Dana Franzen

The Special Meeting included New Business items such as considering a Supplemental Water Service Request from Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District for a new fire station, which resulted in a directive to draft the agreement for water service. The Board held a Public Hearing and continued the discussion regarding the 2026 proposed rates and the 2026 Proposed Budget, ultimately adopting Resolution No. 25-04 approving fees, rates, and charges for domestic water and sanitary sewer for 2026, and Resolution No. 25-05 adopting the 2026 Budget. Additionally, the Board approved the 2026 Management Contract with Chilcott Ditch Company. The Financial Report for October 2025 was accepted, noting that water sales revenue was below target but expenses were in line with revenue. Updates were provided on collaborative organizations, operations, engineering projects (including Well 12 R and South Tank Recoating), and subdivision status (Northbay, Monument Ridge East, Placer Replat B, and Tri-Lakes Fire Station 3). The Board entered Executive Session to discuss legal strategy regarding potential agreements with Loop Water Authority and Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, and concluded by agreeing to the annual employee recognition tradition.

The meeting included new business concerning the adoption of Resolution No. 26-01, the Annual Administrative Matters Resolution, and authorization for the District Manager to dispose of district office equipment, used well drop pipe, and brass meter bodies throughout 2026. In old business, the Board delegated authority to the District Manager to sign Highway 105 Phase B Easement Agreements as they are presented. The financial report for November 2025 indicated revenues exceeding expenses by $550,000. Manager's report updates covered the IPR study timeline, Loop Water Authority progress, maintenance issues including seven water leaks and root removal from a sewer line, and project statuses such as well drilling completion, South Tank recoating, and infrastructure approval for Placer Replat B. The Attorney's Report involved introducing a potential replacement attorney, followed by a vote to authorize the President to sign the engagement letter. The Board concluded with an executive session to discuss real property interests, negotiation strategy, and legal advice related to agreements with El Paso County and Monument Fire.

The special meeting addressed several key agenda items under New Business. The Board considered and unanimously approved awarding a construction contract for the Main Lift Station Elimination Project to Native Sun Construction for $338,405.70, plus a contingency. A presentation was given regarding proposed rate increases for water, sewer, and various fees. A public hearing was opened and conducted regarding the proposed 2026 budget, which included changes marked in red ink from the previous draft. The Financial Report for September 2025 was accepted, noting a correction in liability related to employee benefits. Updates were provided on the Joint Use Committee, Chilcott Ditch/The Ranch operations closing for the season, and the Manager's report, which covered topics like the IPR study wrapping up, the reservoir expansion project kickoff, implementation of TextMyGov, water and sewer loss reports, and the status of various District construction and development projects. The Attorney announced her impending retirement after 26 years of service.

Key discussions included the presentation of the first draft of the proposed 2026 Budget, scheduling the Budget Workshop for October 23, 2025, and scheduling the Budget Hearing and Rates Hearing for November 17, 2025. The Board also considered and approved rescheduling the November and December Board meetings. The financial report for August 2025 was accepted, requiring a correcting journal entry for the Employee 457 Plan Payable. Updates were provided on the Joint Use Committee, Chilcott Ditch / The Ranch operations (expected to wind down by end of October), and various construction and development projects, including Wells 12/12R, South Tank Addition completion, 2025 Saddle Replacement progress (65% complete), and slow progress on the Midtown at Monument Junction development due to interest rates. Water loss for September was noted as a remarkable 3%. The Board later entered an Executive Session to discuss negotiation strategy related to potential agreements with Loop Water Authority, Tallgrass Colorado Municipal Water, LLC, and Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure.

The meeting addressed new business concerning Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU's), where the Board decided on policies regarding separate billing (not allowed), volume tiers (no change), and fees (no additional Renewable Water Investment Fee or sewer fees). Primary water lines for ADU connections must be upgraded to a one-inch line at the owner's expense. The financial report for July 2025 noted that water use fees were under budget due to wet weather. During public discussion, the President indicated a preference against using volumetrics (AWC) for billing, unlike the Donala Water and Sanitation District. The Joint Use Committee presented the first draft of the 2026 budget, and the September meeting date was moved. Operations updates covered increased flows into Monument Creek Exchange due to wet August weather and a saddle failure on Chisholm Trail. Construction updates included drilling completion for Well 12 and scheduled work on tank recoating and saddle replacement. The Board decided to remain with Xpress Bill Pay for online bill pay services. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session to discuss positions related to negotiations and to receive legal advice concerning potential agreements with the Loop Water Authority and Tallgrass Colorado Municipal Water, LLC.