District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority Board of Directors Dr. Unique N. Morris-Hughes Confirmation Resolution of 2024

25th Council Period (2023-2024) Introduced by Phil Mendelson

Confirms Dr. Unique N. Morris-Hughes to the DC WASA Board, strengthening governance and oversight of water/sewer operations, rates, and infrastructure for DC residents.

Committee Report Filed by the Transportation and the Environment Committee

Overview

PR 25-1023 is a District of Columbia Council resolution to confirm the appointment of Dr. Unique N. Morris-Hughes to the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC WASA) Board of Directors. The measure is categorized as a confirmation resolution and progressed through the Transportation and the Environment Committee.

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose is to formally confirm Dr. Unique N. Morris-Hughes as a member of the DC WASA Board of Directors.

The resolution supports governance of DC WASA by adding or confirming a board member, consistent with the Council’s confirmation role for independent or semi-autonomous public authorities.

Key Provisions (as typically included in confirmation resolutions)

Formal confirmation of Dr. Unique N. Morris-Hughes to serve on the DC WASA Board of Directors.

Establishes the Council’s oversight role in approving the appointment and any related terms, duties, or conditions of service as defined by applicable law and DC WASA bylaws.

May include introductory findings or statements regarding the nominee’s qualifications (education, professional background, public service), though specific qualifications are not detailed in the provided material.

Note: The exact text of provisions, term length, and specific duties are not enumerated in the materials provided. The resolution would ordinarily align with DC law and WASA governance standards.

Affected Parties and Entities

DC WASA and its Board of Directors: the confirmed appointee becomes a board member, contributing to governance, oversight of water and sewer operations, rate considerations, and capital projects.

DC residents and ratepayers: outcomes of board decisions (rates, service reliability, infrastructure investments) could be affected by board governance.

The DC Council: maintains its confirmation authority and oversight function over public authorities.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Introduced: October 18, 2024 (by Chairman Mendelson).

Referral: October 29, 2024, to the Committee on Transportation and the Environment.

Notice and Roundtables: Notices of intent (Oct 25, 2024) and roundtables held (Nov 26, 2024; record available Nov 29, 2024; roundtable recorded Dec 11, 2024).

Committee Action: Committee Roundtable; Committee Mark-up (Dec 11–Dec 18, 2024), with the mark-up and related materials published.

Status Update: Committee Report Filed on January 3, 2025.

Next Steps: If approved by the Transportation and the Environment Committee, the measure would proceed to the full Council for debate and final vote.

Potential Impact

Governance: Formal confirmation solidifies the Board’s leadership and continuity for DC WASA.

Accountability: Reinforces council oversight of appointments to public authorities.

Service Considerations: Board decisions influence DC Water and Sewer operations, infrastructure investments, and rates; the nominee’s expertise could shape policy directions.

Next Steps for Readers

Monitor full Council consideration and potential floor vote on PR 25-1023.

Review any accompanying nominee background materials or testimonies from the roundtables for qualifications and perspectives.

If you need, I can add a brief biographical profile of Dr. Morris-Hughes once that information is available.

Bill