Anne Harry

The board discussed multiple administrative and operational topics. Key items included the procurement of easements for 450 Reno Avenue, the proposed location for a backup generator on Elk Point Country Club property, and ongoing coordination with the Elk Point Country Club Board regarding their water system. The treasurer reported on interactions with the USDA-Rural Development regarding necessary easements and filing financial disclosures. Legal updates included an increase in counsel hourly rates and the recording of easement agreements. The board also addressed website transparency requirements by planning for the redaction and posting of financials. Engineering discussions centered on the lift station #2 easement, the status of an NDOT encroachment permit, and the strategy for obtaining a US Forest Service Special Use Permit for a flow meter to proceed with bid documents.

The Board meeting involved several key actions and discussions. The Board established a protocol for evaluating potential additional dwelling units on user property, referencing NRS 318.203 and an adopted EPSD Ordinance. The Board unanimously approved the Amended and Restated Agreement with Douglas County Lake Tahoe Sewer Authority, deciding to postpone flow capacity adjustments until actual flow numbers are available. Approval was also granted for the revised Grant of Easement for 450 Reno Avenue. Discussions included coordination with the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) regarding flow meter installation and power source. Updates were provided on concerns raised by the Elk Point Country Club Board regarding the potential establishment of a General Improvement District (GID), specifically concerning eligibility for board service, voting rights, and funding eligibility. The Board also addressed a recent unauthorized sewer connection at 450 Center Street. Furthermore, legal counsel will contact Wavedance Legal Counsel to resolve outstanding issues, and financial reports will be posted separately on the EPSD website.

The meeting focused on several operational and contractual matters. The Board discussed and voted against posting the Emergency Response Plan (ERP) and the Operations and Maintenance Manual (O & M) online, noting that the O & M responsibility currently lies with the Douglas County Sewer Authority (DCLTSA) until the new system is installed. Approval of the final draft DCLTSA-EPSD restated agreement was tabled pending review by EPSD legal counsel of recommendations from the USDA's legal counsel. Easement approvals included accepting a notarized agreement with Charles Hall and approving a revised easement agreement for Elk Point Country Club (EPCC). The Chairman reported that 90% drawings are complete and the engineer is obtaining necessary permits from TRPA, NDEP, and Douglas County. The Treasurer reported on unpaid user accounts and successfully motioned to send reminder emails to delinquent users. The Accountant will update the operating budget due to construction delays until 2026, and the USDA accepted an annual compilation instead of a full audit for 2025. A significant discussion involved reducing the Dwelling Units (DUs) at 414 Bitlers Road from seven to three following an inspection which concluded four cabins did not qualify as DUs under the service ordinance.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and a Petition & Resolution for Exemption Fiscal Year 26-27, noting that an audit is unnecessary due to spending levels being below $300K. The Board approved the Annual Compilation Report & Financial Statements for the fiscal year ending 06-30-2024 and discussed access to the General Ledger, invoices, and monthly Profit & Loss Reports. The Board tabled establishing a protocol for evaluating Dwelling Units on user property and tabling the approval of an Amended and Restated Agreement with Douglas County Lake Tahoe Sewer Authority, pending attorney review. Easement details were addressed for properties at 450 Reno Avenue and 452 Reno Avenue, while the easement at 402 Elks Avenue was deemed no longer needed, with a flow meter relocation planned. The easement agreement with Elk Point Country Club was accepted. The Treasurer reported on user fee increase concerns, leading to a discussion on adding a mail delivery reminder and an online bill payment option, and the Board voted to waive a late fee for one user. The status of engineering plans, which are 90% complete pending easements, was updated.

The Board of Trustees discussed the Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) Draft concerning the required replacement of antiquated lift stations (Lift Station #1 and #2) due to aging infrastructure, lack of redundancy, and proximity to Lake Tahoe posing health risks. Alternative 2, which involves replacing the two pneumatic lift stations with conventional submersible pump stations, backup power, and a flow meter, was recommended over the 'No Action' alternative due to significant long-term benefits in health, safety, sustainability, and reduced operating/maintenance costs. Estimated construction costs for Alternative 2 are between $758,300 and $1,408,300. The Board also approved restructuring trustee positions, separating the roles of Secretary and Treasurer, and appointing new officers for those roles. Updates were provided regarding funding applications with USDA and the State Revolving Fund (SRF). A discussion was held regarding the history of sewer connection hookups for the Wavedance property.