Deborah L. Van Meter

Key discussions during the meeting included a disclosure regarding a marketing services proposal for the Branding Room. An executive session hearing was held concerning Jacob Smith, with no decision made pending a future meeting. The Board approved the Accounts Payable Voucher Ledger, Refund Vouchers, and Payroll Vouchers. The CEO/Deputy CEO report detailed the successful Fall Reverse Auction for chemicals, noting cost increases compared to 2024 but savings compared to 2023. Discussions also covered community outreach services, tailoring GIS mapping, and site visits for the Water Treatment Plant Expansion project. The Board awarded the chemical bids for Liquid Aluminum Sulfate and Zinc Orthophosphate. Approval was granted for a proposal from The Branding Room to update the website for marketing and payments. Bids were received for the 36" Valve Replacements and turned over to staff for recommendation. An update on the Rimbach building indicated readiness for furniture installation soon, aiming for early December occupancy. The Filtration Superintendent reported receiving the 2025 Best Tasting Water in Indiana award and noted operational updates regarding motor repairs and meter pit cable installation.

The Board of Directors meeting addressed several administrative and operational matters. Key discussions included the approval of Accounts Payable Voucher Ledgers, Refund Vouchers, and Payroll Vouchers. The Board approved the miscellaneous reports, which included operating fund claims totaling $141,319.89 and depreciation claims totaling $105,621.09, alongside a report on filtration plant overtime. Furthermore, the Board approved additions to Fixed Assets and the 2026 Salary Schedule. The CEO/Deputy CEO reported on significant infrastructure repairs following a 16-inch main failure and sewer collapse on Columbia Avenue, noting that service restoration was completed and road plate installation was pending. The Board also granted approval to write off bad debt for Ford Heights spanning the years 2013, 2014, and 2015, totaling $184,433.41. The Distribution Superintendent submitted a monthly report detailing resolved service line issues, main repairs, and meter exchanges.

Key discussions during the meeting included the approval of Accounts Payable, Refund, and Payroll Vouchers, as well as miscellaneous reports. The Board acknowledged the Filtration Plant staff for winning the best tasting water competition in Fort Wayne, qualifying them to represent Indiana in Washington D.C. The Board approved the 2025 write-offs for Water, Refuse, and Sanitary accounts, and the Treasurer raised concerns regarding the write-off process for uncollectible Ford Heights balances. Approvals were granted for the Dream Builders Proposal regarding Access Control. An administrative action was approved concerning formal charges and a hearing date for Mr. Jacob Smith, contingent on his documentation submission. Updates were provided on the repair of the front gate, which was damaged during a police chase, and the status of furniture installation at the Rimbach building. The Distribution Superintendent's report detailed resolved service line issues, hydrant replacements, valve maintenance, meter exchanges, and updates on the Hohman Ave. Water Main project.

Key discussions during the meeting included the approval of the Accounts Payable Voucher Ledger, Refund Vouchers, and Payroll Vouchers. Miscellaneous reports were approved, along with details on Board Meeting Claims for the Operating Fund and Depreciation Fund, and a report showing 88 hours of overtime at the Filtration Plant for specified dates. The CEO/Deputy CEO reported 7 water main breaks for the season and mentioned upcoming meetings with Clark Dietz and United Engineering to discuss potential projects at the plant. An internal workshop was held to discuss changes in the Rules and Regulations book aimed at increasing HWW revenue. The Board President also noted the cancellation of the scheduled retreat for the following week.

The Board President called the meeting to order after confirming no conflicts of interest existed. The primary discussion focused on disciplinary action involving an employee, Jacob Smith. The Board Attorney presented findings confirming that Mr. Smith had signed for the reporting policy but failed to notify supervisors regarding an arrest determined by the Lake County Courts to classify him as a dangerous person on 9/23/2025. Mr. Smith also admitted to prior termination from the Sportsplex for selling drugs to an employee using stolen funds. Based on these findings, the Board unanimously adopted the findings and terminated Mr. Smith for cause, effective immediately. No new or unfinished business was presented, and the meeting was adjourned.