October 15, 2024 Regular Meeting Agenda

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, October 15, 2024, at the Upper Thompson Sanitation 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, Secretary to the Board, at gina@utsd.org by 2:00 p.m. on October 15, 2024. 

Agenda

1. Call to Order.
2. Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Roll Call, Absences Excused.
4. Next Meeting Date: Regular Board Meeting, November 19, 2024.
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. Minutes: Correction and Approval: Regular Board Meeting, Tuesday, September 17, 2024.
9. New Business and Special Orders:
   1. Statement regarding the District’s Publication of Discussion and Action to Set Rates and Fees at this meeting –presented by Ms. Jurgens.
   2. Update:  Phase II - Design of the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) and Lift Station Improvements Project –presented by Mr. Ravel, P.E., Water/Wastewater Project Manager, Merrick & Company.
   3. Request for Approval: WRF and Lift Station Improvements Project, Merrick & Company, Application for Payment No. 28, Dated October 08, 2024 – presented by Ms. Moore.
   4. Presentation of Proposed 2025 Budget – presented by Mr. Bieker, Ms. Jurgens, and Ms. Moore.
   5. Consideration of Electing a Second Board Officer Position of Assistant Secretary/Treasurer.
10. Reports of 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. Assistant District Manager’s Report.
11. 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, Mr. Chris Bieker, three days before the event via email at chris@utsd.org, or telephone at 970.586.4544, or dial 711 to connect with Relay Colorado.

Record of Proceedings

Minutes Of a Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors Of 
Upper Thompson Sanitation District 
Held: October 15, 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 4:00 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 
Stanley Gengler, Treasurer 
Kent Bosch, Assistant Treasurer/Secretary 
Michael Morton, Assistant Treasurer/Secretary 

Staff: 
Chris Bieker, District Manager 
Suzanne Jurgens, Assistant District Manager 
Gina Moore, Financial Officer 
Matt Allen, Operations Manager 
Nathanael Romig, Collection Superintendent 
Henry Newhouse, Plant Superintendent 
Sheryl Panzer, Customer Accounts Manager 
Naomi McCracken, Secretary (at 4:00 p.m., joined the meeting via web conference call, at 5:02 p.m., arrived at the meeting in person) 

Next Meeting Date 

A regular meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on November 19, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. 

Approval of Agenda 

The Board considered the Agenda. 

It was moved by Ms. Doylen and seconded by Mr. Bosch to approve the Agenda as presented. 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. 

In attendance was Ms. Barb Boyer Buck, 1945 Wildfire Road, Estes Park. Ms. Boyer Buck was observing the meeting on behalf of the Estes Valley Voice. Ms. Boyer Buck did not offer comment on a non-agenda item. 

Approve Minutes from Prior Meeting 

The Board reviewed and discussed the Minutes of the September 17, 2024, Regular Board Meeting. 

It was moved by Ms. Doylen and seconded by Mr. Gengler to approve the Minutes of the September 17, 2024, Regular Board Meeting as presented. Motion carried unanimously. 

New Business and Special Orders 

Statement regarding the District's Publication of Discussion and Action to Set Rates and Fees at this Meeting- presented by Ms. Jurgens: 

Ms. Jurgens stated that the Upper Thompson Sanitation District staff and Board of Directors would like to inform the public that there will be no discussion on rates and fees at this meeting. She explained this is due to the fact that the Board successfully set the rates and fees for 2025 during the regular board meeting held on September 17, 2024. 

Ms. Jurgens noted a public notice was published on September 13, 2024, in the two local Estes Park newspapers, indicating that if the Board did not set the rates and fees at the September 17, 2024, meeting, the discussion and decision would take place at the October 15, 2024, meeting. Since the rates and fees were established on September 17, 2024, there will be no need for further discussion on this matter at this meeting. 

Ms. Jurgens expressed her appreciation for the community's understanding and cooperation. 

Update: Phase II - Design of the Water Reclamation Facility and Lift Station Improvements Project - prepared by Mr. Ravel, PE, Water/Wastewater Project Manager, Merrick & Company: 

Regarding the design of the Water Reclamation Facility and Lift Station Improvements Project (Project), Mr. Bieker presented the following updates provided by Mr. Ravel in the board packet which occurred after the September 17, 2024, Regular Board Meeting: 

• The process design reports (PDR) for the Fish Creek Lift Station (FCLS) and Wapiti Lift Station (WLS) were approved by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). A CDPHE construction certification submittal is not required for the lift stations. Final sealed and signed construction documents will be submitted to the CDPHE financial team 14 days prior to the bid advertisement for review.
• The process design report (PDR) for the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) is under review by the CDPHE. The design documents will be updated based on comments received from the CDPHE. The final WRF sealed and signed design documents will be submitted to the CDPHE for construction approval (self-certification) following CDPHE design approval. Final sealed and signed construction documents will be submitted to the CDPHE financial team 14 days prior to the bid advertisement for review.
• Larimer County provided Development Construction Permit application forms for completion and scheduled a review meeting for October 15, 2024. An update regarding next steps with Larimer County will be obtained at the meeting. Larimer County noted that the District may submit for a building permit following the issuance of the Development Construction Permit.
• The USBR indicated that they are processing the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONS!) for the project. Once the FONS! is issued, the nationwide permit applications will be submitted to the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) for the WRF outfall, force main river crossing, and wetlands crossing for review and approval. The FONS! will also be submitted to the CDPHE environmental team for review and approval.
• The District legal counsel is finalizing agreements with the Town of Estes Park for the Town of Estes Park WRF site water main easements.
• The District is coordinating with Lumen for the Lumen WRF site fiber optic easements.
• Xcel has finalized the natural gas service design for the WRF site, and the District is coordinating next steps for completion of the natural gas service line improvements.
• Final review of the 100% design documents (drawings and specifications) is underway by the District. The documents will be updated as required based on comments from the District, CDPHE, Larimer County, and the Estes Valley Fire Protection District.
• Advertisement for bidding is on hold pending approval of permits and final updates to the drawings and specifications, if any, as directed by the District.

Mr. Bieker added that next steps for the District were reviewed at the Larimer County Development Construction Permit Meeting held on October 15, 2024. Mr. Bieker provided the following summary of this meeting: 

• Attendance at the Larimer County Development Construction Permit Meeting included Mr. Bieker, Ms. Jurgens, Mr. Allen, and Mr. Ravel. Mr. Ravel began the meeting by providing an update on the Project.
• Larimer County inquired about the Project construction schedule, including the start date, duration, and proposed completion date. They also asked about site grading, access to the WRF site, and emphasized that Highway 34 is only to be used as an emergency entrance.
• Questions were raised regarding right-of-way permits, stormwater discharge, and dewatering permits, as well as District coordination with the Town of Estes Park.
• Normal construction hours were discussed, with work expected to take place from 7 AM to 6 PM, and potentially on weekends if the contractor falls behind schedule. It was strongly communicated that Mall Road should not be closed under any circumstances.
• Larimer County will intermittently observe the Project once it is underway.
• The Larimer County Development Construction Permit costs $789.15.

Mr. Allen emphasized that Larimer County will need insurance documentation from the selected Project contractor before a building permit is issued. Mr. Allen mentioned that Mr. Ravel plans to coordinate with the Larimer County Building Department to initiate the construction plan review process. Once the building permit is issued, access and right-of-way permits can be issued. These steps are necessary before beginning site work, grading, or utility work. 

Mr. Bieker and Mr. Allen then answered questions of the Board regarding their recent tours of membrane wastewater treatment facilities in the area of Salt Lake City, Utah; Kuna and Shelley, Idaho; and Big Sky, Montana. Mr. Bieker and Mr. Allen noted the plant tours were highly beneficial in providing insight and guidance for their final review of the District's new WRF project design. Mr. Allen highlighted that the tours and discussions with staff at these facilities are instrumental in planning for the operations, maintenance, and emergency preparedness for the new WRF. Ms. Doylen suggested that during the construction and start-up phases of the WRF Project, it would be beneficial to invite key operators from the toured plants to provide valuable input about the Project. 

Request for Approval: WRF and Lift Station Improvements Project, Merrick & Company, Application for Payment No. 28, Dated October 08, 2024- presented by Ms. Moore: 

Ms. Moore asked the Board for approval to remit payment to Merrie!< & Company for an invoice received by the District: Invoice Number 10143444 in the amount of $157,101.83. Ms. Moore explained Invoice Number 10143444 is for work performed on the Water Reclamation Facility and Lift Station Improvements Project from July 27, 2024, through September 27, 2024. 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. Morton to approve payment to Merriek & Company for Invoice Number 10143444 in the amount of $157,101.83. Motion carried unanimously. 

