Meeting called to order by John Hardwick, chair, at 10:04 a.m.

John Hardwick, welcome and housekeeping

• Dec. 15 minutes approved

Bill McCarty, IURC

• Thanked the WUC for the efforts and working together
• Public hearing on March 2, 9:30 a.m. at IURC on new rules governing distribution system improvement charges that allows for replacement of existing system. Currently, three systems are using it and part of the provisions would allow municipals under the IURC’s jurisdiction to participate
• John Stancati will attend the meeting on behalf of the WUC.

Bill Beranek, Indiana Environmental Institute

• Click here for the IDEM efficiency task team’s report to the Senate Energy and Environmental Affairs committee.
• Expects that Easterly will continue pushing for efficiency in management and will be working with Greg Pence to implement.
• Recommended six issues to Senator Gard that the agency should study and make recommendations for implementation. Gard has introduced legislation on electronic permitting and complete review of all environmental funds to determine whether funds are still needed, have been used appropriately and have been efficient in reaching their goals.

Legislative review

• Indiana Environmental Institute’s Legislation Update
• WUC Bills of Interest
• Group will track and support SB44 and SB169.

Legislative reception

• Key point to stress with legislators is that AWWA is an educational resource for them if they have questions about drinking water quality, supply, regulation, etc.
• We will have conference credentials and fact sheets for all legislators. Credentials will give them access to exhibitor displays.
• WUC and Section Executive Committee should bring their conference credentials.

Other business

• Stan Diamond announced that Art Umble has been appointed to the National WUC.
• WUC should be thinking about state board memberships and find opportunities to appoint drinking water representatives to the Water Board, EQSC, etc.

Meeting adjourned at 11:45