Alistair R. Boudreaux

The General Manager reported on a successful trip to Washington D.C. to lobby legislators regarding water and power issues, specifically advocating for the continuation and potential permanence of the Low-Income Water Assistance Program (LIWAP). Discussions also included lobbying for general infrastructure improvement funding and issues surrounding PFAS (forever chemicals) contamination and disposal liabilities for utilities. Good news included the inclusion of a line item in the state capital budget for utility relocation for Olssen Creek, pending gubernatorial signature. Project updates covered ongoing utility relocations (Highway 20, I-5, and West Mount Vernon pipeline projects), progress toward canceling the SRD emergency declaration upon final improvements, and the goal to start up SRD pumps on April 1st. Reservoir levels remain low due to lack of recent rainfall. The IT Director provided updates on cybersecurity improvements following penetration testing, enhanced vulnerability management using Qualys and Clarity for server and SCADA systems, and the development of IT-specific policies and standards. Significant discussion centered on the Starlink implementation for remote site communication, which has proven successful at Saratoga and Eaglemont locations. Finally, a major agenda item was the discussion of temporary water rights transfer agreements for Districts 15 and 22 due to the declared drought, with a recommendation to address this year's needs separately from potential non-drought transfers in future years, proposing a wider pumping period (May 15th to October 1st) and a $5,000 water transfer fee.

The meeting commenced with the approval of consent agenda items one through five. Key discussions in the General Manager's report included receiving an unmodified opinion and a clean audit from the state honors office, positioning the entity among the top ten performers, and noting the successful commissioning of a new transmission line after two and a half years of work. Updates were provided on the Power Care Transformer issue, detailing four scopes of work totaling over $510,000, and an action to declare the existing transformer as surplus. The HR department reported on new hires, including a CSR and a temporary records assistant, and the utilization of a temporary GIS analyst on a trial basis. A promotion to Maintenance Superintendent was also announced. The HR update covered the successful execution of a wellness and benefits fair, ongoing union bargaining discussions, and future plans for DRS representative presentations and onsite wellness checks. Under New Business, the Commission reviewed the Ninth and Highland Micro Hydro Project, seeking approval for the General Manager to sign a contingency letter for a Department of Commerce grant award, while working out ownership and partnership frameworks with the school district. The meeting concluded with discussions regarding potential delegation under RCW 42.50.110 to be addressed in an executive session.

The meeting agenda covered several operational and project updates. Key discussions included the approval of consent agenda items (with one member abstaining from approving previous minutes), updates on recently installed salmon artwork, and coordination for relocating commissioner photographs to the new building. The General Manager reported on the Executive's visit to Washington D.C. to meet with Congressional Delegation regarding operations and future planning. Community education initiatives involving tours for environmental science students and an increase in general school tour requests were noted. Engineering updates covered accomplishments like pipe installation and a disinfection study. Significant time was dedicated to the construction status of the new Administrative Building, noting conditional occupancy was received and remaining punch list items are being addressed, impacting the planned move-in date. Water treatment plant projects included updates on the W1 pump replacement, which is scheduled to go to bid soon, and the progression of the disinfection system replacement design and an emergency generator replacement project. Discussions also covered the Water System Plan, responses to Department of Health comments, obtaining concurrence from county entities, and the finalization of water rights transfers. Other operational items included updates on the tank settling issue, finalization of the water rights table approval, work on the Watershed Protection Plan, updates on water rights transfers and associated agreements with irrigators, status of badger meter installation, and planning for fish passage improvements requiring land acquisition coordination. Finally, construction projects reviewed included the Northwest Burlington pipe project paving delays, scheduling for the College Way project, planning for the Township Road pipe replacement ahead of paving by Cedar Woolly, progress on the SR2 claim settlement, and a detailed discussion on the financing and scope adjustments for the Micro Hydro Ninth and Highland project, noting funding security but complexity regarding potential tax credits.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the consent agenda items one through five. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a public hearing for the proposed 2024 budget, detailing the process from department solicitations to prioritization and forecasting of revenues and expenses. Financial discussions included a year-to-date consumption review, indicating consumption was 11% ahead of last year, and revenue forecasts projected to be about 12% ahead of the previous year. The presentation covered operating expenses, capital project forecasts—including major capital work and pipe replacement—and an analysis of key financial metrics like liquidity and debt service coverage. The meeting also provided updates on capital projects, noting the 36-inch transmission line is in service, and discussed the schedule for subsequent budget work sessions leading up to the final adoption.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance. Key discussions included the approval of consent agenda items one through four. The General Manager reported on the schedule for the 2026 budget hearing and work sessions, with the budget hearing set for October 14th and workshops following. Updates were provided on ongoing projects, including the disinfection study for the treatment plant, where 60% plans were expected soon, and the planned construction start for the W1 pumps system. Pipeline projects like Alta Vista and the Henen Road pipeline relocation project were mentioned. Operational updates detailed progress on lagoon solids removal and floor improvements, and the initiation of data entry into the new Operator 10 software, migrating from an existing SharePoint site. Furthermore, staff updates noted that performance evaluations were underway and a compensation study update was finalized to adjust salary ranges. Major maintenance activities included finishing hydrant maintenance and completing the Division Street job, while anticipating work on Victoria Street due to expected service leaks from dry weather. GIS enhancements included adding layers for leak failure types and vegetation management. Finally, progress on SCADA projects at Dukes Hill and Hoo Doll, construction of the Potlatch skid, and the state requirement to initiate a rebuilding program for system airvacs were noted. Meter change-out progress was reported, with plans to purchase an in-house large meter testing unit.