October 18, 2022 Minutes

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 18, 2022, 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 Microsoft Teams 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 18, 2022.

Agenda

1. Call to Order.
2. Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Roll Call, Absences Excused.
4. Next Meeting Date: Regular Board Meeting, Tuesday, November 15, 2022
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.
8. Minutes: Correction and Approval: Regular Board Meeting, September 20, 2022
9. New Business and Special Orders:
   1. Discussion Regarding the Location of the New Fish Creek Lift Station - Mr. Mark Stelter, Owner of Estes Lake Lodge, LLC.
   2. Public Hearing for the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) and Lift Station Improvements Project and Environmental Assessment – presented by Mr. Ravel, P.E., Water/Wastewater Project Manager and Ms. Christine Sednek, Water and Wastewater Engineer III, Merrick & Company.
   3. Update: Phase II - Design of the WRF and Lift Station Improvements Project – presented by Mr. Ravel, P.E., Water/Wastewater Project Manager, Merrick & Company.
   4. Consideration of and Request for Approval: Increasing UTSD’s 2023 System Development Fee - presented by Ms. Jurgens.
   5. Discussion of 2023 Proposed Budget.
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.
    7. District Manager’s Report.
11. Executive Session: §24-6-402(4)(e), C.R.S., Determining positions relative to matters that may be subject to negotiations, developing strategy for negotiations, and instructing negotiators related to the site location of the Fish Creek Lift Station.
12. Adjournment.

Upper Thompson Sanitation District (District) prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, national origin, or ancestry, and 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

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:
Jack Reed, Chairman
Susan Doylen, Vice-Chairman/Secretary
Ronald I. Duell, Treasurer/Assistant Secretary (arrived at 4:04 p.m.) 
Kent Bosch, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer

Absent:
It was moved by Ms. Doylen and seconded by Mr. Bosch to excuse the absence of Director Eshelman. Motion carried unanimously.

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 Ponzer, Customer Accounts Manager 
*Naomi McCracken, Secretary

Invited Guests:
Steve Ravel, P.E., Water/Wastewater Project Manager, Merrick & Company Christine Sednek, P.E., Water/Wastewater Engineer II, Merrick & Company

Joined via web conference call

Next Meeting Date

The next regular meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on November 15, 2022.

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. Reed opened the meeting for public comment.

Ms. Doylen 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. She 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, Ms. Doylen 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 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.

Three members of the public joined the meeting, one in person and two via web conference call.

In attendance was Mr. Mark Stelter, Owner of Estes Lake Lodge LLC, 1850 North Saint Vrain A venue, Estes Parle Mr. Stelter indicated he is attending the meeting to share his concerns with the Board regarding the proposed Fish Creek Lift Station. Mr. Stelter did not offer comment on a non-agenda item.

In attendance via web conference call was Mr. Stewmt Squires, of 618 Park River Place, Estes Park, and Mr. Gerald (Jerry) Darmafall of 1331 Willow Lane, Estes Parle Mr. Squires and Mr. Darmafall indicated they were attending the meeting for general interest and did not offer comment on a non-agenda item.

The Board reviewed and discussed the Minutes of the September 20, 2022, Regular Board Meeting.

Approve Minutes from Prior Meetings

It was moved by Ms. Doylen and seconded by Mr. Bosch to approve the Minutes of the September 20, 2022; Regular Board Meeting as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

New Business and Special Orders

Discussion Regarding the Location of the New Fish Creek Lift Station -Mr. Mark Stelter, Owner of Estes Lake Lodge, LLC:

Mr. Stelter stated his name and address, 1241 High Drive, Estes Park, Colorado.

Mr. Mark Stelter said he is the owner of Estes Lake Lodge LLC, located at 1850 North Saint Vrain A venue in Estes Park Colorado, and is attending the board meeting to express his concerns regarding the proposed site for the new Fish Creek Lift Station (FCLS).

In regard to the proposed FCLS site plan, Mr. Stelter commented that as a citizen of Estes Park, he is concerned the placement of the proposed lift station will not be aesthetically appealing to the Estes Valley community, visitors, and future generations.

Mr. Stelter proposed the Board reconsider the District purchase a section of his property, off Fish Creek Road and south of the existing FCLS, for the future location of that facility. Mr. Stelter offered to sell that section of his property to the District for a low price that is close to the appraisal value, even though he believes the appraisal recently completed undervalues his property.

Mr. Stelter acknowledged that fiscally his property may not be the least expensive alternative for the District; however, he feels it would be in the best interest for the future of the Town of Estes Park residents and visitors.

