David Koster

The board discussed and approved several key items, including a reappointment to the Water System Advisory Council, a pole attachment agreement with Metro Fibernet, LLC, and utility easements for the Liberty Court and Trillium Condominium associations. Additionally, the board approved contracts for the 2026 Sanitary Sewer and Manhole Condition Assessment Project, the purchase of an Electric Production telehandler, engineering services for the Lincoln Lift Station improvements, a backup generator procurement for the Water Treatment Plant, and water main lining work on 16th Street, which included a capital budget amendment. The board also declared certain materials as surplus and approved an engineering services agreement with Black & Veatch regarding performance issues with the anaerobic digester project.

The board reviewed customer satisfaction survey results for the fiscal year, accepted quarterly monitoring reports regarding insurance claims, and received an update on public funds investment strategy. Additionally, the board examined the energy risk management policy performance, received key performance indicators and financial updates for the third quarter, and convened a closed session to consult with the City Attorney regarding ongoing litigation.

The Board of Directors approved several utility easements and bills of sale for sanitary sewer and water main projects at Resthaven Maple Woods Cottages, Runway View, and HOM Flats. An amendment to the CTC Technology contract for the Holland City Fiber project was approved to extend the end date. The Board authorized a construction services contract for the 2026 Water Main Replacement Project and approved an FY 2026 capital budget amendment for transmission main inspection and pipe modifications. Additionally, the Board reviewed and approved the FY 2027 consolidated expense budget, which includes proposed rate adjustments for water and wastewater utilities.

The Board of Directors approved the replacement of a broken gas valve at the 48th Street Generating Station, necessitating a capital budget amendment. A contract amendment was authorized for transformer repairs at the Greenly Substation. The Board received a status update regarding an RFP for utility-owned solar generation and battery storage as part of an integrated resource plan. Additionally, the Board moved into a closed session to discuss legal opinions and decided to opt out of the state-run Low Income Energy Assistance Fund to administer its own program for the 2026/2027 program year.

The Board approved several key items, including lease amendments with Consumers Energy for fiber optic communication upgrades and a sewer Bill of Sale with Jubilee Ministries. Contractual approvals were granted for the James Street Substation transformer replacement, an increase to the Allied Power Group contingency fund for the Unit 7 major inspection, and the procurement of new Ultraviolet Disinfection Equipment. Additionally, the Board authorized purchase and sale agreements for a portion of the property at 4036 Hillside Trail, and received updates regarding community energy planning and customer survey initiatives.