CCWWA Minutes 09/19/2025 (Draft)
MINUTES OF THE COLLIER COUNTY
Water and Wastewater Authority (CCWWA)
September 19, 2025 – 3:00 p.m.
LET IT BE REMEMBERED that the Collier County Water and Wastewater Authority
met on this date, September 19, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. in Conference Rooms 609/610,
Growth Management Community Development Department, 2800 North Horseshoe
Drive, Naples, Florida, with the following members present:
Patricia Sherry, Chairman
Bryant Collins
Don Munksgaard
Eloy Ricardo
[Vacant – Vice Chairman seat filled during meeting]
ALSO PRESENT:
Michael Stark, Executive Director, GMCD Operations & Regulatory
Management
Heather Yilmaz, Staff Liaison, GMCD Management Analyst
Heidi Ashton-Cicko, Managing Assistant County Attorney
Jason Vogel, Vice President, Ave Maria Utility Company (guest speaker)
Mr. Dietering, Counsel for Ave Maria Utility Company (via WebEx)
NOTICE:
Any person who decides to appeal a decision of this Authority will need a record of the
proceedings pertaining thereto, and therefore may need to ensure that a verbatim record
of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon
which the appeal is to be based.
1. CALL TO ORDER (Determination of Quorum and Roll Call)
Chairman Patricia Sherry called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. A quorum was
established with four members present.
2. SELECTION OF VICE CHAIRMAN
The Authority discussed the vacant Vice Chairman position. A motion was made to
nominate Bryant Collins as Vice Chairman.
Moved by [member not identified in transcript]; Seconded by [member not
identified].
Motion carried unanimously.
3. OFFICER APPOINTMENT RECOMMENDATION – Eugene Wardchoff
The Authority considered appointment of Eugene Wardchoff to the Authority.
Moved by [member not identified]; Seconded by [member not identified].
Motion carried unanimously.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Meeting of September 19, 2025
Agenda was presented and approved as submitted.
Motion passed unanimously.
5. ELECTRONIC APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Meeting of September 19, 2025
Approval of the minutes was considered.
Moved by [member not identified]; Seconded by [member not identified].
Motion carried unanimously.
6. ITEMS REQUIRING ACTION BY AUTHORITY
A. Final Order 2025-02 – Ave Maria Utility Company, 2025 Price Index and Pass-
Through
Staff reported the following:
Proposed 1.8% increase in water rates with anticipated revenue increase of
$42,952.
Proposed 1.13% increase in wastewater rates with anticipated revenue increase
of $61,031.
Rates were consistent with state-adopted index standards.
Authority discussion confirmed alignment with state commission practices.
Moved by [member not identified]; Seconded by [member not identified].
Motion carried unanimously.
7. STAFF DISCUSSION
Staff Liaison Heather Yilmaz provided an update on the Ave Maria Annual Report:
Ave Maria requested an extension on April 24, 2025; extension was granted by
Executive Director Michael Stark.
Annual Report was filed May 12, 2025 and satisfied all requirements.
Follow-up items from prior meeting:
o Heat map of Ave Maria Utility service area.
o Forecasted growth analysis.
o Potential impacts of expansion on water quality.
o Capacity thresholds.
Guest Participation:
Jason Vogel, Vice President of Ave Maria Utility, addressed the Authority.
o Presented pre- and post-expansion service maps.
o Explained capacity triggers regulated by DEP, with annual Capacity
Analysis Reports ensuring compliance.
o Noted Phase 3 expansion plans subject to DEP oversight.
o Acknowledged February meeting absence due to the passing of long-term
associate Tammy Smith (Feb 27, 2025), which delayed filings and formed
the basis of the extension request.
Authority members expressed appreciation for the clarifications and acknowledged the
challenges faced.
8. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
No public speakers registered.
9. AUTHORITY MEMBERS DISCUSSION
No additional discussion noted.
10. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 3:28 p.m.
Patricia Sherry, Chairman
The Minutes were approved on ___________________________, as presented
__________
(date of approval)
or as amended ___________.