Mr. Stelter appealed to the Board to be careful and deliberate in finalizing their decision on the FCLS site location and to consider the impact on future generations. Mr. Stelter stated the Board has a sacred duty to the Town of Estes Park community.

The Board thanked Mr. Stelter for his comments and concerns regarding the proposed location of the Fish Creek Lift Station.

Mr. Squires provided the following comment: "I think the Board needs to put this lift station in the best location for meeting the requirements of the plant, cost, and best fit into the community."

At 4:15 p.m., Mr. Stelter excused himself from the remainder of the meeting.

Public Hearing for the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) and Lift Station Improvements Project Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) and Environmental Assessment (EA) Review - presented by Mr. Ravel, P.E., Water/Wastewater Project Manager and Ms. Christine Sednek, Water and Wastewater Engineer III, Merrick & Company:

At 4:16 p.m., Mr. Reed opened the Public Hearing for the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) and Lift Station Improvements Project, Preliminary Engineering Report (PER), and Environmental Assessment (EA) Review.

Mr. Ravel explained to the Board the previously presented PER for the WRF and Lift Station Improvements Project (Project) was updated due to new requirements from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Water Quality Control Division (WQCD).

Mr. Ravel highlighted a hard copy of the PER is available at the District Administration Office and an electronic copy link is posted to the District's website, www.utsd.org. Mr. Ravel stated the PER is a comprehensive Project planning document and is a supplement to the site location application that was submitted to the CDPHE.

Mr. Ravel then presented a slide show to the Board with the following topics of discussion: Review of PER, review of EA, recommendations, and next steps.

Mr. Ravel reviewed with the Board the following sections from the PER: Service area definition, existing treatment and collection system, alternatives for the proposed treatment and collection system improvements, implementation plan and schedule, consolidation analysis, system management components, financial plan and supporting documents including geotechnical, environmental assessment, and a survey.

Mr. Ravel highlighted the assessed needs and drivers for the Project, specifically the age and limited aerobic digester and filtration capacity of the District's existing wastewater treatment facility (WWTF) and collection system. Mr. Ravel stated the WWTF is reaching its 50-year design life in 2025 and is sized for 1.5 millions of gallons per day (mgd) which requires nearly constant filter backwashing and continuous centrifuge operation during summer flow and loadings. Mr. Ravel also described additional Project drivers including upcoming changes to hydraulic limitations, impending CDPHE regulations and conditions, and preliminary effluent limits.

Mr. Ravel then identified the four liquid process treatment alternatives that were considered for the Project: Modified Ludzack-Ettinger (MLE), 4 and 5 Stage Bardenpho, Membrane Bioreactor (MBR), and Biofilm System (Integrated Fixed Film Activated Sludge (IFAS) and Moving Bed Bioreactor (MBBR)). Mr. Ravel stated MBR was the preferred and selected alternative.

Mr. Ravel presented to the Board the Environmental Assessment that was conducted by Merrick & Company and is Appendix E of the Preliminary Engineering Report. Mr. Ravel explained because the Project may utilize federal funding and be located on Bureau of Reclamation property, the District is obligated to comply with environmental assessment criteria. This criterion includes a cultural resource survey of historic properties and archaeological sites and an environmental report on land use, floodplains, wetlands, waters, air, soils, geologic resources, water, biological and cultural resources, socioeconomics and environmental justice, and transp01iation, recreation, and human health and safety.

Mr. Ravel then described the recommendations resulting from the PER and EA including the design and construction of the new WRF at the Mall Road/Highway 34 site, evaluation of long term use of existing WWTF for liquid/solids treatment, storage, maintenance, etc., replacement of the Thompson River Lift Station (name changed to Wapiti Lift Station) and Fish Creek Lift Station and associated interceptors and force main, using the MBR alternative for treatment, and funding the Project with the options of State Revolving Funds (SRF), Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and/or other grant and loan opp01iunities as well as private funding alternatives.

Mr. Ravel highlighted a Project Needs Assessment (PNA) is required by the State Revolving Funds loan program and has been submitted to the CDPHE and Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority. The PNA is not included in the PER as it was completed subsequent to the report; however, it is available for review on the District website.

Mr. Ravel noted a rate study was performed in 2020 with a financial plan to determine how much additional funding is needed to finance the new WRF and lift stations. Mr. Ravel reviewed with the Board the recommended rate per single family equivalency and percentage increase for years 2020 through 2026.

Mr. Ravel concluded his presentation by describing the next steps of awaiting approval of the Site Location Application by CDPHE, permit approvals from Larimer County and other governmental entities (Bureau of Reclamation), funding sources, completion of 60% engineering design by November 2022 and anticipation of construction beginning in Spring/Summer 2023.

