Gary Eshelman

The meeting encompassed several key actions, including the acceptance of a developer-constructed water main and the adoption of a 2026 budget amendment following a public hearing. The Board approved personnel actions involving the GIS coordinator position and the hiring of a water treatment plant utility worker, as well as a resolution to revise miscellaneous fees and rates. Extensive project approvals were granted, including resolutions for the 50th Street Elevated Water Storage Tank painting, Butterfly Valve replacement, and Water Main replacement projects, all of which followed public hearings. Additionally, the Board reviewed monthly financial reports, authorized the payment of bills, and received operational updates concerning property acquisition, easement negotiations, water quality testing, legislative monitoring, and software reporting upgrades.

The board considered a request to waive the irrigation water supply connection fee for a new homeowner at 2448 SE 5th Street, following the builder's failure to pay the outstanding balance. The discussion included a review of current utility policies regarding unpaid connection fees and whether such charges should transfer to new property owners. The Customer and Community Relations Committee reported divided opinions on the matter, prompting a discussion on potential adjustments to the existing billing and collection policy.

The Board approved financing for the Hickman Feeder Main project, which entails the installation of approximately 4,700 feet of 24-inch transmission main to convey water from the Saylorville Expansion project to the core distribution network. Updates were provided regarding capacity allocation discussions, with further action anticipated at upcoming meetings. Trustees and staff were also provided with a draft of the Water Shortage Plan for review and comment, and the organization continues its efforts to engage with local and state legislators through tours and presentations.

The board meeting agenda includes a citizen forum and a financial report review. Key consent agenda items involve the approval of a water supply service agreement for Ridgeview at Fox Ridge Plat 5, the acceptance of developer-constructed water mains for Forest Place Plat 1 and High Point Plat 1, and the acceptance of permanent public easements and rights-of-way for West Grand Properties and Kwik Star #1785. The board will also consider a request regarding the waiving of an irrigation water supply connection fee, approve a professional services agreement with HR Green for high service pump replacement and variable frequency drive installation, review and pay construction and non-construction bills, and receive various progress, water quality, and check register reports.

This joint workshop between the City Council of West Des Moines and the West Des Moines Water Works Board of Trustees initiated outreach regarding critical future water needs. The discussion centered on the evaluation of future water supply options, including full regionalization via a proposed Central Iowa Waterworks, or a West Regional Plant concept. Key topics covered the history of collaboration, governance structure for regionalization (including voting representation), asset transfer details within a five-year timeframe, and how to handle future growth costs. The meeting served as an initial sharing of background information and preliminary recommendations from the Board of Trustees.