Dan Ruby

Key discussions during the meeting included public comments regarding a past termination, approval of the agenda which included adding 'Inactive Accounts', and approval of the previous meeting minutes. Financially, the board directed the General Manager to post a public notice soliciting RFQs for legal representation and approved the financial report. Old business focused on the Water Cents program, where questions regarding potential refunds, billing credits, and usage of leftover funds were formulated to be sent to the Attorney General for an opinion, potentially before the June 2, 2026 annual meeting. The Bylaw Committee update involved requesting Vogel Law to draft bylaw amendments reflecting changes in ND Century Code. Other topics included a discussion of three options for bringing more water to the Rice Lake area, system monitoring improvements, and a request to identify the amount of glue pipe owned by the district. New business involved reviewing NDRIF insurance options, requesting legal counsel to update easement language and provide an opinion on rights over existing pipes, and discussing base rates, reconnect fees, and hookup rates for inactive accounts. The General Manager reported on domestic water production and a recent leak.

The meeting agenda was amended to include Ward County Planning discussions. Key financial reports were approved. Old business included tabling the Water Cents program to present options to the Attorney General regarding member refunds or fund use, and stressing the importance of System Monitoring Improvements through the purchase of additional meters to track water loss. Ward County Planning discussed draft zoning ordinance wording impacting lots under two acres requiring public water service. In new business, the Board decided to maintain water rights for a proposed Berthold Subdivision while allowing the developer to connect to the City of Minot's water supply for fire suppression needs, with subsequent rate negotiations. Dates for the 2026 Annual Meeting were set, and directors were encouraged to attend the ND Rural Water Expo & Conference. The General Manager reported on domestic water production and noted no main breaks.

The meeting agenda was amended to move an item regarding marking paint on a driveway to immediately follow the approval of minutes, and to add an update on the By-Laws Committee to old business. Discussions included handling a complaint from residents concerning damage to concrete from paint removal during an 811 locate, with a consensus to reevaluate the condition in the spring. The financial report was approved, showing significant cash on hand, and loan debt repayment options were noted for future discussion. Old business covered an update on the By-Laws Committee formation, approval of an amended separation agreement for a former employee, and a request for ideas on allocating Water Cents program funds. Budget amendments included an increase to O&M sewer funds and a decrease to a USDA loan payment. New business focused on board transparency and approval of new language for the employee handbook regarding sick and vacation leave accrual. Updates were given on an engineering pay request and project status for Mountrail Phase III and Rice Lake improvements. The General Manager reported on domestic water production, preventative maintenance completed on the water treatment plant (including cleaning the aerator and clearing sludge buildup), and a recent water break repair.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. The agenda was amended to include a discussion regarding marking paint on a driveway. The board discussed the damage to concrete panels caused by marking paint removal, with a decision to reevaluate and take action in the spring. The financials were approved, with a discussion on cash reserves, including designated accounts and checking/savings. The use of Riverdale 91-01 & 91-03 funds to pay down loan debt was also discussed, with recommendations to be provided at a future board meeting.

The board convened for a meeting that included an executive session regarding employment contract negotiations and negotiation strategies. Discussions involved the Rice Lake Subdivision, with a request for cost estimates on comprehensive solutions, and a review of water usage for Marsha & Michael Rott, resulting in a credit issuance. The financial report was presented and approved, along with a decision to invest water cents into a 12-month CD. The 2026 budget was approved. A bylaws committee was formed to review potential changes, and system monitoring improvements were discussed. Updates were provided on the Mountrail PH III project, including change orders and pay requests. The General Manager's report included a review of water production numbers and explanations of breaks and leaks.