Mr. Ravel answered questions of the Board throughout his presentation.

Mr. Squires asked Mr. Ravel questions pe1iaining to Estes Valley Wastewater Flow Data presented. He wondered if it was appropriate to report Estes Park Sanitation's (EPSD)'s wastewater flow with no increase when rebuilding of structures increasing load would occur over the next twenty years. Mr. Squires asked if EPSD agreed with Merrick & Company's figures for Upper Thompson Sanitation District's Project. Mr. Ravel responded stated he has not received feedback from EPSD either agreeing or disagreeing with Project figures. Mr. Ravel emphasized the Project figures were presented to EPSD approximately three months ago during a meeting of the two districts. Mr. Ravel said continued population growth and increase in flows and loading is anticipated in the next twenty years and that Merrick & Company considered flow projections of both districts in their calculations.

Mr. Ravel thanked Mr. Squires for his questions.

The Board thanked Mr. Ravel for his presentation.

At 5:00 p.m., Mr. Reed closed the Public Hearing for the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) and Lift Station Improvements Project, Preliminary Engineering Report (PER), and Environmental Assessment (EA) Review.

Update: Phase II - Design of the Water Reclamation Facility and Lift Station Improvements Project - presented 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. Ravel noted the following updates following the September 20, 2022, Regular Board Meeting:

• Fish Creek Lift Station (FCLS):
  • The site location application process design report (PDR) was approved by the North Front Range Water Quality Planning Association (NFRWQPA) and forwarded to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for approval.
  • The proposed site layout was developed further for use with the Larimer County Planning Department review and approval.
  • The water supply to the FCLS was discussed with the Town of Estes Park.
  • The FCLS site layout, footprint, and architectural feature decisions were finalized, including removal of coarse screens. The design drawings have been updated including process, structural, electrical, mechanical, and site civil.
• Wapiti Lift Station (WLS), WLS Interceptor, and WLS Force Main:
  • The site location application PDR was approved by the NFRWQPA and forwarded to the CDPHE for approval.
  • The proposed site layout was developed further for use with the Larimer County Planning Department review and approval.
  • The water supply to the WLS was discussed with the Town of Estes Park.
  • The WLS site layout, footprint, and architectural feature decisions were finalized, including removal of coarse screens. The design drawings have been updated including process, structural, electrical, mechanical, and site civil.
• Water Reclamation Facility (WRF):
  • Site Location Application The site location application is under review by the CDPHE. Additional water quality testing data including Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) testing was provided to CDPHE for review.
  • The headworks building layout was revised to provide space for the addition of coarse screens.
  • WRF Site Layout The proposed layouts were developed further for use with the Larimer County Planning review and approval.
  • The water supply to the WRF was discussed with the Town of Estes Parle
  • The WRF site layout, footprint, and architectural feature decisions were finalized, and the design drawings have been updated including process, structural, electrical, mechanical, and site civil.
• Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR):
  • A CMAR partnering session will be held with Garney Construction on November 7, 2022. GBSM will facilitate the partnering session.
  • Garney is preparing a 45% opinion of probable construction cost for use with developing the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP).
• Specifications and Drawings for Construction - Technical specifications (equipment, trenching, structural, mechanical, electrical, etc.) and drawings will be developed further as the project proceeds.
• United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR):
  • Additional geotechnical borings were collected on USBR property (FCLS, WLS, WLS Interceptor, and WLS Force Main).
  • Additional environmental assessment information was collected for the FCLS and WLS force main alignment.
• Western Area Power Authority (W AP A) Coordination continues with W APA regarding the status of the power line removal project. The power lines are planned for removal by December 31, 2023.
• Town of Estes Park - Coordination is underway with the Town regarding the water main extension along Highway 34. The WLS and FCLS will require new water services to replace the existing water services.
• Larimer County:
  • A Location and Extents (L&E) application was submitted to Larimer County following a review meeting.
  • Coordination is underway with Larimer County to confirm Planning Department submittal requirements for the FCLS, WLS, and WRF.

• Financial Planning:

  • The tentative schedule for a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan application is January 2023.
  • A letter of interest was submitted to the EPA for the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) on September 6, 2022, to initiate the WIFIA process. WIFIA anticipates a 90-day review period.

  The Board thanked Mr. Ravel for the Project update.

  Consideration of Increasing UTSD's 2023 System Development Fee -presented by Ms. Jurgens:

  Ms. Jurgens presented to the Board consideration of increasing the District's 2023 system development fee.

  Ms. Jurgens noted District staff is seeking the Board's formal approval of the increased fee so that it may be applied in development of the 2023 budget.

  Ms. Jurgens referenced the board packet and stated it includes several documents for the Board to review which are the same documents included in the September 20, 2022, board packet:

  • Board Resolutions increasing the system development fees in April 2020, and again in January 2022,
  • Mr. Ravel's email dated August 14, 2022, with excerpts from the Engineering News-Record's Construction Cost Index (February 2021 and February 2022) and showing calculations used to determine the recommended increase of the 2023 system development fee,
  • and a spreadsheet indicating the 2023 proposed system development fee calculated using Single Family Equivalent units.

Ms. Jurgens restated these documents were provided to remind the Board of their action in 2020 and 2021 adjusting the system development fee to reflect the District's costs to pay for growth related capital expansion of the wastewater collection, conveyance, and treatment facilities.

Ms. Jurgens emphasized it is imperative the District ensures the system development fee accurately reflects the cost to provide recovery of capital investment attributed to the wastewater treatment facility and collection system.

Ms. Jurgens added the system development fee is reviewed periodically by the District and is subject to change as the Board determines the need to support the District's infrastructure.

Ms. Jurgens highlighted paragraphs in the "Adoption Methodology for Subsequent Fiscal Years" that were in the two resolutions provided.

Ms. Jurgens referenced Mr. Ravel's email dated August 14, 2022, that provides the calculations and the basis for adjusting the District's current System Development Fee in 2023 to $11,382, up $882 from the current fee of $10,500. Ms. Jurgens explained this calculation uses the Engineering News Record's data which follows the methodology outlined in the resolutions. Ms. Jurgens stated District staff recommends rounding the 2023 proposed system development fee to $11,400.

Ms. Jurgens said the increase in construction costs is familiar knowledge to the Board as the District has worked toward development of the Water Reclamation Facility Project and understands the current economic climate.

Ms. Jurgens stated in the board packet for the Board's review is a spreadsheet prepared by Customer Accounts Manager, Sheryl Panzer, which illustrates the 2023 proposed system development fee calculated using single family equivalent units.

Ms. Jurgens explained the Board of Directors has technically approved, by resolution, the ability to administratively increase fees year to year based on the cost-of-living increase methodology indicated in the 2020 rate study which was accepted by the Board that year. Therefore, approval to increase the system development fee for 2023 would require a simple vote of approval by the Board and not a Resolution.

Ms. Jurgens relayed District staff recommends the 2023 proposed system development fee effective date be January 2, 2023.

Ms. Jurgens noted the Board's consideration of increasing the 2023 system development fee has been advertised, as statutorily required (30 days prior to the Board's fixing the rate).

Ms. Jurgens informed the Board that prior to this meeting, the District has not received comment regarding this matter from the public.

Ms. Jurgens then welcomed questions from the public and invited the Board's discussion regarding the proposed system development fee for the year 2023.

The Board thanked Ms. Jurgen's for her presentation and discussed the proposal of increasing the system development fees for the 2023 year.

Mr. Squires commented that the increase in the system development fee is warranted.

Ms. Jurgens thanked Mr. Squires for his comment.

It was moved by Ms. Doylen and seconded by Mr. Bosch to approve increasing the 2023 system development fee to $11,400, effective January 2, 2023. Motion carried unanimously.

Discussion of 2023 Proposed Budget:

Ms. Jurgens explained this item was included on the Agenda to provide opportunity to the Board of Directors, staff, and public to offer comment on or inquire about the proposed 2023 budget.

Ms. Moore informed the Board that prior to this meeting, the District has not received public comment pertaining to the proposed 2023 budget.

Ms. Jurgens emphasized the budget will be further refined for presentation at the Public Hearing on the 2023 proposed budget scheduled during the Regular Board Meeting on Tuesday, November 15, 2022.

Mr. Bieker referenced the "Budget Notes" included in the proposed 2023 budget stating this page details the explanations for calculated figures and increases.

Mr. Bieker then read the following comment provided by Mr. Squires: "As a customer of UTSD for the last 12 years, this is the clearest presentation of a budget that has come before the public in all that time. I commend the staff for the clarity and organization of the document and express my appreciation for the effort. Very well done!"

Mr. Bieker and the Board thanked Mr. Squires for his comment.

At 5:22 p.m., Mr. Squires 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.

Adding to the Treasurer's Repo1i, Ms. Moore asked the Board for approval to remit payment to Merrick & Company for two invoices received by the District: Invoice Number 217267 in the amount of $254,117.24 and Invoice Number 217964 in the amount of $262,684.86. Invoice Number 217267 is for work performed on the Water Reclamation Facility and Lift Station Improvements Project from July 30, 2022, through August 26, 2022. Invoice Number 217964 is for work performed on the Project from August 27, 2022, through September 30, 2022. Ms. Moore stated she has prepared a check for each payment, and they are ready for signatures at this meeting.