Presentation of Proposed 2025 Budget-presented by Mr. Bieker and Ms. Moore: 

Mr. Bieker and Ms. Moore presented the 2025 Proposed Budget to the Board. 

Mr. Bieker stated that in accordance with statutory law, §1-13.5-111, C.R.S., the District is required to submit the proposed budget for 2025 to the Board of Directors no later than. October 15, 2024. The board packet, containing the 2025 Proposed Budget, was distributed to the Board and staff on October 12, 2024. 

Mr. Bieker stated during this meeting, District staff will present the proposed budget for 2025 and highlight significant matters that have occurred in 2024. 

Mr. Bieker invited the Board to ask questions of the staff during this presentation for further clarification regarding 2024 financial information and 2025 budgeted items. 

Mr. Bieker said the first section of the 2025 budget document is the budget message which provides a review of District activity through September 30, 2024, and summarizes the basis of the 2025 budget. The budget message delineates the District's operational philosophy and articulates the priorities for the year 2025 and subsequent years. Mr. Bieker added the budget message describes the process and objectives of budget creation, as well as an overview of the legal requirements of the document. Additionally, the budget message outlines operational and capital activities in relation to the revenue and expense budget. 

Mr. Bieker stated the District's success in 2024 is attributed to the dedication of skilled staff and collaboration with various experts and organizations. Key activities included: 

• Maintaining wastewater treatment compliance.
• Advancing the Water Reclamation Facility and Lift Station Improvements Project.
• Securing significant Project funding through loans from CWRPDA and WIFIA.
• Despite slower development in the Estes Valley, the District continues to meet budget projections and maintain the infrastructure.
• Receipt of outstanding grant funds for the 2013 flood recovery project PW861.
• Customer service improvements were implemented through new account management software.
• Operational staff focus on optimizing performance, maintaining aging infrastructure, and planning future capital projects.

Mr. Bieker noted that additional highlights of 2024 include: 

• Submittal of the renewal application for the District's discharge permit to CDPHE.
• Purchase of a new jet truck for the Collection Department.
• An agreement with the National Park Service is being renegotiated.
• Operations staff effectively managed power outages and emergencies.
• Our IT firm, lstonish, enhanced cybersecurity and technology integration.
• A new and improved audio/visual system for the administration boardroom.
• Revisions to the Rules and Regulations are underway.
• Two new local operators have been hired.

Mr. Bieker added that in 2025, the District will remain dedicated to maintaining its current wastewater infrastructure while addressing environmental and financial challenges. The 2025 budget, influenced by economic trends and inflation, focuses on transparent financial management, operational efficiency, and compliance with water quality standards. 

Mr. Bieker explained the 2025 Proposed Budget includes major capital projects such as beginning construction of the Water Reclamation Facility and Lift Station Improvements, with significant funding from the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority (CWRPDA) and the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA). Additionally, the District plans to connect to the Town of Estes Park's water distribution network in 2025. Planned capital improvements for the years 2025 through 2034 total $100,688,000 million dollars (in 2024 dollars). The 2025 Capital expenses include $105 thousand for the administration department, $595 thousand in collection system costs, and $256 thousand to maintain the existing wastewater treatment facility. The remaining capital expenditures through 2034 encompass the completion of the new Water Reclamation Facility Project and ongoing capital projects detailed by department over the subsequent nine years. 

Mr. Bieker noted that the 2025 Proposed Budget allocates funds for capital equipment purchases and covers ongoing operation and maintenance costs. The budget document includes operating and capital revenue projections and ending fund balances. 

Mr. Bieker stated the budget also allocates resources for staff compensation and professional development, which reflect the District's commitment to its employees and community. 

Mr. Bieker then highlighted the following budget schedule of important dates in the 2024 budget review process: 

• October 15, 2024-Presentation of proposed budget to the Board.
• October 15 to November 14, 2024 - Board and staff review the proposed budget and develop questions and comments for the budget team. Modifications to the proposed budget are considered and implemented.
• November 19, 2024-Budget Hearing during regular Board meeting.
• December 17, 2024-Approval and adoption of 2025 budget at the regular Board meeting.

