James Woodruff

The board received training on deciphering financial data and reports, followed by a presentation regarding the ongoing drought and Great Salt Lake water levels. Key departmental reports were discussed, covering legislative tracking, communications and public outreach efforts, public works construction projects, sewer maintenance, and administrative customer service initiatives. The board reviewed the financial status, including budget performance and cash reserves, and ratified the check register. Several staff and trustee training requests for upcoming conferences were approved, and the purchase of commercial water meters was authorized to achieve long-term cost savings. Additionally, the board reviewed the 10-year capital facilities plan and adopted new administrative policies regarding water efficiency standards and enforcement.

The meeting included the administration of the oath of office for newly elected and re-elected Board Trustees. Key discussions covered the District's involvement with the Utah Legislative Session and strategic planning for legislative affairs. Reports reviewed included the General Manager's highlights, Communications/Public Outreach summary, and updates on infrastructure projects such as the 5400 South Waterline Replacement Phase II Project and the 2026 KID Water Supply and Resiliency Project. The Operations & Maintenance Report noted staff exam successes. The Board ratified the November 2025 Check Register and approved several high-value purchases, including an excavator, a front-end loader, and two Ram chassis trucks. Officers were elected and appointed, and the 2025 financial audit was scheduled with Hansen, Bradshaw, Malmrose and Erickson (HBME). The Board adopted a new Privacy Policy to comply with state law and reviewed the 2025 Year in Review and 2026 Goals. A contract was authorized for Bowen Collins and Associates to update the Water Master Plan, Impact Fee Facilities Plan, and Impact Fee Analysis, and a separate contract was approved for the Sewer Master Plan, IFFP, and IFA updates. The Board concluded by entering a closed session to discuss the General Manager's evaluation, resulting in salary increases (3% COLA and 2% merit) and changes to the car allowance benefit structure.

The meeting included a step-by-step training session for Trustees on internal payables processing, focusing on fraud elimination procedures. Key discussions covered the General Manager's report, including the delay in the Division of Drinking Water fee implementation, and the Communications and Marketing report which highlighted strong engagement on the District's Facebook page and outreach for the Annual Art Contest. The Public Works, Operations & Maintenance, and Administrative Reports were reviewed, with the latter featuring feedback from customers and a preview of new bill formats. Financially, the October 2025 Check Register was ratified. The Board approved the release of 5% retainage ($159,982.37) for the 5400 South Water Line Replacement Project, and approved two bond releases for the Sky Ranch (Boulder) Single Family Phase II and Phase III Subdivisions. Resolution 2025-12-01, approving the 2026 Budget and associated fee increases, was adopted despite concerns raised regarding late payment penalties. Finally, the Board declared specified equipment, including a 2006 LinkBelt excavator and a 2009 Komatsu front-end loader, as surplus for disposal, along with three surplus Ram trucks. A contract was conditionally awarded to Spade Excavating, Inc. for the FY24 Water Supply Repair and Resiliency Project.

The Board of Trustees meeting agenda included administering the Oath of Office for newly elected members. Key business discussions covered Board Snippet Training on Legislative Affairs & District Involvement, review and discussion of reports from the General Manager, Public Works, Operations & Maintenance, Administrative, and Financial departments, and consideration of the Check Register and training requests. New business items included the election and appointment of District Officers, confirming and scheduling the 2025 audit, review and signing of Conflict-of-Interest and Ethical Behavior policies, and consideration of proposals from Bowen Collins and Associates to update the Water Master Plan and Sewer Master Plan, including associated Impact Fee Analyses. The Board also planned to discuss and consider the Title 1 Chapter 7 Administrative Policies and Procedures regarding the Privacy Policy, and review the General Manager's 2025 'A Year in Review' and 2026 Goals. Outside agency business involved various water, conservancy, and community organizations. The session concluded with a possible closed meeting for the Evaluation of the General Manager.

This plan provides guidance for the Kearns Improvement District to meet future water demands, addressing increasing population and the challenges of developing new culinary groundwater sources. Key strategies include reliance on purchased water from the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District, existing deep wells, and the potential development of a secondary water system to reduce culinary water demand by utilizing lower quality groundwater and other alternative sources. The plan anticipates sufficient water for the foreseeable future through a combination of these sources, while emphasizing continuous monitoring and development of cost-effective solutions.