Utilities Committee - July 16, 2026

The Utilities Committee of Ascension21 convened on July 16, 2026, to discuss ongoing utility projects and related procurement matters. Key procurement updates included the near completion of a meter replacement project with 24 meters remaining, reallocation of remaining budget funds toward piping upgrades, and the ordering of emergency standby generators for specific pumping stations. The committee also addressed the rebidding of certain projects due to line item issues. A motion was passed to waive the relocation fee for a water meter damaged by tree roots, approving the parish water company to relocate the meter at no cost to the resident. Additionally, the committee discussed the implementation of new lock meter boxes, with concerns raised about the practicality and customer access to locked meters. The administration was tasked with exploring feasible solutions and clarifying whether lock boxes are a federal funding requirement before returning with recommendations.