Mr. Bieker commented that preparing a budget requires careful planning, especially in an era where environmental sustainability and fiscal responsibility are of utmost importance. He commended the staff for their commitment to maintaining the careful balance between delivering exceptional service, adhering to surface water regulations, and managing treatment costs effectively. Mr. Bieker stated that staff is the District's most valued asset. Mr. Bieker continued that the 2025 proposed employee compensation is reflective of the District's steadfast commitment to support staff and enhance their well-being, professional development, and job satisfaction. 

Mr. Bieker reminded the Board and staff to review the 2025 Proposed Budget and submit questions or comments to him no later than Thursday, November 14, 2024. 

Ms. Moore then thanked the Board for appointing her as the Budget Officer and thanked District staff for their quotes and estimates provided for the 2025 Proposed Budget. Ms. Moore informed the Board that the budget process began back in August 2024 with staff participation in budget meetings held regularly between herself, Mr. Bieker, Ms. Jurgens, Mr. Allen, Mr. Newhouse, Ms. Mourning, Mr. Romig, and Ms. Panzer. These meetings were productive in discussing the year-to-date progress of 2024 budgeted projects and estimated projections through the end of 2024. In these meetings, staff identified District needs for the 2025 budget year. Ms. Moore thanked the team for their participation in the budget meetings and contributions for the 2025 Proposed Budget. 

Ms. Moore then reported that the public notice of the budget hearing scheduled for November 19, 2024, was posted on the District's website and at the District Office. Additionally, she indicated that notice of the budget hearing will be published in both the Estes Park News and Trail Gazette on October 18, 2024. 

Ms. Moore informed the Board the proposed budget complies with legal requirements showing estimated beginning and ending fund balances, audited previous year's figures, year-end estimated figures for the current year and figures for the year in which the budget will be adopted. She mentioned the 2025 Proposed Budget was emailed to legal counsel, Ms. Linda Glesne, of CEGR Law. 

Ms. Moore stated the estimated figures for 2024 revenue and expenses were based on actual revenue and expenses through September 30, 2024, and then forecasted through the end of 2024. Ms. Moore noted that at the budget hearing in November 2024, the proposed budget will be updated to reflect estimated revenues and expenses through October 31, 2024. 

Ms. Moore shared that Customer Accounts Manager, Ms. Panzer, assisted in forecasting 2025 revenue. Ms. Moore referenced interest income is a conservative estimate for 2025. Ms. Moore explained the 2025 Proposed Budget revenue includes a 10.5% increase in rates for metered, non-metered, and data collection fees, as adopted by the Board via Resolution No. 2024-09-02 at the September 17, 2024, 2024, Regular Board Meeting. 

Ms. Moore then explained that 2025 system development revenue forecasts the sale of twelve new system development fees (SDF) at the rate of $18,100 per SDF, as adopted by the Board via Resolution No. 2024-09-01. A total of fifteen permit fees are projected to be sold in 2025. She added that through September 30, 2024, nine system development fees and fourteen permit fees were sold.

Ms. Moore informed the Board that the expected grant income from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for 2013 Flood Recovery Project Worksheet 861 was received. She explained that a portion of the amount received was posted to the Grant Receivable account and the remainder to the Grant Income account in the District's general ledger. The Board acknowledged Ms. Jurgens' efforts in finalizing the receipt of this payout from FEMA for the permanent sewer main repairs made along the Fish Creek corridor. Mr. Bieker commended the plant and collection staff for ensuring all the costs expended during that time were eligible for reimbursement. 

Ms. Moore noted the 2025 revenue budget includes $16,404,906 in bond proceeds from the CWRPDA Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund and $29,100,000 in loan proceeds from WIFIA. These bond and loan proceeds will fund construction of the Water Reclamation Facility and Lift Station Improvements Project (Project). The 2025 revenue budget also includes a contribution of $3,100,000 to the cost of the Project that will be drawn from the District's reserves. Total projected revenue, including the bond and loan proceeds, District cash contribution, and operating and capital income is $55,924,896 for budget year 2025. 

Ms. Moore also informed the Board that many of the 2025 budgeted figures for overhead and operation expenses were based on 2024 estimated expenses and/or 2024 budgeted expenses. Ms. Moore mentioned budgeted costs for computer maintenance and software, professional services, and equipment were based on vendor quotes received. 

