January 20, 2026 Regular Meeting

Upper Thompson Sanitation District
Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors
District Administrative Conference Room

Pursuant to C.R.S.,§32-1-903, notice is hereby given to the members of the Upper Thompson Sanitation District Board of Directors and to the general public that the Board will hold its regular meeting, which is open to the public, at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Upper Thompson Sanitation District Administrative Office, 2196 Mall Road, Estes Park, CO, 80517. Individuals who wish to address the Board via public participation may do so “in-person,” via telephone, or virtually through online participation, facilitated by the Zoom platform. Members of the public wishing to join the meeting via online or telephone participation, please email a request for the meeting link or telephone number to Ms. Gina Moore, Financial Officer, at gina@utsdco.gov by 2:00 p.m. on January 20, 2026.

Revised Agenda

1. Call to Order.
2. Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Roll Call, Absences Excused.
4. Next Meeting Date: Regular Board Meeting, Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
5. Agenda: Correction and Approval.
6. Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest.
7. Public Forum: An opportunity for presentation by the public to provide information to the Board of Directors on any non-agenda item. Note: The Board cannot take any action on non-agenda items but may direct staff to include the item on a future agenda.
   Public Comment on Agenda Items: Public comments will be heard by the Board at the conclusion of the presentation of the agenda item. Persons addressing the Board shall first be recognized by the District Manager or Board Chairman and may speak only one time per agenda item. Speakers shall state their name and address for the official minutes, address comments to the Board as a Body, and shall be allotted three (3) minutes for public comment.
   All public commentary must be made at the podium or offered virtually via Zoom Chat.
8. Executive Session: §24-6-402(4)(b), C.R.S., Conferences with an attorney for the public entity to receive legal advice on specific legal questions regarding a personnel matter.
9. Minutes: Correction and Approval: Regular Board Meeting, December 16, 2025.
10. New Business and Special Orders:
    1. Consideration for Adoption: Resolution No. 2026-01-01: Resolution Designating Location to Post Notice – presented by Ms. Jurgens.
    2. Update: Phase 03 - Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) and Lift Station Improvements Project – presented by Mr. Ravel, P.E., Senior Project Manager, AE2S.
    3. Request for Approval: WRF and Lift Station Improvements Project, 20% Design and Value Engineering, AE2S Invoice No. 107940 - presented by Ms. Moore.
    4. Request for Approval: WRF and Lift Station Improvements Project, Preconstruction Services, RN Civil Construction, LLC Invoice No. 01 - presented by Ms. Moore.
    5. Request for Approval: Reschedule the September 15, 2026, Regular Board Meeting to September 22, 2026, due to a scheduling conflict with the 2026 Special District Association Conference – presented by Ms. Jurgens.
11. Reports from Officers, Committees, and Staff: Questions, Comments, Correction and Approval:
    1. Treasurer’s Report.
    2. Plant Report.
    3. System Development Fee Allocation and Connection Report.
    4. Collection System Report.
    5. Operations Manager’s Report.
    6. District Manager’s Report.
12. Executive Session: §24-6-402(4)(e), C.R.S., Determining positions relative to matters that may be subject to negotiation, developing strategy for negotiations, and instructing negotiators regarding the Water Reclamation Facility Project (WRF) specifically, to review professional service agreements with Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, LLC (AE2S) and RN Civil Construction, LLC (RN) to develop a revised final design of the Water Reclamation Facility and to establish a negotiated bid amount for its construction.
13. Adjournment.

Upper Thompson Sanitation District (District) prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the basis of race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and length, protective hairstyles), color, ethnic or national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, creed, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status in employment or in any program or activity conducted by the District. The District will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities. If any person has a disability and requires a reasonable accommodation to fully participate in this event, please contact District Manager, Ms. Suzanne Jurgens, three days before the event via email at suzanne@utsdco.gov, or telephone at 970-586-4544, or dial 711 to connect with Relay Colorado.

