The Board of Directors of the Timber Creek River Water District (TCWD), Summit County, Colorado, met via online Zoom conference on March 13th, 2024, for their regular quarterly meeting. The meeting was called to order by Executive Director Scott Price at 5:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
The following members of the Board of Directors were present, constituting a quorum: Mark Petty – President; Larry Nelson – Vice President & Treasurer; Nick Konz – Director; Also present: Michele Tonti – Water District Consultant; Eric Hann – Water District Consultant; Jim Peif - Interested volunteer to serve on the Board; Scott Price – Executive Director and District Administrator.
Mr. Petty stated that he had reached out to the constituents of the District for anyone qualified and interested in serving on the Board. Mr. Peif had responded, so Mr. Petty invited him to join this meeting to see how the Board operates. Then if he is still interested, the members could appoint him to the Board at the May meeting. Mr. Petty also explained that Kristin Ward would no longer be serving as Secretary of the Board.
DISCLOSURE OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Mr. Price asked everyone if there were any known conflicts of interest on the Timber Creek Water District Board. Mr. Price acknowledged that none were expressed.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Price reviewed the four items on the Consent Agenda and asked if anyone had any questions or comments. Mr. Petty made a motion to approve all items on the Consent Agenda. Mr. Nelson seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
ELECT BOARD SECRETARY
Mr. Price asked Mr. Konz if he would be interested in serving as the Secretary of the Board. Mr. Konz expressed that he was willing to accept the role. Mr. Petty made a motion to approve all items on the Consent Agenda. Mr. Nelson seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Price congratulated Mr. Konz on the position.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S DISCUSSION ITEMS
Mr. Price reviewed the Operations Report and explained how water diversions are reported to the Department of Natural Resources. He reviewed the water production data and stated that it was normal, so he concluded that there were no leaks or surprises. Mr. Peif asked questions and there was a discussion about leaks or toilets stuck open and the excessive costs of installing a metering system for the customers. Mr. Price answered some questions about how water districts function. He also stated that TCWD does not experience a huge amount of irrigation and increased usage in the summer.
Mr. Price gave a summary of the improvements made such as replacing old piping, pumps, and valves in the Water Plant. He provided a review of the excessive air in Mr. Petty’s house, and he indicated that the air relief valves are the original and are starting to fail. He gave a summary of the generator leakage and the $5,000 repair to replace the water pump on the engine. He offered to give the members a tour of the Water Plant to show the generator and other components of the system. Some members indicated that they would like a tour.
Mr. Price explained the need to replace some of the old components of the disinfection system. He described the rudimentary chlorine drip system, the solution tank, the Stenner pump, the clear well and the process of control by the SCADA system.
There was some discussion about the upcoming Sanitary Survey and the violations from the previous two surveys. Mr. Price committed to be better prepared for this one. He explained that his team will research all needed information and gather the required documentation for the state representatives. He introduced Jon Drees as a key member of the Quality Water Management team. Jon is in charge of the project preparation. He did not attend this meeting because he was in a car wreck recently. It is expected that he will be attending the May meeting.
Mr. Price explained the original Lead and Copper Rule and the history of Flint, Michigan. He stated that a few years ago he had conducted testing in TCWD of some plumbing materials and found no lead. There have been no detections above the maximum contaminant level as directed by the EPA. The new Lead and Copper Rule Revisions will require the District to create an inventory of the service lines into the customer’s residence. He stated that his team will attend training and get guidance from the state for creating the inventory and submitting to the proper authorities.
A discussion ensued regarding Mr. Price providing the Board members with a tour of the Water Plant. A date was scheduled for everyone interested.
Mr. Price provided an update regarding the website. He described the transfer to the Colorado government platform that will be free of charge. The technology will be compliant with the new state law that requires all Districts’ websites adhere to accessibility guidelines.
REVIEW AND APPROVE FOURTH QUARTER FINANCIALS
Mr. Price guided the board in reviewing the fourth quarter financial reports. He answered questions about the payoff of the bond and the miscellaneous income showing on the P&L. Mr. Petty believes there will be a small amount of tap fees this year, but much less than 2023. Mr. Price pointed out that the District was 30% over budget for income and at budget for expenses. Comments were made that the District’s reserves are recovering.
Mr. Konz asked about the additional charge for short term rentals and if the District has a basis for that charge. Mr. Price answered that without meters for customers usage is not charged, but there is a correlation to water consumption in residences that are frequently hosting guests. Mr. Petty spoke with the Upper Blue Sanitation about that issue, and their analysis concluded that more usage occurs for STR than other homes because rentals contain higher levels of occupancy.
Mr. Petty made a motion to approve the financials. Mr. Nelson seconded the motion. It passed unanimously.
ADDITIONAL BOARD & ADVISOR DISCUSSION
Mr. Petty offered to host a Board member social gathering at his house. He asked if the Board members could agree to the meetings scheduled for 2024. All members agreed that they could attend May 8th, August 14th, and November 13th.
Mr. Peif confirmed that he was interested in volunteering to serve, and he would attend the May meeting. Mr. Petty stated that the attorneys will confirm that he is an eligible elector prior to the meeting.
The Board discussed the District’s water rights. Mr. Petty made a motion for Mr. Price to explore the amount of rights versus the actual usage, and whether there are excess rights that can be monetized. Mr. Nelson seconded the motion. It passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Petty made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:15pm. Mr. Konz seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.