It was moved by Ms. Doylen and seconded by Mr. Bosch to approve payment to Merrick & Company for Invoice Number 217267 in the amount of $254,117.24. Motion carried unanimously.

It was moved by Mr. Bosch and seconded by Ms. Doylen to approve payment to Merrick & Company for Invoice Number 217964 in the amount of $262,684.86. Motion carried unanimously.

Adding to the Operations Manager's Repo1i, Mr. Allen reported that a District customer has expressed interest in potentially attending a future board meeting regarding the grease interceptor pumping and monitoring process.

Mr. Allen and Mr. Romig then informed the Board the collection department responded to a call from the YMCA utility department for assistance on the morning of October 17th with a sanitary sewer overflow. Mr. Allen explained the blockage was not in a sewer line owned by the District, but in a private service line owned by the YMCA. Mr. Allen stated the collection crew was successful in clearing the blockage and there was minimal impact to the area.

Mr. Bieker said per the intergovernmental agreement, a fee will be billed to the YMCA from UTSD for the time spent jetting and cleaning. The Board suggested the invoice include items which UTSD is not charging. The Board thanked the collection department for their assistance.

Mr. Allen then expressed his appreciation to the Board, management, Mr. Newhouse, Mr. Romig and the plant and collection crews for their excellent work and supp01i of operations.

Adding to the Assistant District Manager's Report, Ms. Jurgens repo1ied Mr. Peter Manly, former owner of the information technology (IT) company, Akamai Systems Consulting, Inc., has offered to assist the District in their request for proposal process in formally selecting a replacement IT firm. Ms. Jurgens explained Mr. Manly sold his company to Beyond IT Support, LLC, who is currently the District's IT Consultant, and she anticipates that Beyond IT Support, LLC will participate in the proposal process.

Mr. Bieker then reported to the Board that aeration basin, number four, at the WWTF, is in need of solids removal. Mr. Bieker stated Mr. Newhouse obtained a quote from McDonald Farms in the amount of $135,000 to vacuum the solids out of this aeration basin. Mr. Bieker said he has requested other quotes for comparison. Mr. Bieker added this is not a budgeted item in 2022. Mr. Bieker stated he has also sought quotes for the membrane diffusers so they may be replaced in aeration basin number four.

Mr. Bieker noted the 2023 proposed budget includes vacuuming grit from one of the three aeration basins and one of the two digesters, along with the replacement of the membrane diffusors.

Mr. Bieker reiterated the removal and disposal of solids in the identified aeration basin is critical to complete before year end for proper treatment operations.

Mr. Bieker emphasized the aeration basins may be repurposed in the future as emergency storage.

Ms. Jurgens asked the Board for approval to use capital contingency funds from the 2022 budget for the solids removal process and to replace the membrane diffusors for aeration basin number four, for up to $200,000, as the total cost is not finalized at this time.

It was moved by Ms. Doylen and seconded by Mr. Bosch to approve use of 2022 budgeted capital contingency funds from Account 7062 - Capital Contingency, for the amount needed, to pay for cleaning out aeration basin number four. Motion carried by vote of three to one, Directors Reed, Doylen, and Bosch voted in favor and Mr. Duell voted against the Motion. Mr. Duell stated he would like to see another quote.

The Board asked questions of the staff regarding the departmental reports.

The Board did not have corrections to the departmental reports.

The Board thanked District staff for preparing the reports.

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

Ms. Jurgens then thanked Mr. Darmafall for his attendance of the meeting.

At 6:15 p.m., Mr. Darmafall excused himself from the remainder of the meeting.

At 6:15 p.m. the Board took a twenty-four-minute recess.

Executive Session

At 6:39 p.m., it was moved by Ms. Doylen and seconded by Mr. Duell 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 negotiations, developing strategy for negotiations, and instructing negotiators related to the site location of the Fish Creek Lift Station." Motion carried unanimously.

The Executive Session was attended by Directors Reed, Doylen, Bosch, and Duell; Mr. Bieker; Ms. Jurgens; Ms. Moore; Mr. Allen; and Mr. Ravel, and Ms. Sednek.

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 7:51 p.m.

Return to Regular Session

At 7:51 p.m., the Board returned to regular session.

Adjournment

Having no further business, at 7:52 p.m. it was moved by Ms. Doylen and seconded by Mr. Bosch to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously.