Andrew Dirks

The board discussed several operational and administrative matters, including updates on various grants and infrastructure projects such as hydraulic modeling for the water distribution system. The meeting covered the approval of a new IT services contract with Radcomp, the review of financial reports, and decisions regarding the scheduling of upcoming budget committee meetings and a rate hearing. Additionally, the board determined the need to repost the Request for Qualifications for an Engineer of Record to solicit more proposals.

The agenda was modified to remove a fee committee item and correct a date reference. Discussions involved correcting discrepancies in previously approved minutes from March 25, July 15, and July 28, 2008. A project update for the Smith Project required correcting a typographical error in the engineering firm's name. Regarding the Pace Engineering work for the 365th and Smith Road projects, the board approved engineering services after discussing necessary revisions to drawings to meet county slope requirements and ensuring the projects would remain within budget. Concerns regarding potential archeological findings along the 365th section due to the Scenic Area Gorge Act were noted, and the board prioritized the Neilson water line installation before October 1st. The board extensively discussed replacing the outdated utility billing program, comparing Continental Utility Solutions, Inc. and RVS, agreeing to further research and continue the discussion later. A consultant discussion ensued, where the board decided to schedule Jason Green from OAWU to review operations starting in November, citing concerns about a potential conflict of interest with Paul Koch and preferring Green's technical focus over Koch's management focus initially. Monthly reports included reviewing bank statements, approving the check report, and looking into terminating the copier lease. Finally, the board authorized retaining temporary summer help, David Krewson, for up to six months, utilizing leftover budget funds to offset PERS costs. Unfinished business included planning for a computer specialist to evaluate setting up server software and establishing an off-site, encrypted backup system for utility billing data.

The budget meeting focused on several key financial and operational aspects. Discussions included setting the budgeted salary for the District Manager, revising personnel expense calculations, and addressing the elimination of pager pay in favor of overtime pay for call-outs. The committee reviewed the percentage of revenues dedicated to Personnel Services compared to historical data and national averages. There was extensive discussion regarding the future staffing model, including the need for a working manager and the capacity of the existing District Clerk and field staff to handle administrative duties and permitting. Operational discussions covered staff training, education expenses (which were subsequently increased), water loss estimates, and potential strategies for gradual water rate increases versus large, infrequent increases. Final decisions included budgeting for a step increase for each employee, increasing the Education budget to $5,000, securing matching funds for Fire Hydrants, and designating funds for potential New Equipment--Vehicle purchase, specifically a Bobcat, to assist field staff.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. A significant portion of the meeting involved an executive session regarding the employment of the District Manager. Following the executive session, the Board voted unanimously to offer the candidate $52,000 annually, along with two extra weeks for attending two national meetings, two weeks of vacation, and participation in Oregon PERS. The Board decided to re-advertise the District Manager position with a minimum wage of $40,000 and a maximum of $50,000, setting the application deadline for April 6, 2007. Changes were approved for the application, including removing the requirement for a Social Security Number and adding proof of a valid driver's license. The Board also decided to send a goodwill letter to current applicants who were not shortlisted. Finally, the Board unanimously approved an agreement with PACE Engineers to serve as the District Review Consultant (DRC).

The meeting addressed several key areas, beginning with updates on grant programs. For the System Optimization Review grant, preliminary hydraulic model results from Kennedy Jenks are expected at the next meeting, which will inform goals for future improvements. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program continues with land swap and permitting processes, and the Cultural Resources Survey is nearing completion. The Treasurer's Report for October 2025 noted a 12% year-over-year increase in water sales and a 90% reduction in overtime for callouts, though computer upgrades at the treatment plant face budget challenges related to SCADA and PLC updates. In New Business, the Fiscal Year 2024-25 audit was presented, resulting in a clean audit with remedies for two administrative notes concerning a lost timesheet and overtime miscalculation. A Professional Services Agreement with Summit Water for the Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Feasibility Study grant, totaling approximately $260,000, was approved. Periodic Financial Reports were reviewed, including a discussion regarding a long-pending insurance claim.