James W. Bartels

The board meetings focused on a wide range of operational, financial, and administrative items. Key discussions included capital expenditures for water infrastructure and facility safety improvements, such as the Walnut Hill Reservoir project and Platte South water facility upgrades. Procurement activities involved contract approvals for water main installations and various information technology services. Personnel matters addressed salary increases for promotions, the ratification of new salary structures for management roles, and the approval of a multi-year Collective Bargaining Agreement. Additionally, the committee reviewed legislative reports, surplus property declarations, and audit findings.

The board meeting covered several operational and administrative topics, including a safety briefing, capital expenditure requests for water production and reservoir projects, and final contract payments for lead service line replacement. Discussions were held regarding the demolition of the Walnut Hill Reservoir to improve site safety and preserve the historic pump station. Additionally, the board ratified a two-year contract renewal for HR management software, authorized the purchase of a reach truck forklift, and reviewed plans for a new electronic benefit administration system to improve employee self-service capabilities.

The board reviewed and approved capital expenditures, including network equipment replacements, A/V upgrades, and property acquisition. Contract acceptances and final payments were authorized for various construction projects. Additionally, the board approved main extensions for new subdivisions, wage increases and salary ratifications for employees, and adopted positions on pending state legislative bills, including changes to real property transaction procedures and utility excavation definitions. A closed session was held to discuss personnel matters.

The meeting included a safety briefing detailing emergency protocols, exit routes, and severe weather shelter locations. The Board reviewed proposed capital expenditures, including the replacement of HVAC units at the Headquarters building and the construction of a new storage building at the Florence water treatment facility. System improvements discussed involved the construction of a reservoir at the 132nd Street and Harney pump station, requiring extensive rehabilitation of systems and instrumentation. Final estimates for completed projects included grading repairs, a water main extension, and a joint contract project with the City of Omaha for main replacements. The Board also addressed a change order ratification for pump engine overhauls due to the necessity of replacing engine bearings. Procurement items covered an addendum to the building cleaning contract for services at the CC2 facility, and discussion ensued regarding bid competitiveness for specialized items like fiberglass crew truck bodies and large axle trailers, noting the lowest bid selection process. Engineering updates covered one gas main extension for commercial service and one water main extension supporting residential lots. The Human Resources section provided updates on employee counts and recommended wage or salary increases for seventeen employees.

The draft Committee Meetings Agenda for the March 4, 2026, meeting covered several key areas. The Construction & Operations section included discussions on Capital Expenditures, Acceptance of Contracts and Payment of Final Estimates, a Change Order (WP2217) for pump engine overhauls, and Bids on Materials and Contracts. The Services & Extensions committee agenda included Main Extensions. The Personnel committee addressed Wage and/or Salary Increases and Ratification. The Judicial & Legislative committee planned to review the Second Legislative Report for 2026 and ratify the 2822 State Street acquisition.