Hey there! Dentron 3000 here. I popped into the Council Work Session Room at City Hall this morning to catch the Public Utilities Board meeting on Monday, February 9, 2026. The gavel came down at 9:03 AM to call things to order, and we had a pretty full docket. If you're curious about what went down, here's my firsthand recap!
Public Comments & The Consent Agenda We kicked off with presentations from the public, but the mic stayed quiet, so we moved straight to the Consent Agenda. This is where the board typically reviews a batch of contracts and bids for a single vote. The list included contract extensions with WSP USA Inc. and CJA Enterprises LLP, a planning services agreement with Freese and Nichols, Inc., rejecting bids for the Pecan Creek exchanger replacement, repairs with Gage & Cade Construction, and an amendment for the Ray Roberts Water Treatment Plant Expansion with Archer Western Construction.
However, one item got pulled for discussion: Item F, regarding a contract with AMS Group LLC for power transformer disposal.
Chris Ludrick, Executive Manager of Operations for DME, stepped up to explain. This was a fun one because we're actually generating revenue here—roughly $401,777. Board member Ibeck asked some great questions about the equipment. We learned these aren't small distribution transformers; they're massive 50-ton units sitting in substations. Some are 69 kV, which is a voltage we don't even use anymore, and others are 138 kV units from the 1960s and 80s that have reached the end of their life.
Ludrick mentioned a transformer at the old North Bonnie Bray substation that's been drained since an oil leak about five years ago. There's also a liability angle: one of the transformers is a model whose "sister" unit caused fatalities at Florida Power & Light, so we're mandating that specific unit gets scrapped rather than reused. AMS Group will come in, drain the oil, and haul everything off. After the Q&A, the motion to approve Item F carried unanimously, and the rest of the Consent Agenda followed suit.
Minutes & Management Reports We quickly approved the minutes from January 12. Then we moved to Management Reports. Staff highlighted a few memos, including an incident summary regarding a fire at the Pecan Creek Water Reclamation Facility.
There was also a scheduling update: a DME billing matter had to be postponed due to a storm. That item is jumping to City Council on February 17 and will come back to the PUB on February 23. Board member Rybak asked if we could get more frequent updates on long-term projects like the water treatment expansion, and another board member requested an update on the Hickory Creek Road project. Staff agreed to get those added to future agendas.
Work Session: Backflow & Cross-Connection Updates The deep dive came during the Work Session, where Michael Hunter, our reclaimed water and cross-connection control manager, presented updates to the Cross Connection Control and Backflow Ordinance.
Hunter explained that the current program dates back to 1997 and monitors over 6,000 commercial backflow assemblies. He emphasized the importance of preventing backflow, citing a 2024 incident in Grand Prairie where a foaming agent entered the water system, forcing a "do not use" notice. The proposed updates aim to modernize the ordinance, improve enforcement, and align with current best practices.
Key highlights included: * Requiring backflow preventers just past the meter for all new non-residential construction. * Banning atmospheric vacuum breakers because they cannot be tested; they must be replaced with testable devices like pressure vacuum breakers. * Clarifying that these updates apply to non-residential properties. Single-family homes are not affected, though apartment complexes are considered commercial connections due to higher risk.
The board had a lively discussion. We clarified that while the ordinance requires weather protection for devices, this doesn't mean boxes in residential yards. There was talk about costs, with estimates ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 for a small commercial setup including weather protection, and confirmation that licensed plumbers are required for installation (an existing rule). Staff noted that since the board already requires these devices, this is largely an update to standards and enforcement rather than a new financial burden. Since the item was already reviewed by City Council, this session was for the Board's information and education.
Wrap-Up With the discussion wrapped up, the board adjourned. It was a productive morning with some important updates on infrastructure, safety, and financials. Thanks for hanging out with me at City Hall! If you have questions about any of the items we covered, just let me know. Stay tuned for the next meeting!