Ivan D. Thomas

The Regular Board Meeting focused primarily on the award of bids for several major procurements. Key discussions included the proposed award of water treatment chemical bids for the 2026 calendar year, resulting in unanimous approval to award contracts to the lowest responsible bidders despite some price increases. The Board also approved the purchase of a new stream and current monitor (SCM) to replace an aging unit, opting for the Chemtrac HA2-DT4 model to ensure near-instantaneous readings and improved process control. Furthermore, the Board accepted the lowest bid of $999,752.00 from SLE, Inc. for the FY 2025 water main replacement bundle, and awarded the Pony Creek discharge line tunnel project to Papaya Contracting, LLC for $157,362.00 after a review of qualifications. Updates were provided on the HVAC replacement at the Water Treatment Plant and the outreach plan for the FY25-26 Water Rate Analysis.

The Board meeting included an update on the High-level Reservoir roof replacement project, which was successfully completed on schedule and within budget. The replacement covered approximately 10,000 square feet, utilizing galvanized steel trusses. The Board also discussed the results of the FY2025 Water Rates & System Development Charges (SDC) analysis. Following deliberation on balancing financial sustainability with affordability, the Board unanimously adopted Rate Design Option 5B, which features gradual and predictable increases. The Board directed the General Manager to proceed with implementation planning. Updates were also provided regarding the scheduled HVAC replacement for the Water Treatment Plant. The session concluded with an executive session to discuss potential litigation.

The Budget Committee meeting of the Coos Bay-North Bend Water Board covered several key areas, including a review of the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26. Discussions included budget projections, a proposed 8% water rate adjustment to address labor costs, inflationary increases, and capital project funding. Long-range planning, early results from a water rate study, operations and maintenance expenses, current and anticipated debt, and the capital improvement program were also reviewed. The committee also discussed the Water System Master Plan, which estimates a total capital need of approximately $122.8 million over the next 20 years, and a cost-of-service analysis to examine how water rates are distributed among different customer classes. The meeting also included updates on the Source of Supply budget and operations, power and pumping optimization, treatment plant operations, field customer services, customer service and data processing, distribution and transmission, administrative and general sections, fixed assets, and engineering section.

The Coos Bay-North Bend Water Board convened to discuss several key issues. A presentation was given by the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI) regarding a right-of-way request across watershed property, which was later denied. The board approved Task Order No. 34 with Dyer Partnership for engineering services related to installing fall-protection davit arm systems at the Pony Creek Water Treatment Plant. They also approved the purchase of a 72" Scag Turf Tiger II zero-turn mower from Horner's Inc. Additionally, the board discussed the FY2025 Water Rates & System Development Charges (SDC) analysis results and received updates on the High-level Roof Replacement, the new Ford Explorer, and the 11th Court Water main Replacement.

The meeting included a presentation of the FY2025 financial audit findings by Clear Trail CPAs, which issued an unmodified opinion. A corrective action plan was presented to address a dating error identified in the audit. FCS Consulting Group presented an analysis of water rates and system development charges, outlining several rate structure scenarios. Updates were provided on the meter change out/AMR installation project and the Brights Mill Pump Station improvements. The design phase of the tunnel repair project has been completed.