISK of failure, not where failure has happened.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Good news! Detroit competed for and woman a FIMA BRIC grant to increase storm water capture capacity.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Annually, our infrastructure is capturing 53 million gallons of storm water and mitigating flooding.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit There are 3 large-scaled mitigation projects underway. One in Brightmoore, one in Jefferson-Chalmers, and the other McNichols West and McNichols East FEMA Grant area, and Eastside Stormwater Resiliency Project (Planning through
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit They just recessed and called the Customer Service Committee to order. Had a quorum. Now they are back in Meeting #1: Capital Improvement Program and Operations Committee
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Sam Smalley of the board is taking the others through grant-funded projects. AARPA funding and FEMA funding. Reducing CSO.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Centerline and Farmington are funding these projects to increase their service minimally.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Floor open for questions. Smalley receiving kudos from board about team's response to concerns about infrastructure. I'd say he smashed it! In a good way. :)
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit The next meeting of this committee, Capital Improvement Program and Operations Committee, will adjourn now. The items will be passed to board for approval. Meeting adjourned 1:24pm.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Now they are on the Customer Service Committee. They are on public comment. Public comment closed.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit They are now on #6. Communications. They are receiving and filing these documents. They are talking about barcodes as regards a customer who was having trouble with QR codes to do payments. That would be helpful to customers.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit The team is currently investigating using QR codes for customers to pay their bills. It's cute. They are sharing intergenerational laughter about QR codes.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit These are received and filed.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Request on the first memo listed here is to record their meetings. They are working on it. They will post the recordings of these meetings online afterwards. This is the first time they will do. They hope it will help the community and address their needs.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit They have received and filed these. They are now on New Business. Speaker will be Kimberly Crowell of Customer Service department. :)
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit WOW. That's a lot of calls.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit And very satisfied customers! 86%.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit This slide gives an overview of April calls:
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit KPIs are on the right. Comparing those with April column.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Now Matthew Phillips. Proceeding with key metrics with lifeline affordability program.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit There are 23k residents eligible. The 4k 10/30/50 residents are enrolled in payment plan and protected from shut off. They are not part of the lifeline program.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Lifeline has paid down nearly $50 million of bills.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit WOW. This meeting chair is probably the best meeting facilitator I've witnessed as a Documenter. She keeps it moving!
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit They are recessing to call this one to order: Human Resources/Organizational Development
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Called to order at 1:48pm. Roll call. Mary Blackman is the amazing facilitator!
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit recessing, back to Customer Service!
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit This slide depicts the water usage per allotment for folks in Lifeline program.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit There is still a lot of work to do (repairs) on eligible households.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Question: Customers in Lifeline are offered $8 insurance and they ARE taking advantage of having it to ensure their plumbing.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit They're on the planning calendar. Presentation from Public Affairs. Brian Peckinpaugh is speaking.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Talk about public engagement! 320 events in a year! bravo!
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit They now have a partnership with Michigan Science Center for the Speakers Bureau.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit They have 21 billboards where they are promoting bins for rain capture.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit They are also promoting "don't put grease in drain", don't flush wipes, and service line replacements.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit A little discussion ensuing now about the incorrect package messaging "flushable' wipes. They are trying to mitigate flushing anything but paper and it's hard to get that message across and residents use the wipes for all kinds of household matters.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Motion to adjourn. Seconded. Customer Service committee adjourned at 2:10pm.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit They're back to HR Committee. Approved agenda. Minutes from April approved. Now public participation... no hands are raised.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit They're on New Business.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit They're celebrating team leaders for 30 years and 26 years of service and wishing them well! Patricia HR Thornhill is speaking.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit A recent departed staffer just went on to become head of DPW and of Water Department in Flint.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Recessing current meeting and opening up the Legal Committee.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Called to order at 2:15pm. Roll call. They recessed and now we're back on the HR Committee.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit HR Committee report continuing.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Question from Chair: Which groups are included in Asian category? Thornhill will bring the answer back.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Now they're discussing workforce development partnerships.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit They're discussing need for recruiting efforts, recently did a fair appearance at Lincoln High School, at Wayne State, and Detroit at Work. Always looking for diversity and wide ranging applicant pool. 👏
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit They made updates to the incident reporting process. They're streamlining workplace incidents (which do ALL need to be reported). Transitioned from paper forms to smart sheet. Speaker is Kendrick Jackson.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit The forms go to OSHA and have to be kept for 5 years. They are also referred to generate reports, pull docs for court, etc.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Now they're sharing their planning calendar. They're going over attrition.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Why so many quits in the Maintenance and Repair areas and Customer Service? A: Typically people want to move on, don't like the work, or are offered more pay. They hire over 100 new ppl for year so Thornhill's saying that 20 ppl isn't a lot.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Q: Do the people who quit really know what they're getting into when they begin their time with the department?
A: Not really. Some people don't like working outside, solving problems, etc.
A: Not really. Some people don't like working outside, solving problems, etc.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit They're discussing how to retain people, trainings, recognition, and the level of attrition that's healthy.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit The chair is really drilling down on the reasons for dismissal and no-shows. Thornhill says she will provide more information about why people were let go.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit HR meeting adjourned 2:43pm. Now Legal affairs taking center stage.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Jordan Kinloch is the chair. Legal Affairs, approval of agenda and meeting minutes happened! Now they are on public participation and reading instructions...
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit no public comment. WOW! That was the most efficient committee meeting I have literally ever attended. It's already done! Adjourned at 2:47. The only noteworthy thing (IMO) is that they received and filed these items:
Visit their website to get a closer look.
Visit their website to get a closer look.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit The next meeting will be at 3pm and it's the Finance Committee. Break time!
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Finance committee began at 3pm exactly. Agenda and minutes from last meeting approved. No public comments. They are sailing through.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit They are receiving and filing the correspondence. No unfinished business. Now new business:
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit They approved item A. They are approving the recommendation to the BOWC item B to love forward with the contract with Herc Rentals.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Approved C and D. Correction: Move forward, not love forward (previous tweet).
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Now they are reviewing financial reports with Istakur Rahman.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Important item of note: for the buyback program orchestrated by the Detroit Land Bank Authority, they install brand new water meters on the units.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Meeting adjourned 3:36pm.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit This concludes my coverage of the 5 committee meetings for the BOWC Board of Water Commissioners. The next meeting date for each subcommittee will be June 5.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit For information about the next meeting, visit:
dwsd.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit For more meeting coverage, visit .
documenters.org
Attachments
Agency Information
Detroit Water and Sewerage Department
Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) is one of the largest water and sewer utilities in the United States, serving more than 200,000 Detroit residential and commercial accounts that includes a city population of nearly 680,000. DWSD’s water network consists of more than 2,700 miles of transmission and distribution mains and nearly 3,000 miles of sewer collection piping.
Documents
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