May 14, 2025 Minutes

The Board of Directors of the Timber Creek River Water District (TCWD), Summit County, Colorado, met via online Zoom conference on May 14th, 2025, for their regular quarterly meeting. The meeting was called to order by Mr. Drees at 5:03 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;  Jim Peif - Director; Nick Konz - Secretary; Also present: Evan Ela – District Legal Council; Scott Price – Executive Director and District Administrator; Jon Drees – Manager with Quality Water Management Inc.

DISCLOSURE OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Mr. Drees asked if there were any known conflicts of interest on the Timber Creek Water District Board. None were expressed.

CONSENT AGENDA

Mr. Drees reviewed the Consent Agenda, which included the following items:

Approval of Minutes – Regular Meeting February 12, 2025
Approval of Transaction Reports for: February, March, April

Mr. Petty made a motion to approve all items on the Consent Agenda. Mr. Nelson seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

RULES AND REGULATIONS REVIEW

Mr. Ela presented proposed changes to the rules and regulations to ensure compliance with the Town of Blue River's definitions of a bedroom and state legislation regarding tap fees and SFE (Single Family Equivalent). Key points discussed included:

Changes to definitions of bedrooms to align with the Town of Blue River.
The need for public notification when changing rates and fees, especially regarding tap fees.
Discussion on how to handle existing properties with unpermitted changes affecting their SFE.
Statutory updates that require a differential in SFE for single and multi-family homes based on an assumption from legislators that multi-family homes of an equivalent size use less water than a single-family home.
The requirement of justifying fees.

There was also discussion with regards to future homeowners paying tap fees for the additional two lots that can be built out in the district. The assumption is that the developer had already paid tap fees for three bedroom and two bathroom SFE on those lots. Homeowners will be required to pay additional tap fees for additional SFE should their homes be larger than a three bedroom two bathroom.

Mr. Ela discussed the implications of a new bill passed in Colorado that will require water districts to justify the tap fees. Mr. Ela clarified that this pricing should not be based on market prices in the area but based on a determination of costs specific to the district.

During the discussion, Mr. Nelson mentioned an agreement from the development review of the DOT Condos between the Town of Blue River and DOT Condos HOA that disallowed the water rates being raised on the condos in perpetuity. Members of the Board and Quality Water Management will do further investigation of this agreement.

Mr. Ela clarified that if there is a decision to change rates, notice needs to be given at least 30 days in advance that there will be a discussion about changing rates at the meeting. Further specifics are not required for the notice.

No decisions were made with regard to accepting recommended updates at this time. The Board will discuss further updates to the rules and regulations at the August BOD with a plan to take action on updates at the November BOD to coincide with establishing the 2026 budget.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S DISCUSSION ITEMS

Mr. Drees directed the Board’s attention to the Operations Report, noting that water usage trends showed a decrease over the last three years. Mr. Drees also reported that the water plant has been operating smoothly.

Mr. Drees shared proposals from engineering firms for a master plan, with costs ranging from $15,500 to $25,000. Mr. Petty requested that Quality Water Management report on what would be expected from the master plan and provide a recommendation of the engineering firm to go with. Mr. Drees is going to work further with the engineering firms to obtain proposals with the full desired scope to present a recommendation at the August board meeting. The Board plans to either confirm or defer the master plan project at the August board meeting.

A quote of $1,500 plus materials was presented for repainting the south wall of the pump house. Mr. Petty made a motion to approve the painting proposal. Mr. Peif seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Drees provided updates on testing for microplastics and PFAS. Mr. Drees informed the board that the initial PFAS test is scheduled to be completed at the beginning of June. Mr. Drees also provided an additional quote for microplastics testing as requested by the Board at the February BOD and recommended proceeding with Eurofins for testing. Mr. Petty made a motion to approve the Eurofins proposal for microplastics testing. Mr. Konz seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Price discussed his succession plan, indicating that Mr. Drees would take over ownership of the Quality Water Management in the coming years. Mr Price also discussed that Mr. Drees is currently tasked with managing TCWD under his supervision. Additionally, Mr. Price let the board know that Mr. Drees has completed Water Operator certification and documentation has been submitted for him to be the Operator in Responsible Charge for TCWD.

REVIEW AND ACCEPTANCE OF FOURTH QUARTER FINANCIALS

Mr. Nelson noted that interest earned in the Colo Trust savings account is not currently reflected on the balance sheet for the first quarter financials. Mr. Nelson will work with Mr. Jones to update the bank account information.

Mr. Petty made a motion to approve the financials. Mr. Peif seconded the motion. The financials were approved unanimously.

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Konz made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:02 PM. Mr. Petty seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.