Agenda

1. Call to Order.
2. Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Roll Call, Absences Excused.
4. Next Meeting Date: Regular Board Meeting, Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
5. Agenda: Correction and Approval.
6. Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest.
7. Public Forum: An opportunity for presentation by the public to provide information to the Board of Directors on any non-agenda item. Note: The Board cannot take any action on non-agenda items but may direct staff to include the item on a future agenda.
   Public Comment on Agenda Items: Public comments will be heard by the Board at the conclusion of the presentation of the agenda item. Persons addressing the Board shall first be recognized by the District Manager or Board Chairman and may speak only one time per agenda item. Speakers shall state their name and address for the official minutes, address comments to the Board as a Body, and shall be allotted three (3) minutes for public comment.
   All public commentary must be made at the podium or offered virtually via Zoom Chat.
8. Executive Session: §24-6-402(4)(b), C.R.S., Conferences with an attorney for the public entity to receive legal advice on specific legal questions regarding a personnel matter.
9. Minutes: Correction and Approval: Regular Board Meeting, December 16, 2025.
10. New Business and Special Orders:
    1. Consideration for Adoption: Resolution No. 2026-01-01: Resolution Designating Location to Post Notice – presented by Ms. Jurgens.
    2. Update: Phase 03 - Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) and Lift Station Improvements Project – presented by Mr. Ravel, P.E., Senior Project Manager, AE2S.
    3. Request for Approval: WRF and Lift Station Improvements Project, 20% Design and Value Engineering, AE2S Invoice No. 107940 - presented by Ms. Moore.
    4. Request for Approval: WRF and Lift Station Improvements Project, Preconstruction Services, RN Civil Construction, LLC Invoice No. 01 - presented by Ms. Moore.
    5. Request for Approval: Reschedule the September 15, 2026, Regular Board Meeting to September 22, 2026, due to a scheduling conflict with the 2026 Special District Association Conference – presented by Ms. Jurgens.
11. Reports from Officers, Committees, and Staff: Questions, Comments, Correction and Approval:
    1. Treasurer’s Report.
    2. Plant Report.
    3. System Development Fee Allocation and Connection Report.
    4. Collection System Report.
    5. Operations Manager’s Report.
    6. District Manager’s Report.
12. Executive Session: §24-6-402(4)(e), C.R.S., Determining positions relative to matters that may be subject to negotiation, developing strategy for negotiations, and instructing negotiators regarding the Water Reclamation Facility Project (WRF) specifically, to review professional service agreements with Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, LLC (AE2S) and RN Civil Construction, LLC (RN) to develop a revised final design of the Water Reclamation Facility and to establish a negotiated bid amount for its construction.
13. Board Discussion and Possible Action: Approval of Agreement between Owner and Engineer for Professional Services between the Upper Thompson Sanitation District and Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, LLC for the Water Reclamation Facility and Lift Station Improvements Project – WRF Final Design.
14. Board Discussion and Possible Action: Approval of Amended Preconstruction Services Agreement for the Water Reclamation Facility and Lift Station Improvements Project between the Upper Thompson Sanitation District and RN Civil Construction, LLC to develop a negotiated bid amount based on the WRF Final Design for construction.
15. Adjournment.

Record of Proceedings 

Minutes Of a Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors Of 
Upper Thompson Sanitation District 
Held: January 20, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., at the 
District Office, 2196 Mall Road, Estes Park, Colorado 

Call to Order 

A regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Upper Thompson Sanitation District, Estes Park, Colorado, was called to order at 4:01 p.m. and held as shown above and in accordance with the applicable statutes of the State of Colorado with the following Directors present and acting: 

Pledge of Allegiance 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 

Attendance 

Board of Directors: 
Christopher Eshelman, Chairman 
Susan Doylen, Vice-Chairman/Secretary 
Michael Morton, Treasurer 
Kent Bosch, Assistant Treasurer/Secretary 
Andrew Kessler, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer 

Staff: 
Suzanne Jurgens, District Manager 
Gina Moore, Financial Officer 
Matt Allen, Operations Manager 
Nathanael Romig, Collection Superintendent 
Henry Newhouse, Plant Superintendent (joined meeting at 5:01 p.m.) 
Sheryl Ponzer, Customer Accounts Manager (joined meeting at 4:58 p.m.) 

Invited Guests: 
Linda Glesne, Partner, Cockrel Ela Glesne Greher & Ruhland, P.C. (CEGR Law)- joined via web conference call 
Steve Ravel, P.E., Senior Project Manager, Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services (AE2S) 

Next Meeting Date 

A regular meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on February 17, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. 

Approval of Revised Agenda 

The Board considered the Agenda. The Board discussed revising the Agenda to remove items 13 and 14 involving board discussion and possible action related to Agreements with Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, LLC (AE2S) for professional engineering services and RN Civil Construction, LLC for preconstruction services for the Water Reclamation Facility and Lift Station Improvements Project. Due to the final Agreements not being available for review prior to the meeting, the Board concurred to delete the agenda items. 

It was moved by Ms. Doylen and seconded by Mr. Bosch to approve the Revised Agenda as discussed. Motion carried unanimously. 

Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest 

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is a topic of discussion at every Board meeting to address· potential conflicts of interest that may arise as new agenda items are introduced. District Directors who have disclosed potential conflicts of interest can vote as issues arise. 

Public Forum 

Mr. Eshelman opened the meeting for public comment. 

Mr. Eshelman explained the Public Forum is an opportunity for presentation by the public to provide information to the Board of Directors on any non-agenda item. He further explained the Board cannot take action on non-agenda items but may direct staff to include the item on a future agenda. 

Regarding public comment on Agenda Items, Mr. Eshelman provided the following statement: 

Public comments will be heard by the Board at the conclusion of the presentation of the agenda item. Persons addressing the Board shall first be recognized by the District Manager or Board Chairman and may speak only one time per agenda item. Speakers shall stand at the podium, state their name and address for the official minutes, address comments to the Board as a Body, and shall be allotted three (3) minutes for public comment. 

Joining the meeting via web conference call was Ms. Melissa Taylor, Construction Engineer, and Mr. Gerrit Post, P.E., Senior Project Manager, of PSOMAS (Loveland, CO office). Ms. Taylor and Mr. Post did not offer comment on a non-agenda item. 

In attendance was Ms. Rebecca Urquhart, of 1955 Homestead Lane, Estes Park. Ms. Urquhart indicated she was observing the meeting on behalf of the League of Women Voters. Ms. Urquhart did not offer comment on a non-agenda item. 

Joining the meeting via web conference call, was Mr. Stewart Squires, of 618 Park River Place, Estes Park. Mr. Squires did not offer comment on a non-agenda item. 

At 4:05 p.m., Ms. Moore, Mr. Allen, Mr. Romig, and Mr. Ravel, Ms. Taylor, Mr. Post, Ms. Urquhart and Mr. Squires excused themselves from the meeting for the Executive Session. 

Executive Session 

At 4:05 p.m., it was moved by Ms. Doylen and seconded by Mr. Morton to go into Executive Session pursuant to §24-6-402(4)(b), C.R.S., Conferences with an attorney for the public entity to receive legal advice on specific legal questions regarding a personnel matter. Motion carried unanimously. 

The Executive Session was attended by Directors Doylen, Bosch, Eshelman, Morton and Kessler; Ms. Jurgens and Ms. Glesne. 

The Board did not engage in substantial discussion of any matter not enumerated in §24-6-402(4)(b) C.R.S., nor did it adopt any proposed legislative policy, position, resolution, rule, regulation, or formal action.

The Executive Session was adjourned at 4:48 p.m. 

At 4:49 p.m., Ms. Glesne excused herself from the remainder of the meeting. 

Ms. Glesne provided the following written, signed statement of Certification Concerning Record of Executive Session Held During the Regular Meeting of the Upper Thompson Sanitation District on January 20, 2026: "I hereby certify that it is my opinion that the discussion held during the executive session convened near the beginning of the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of Upper Thompson Sanitation District held January 20, 2026 (approximately 4:1 0 p.m.), was properly noticed and constituted privileged attorney-client communication, and therefore no record or electronic recording was required to be kept for such executive session pursuant to Section 24-6-402, C.R.S. I further certify that I was in attendance by Zoom tele-video conference and participated in the discussions for the entire executive session commencing at 4:1 0 pm and adjourning at approximately 4:48 pm. The privileged discussions during executive session concerned specific questions of legal counsel on a personnel investigation matter, in accordance with Section 24-6-402(4)(b), C.R.S. that the Executive Session pursuant to §24-6- 402(4)(b), C.R.S., "Conferences with an attorney for the public entity to receive legal advice on specific legal questions regarding a personnel matter", was not recorded because it constituted privileged attorney-client communication." 

Return to Regular Session 

At 4:58 p.m., the Board returned to Regular Session. 

At 4:58 p.m., Ms. Moore, Mr. Allen, Mr. Romig, Mr. Ravel, Ms. Taylor, Mr. Post, Mr. Squires and Ms. Urquhart rejoined the meeting. 

At 4:58 p.m., Ms. Panzer joined the meeting. 

At 5:01 p.m. Mr. Newhouse joined the meeting. 

With respect to the personnel matter addressed in Executive Session, the Board instructed Ms. Jurgens to take such actions as are in the best interest of the District. 

Approve Minutes from Prior Meeting 

The Board reviewed and discussed the Minutes of the December 16, 2025, Regular Board Meeting. 

It was moved by Mr. Morton and seconded by Mr. Bosch to approve the Minutes of the December 16, 2025, Regular Board Meeting as presented. Motion carried unanimously. 

New Business and Special Orders 

Consideration for Adoption: Resolution No. 2026-01-01 Resolution Designating Location to Post Notice - presented by Ms. Jurgens: 

Ms. Jurgens presented Resolution No. 2026-01-01, designating the posting location of the District's Board meeting notices. 

Ms. Jurgens explained the Resolution is an annual resolution and Colorado statutory law requires the Board's adoption of the Resolution at the first regular meeting of each year. 

Ms. Jurgens stated the Resolution resolves that the District's notices of meetings and agenda information be posted at least 24 hours prior to each meeting online at utsd.colorado.gov, per Colorado Revised Statutes §24-6-402(2)(c) and §32-1-903(2). 

Ms. Jurgens further explained the resolution also states that in the event of interruption in internet service, or another emergency circumstance, such as a power outage, the District will also post notice of public meetings at least 24 hours prior to a meeting at the District Administration Building, 2196 Mall Road, Estes Park, Colorado. 
Ms. Jurgens invited the Board to consider the Resolution. 

The Board considered the Resolution. 

It was moved by Ms. Doylen and seconded by Mr. Bosch to adopt Resolution No. 2026-01-01 Designating Location to Post Notice in the year 2026. Motion carried unanimously. 

Update: Phase 03 - Water Reclamation Facility {WRF) and Lift Station Improvements Project - presented by Mr. Ravel, P.E., Senior Project Manager, AE2S: 

Mr. Ravel provided an update regarding the Water Reclamation Facility and Lift Station Improvements Project. He mentioned that AE2S is working on updating the scope, schedule, and fee for final engineering design for the Project. Mr. Ravel noted that AE2S is coordinating with the District to finalize details. Ms. Jurgens reported that she has contacted various stakeholders to provide a status update on the Project. 

The Board thanked Mr. Ravel for the Project Update. 

Request for Approval: WRF and Lift Station Improvements Project, 20% Design and Value Engineering, AE2S Invoice No. 107940 - presented by Ms. Moore: 
Ms. Moore asked the Board for approval to remit payment to AE2S for an invoice received by the District: Invoice Number 107940 in the amount of $7,347. The invoice pertains to services provided for the Water Reclamation Facility and Lift Station Improvements Project, specifically covering 20% design and value engineering work conducted between November 8, 2025, and December 5, 2025. Ms. Moore stated she has prepared a check for payment of this invoice, and it is ready for signature at this meeting. 

It was moved by Mr. Morton and seconded by Mr. Bosch to approve payment to AE2S for Invoice Number 107940 in the amount of $7,347. Motion carried unanimously. 

Request for Approval: WRF and Lift Station Improvements Project, Preconstruction Services, RN Civil Construction, LLC Invoice No. 01 - presented by Ms. Moore: 

Ms. Moore asked the Board for approval to remit payment to RN Civil Construction for the first invoice received by the District: Invoice Number 01 in the amount of $49,040. The invoice pertains to preconstruction services provided for the Water Reclamation Facility and Lift Station Improvements Project, between July 31, 2025, and December 29, 2025. Ms. Moore stated she has prepared a check for payment of this invoice, and it is ready for signature at this meeting. 

It was moved by Ms. Doylen and seconded by Mr. Bosch to approve payment to RN Civil Construction, LLC for Invoice Number 01 in the amount of $49,040. Motion carried unanimously. 

Request for Approval: Reschedule the September 15, 2026, Regular Board Meeting to September 22, 2026, due to a scheduling conflict with the 2026 Special District Association Conference - presented by Ms. Jurgens: 

Ms. Jurgens requested the Board approve rescheduling the September 2026 Regular Board Meeting. 

Ms. Jurgens stated that the meeting is currently scheduled for September 15, 2026, which conflicts with the Special District Association (SDA) of Colorado's Annual Conference. 

Ms. Jurgens noted that this conference is an important event for professional development and networking for the District's Board of Directors and administrative staff. 

Ms. Jurgens proposed moving the meeting from September 15 to September 22, 2026, one week later, to avoid the conflict. 

Ms. Jurgens remarked that this adjustment will allow Board members and staff to attend the SDA Conference and maintain full participation at the September regular board meeting. 

Ms. Jurgens invited the Board to consider approving the proposed schedule change. 

The Board considered the schedule change for the September 2026 regular board meeting. 

It was moved by Mr. Bosch and seconded by Ms. Doylen to reschedule the September 15, 2026, Regular Board Meeting to September 22, 2026, due to a scheduling conflict with the 2026 Special District Association Conference. Motion carried unanimously. 

Reports of Officers, Committees, Professional Consultants, & Staff 

The Board considered the Reports of Officers, Committees, Professional Consultants, and District Staff. 

The Board asked the staff questions regarding the departmental reports. 

The Board did not have corrections to the departmental reports. 

The Board thanked District Staff for preparing the reports and for the additional annual reports provided by the Collection and Plant Superintendents. 

The Board commended Mr. Garrett Johnson, Collection Operator, for achieving his Wastewater Collection Class 4 Certification. Ms. Doylen added she is thrilled District staff are cross training and working towards obtaining industry certifications. 

It was moved by Ms. Doylen and seconded by Mr. Bosch to accept the Treasurer's Report, Plant Report, System Development Fee Allocation and Connection Report, Collection System Report, Operations Manager's Report, and District Manager's Report. Motion carried unanimously. 

The Board and Ms. Jurgens thanked Ms. Urquhart, Mr. Squires, Ms. Taylor and Mr. Post for attending the board meeting. 

At 5:21 p.m., Ms. Urquhart, Mr. Squires, Ms. Taylor and Mr. Post excused themselves from the remainder of the meeting. 

Executive Session 

At 5:19 p.m., it was moved by Mr. Eshelman and seconded by Ms. Doylen to go into Executive Session pursuant to §24-6-402(4)(e), C.R.S. Determining positions relative to matters that may be subject to negotiation, developing strategy for negotiations, and instructing negotiators regarding the Water Reclamation Facility Project (WRF) specifically, to review professional service agreements with Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, LLC (AE2S) and RN Civil Construction, LLC (RN) to develop a revised final design of the Water Reclamation Facility and to establish a negotiated bid amount for its construction. Motion carried unanimously. 

The Executive Session was attended by Directors Doylen, Bosch, Eshelman, Morton and Kessler; and Ms. Jurgens, Ms. Moore, Mr. Allen, Mr. Romig, Mr. Newhouse, Ms. Panzer, and Mr. Ravel. 

The Board did not engage in substantial discussion of any matter not enumerated in §24-6-402(4)(e) C.R.S., nor did it adopt any proposed legislative policy, position, resolution, rule, regulation, or formal action.

The Executive Session was adjourned at 5:47 p.m. 

Return to Regular Session 

At 5:47 p.m., the Board returned to Regular Session. 

It was moved by Mr. Eshelman and seconded by Mr. Morton to approve the proposed cost of professional services to be provided by AE2S and included as Exhibit J, Appendix 3, in the forthcoming Agreement Between Owner and Engineer For Professional Services to be considered at a future board meeting. Motion carried unanimously. 

The Board then discussed tentatively scheduling a special board meeting to approve the Agreement with AE2S for professional services and the Agreement with RN Civil Construction, LLC for preconstruction services for the Water Reclamation Facility and Lift Station Improvements Project. The Board agreed to schedule the meeting for Thursday, January 29, 2026, pending receipt of the final Agreements. 

Adjournment 

Having no further business, at 5:53 p.m. it was moved by Mr. Bosch and seconded by Ms. Doylen to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously. 

Susan L. Doylen, Vice-Chairman/Secretary

Christopher L. Eshelman, Chairman

Date: February 17, 2026