Ms. Moore noted the District received an economic perspective summary from the Employers Council for October 2024 which provided a consumer price index (CPI) forecast of up to 2.8% increase for Colorado. Ms. Moore explained the information provided in the summary was considered when preparing the 2025 budget. 

Ms. Moore then provided a summary review of information in the 2025 Proposed Budget spreadsheets, including the general fund budget summary, revenue and expenses, general fund summary budget notes, and the 2024 budget to actual forecast. 

Ms. Moore stated the District's insurance premiums for property and liability are anticipated to increase 2% to 10% for year 2025. A contribution increase for worker's compensation insurance is expected due to a 10% base rate increase. The District's worker's compensation experience modification is 1.34 for 2025. Ms. Moore indicated that the proposed budget figures for property and liability and worker's compensation insurance are high to allow for premium increases, payroll changes, audit premium payments, deductibles, and additions of new equipment in 2025. A 10% liability discount is anticipated due to 100% employee participation in Vector Solutions Training. Vector Solutions offers a comprehensive range of training programs designed to enhance professional development. The Vector Solutions courses offered are designed to address various workplace safety, compliance, and professional development needs. The District also participates in additional beneficial programs offered by the Colorado Special District Property and Liability Pool such as the safety grant reimbursement, increased cybersecurity limit, and sanitation maintenance warranty program, which provide savings to the District. 

Ms. Moore highlighted that the District and employees will experience an increase of 13.5% in medical insurance premiums, a 4% increase in dental premiums and no change in vision insurance premiums in 2025. The health insurance figures projected in the 2025 budget are based on 2024 employee selections or anticipated changes to selections and include the addition of two new hires in the administration department. 

Ms. Moore noted that Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (CO PERA) employer contributions will increase from 14.78% to 14.81%. 

Ms. Moore stated that the auditing expense will increase due to the additional requirement of single audits, which are necessary when federal funding received exceeds $750,000. 

Ms. Moore highlighted that $85,000 was budgeted in professional services for a Fish Creek interceptor flow monitoring study. Mr. Allen explained to the Board that this study entails setting up a flow meter at five selected metered locations to monitor inflow and infiltration through the spring season. 

Ms. Moore then explained a new account, "5955 Loan Fees" was included in the budget to account for identified service set up fees, annual construction period service fee, an initial construction period servicing fee, and annual operating period service fee, all related to the WIFIA loan to fund the Project. 

The 2025 Proposed Budget for laboratory operational expenditures includes a portable dissolved oxygen meter, treatment process probes, spectrophotometer, and a blacklight used for E.coli determination. The plant operation budget includes a centrifuge gear reducer, a new pump for the liquid treatment process, and a new drive unit for clarifier #3. The collection operation budget includes a pass-through packer tool and utility locater. 

Ms. Moore said the 2025 proposed budget includes a $10,000 overhead contingency, a $50,000 operation and maintenance contingency, and a $250,000 capital contingency allowing the Board and District Manager to appropriate funds to unforeseen, yet essential, expenditures. 

Mr. Bieker then noted the 2025 budget incorporates several planned capital improvement projects outlined in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The CIP allocates funds needed for high priority structural repairs and rehabilitation of critical equipment and infrastructure and includes expenses for construction of the new water reclamation facility and other capital purchases in support of the District's business activities. The 2025 proposed capital improvements expenditures total $49,281,000, including the $250,000 contingency. This figure includes estimated 2025 Project costs of just over 48 million dollars. 

A summary of proposed expenditures include: 

District Wide: 

• Purchase of water taps from the Town of Estes Park and the cost of engineering and construction to install a water line to connect the administration, collection, and treatment plant buildings to the Town of Estes Park's proposed new water line along Mall Road.

Administration: 

• Installation of a natural gas generator at the administration building as a backup power source.

Collection System: 

• Ongoing collection system rehabilitation such as Cured-in-Place-Pipe Lining (CIPP), pipe bursting (a trenchless method for replacing under-ground pipes without digging a trench), and new pipe installation.
• Utility truck.

Treatment Plant: 

• SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) server.
• Wastewater data management software.
• Portable automatic sampler for laboratory.
• Filter PLC cabinet (a panel that contains filters to protect electrical equipment from contaminants and interference).
• Control panel upgrade.

