Agenda 02-17-22; 4-a - OWASA Annual Update Presentation

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OWASA Quarterly Report 4 January 26, 2022 Page 3 OWASA's Team is continuing our diversity and inclusion work and provided the Board of Directors with an update at its meeting on January 13, 2022. These updates are provided to the Board three times each calendar year. The update in September 2021 served as the comprehensive annual report, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Report. Our diversity and inclusion efforts go beyond OWASA staff trainings and policies by extending into growing partnerships within our community and expanding the minority- and women-owned businesses that are bidding for and being awarded our projects. More information on recent Diversity and Inclusion efforts can be found in the agenda material for the January 2022 Board update. OWASA Board Membership: The OWASA Board of Directors is a governing body. Among the Board's responsibilities are setting policy, approving the annual budget, approving large contracts for maintenance and capital improvements, and selecting the Executive Director. Each Board member receives small remuneration to cover expenses associated with serving on the Board. We continue to encourage interest in serving on the Board in our community engagement efforts and appreciate your assistance in attracting a diverse applicant pool. OWASA is using our website and social media channels to provide information on what is involved with Board membership and to recruit new applicants. The Board also discussed possible steps to encourage interest in service as a Board member during a meeting on January 13, 2022. OWASA embraces diversity and inclusion in everything we do, and we encourage all interested candidates to apply for Board Member appointments. The only qualification needed is interests in OWASA's services and activities a genuine commitment to serve the community. There remain two openings on the OWASA Board of Directors: one Carrboro seat, and one Chapel Hill seat. As is typical, the OWASA Board is facing many important decisions in the coming year, including approving next year's budget, updating the Long-Range Water Supply Plan, and developing a new strategic plan that will guide our investments and priorities for the next 5-6 years. Having a full Board is critical to being able to keep the important work of the community's water and wastewater utility moving forward and preparing for the future. Thank you for your continued support in appointing members to OWASA's Board of Directors. If we can assist you, please let us know. Strategic Plan: OWASA is developing a new strategic plan to help guide OWASA investments and priorities for OWASA Board and staff over the next 5-6 years. Since the October 2021 update, the OWASA Board of Directors has held two work sessions with a third scheduled for late January. These work sessions included discussing input received from the community, professional stakeholders, and the OWASA Board and staff, as well as