Heath Henderson

The board recognized a staff member for five years of service. The meeting agenda included ratifying payments, adopting a resolution for property annexation, and authorizing agreements for the Ridgefield Sewer Redirection Project and the Wallace Heights Septic Elimination Program. Board members reviewed various department reports, including updates on public education and outreach contracts, developer reimbursement agreements, surplus property disposal, and sewer assessment methods. Additionally, the board confirmed the current year's delegations.

The Board meeting included the introduction of a new Maintenance Specialist and the authorization of a reimbursement agreement with Clark Public Utilities for a water transmission project. The Board adopted new policies regarding credit card usage, reimbursable travel and training expenses, and business meals and expenses. Reports were provided on the District's website summary, the employee reward and recognition program, emergency declaration authority, and future vehicle procurement plans.

Key topics for discussion included special presentations recognizing a staff member's 10 years of service and introducing new personnel. The Consent Agenda involved ratifying previous payments and considering several resolutions. These resolutions included adopting a new Code Section regarding the declaration of emergency situations, thereby repealing the former Chapter 2.36, and authorizing the General Manager to purchase a 2026 Ford F-250 flatbed truck for the Salmon Creek Treatment Plant not to exceed $67,156.07. A public hearing was scheduled for the Ramble Creek Phase 1C & 7A Latecomer Reimbursement item.

Key discussions included special presentations recognizing an employee for 5 years of service and introducing a new Account Specialist. The Consent Agenda involved ratifying previous payments, approving two professional services contracts (one with JLA Public Involvement, Inc., and a Sewer Extension Participation Agreement for Ridgefield Farms subdivision), declaring surplus equipment for public auction, and scheduling a public hearing for the Ramble Creek Phase 1C and 7A Latecomer Reimbursement. In reports, the General Manager reviewed his activities, including an Opinion Editorial submitted to The Columbian regarding public works funding. The Board also approved closing all District offices early on March 11, 2026, to allow staff to attend the Annual Business Meeting. The Collection Infrastructure Director provided updates on several capital projects, including the NW/NE 99th Street Water Transmission Main and pavement reimbursement for the Wallace Heights project. The Finance Director presented draft agenda bills for adopting new policies regarding credit cards, travel/training expenses, and business meals/expenses; the Board concurred with these and also allowed credit card payments for commercial accounts, requiring them to cover transaction fees. New business focused on awarding construction agreements: the Permanent Generators Pump Station Improvements Project was awarded to Vertex Contracting, LLC for $250,597.03, and the Oro-Vega & Plantation Pump Station Replacement Projects were awarded to Tapani, Inc. for $1,350,825.00.

The key discussions during the regular meeting included an initial review of the 2026 General Manager/Organization Goals, for which no policy-level comments were received from the Board. A significant topic was the timing for decommissioning the Ridgefield Treatment Plant, where the Board confirmed interest in pursuing an accelerated decommissioning path. Additionally, a status report on the current 2026 legislative session, including a review of CFM's Legislative Update, was provided by the General Manager.