Mr. Bieker summarized the 2025 proposed budget highlighting that the expenditures exceed revenues primarily due to the planned 2025 capital improvement projects driving the operating/capital net position. These capital improvement projects are subject to approval by the Board of Directors and the District Manager. Mr. Bieker explained financing of approved 2025 capital improvement projects which are not covered by 2025 revenues, will be supported through use of the District's net position, appropriated reserves, and loans obtained for the Water Reclamation Facility and Lift Station Improvements Project.

Ms. Moore highlighted that an additional section was added to the 2025 Proposed Budget to account for anticipated debt service including principal, interest, and fees totaling $942,279.74 to CWRPDA and capitalized interest only of $648,930 to WIFIA. 

Total 2025 budgeted expenditures equate to $55,012,592. Ms. Moore added that the District's operations surplus in the 2025 Proposed Budget is $1,365,198 and projected net deficit including capital and debt service is $678,906. 

Ms. Moore stated she will revise the 2025 Proposed Budget after the Board, staff, and public have submitted questions and comments to Mr. Bieker. She restated that a hearing for public comment on the 2025 Proposed Budget is scheduled during the Regular Board Meeting on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. 

The Board asked questions of Mr. Bieker and Ms. Moore throughout the budget presentation. 

The Board thanked Mr. Bieker and Ms. Moore for their presentation of the 2025 Proposed Budget. 

Consideration of Electing a Second Board Officer Position of Assistant Secretary/Treasurer 

Mr. Eshelman initiated the consideration of electing a second Board officer position of Assistant Secretary/Treasurer due to Director Bosch's expected absence in the months of February 2025 through May 2025. The Board discussed and agreed it is important to have a second Assistant Secretary/Treasurer available to sign District documents. 

The Board discussed appointing Director Morton as the second Assistant Secretary/Treasurer. The Officer appointment will be effective at this board meeting. 

It was moved by Ms. Doylen and seconded by Mr. Gengler to nominate Mr. Morton as Assistant Secretary/Treasurer on the Board effective immediately. Motion carried unanimously. 

At 5:30 p.m., Mr. Newhouse excused himself from the remainder of the meeting. 

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. 

In addition to the Operations Manager's Report, Mr. Allen informed the Board that October 1, 2024, marked his 12th year of employment with the District. Mr. Allen acknowledged the assistance of Mr. Ron Duell, former UTSD Board Director, and Mr. Bieker in initiating his career in the industry. He expressed gratitude to the Board, Mr. Bieker, and Ms. Jurgens for the opportunities he has had at the District and commented he is looking forward to continuing working with the District. The Board thanked Mr. Allen for his dedicated years of service. 

In addition to the Assistant District Manager's Report, Ms. Jurgens informed the Board that on October 10, 2024, the District hosted Tamara Moon, the Environmental Manager for the city of Northglenn and a writer for the Colorado Public Works Journal. Ms. Moon interviewed Mr. Bieker and Mr. Allen and was given a tour of the District's facilities. During her visit, she learned about the District's operations and plans for the new water reclamation facility. 

Ms. Jurgens highlighted that Ms. Moon spent several hours at the District and demonstrated a deep understanding of water and wastewater management. As a result of this interaction, the District will be featured in the January/February issue of the Colorado Public Works Journal. This opportunity arose from the efforts of GBSM, the District's public outreach coordinator. 

Ms. Jurgens noted that the article is expected to highlight the District's efforts to upgrade its infrastructure as a small utility, emphasizing the significant endeavors required. The article aims to motivate other small utilities to advance their infrastructure projects similarly. The Board will be notified when the article is published. 

The Board and staff then had a discussion on the upcoming Rocky Mountain Water Environment Association (RMWEA) Estes Park Professional Water Operator (PWO) Seminar to be held at the American Legion on October 16, 2024. Mr. Allen acknowledged Ms. Mourning for her exceptional efforts in coordinating the seminar. Ms. Doylen commented that the effort by the District to organize this event exemplifies leadership in the industry and in the community. The Board thanked Ms. Mourning for her efforts in organizing the RMWEA Estes Park PWO Seminar. 

At 5:42 p.m., Ms. Moore excused herself from the remainder of the meeting. 

Adding to the Collection System Report, Mr. Romig provided details for the Board regarding recent pipe patch repair work. 

The Board thanked District Staff for preparing the reports. 

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 Assistant District Manager's Report. Motion carried unanimously. 

Adjournment 

Having no further business, at 5:50 p.m. it was moved by Mr. Bosch and seconded by Ms. Doylen to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously.