September 17, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes

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, September 17, 2024, 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, Secretary to the Board, at gina@utsd.org by 2:00 p.m. on September 17, 2024.

Agenda

Call to Order.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call, Absences Excused.
Next Meeting Date: Regular Board Meeting, October 15, 2024.
Agenda: Correction and Approval.
Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest.
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.
Minutes: Correction and Approval: Regular Board Meeting, Tuesday, August 20, 2024.
New Business and Special Orders:
1. 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.
2. Consideration and Action: Regarding the District’s Issuance of the WRF Project Bid Package and the Status of Project Permits – facilitated by Mr. Ravel, P.E., Water/Wastewater Project Manager, Merrick & Company.
3. Rates and Fees Discussion – facilitated by Mr. Ravel, P.E., Water/Wastewater Project Manager, Merrick & Company.
4. Discussion and Consideration for Adoption: Resolution No. 2024-09-01 Approving Metered Customer Wastewater System Fee Changes and System Development Fee – presented by Ms. Jurgens.
5. Discussion and Consideration for Adoption: Resolution No. 2024-09-02 Amending Service Fees Rates and Charges to Account for Increased Operating, Maintenance, and Capital Expenses – presented by Ms. Jurgens.
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.
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: September 17, 2024, 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
Stanley Gengler, Treasurer
Kent Bosch, Assistant Treasurer/Secretary
Michael Morton, Director

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 4:28 p.m., joined the meeting via web conference call, at 5:02 p.m., arrived at the meeting in person)

Guests:
Steve Ravel, P.E., Water/Wastewater Project Manager, Merrick & Company (joined via web conference call)

Next Meeting Date

A regular meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on October 15, 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.

In attendance for the Public Forum was Mr. Frank Theis, of 685 Peak View Drive, Estes Park. Mr. Theis stated he was representing Habitat for Humanity. Mr. Theis requested the Board consider sewer fee reductions and/or partnering with the Estes Park HousingAuthority for a low-income housing development he is overseeing. Mr. Theis explained that the new development, located on Raven Avenue in Estes Park, would consist of five homes available to individuals or families with an annual income between $40,000 and $80,000. The Board thanked Mr. Theis for his request and indicated that they will, at a future date, discuss the possibility of collaborating with the Estes Park Housing Authority to support initiatives for affordable housing. Ms. Doylen remarked that affordable housing is critical for the Estes Valley community and employee retention and warrants reasonable discussion. Mr. Eshelman noted that partnering with the Estes Park Housing Authority is worth discussing and potentially pursuing. Mr. Theis thanked the Board for their initial consideration. He also highlighted the importance of the District and expressed his appreciation for the Board's efforts on behalf of the community.

At 4:24 p.m., Mr. Theis excused himself from the remainder of the meeting.

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. 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.

In attendance was Ms. Patti Brown, of 270 Cyteworth Road, Estes Park. Ms. Brown indicated she was observing the meeting on behalf of the Estes Valley Voice. Ms. Brown did not offer comment on a nonagenda item.

Approve Minutes from Prior Meeting

The Board reviewed and discussed the Minutes of the August 20, 2024, Regular Board Meeting. It was moved by Ms. Doylen and seconded by Mr. Morton to approve the Minutes of the August 20, 2024, Regular Board Meeting as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

New Business and Special Orders

Update: Phase 11- Design of the Water Reclamation Facility and Lift Station Improvements Projectpresented 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 which occurred after the August 20, 2024, Regular Board Meeting:

The process design reports (PDR) for the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF), Fish Creek Lift Station (FCLS), and Wapiti Lift Station (WLS) are under review by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The design documents will be updated based on comments received from the CDPHE. The final WRF design documents will be submitted to the CDPHE for construction approval (self-certification) following design approval.
Larimer County completed the Project review and provided approval of the WRF site drawings and supporting reports on Friday August 30, 2024.
The WRF will require a Larimer County Development Construction Permit. A request for a Development Construction Permit Review Meeting has been made to Larimer County as of September 3, 2024. Larimer County noted that the District may submit for a building permit following the issuance of the Development Construction Permit.
The US Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) is processing the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONS!) for the Project. Once complete, the Nationwide Permit applications will be made to the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) for the outfall, force main river crossing, and wetlands.
Final review of the 100% design documents (drawings and specifications) is underway. The documents will be updated as required based on comments from CDP HE, Larimer County, and the Estes Valley Fire Protection District.
Contractor prequalification submittals are under review with a shortlist recommendation expected shortly. A decision is required if the District is interested in bidding the project prior to receipt of CDPHE (design and construction), Larimer County (development and building department), and USACOE Nationwide Permits approval.

In addition to the Project update, Mr. Ravel stated that the District has received pre-qualification submissions from seven contractors for the Water Reclamation Facility segment of the Project. Mr. Ravel noted all seven contractors have demonstrated interest in the Project and are looking to incorporate it into their future schedules. Mr. Ravel noted that it would be beneficial to short-list all seven contractors and recommended the District proceed with pre-qualifying all of them.

Mr. Ravel addressed the Board's questions regarding the timeline and fees for the permitting process and plans for final review of the 100% design documents.

The Board thanked Mr. Ravel for the Project update.

Consideration and Action: Regarding the District's Issuance of the WRF Project Bid Package and the Status of Project Permits-facilitated by Mr. Ravel, P.E., Water/Wastewater Project Manager, Merrick & Company:

Mr. Ravel explained to the Board that if the District proceeds with the bidding process for the WRF segment of the Project and awards a contract, without the required Project permits in place, then the start of construction would be delayed. A contractor waiting on permits may request additional compensation for the delay. Mr. Ravel noted that negotiating change orders to compensate a contractor for a delay is not an ideal start for the Project.

Mr. Ravel summarized that although delaying the bidding process further is not preferable, moving forward with bidding without all necessary permits presents significant risks for the District. Mr. Ravel recommended the Board consider delaying the bidding of the Project pending receipt of the following:

CDPHE design and construction approval. Merrick & Company will submit for construction approval immediately upon receipt of design approval.
Larimer County Construction Development Permit and Building Department approval. The District cannot submit for the building department permit until the construction development permit has been issued. The District is waiting on Larimer County to schedule a meeting to discuss the Construction Development permit process.
US Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) final Finding of No Significant Impact (FONS!) issuance. US Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) Nationwide Permit. USACOE requires the FONS! from the USBR before they will approve the Nationwide Permits.

The Board considered postponing the Project's bidding process until all permits are secured. The Directors asked Mr. Ravel about the timeline for the bidding process and for evaluating bids from pre-qualified contractors. Mr. Ravel estimated it would take about six weeks for contractors to prepare a bid and two weeks for the District and Merrick & Company to evaluate the bids.

Mr. Gengler commented it is diligent to ensure all permits are obtained before proceeding with the bidding process. Mr. Morton mentioned that expediting the bidding process ahead of acquiring permits poses significant risks for the District.

It was moved by Ms. Doylen and seconded by Mr. Gengler to delay the District's issuance of bid packages for any segment of the Project until all the permits are secured. Motion carried unanimously.

Rates and Fees Discussion-facilitated by Mr. Ravel, P.E., Water/Wastewater Project Manager, Merrick & Company:

Ms. Jurgens informed the Board that the notice of this meeting for discussion and consideration of rates and fees was posted on the District's website and published in the Estes Park News and the Estes Park Trail Gazette on August 16, 2024. Additionally, the notice was posted at the District administration building and on the District's Transparence Notice on the Special District Association of Colorado website on August 16, 2024. AU notices regarding the Board's discussion of rates and fees were published and posted as statutorily required.

Ms. Jurgens stated that at the July 16, and August 20, 2024, board meetings Mr. Ravel presented, for the Board's consideration three rate considerations which are recommended by staff:

structural change to the basis of the metered customer rate as recommended in the 2023 rate study by Willdan Financial,
updating the system development fee to reflect the increased value and replacement cost of the District's infrastructure utilizing the equity buy in approach, as recommended in the 2014 Raftelis rate study and again recommended in the 2023 Willdan Financial rate study, and
increasing the service rate to support planned capital improvements, anticipated debt service, and ongoing maintenance and operations also recommended in the 2023 Willdan Financial rate study.

Ms. Jurgens noted that the District has previously provided the Board, for review and consideration, various spreadsheets illustrating service fee scenarios, and a WIFIA loan repayment analysis prepared by Mr. Jason Simmons of Hilltop Securities. The loan repayment analysis compares three rate increase scenarios 8.5%, 9.5%, and 10.5% and illustrates savings the District may realize (~$20-$30M) with the scenarios of 9.5% and 10.5% rate increases as compared to an 8.5% rate increase. The 9.5% and 10.5% rate increases would allow the District to pay the WIFIA loan ahead of schedule.

Ms. Jurgens stated the District has invited Mr. Ravel to facilitate further discussion of these important rate issues. Ms. Jurgens invited the Board to ask questions of Mr. Ravel and the staff and to discuss the rate issues, planned capital improvements, debt service obligations, and staff recommendations.

Ms. Jurgens reiterated the Board consider the importance of communicating the 2025 rate updates well in advance of rate implementation so customers may plan financially. Ms. Jurgens said staff's desire is to convey rate information to District customers during the last three months of 2024.

Ms. Jurgens said that following this discussion the Board is invited to consider for adoption two resolutions regarding 2025 rates and fees. If the Board determines that further discussion regarding the three rate issues would be beneficial and adoption of the resolutions at this meeting would not be prudent, the District has advertised that the Board may discuss rates and fees at the October 15, 2024, regular board meeting.

Mr. Eshelman initiated discussion regarding the structural change to the basis of the metered customer rate. Mr. Morton highlighted that the overall approach to change the fee structure for metered customers is equitable and fair.

The Board then discussed updating the system development fee (SDF) utilizing the equity buy in approach, which aptly reflects the increased value and replacement cost of the District's infrastructure. Mr. Ravel elaborated that the equity buy in approach factors the unit costs per inch foot for construction of pipe to today's dollars based on the current construction market and the increased length of pipe in the District's collection system over the past 13 years. This combination results in a system development fee calculation of approximately $18,100. Ms. Doylen remarked that the methodology of the equity buy in approach and the analysis Merrick & Company has presented is in line with actual costs to replace the District's wastewater treatment and collection system. The Board acknowledged that raising the SDF from $12,200 to $18,100 is substantial; however, the supporting documentation strongly justifies this increase for year 2025.

The Board then requested Ms. Jurgens present Resolution No. 2024-09-01 Approving Metered Customer Wastewater System Fee Changes and System Development Fee before they proceed with discussion and consideration of increasing the service rate.

Discussion and Consideration for Adoption: Resolution No. 2024-09-01 Approving Metered Customer Wastewater System Fee Changes and System Development Fee - presented by Ms. Jurgens:

Ms. Jurgens presented Board Resolution No. 2024-09-01 Approving Metered Customer Wastewater System Fee Changes and System Development Fee.

Ms. Jurgens noted that Resolution No. 2024-09-01 states the following:

On December 5, 2023, the Board of Directors adopted by resolution the 2023 Rate Study performed by Willdan Financial Services.
That resolution, Resolution No. 2023-12-01, approved 2024 rates and further permitted additional analysis of financial assumptions and the impact of changes in methodology for setting rates in future years as called out in the 2023 Rate Study.
Throughout 2024, District staff and Mr. Ravel have further evaluated the 2023 Rate Study regarding system development fees and have determined that setting fees using the Engineering News Record Construction Cost Index, as previously approved by the Board in Resolution No. 2020-03-01, is not representative of the current direct costs to upgrade and replace the District's system and the 2023 Rate Study suggests an alternative approach based on unit costs (treatment costs per gallon and pipe costs per inch foot) termed by the District as the equity buy in approach.
Using the equity buy in approach complies with the laws related to the rational nexus and reasonable proportionality for the establishment of rates and fees, and the District desires to set fees for 2025 and into the future using this approach.
The Board has considered recommendations to change the fee structure for metered customers to more equitably charge customers under the Rules and Regulations, and this approach complies with the rational nexus and is commensurate with the establishment of rates and fees, and desires to adopt changes to the metered customer fee structure.

Ms. Jurgens noted that Resolution No. 2024-09-01 resolves the following:

The Board adopts the equity buy in approach to set the system development fee in accordance with the 2023 Rate Study.
The system development fee will be set at $18,100 commencing January 1, 2025.
Metered customers will be charged a base rate of no less than one single family equivalent annually, in accordance with the District's Rules and Regulations, billed quarterly and in arrears.
Metered customers will pay an additional metered rate per 1,000 gallons above the base rate allocation, based on metered flow data greater than 14, 052 gallons per quarter, billed quarterly in arrears. Metered rates are set forth in a resolution adopted by the Board setting rates for the subsequent year.
Each metered customer account will be charged a data collection fee (formally called "access fee") per connection. The data collection fee will be assessed monthly per connection and billed quarterly. The data collection fee will be set forth in a resolution adopted by the Board setting rates for the subsequent year.
This resolution supersedes contrary provisions contained in the Rules and Regulations, which will be modified as soon as reasonably practical.
Exhibit A of the resolution is the 2023 Rate Study dated December 5, 2023, performed by Willdan Financial Services.

Ms. Jurgens then invited the Board to discuss and consider Resolution No. 2024-09-01.

After discussion, it was moved by Ms. Doylen and seconded by Mr. Morton to adopt Resolution No. 2024-09-01, Approving Metered Customer Wastewater System Fee Changes and System Development Fee, set at $18,100 for year 2025, commencing on January 1, 2025. Motion carried unanimously.

Discussion and Consideration for Adoption: Resolution No. 2024-09-02 Amending Service Fees, Rates, and Charges to Account for Increased Operating, Maintenance, and Capital Expenses - presented by Ms. Jurgens:

Ms. Jurgens presented Board Resolution No. 2024-09-02 Amending Service Fees, Rates, and Charges to Account for Increased Operating, Maintenance, and Capital Expenses.

Ms. Jurgens noted that Resolution No. 2024-09-02 states the following:

On December 5, 2023, the Board of Directors adopted, by resolution, the 2023 Rate Study performed by Willdan Financial Services.
The 2023 rate study models increasing 2025 rates 8.5% over 2024 service rates based on assumptions related to the cost of future capital project costs and operations and maintenance. The recommended rate increase considers the Water Reclamation Facility and Lift Station Improvements Project loan total estimated to be $80 million. However, the total project cost may increase, and the WRF segment of the project is scheduled to bid in late 2024 or early 2025.
The District has entered into loan agreements with EPA's Water Infrastructure and Innovation Act (WIFIA) in the approximate amount of $96 million, and with the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority (CWRPDA) in the approximate amount of $18 million to finance the water reclamation facility project and related capital expenses, which obligate the District to maintain an annual minimum debt service ratio based on receipt of adequate operating revenue, and further obligate the District to make loan repayments for 40 years.
The loan totals to pay the cost of the water reclamation facility project are greater than that anticipated in the rate study.
The Board has consulted with a financial advisor to evaluate the annual expected revenue from service charges and financial obligations, including the water reclamation facility, in an effort to determine the repayment schedule most efficient and with the highest overall cost savings to the District while maintaining ongoing operation and maintenance costs within the budget.
The Board desires to amend the Rules and Regulations for 2024 to affect the increase of the service charges itemized in Exhibit A of the resolution.
The Board has analyzed the rational nexus and reasonable proportionality of the costs of services as related to the rates sought to be established.

Ms. Jurgens noted that Resolution No. 2024-09-02 resolves the following:

Commencing January 1, 2025, in consideration of changing needs regarding the District's wastewater system, it has been determined to increase wastewater rates 10.5 % for customers as described in Exhibit A.
- Non-Metered Customer per year per SFE
- Metered Customer base rate - 1 SFE annually
- Metered Customer metered rate - per 1,000 gallons > 14,052 gallons per quarter Metered Customer data collection fee- per connection per month
- Biosolids and waste hauling charges - per 1,000 gallons
- The Rules and Regulations will be amended to include the adopted fees as called out in the resolution.

Ms. Jurgens then invited the Board to discuss and consider Resolution No. 2024-09-02.

The Board discussed the recommendation of an 8.5% minimum rate increase for 2025 in the 2023 Willdan Rate Study to support the Project debt service, increased operating and maintenance costs, and other necessary capital improvements.

Mr. Morton stated he is in favor of implementing a 10.5% rate increase, considering the difference between the 8.5% rate increase equates to customers paying a minimal $1.44 more per month; however, that increase significantly impacts the District's overall ability to repay the WIFIA loan ahead of schedule saving the District money.

Mr. Gengler stated the District does not know the exact Project cost and customer affordability should be considered when setting rates. He is in favor of an 8.5% rate increase.

Mr. Bosch commented that it is important to consider whether current customers should bear the debt or if it should be shared over time with future generations.

Ms. Doylen highlighted that the 9.5% rate scenario positions the District to realize an approximate $20 million in savings by paying the loan ahead of schedule. The 8.5% rate scenario will not support paying the loan ahead of schedule. She suggested once the cost of the Project is known, the Board can revisit the service rate.

Mr. Eshelman stated that even with a rate increase, the monthly cost of sewer service is low compared to other costs of living such as electricity and entertainment streaming services. He calculated that the 10.5% rate increase equates to approximately $17.28 more per year than the 8.5% rate increase.

The Board continued discussion and consideration of Resolution No. 2024-09-02.

Public Comment:

Ms. Rebecca Urquhart of 1955 Homestead Lane, Estes Park, commented that she understands how difficult it is for the Board to raise rates. She noted, whether action is taken now or next year, it will be painful to customers either way. With her experience in large construction projects and understanding the risks and uncertainties, she recommends proceeding with the decision to increase rates and then to reevaluate next year.

The Board thanked Ms. Urquhart for her comment.

It was moved by Mr. Morton and seconded by Mr. Bosch to adopt Resolution No. 2024-09-02, with the inclusion of a 10.5% rate increase for year 2025, Amending Service Fees, Rates, and Charges to Account for Increased Operating, Maintenance, and Capital Expenses. Motion carried with Directors Bosch, Morton, Eshelman, and Doylen in favor and Director Gengler opposed.

Ms. Jurgens thanked Mr. Ravel for facilitating the rate discussions over the past few months.

At 6:02 p.m., Ms. Brown excused herself 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 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.

Adding to the System Development Fee Allocation and Connection Report, Ms. Panzer stated the District plans to shift from quarterly to monthly billing in 2025; however, due to implementation challenges with the new billing system software, this change may not happen until April 2025. The Board thanked Ms. Ponzer for her hard work implementing the new billing system software.

Mr. Gengler thanked Ms. Moore for the financial reports and praised all departments for their expense management and budget compliance.

In addition to the Assistant District Manager's Report, Ms. Jurgens informed the Board that the District received communication from the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) regarding Project Worksheet 861 for the Fish Creek Corridor Project. Ms. Jurgens reported that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved the amount of $7,369,728.37 as eligible project costs. Ms. Jurgens noted although the project has been closed out with this final eligible amount, the remaining payment will not be released until all the large projects in the disaster declaration 4145 are closed out by FEMA. This involves a substantial number of project worksheets. Ms. Jurgens stated she has contacted the DHSEM office seeking more information but has not yet received a response. Ms. Jurgens mentioned the timeframe for the reimbursement is unknown and the remaining reimbursement is estimated to be approximately $500,000. Ms. Jurgens concluded it is reassuring that no funds were deemed ineligible.

Ms. Jurgens then proposed the Board consider officer positions at the October 15, 2024, Regular Board Meeting. Ms. Jurgens stated Mr. Bosch is currently appointed as Assistant Treasurer and Secretary and given that Mr. Bosch is expected to travel for several months early next year, appointing a second assistant secretary-treasurer would ensure business continuity during his absence.

Ms. Jurgens thanked Ms. McCracken for her efforts in support of implementing the District's new billing software alongside Ms. Ponzer.

Mr. Bieker then addressed the Board stating he is anticipating receipt of an email from Eric Adams, Director of Operations for the Estes Park School District, regarding a request for the District to contribute $15,000 toward the cost to install a new stand by generator and perform other upgrades to the Estes Park School District's fuel station. Mr. Bieker stated because the District utilizes the fuel station to fuel the vehicle fleet, he feels the request to contribute is reasonable, and all government entities who use the fuel station are sharing the cost to upgrade the system. Mr. Bieker explained this is a non-budgeted item and asked the Board for approval to use operation and maintenance contingency funds from the 2024 budget. The 2024 operation and maintenance contingency budget is $50,000 and year-to-date that account has not been expended. The Board discussed the request from Mr. Adams and the importance of resiliency during emergency situations.

It was moved by Ms. Doylen and seconded by Mr. Bosch to approve use of 2024 budgeted contingency funds from Account 6040 - operation and maintenance contingency, in the amount of $15,000, to contribute to the cost of installing a new generator for the Estes Park School District's fuel station. Motion carried unanimously.

It was moved by Ms. Doylen and seconded by Mr. Gengler 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 6:36 p.m. it was moved by Mr. Bosch and seconded by Mr. Gengler to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously.