Christopher Stearns

The board meeting agenda includes the review and approval of accounts payables and payroll vouchers. Discussion topics feature right-of-way issues regarding the Tanglewilde Mainline Replacement Project, adjustments to precincts and future district boundaries, and a first reading of a resolution for a contract regarding a PFAS treatment construction project. Additionally, the agenda covers a resolution for a lease agreement amendment and organizational administrative reminders.

The Commission discussed several key items, including the first reading of a resolution to revise the bylaws for the Utility Rate Advisory Committee (URAC) and an updated report on the Project Help Customer Support Program. The Board approved resolutions to implement updates to disconnection procedures and to adopt the 2nd Amended 2026 Operating Budget. Various departmental reports were presented, covering water system acquisitions, 3M settlement deposits related to PFAS contamination, new water system connections, and meter tampering issues. Additionally, the Commissioners provided updates on various partnership meetings and committee engagements.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of the agenda as amended and the subsequent approval of the amended Consent Calendar. The Consent Calendar actions involved approving prior minutes from January 27, 2026, approving vouchers dated between January 28, 2026, and February 5, 2026, and approving several resolutions pertaining to the Acquisition of the Dana Passage Water System, including the adoption of related transition rates and a DWSRF loan. Public comments focused on the Dana Passage Water System acquisition. Operational discussions covered the first reading of resolutions concerning the DWSRF Contract for the Tanglewilde-Thompson Place 600 PFAS Treatment Construction Project, an update to the District's Policies and Procedures, and revisions to the 2026 Operating Budget, including a requested allocation to the Project Help Customer Support Program. Presentations included updates on the Dana Passage Water System acquisition and potential other acquisitions, discussions on iron/manganese issues, and updates from Field Operations regarding system maintenance and generator installation. Commissioner reports covered association meetings, workshops, and legislative bill tracking.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the Consent Calendar, which included approvals for Accounts Payables dated January 14 and 21, 2026, and Payroll dated January 20, 2026. Key discussions included the 4th Quarter 2025 update to the Strategic Plan Performance Measures and Action Steps report, and a brief presentation on the 2026 health insurance premium update. Action items involved the adoption of Resolution 26-01, setting the 2026 Commission Meeting Schedule, and Resolution 26-02, standardizing provisions for new water system improvement surcharges. Presentations highlighted a positive vote for Dana Passage Water System owners to join the District, updates on various water system work including maintenance and acquisitions, and an update on the Pattison 500 water system project and the Tanglewilde 600 PFAS remediation project. Financial updates noted appreciation for prior funding for the Project Help Customer Support Program. Commissioner discussions covered recent Association meetings (WPUDA), the state's Public Works Trust Fund, and trends at the Legislative Session.

The agenda for the meeting included approval of the agenda itself and subsequent approval of the consent calendar, which covered accounts payables for February 11 and February 18, 2026, and payroll for February 20, 2026. Discussions and actions included the first reading of Resolution 26-14 concerning a revision to URAC Bylaws, a discussion regarding the Project Help Customer Support Program Report, and approval items for Resolution 26-07 (Policies and Procedures Update) and Resolution 26-09 (2nd Amended 2026 Operating Budget). The meeting also featured reports from the General Manager, Finance Director, and Commissioner topics.