Brian Houghtaling

The meeting included a review of the 2025 budget-to-actual report, noting that revenue was higher than anticipated due to late fees and interest, while expenses were lower, mainly due to reduced repairs and maintenance. The Treasurer confirmed the district is in good financial shape entering the new year, despite a large capital improvement expense for water filter refurbishment. Operations discussions covered the departure of a staff member and the ongoing search for a part-time operations manager. Old business included deferring GIS Mapping progress until warmer months and an update on the Booster Station Pumps, which currently maintain adequate pressure. A significant issue discussed was the problematic Donala Flow Meter, with replacement costs estimated around $100,000. New business addressed customer discoloration complaints related to the newly renovated water filters performing efficiently but causing sediment return issues during backwashing. The Board approved an annual administrative resolution and established Capital Improvement Priorities for 2026, unanimously authorizing the President and Treasurer to prioritize and initiate projects within the $323,000 budget, which included the Well #1 motor replacement and plant automation updates.

The meeting covered financial reports indicating the district was slightly ahead in revenue compared to expenses at the end of 2025. Operational discussions focused on snowplowing conclusions, high effluent numbers requiring consultation with Will Parker, and the need for control upgrades at the water plant, with Mountain Peak Controls due to send updated quotes. Old business items, such as Rules and Regs Amendments and the 2026 Insurance Update, were considered for deletion. New business involved handling the Board Member Conflict of Interest disclosure, filing the 2026 Transparency Notice, and preparing a letter confirming no boundary changes. During an executive session, the board discussed and unanimously approved end-of-year bonuses, settling on $300 for each meter reader and $1500 for the operations manager.

The meeting addressed various operational and financial matters, including discussions on the 2026 budget, capital improvement priorities, and revenue forecasts. Operational updates covered issues such as recessed water valve covers, the purchase of sloped manhole risers, and the re-grading of access roads. The board also discussed lift station surge problems, potential solutions, and the possibility of acquiring flow-meters. Other topics included GIS mapping status, fiber optics installation, filter rehab status, rules and regulations amendments concerning ADUs, and updates on booster station pumps and Donala flow meter. New business included discussions on restricting ADUs, setting a rates open meeting, and addressing scammers and customer responses.

The meeting included discussions on bank accounts, budget performance, and tracking capital expenditures. Operations and management updates covered meter readings, filter rehabilitation project bids, and issues with lift station alarms and well pump operations. Old business included GIS mapping status, insurance coverage for the storage building and lift station, updates on the filter project, the generator project, schedules for hydrant flushing and sewer-line cleaning, the Core and Main Grant status, and landscaping bids. New business addressed the disclosure of board member conflicts of interest and EPA's PFAS standards and funding opportunities.

The meeting focused on cybersecurity for utility districts. An advisor from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) provided information on IT service security, online presence, web application scanning, and operator best practices. The discussion covered potential hacks from various sources, including national actors and criminal gangs, and vulnerabilities in even small districts. Topics included the security of laptop-based applications for monitoring lift stations, water treatment controls, and the transition to radio-based Neptune meters, emphasizing the importance of securing radio networks and customer data.