Christine Morris

The Board Meeting addressed several significant items. Key discussions included the Leeway Engineering presentation on the Collections System Master Plan Amendment, resulting in a recommendation to proceed with Option 4A for the amendment, which involves relocating the Loma Vista Pump Station and utilizing River Crossing A. The Board also received updates from Ameresco regarding the status of the three solar array projects (Main Office, WWTP, and NTS), noting that construction for the Main Office array is complete, and solar panels for the other two have been delivered to safe harbor the federal investment tax credit. The General Manager reported on the status of the South Umpqua Trunk South Bank Repair reimbursement and updates on solar projects payment requirements to secure the ITC. Discussions also covered the Umpqua River Basin TMDL for Temperature, emergency declarations for manhole and sewer line repairs, and a report on WWTP operational metrics for November. Finally, the Accounts Payable report for December 2025 was reviewed and approved.

Key discussion topics for this meeting included the presentation of the 2023-2024 Annual Audit Report and actions related to the Budget Committee, such as the appointment of a Budget Officer and the adoption of a Budget Calendar. The General Manager's Report provided updates on various projects, including Ameresco energy services, and improvements planned for Umpqua Street, Stephen Street, a Storage Building, and Bisulfite Building SCADA systems. Budget recommendations included a proposed $2.00 per EDU rate increase for FY 2025-2026 and the recommendation to add an additional Engineering Technician II to address understaffing in the Engineering Department. Plant operations reported average BOD removal of 97% and Total Suspended Solids removal of 96% for December. Following an executive session to discuss the General Manager's evaluation, the Board approved a 3% Extended Merit Pay bonus for the General Manager and authorized the addition of a Director as an authorized bank account signatory.

The agenda for the meeting included the consideration of the August 14th Regular Board Meeting minutes and a proposal to change the work week definition to four ten-hour days, closing the office on Fridays. Key discussion points in the General Manager's Report covered updates on multiple ongoing projects, including Deer Creek Siphon Improvements, Umpqua Street Sewer Replacement, Storage Building construction, Bisulfite Building SCADA Improvements, and Roofing projects, including the approval of payment estimates for the Storage Building, Bisulfite SCADA System, and Office/Garage Reroofing. The report also detailed a request to drop the Cogeneration project from the Ameresco Clean Water State Revolving Fund list and increase funding for the WRF Solar project. Furthermore, the Board reviewed and approved Accounts Payable reports. A brief discussion was held regarding staff interest in changing the work week schedule, with staff directed to gather additional information.

The agenda for the September 8, 2023 meeting included consideration of credit card charges via Xpress Bill Pay, a letter regarding Jacobs Out of Scope/Additional Services, the General Manager's Report covering updates on several construction and study projects such as the Office Remodel, Deer Creek Trunk Rehabilitation, Biogas Feasibility Study, and RUSA WRF Waterline Project. The General Manager also requested the Board select Ameresco as the Energy Service Company (ESCO). Staff reports and financial reports, including Accounts Payable, were also scheduled for review.

The agenda for the September 10, 2025 meeting included the approval of the August 13, 2025 Board Meeting Minutes, and consideration of Resolution 25-10, which declares a 2018 Ford Edge as surplus property. Key discussion points in the General Manager's Report covered updates on multiple solar projects (Ameresco, WWTP Solar, Admin Office Solar, NTS Solar) regarding contracting, financing, and permitting status, as well as updates on various street improvement and trunk line repair projects. Furthermore, discussions addressed the Wastewater Collection System Master Plan Amendment and the Umpqua River Basin TMDL for Temperature, with public process meetings anticipated to begin in September 2025. The Plant Operations Report detailed high BOD and Total Suspended Solids removal rates for July, with a minor effluent discharge noted due to a sensor malfunction. The board also reviewed and approved Accounts Payable reports for August.