Batina M Culver

The subcommittee meeting included a project update and discussion with MGT regarding the Executive Director's performance review process. MGT reported on interviewing Commissioners and Executive Director reports, reviewing the proposed strategic plan, and surveying comparable organizations. The subcommittee recommended a 360-degree performance review on a calendar-year basis with informal quarterly check-ins. Action items included MGT presenting a draft evaluation tool in March, drafting a memo to the full Commission regarding evaluation design and Executive Director priorities, and providing interim 2026 goals for tracking purposes.

Key discussions during the meeting included the approval of the Consent Calendar, which involved the minutes from the January 29, 2026 meeting, the Capital Fund cash statement review, and the approval of sanitary sewer extension plans for Terravessa 5th Addition, Highfield Reserve - Phase 6 (both in Fitchburg), and 4205 Portage Road (in Madison), alongside the approval of a transaction amount for Ultraviolet Lamps Purchase. A study session focused on the District strategic plan's third performance area, Public Trust, and its associated Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Reports included updates from the Executive Director Performance Review Subcommittee on the new evaluation tool, and from Legal Counsel on recent legal efforts. The Commission entered a closed session to discuss the Executive Director Performance Review before returning to open session.

The meeting commenced with a review of virtual attendance and quorum confirmation. A public appearance was made by a representative from Lakeside International Trucks, who protested the intended award of a bid for semi-tractors, asserting that only one manufacturer met the specifications and requesting that the bid award be tabled for reexamination. The Commission ultimately proceeded with the consent agenda, which included approvals for meeting minutes, operating fund matters, an expedited boundary agreement, sewer extension plans, fleet vehicle purchases, and semi-tractor and pump station screen contracts. The study session focused on the district strategic plan's performance area concerning regulatory compliance, discussing two key performance indicators (KPIs): third-party compliance validation (using the Naqua Peak Performance Award as an example) and treatment performance based on monthly operations reports. Discussions also covered which regulatory compliance aspects, such as cybersecurity and air permits, fall under this category versus other strategic plan areas.

The Finance Committee discussed follow-up items from the Executive Director's Financial Report, agreeing on a goal for 2026: the provision of quarterly financial reports and summaries to the Finance Committee, which will be developed by the Finance Manager. New business involved an update on the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) project, noting implementation has commenced and that regular status updates will be provided. The Committee also discussed the need to update the Commission Policy Book, particularly financial policies, with a potential goal to hire a consultant. Commissioner Fries agreed to provide a summary of the Committee's discussion to the full Commission to initiate awareness of the Policy Book.

The meeting commenced with administrative matters and public appearances. A representative from the City of Verona expressed concerns regarding the shut-off of effluent flow into Badger Mill Creek since August 2024, questioning the lack of prior communication. The Executive Director of KARPS also provided an update on the Badger Mill Creek Areawide Water Quality Management Plan amendment process, noting ongoing legal challenges and the complexity of the technical and political aspects. The commission approved a resolution authorizing representatives to declare official intent for reimbursement concerning federal tax law purposes, following a discussion on IRS rules for tax-exempt financing. The main technical discussion centered on an update concerning the Badger Mill Creek Water Quality Management Plan amendment approval. Staff presented analysis and modeling results regarding the impact of discontinuing the outfall 5 effluent on dissolved oxygen concentrations in the stream, noting that instream data and modeling both indicate higher dissolved oxygen levels when the district effluent is off, especially under historically low oxygen conditions observed in August.