Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority

Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority MINUTES January 14, 2026, 5:30 p.m. GRU Administration Building 301 SE 4th Avenue Gainesville, FL 32601 Members Present: Vice-Chair Haslam, Jack Jacobs, Chair Lawson, Robert Skinner _____________________________________________________________________ A. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 5:30pm B. ROLL CALL C. INVOCATION Given by Vice Chair David Haslam D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE E. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Public Comment: Jim Konish, Chuck Ross Moved by Vice-Chair Haslam Seconded by Jack Jacobs Approved F. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Moved by Robert Skinner Seconded by Vice-Chair Haslam Approved 1  1. Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority Approve the Minutes from the December 10, 2025 Meeting (B) Recommendation: The Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority approve the minutes from the December 10, 2025 meeting. G. CHAIR COMMENTS Chair Lawson had no comments at the time. H. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT Public Comment: Angela Casteel, Jason Bellamy-Fults, Jim Konish, Chuck Ross, Messey, Emily Khazan, Susan Botcher, Janice Garry, Roberta Gastmeyer, David Hastings, Nancy Deren At 5:48 p.m., the Chair determined that, in order to allow everyone an opportunity to speak and still remain within the allotted 30 minutes, the time per speaker would be set at 2 minutes instead of the usual 3. I. DIRECTOR COMMENTS Director Jack Jacobs offered comments in response to statements made during public comment. Vice Chair Haslam also provided remarks regarding statements made during public comment. Chair Lawson and Director Skinner had no comments at that time. J. CONSENT AGENDA 1. 2026-45 State of the Utility, November 2025 (B) K. CEO COMMENTS CEO Bielarski delivered a presentation titled GRU Review, providing an update on the most significant and meaningful events since the last GRUA meeting. Director Skinner noted that he appreciated seeing fewer shut‑ offs than usual over the holidays. He also mentioned that the federal government is looking into low‑ flow toilets, and CEO Bielarski responded to his comments. Director Jack Jacobs added that although GRU has experienced outages and equipment has been taken offline, service to customers has not been affected. CEO Bielarski also shared that GRU was recognized by FMEA as one of the most reliable utilities and received an award for that achievement. 2  Director Skinner then asked whether the water consumption permit would be affected by any federal actions, and CEO Bielarski responded. 1. 2026-46 GRU Review – December 2025 (B) Heard L. ATTORNEY COMMENTS Kierston Ballou of Folds Walker, representing the City of Alachua, disclosed a potential conflict of interest due to ongoing negotiations with GRU regarding a water line. Derek Perry will represent GRU in this matter. The Board voted on the conflict waiver. Mr. Perry reviewed the letter and noted that the conflict is minimal, as Folds Walker represents several municipal governments. He recommended approval of the waiver, adding that if Folds Walker were not representing the City of Alachua, he would have represented GRU in this matter regardless. Mr. Perry recommended that the Board approve the conflict waiver. Public Comment: Jim Konish Ms. Ballou provided an update on the legal matter involving the City of Gainesville, noting that a hearing is scheduled for February 10 at the First District Court of Appeal. Mr. Perry stated that the Ethics Policy and Code of Business Conduct should be revisited periodically and that this matter will be brought before the Board at the February 18, 2026 meeting. He requested direction from the Board regarding how they would like the review process to proceed and any recommendations they may have. Vice Chair Haslam will work with Mr. Perry on this matter. Chair Lawson stated that the item will be brought to the Board at the February meeting, after which Board members will conduct their review. Scott Walker informed the Board that if they are unable to attend the First DCA hearing in person, a link will be provided so they may view the livestream. Moved by Vice-Chair Haslam Seconded by Jack Jacobs Approved 3 M. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. 2026-48 Murphree WTP High Service Pumping Station and Ground Storage Tank Progressive Design-Build Selection (B) Debbie Daugherty, Water/Wastewater Officer, delivered a presentation and provided an in‑ depth explanation of the request before the Board. Chair Lawson asked about the timeline for any available grants and how GRU plans to maximize those opportunities. Ms. Daugherty responded, noting that there are limited grant options for water, with more opportunities available in wastewater. Director Jacobs addressed a statement made during public comment suggesting that the Authority does not discuss plans and simply approves items presented to them. He noted that members of the public often leave before this portion of the meeting. He asked how companies are ranked in the evaluation process, and Ms. Daugherty responded. CEO Bielarski added further clarification regarding GRU’s planning process. Public Comment: Jim Konish Vice Chair Haslam also provided remarks. Chair Lawson asked Mr. Perry to address comments made during public comment that could be perceived as rude. Chair Lawson emphasized that he strives to allow the public to speak. Vice Chair Haslam agreed, noting that Mr. Konish frequently speaks at meetings and that freedom of speech is respected. CEO Bielarski stated that during his time as General Manager, Mayor Poe enforced strict rules regarding decorum, emphasizing that comments should not become personal. Chair Lawson noted that this is something to consider when reviewing the agenda process. Mr. Perry added that speakers should address the Chair rather than other individuals, including Board members, and that revisions to the Code of Business Conduct could address this. Director Jacobs commented that personal attacks against Mr. Bielarski are inappropriate, noting that he has a strong team supporting him and providing accurate information for Board presentations. He stated that such attacks are unfair and do not reflect how the process works. 4  Director Skinner addressed remarks made by Mr. Konish during public comment, stating that Murphree staff conduct constant testing of the water supply. Moved by Robert Skinner Seconded by Vice-Chair Haslam Recommendation: The Authority authorizes the CEO, or designee, 1)to approve the ranking of design-build firms for the Murphree Water Treatment Plant High Service Pumping Station and Ground Storage Tank Progressive Design-Build Project; 2)to enter contract negotiations with the design build firms in order of rank in accordance with CCNA’ 3)and upon successful negotiations, to execute a contract, subject to approval of the Utility Attorney as to form and legality, for the total project cost not to exceed $55 million in accordance with the annually approved budget on a fiscal year basis. Approved 2. 2026-50 GRU Financial Transactions Mark Benton, Director of Accounting and Finance, presented an overview of GRU’s process for executing financial transactions. He explained that when the resolution is brought before the GRU Authority in February, a similar resolution will also be presented to the Gainesville City Commission. This parallel action is intended to reassure investors regardless of the outcome of the ongoing legal process. CEO Bielarski expanded on the presentation, offering additional context to help clarify how bonds function within the utility industry. Director Skinner asked what would occur if the City Commission were to reject GRU’s resolution request, and CEO Bielarski responded. Director Jacobs noted that if the Commission were to regain control, the funding in question would still be necessary. Mr. Benton added that if the Commission were to reject the resolution, then Budget Finance & Accounting (BFA) department would need to explore alternative options, which would likely be more costly. He emphasized that these funds are 5  essential to maintaining utility operations. CEO Bielarski stated that other options are available if needed, but unlikely. Recommendation: The Authority accept a presentation on GRU’s process for executing financial transactions. Final approval will occur on February 18, 2026. Heard 3. 2026-51 Extension of Direct Placement Borrowing Agreement Mr. Mark Benton provided an explanation of the request before the Board. Moved by Robert Skinner Seconded by Jack Jacobs Recommendation: The Authority approve the proposed up to two-year extension on the 2023 Series A bonds. Approved N. RESOLUTIONS (Roll Call Required) 1. 2026-52 Establishment of the Government Code Inspector Chad Parker, Energy Delivery Officer, delivered a presentation outlining the justification for the Government Code Inspector role. Director Jacobs asked how GRU currently tracks these activities and how reimbursement for damages is handled. Mr. Parker responded. Director Jacobs also confirmed that GRU would not be hiring a new employee for this role but would instead be training existing staff. Recommendation: The Authority approve a resolution establishing the Government Code Inspector role at GRU. Approved O. DIRECTOR COMMENTS Director Skinner offered comments in response to statements made during public comment. Vice Chair Haslam noted that the Board members serve without compensation as a public service. He added that each member participates for their own 6  reasons but with a shared commitment to the community. He also thanked the members of the public who stayed for the entire meeting. Director Jacobs had no comments. Chair Lawson had no comments. P. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 7:23pm. _________________________ Kunti Nesbitt, GRUA Staff Liaison 7