Devin Crabtree

The meeting commenced with a call to order and the pledge of allegiance. The agenda and consent agenda were approved, followed by the first public comment period, which yielded no public input. Key discussions involved administrative requirements for board members, specifically needing to send two emails confirming approval of checks and vouchers and the cancellation of a warrant. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the process for selecting a recruiter, including reviewing four proposals and planning for potential interviews on a subsequent date, utilizing a scoring matrix as a rational basis for selection. New business included the approval of a contract for the 2026 chemical supply, favoring the incumbent vendor, Alumic, because the alternative bidder utilized a new, untested chemistry (a different formulation of polyaluminum chloride), necessitating a finding of non-responsiveness for the untested chemical.

The meeting commenced with a call to order and the pledge of allegiance, noting the use of audio-only recording technology. The agenda was approved, and the consent agenda, which included minutes from the regular meeting of August 26th, a special commission meeting on September 5th, and claims from September 9th, was approved. Public comment included a note regarding the size of road signage for the PUB. The General Manager's report detailed an upcoming legislative tour organized by Wire One on October 3rd, attendance information for which was extended to Commissioner Dashmani. The manager also announced a temporary absence due to vacation and noted an uptick in employee sickness (including one COVID case). A potential future executive session regarding geothermal leases was mentioned. Operational updates included the footing set for a new steel pole installation on the 115 line and the commencement of demolition of the radio tower at Bender Park, which AT&T had vacated. Old business involved updates on broadband and geothermal matters, and a detailed discussion concerning ongoing adjudication hearings. Key discussion points in adjudication involved the court's consideration of special rules of procedure, the need to establish processes for handling large numbers of parties (35,000) concerning motions and service of process, and the potential for dividing the main case into sub-basin proceedings, such as Virgin Creek. A commissioner raised questions regarding public access to the docket sheet for those without internet access and the proposal to split surface water and groundwater claims.

The Regular Meeting agenda for January 27, 2026, included a General Manager's Report focusing on the advertisement write-up for the GM Position and approving a press release regarding the current General Manager's retirement, with specific edits to the content recognizing his tenure. The commission was also given approval to facilitate meetings regarding water system solutions at Grandview. Old Business items included updates on Broadband, Adjudication, and Geothermal projects, with the latter setting potential joint meeting dates for the Nooksack Tribe MOU signing. New Business involved approving $20,000 in funding for the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association for habitat restoration projects, adopting Resolution 891 to approve a sole source designation for Peak Measure to provide Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories control devices for system standardization, adopting Resolution 892 to cancel a warrant issued to American Water Works Association Inc. due to duplicate payment, and adopting Resolution 893 honoring General Counsel Jon K. Sitkin upon his retirement.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda and consent agenda, including the approval of September 28th minutes and claims from October 12th, were approved. Public comment was concluded as there were no speakers. Under old business, an update on the General Manager appointment process indicated that semi-finalists were being reviewed in executive session, with potential for future public engagement meetings. The discussion then shifted to the broadband program update, highlighting concerns regarding the Port of Bellingham's implementation plan and questioning whether a comprehensive, county-wide approach was being followed. The commission members expressed the need for a formal presentation from the broadband lead regarding the PUD's role and potential scope of work, especially concerning ARPA funds available to the county. There was also a discussion about fiber availability and costs, noting that the market is currently volatile due to inflation and supply chain issues. The conversation concluded with general appreciation for the ongoing efforts regarding the broadband initiative.

The regular Public Utility District (PUD) Commission meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and agenda approval. Key discussions focused on approving the claims for the period, which included clarifications regarding a premium charge for public officials' liability protection and a charge related to the Broadband Coalition centered on libraries, which facilitates digital equity efforts. New business centered on awarding a bid for the D-station line stop and valve replacement project at the West End of Aldergrove Road. This work is necessary because the existing main ball valve cannot shut off flow 100 percent, preventing necessary upgrades to create redundant lines for the single point of connection with the BP refinery. The contract for this critical replacement was awarded to PMP Excavating for an amount not to exceed $129,610. The commission later considered and then agreed to allow a brief public comment session.