Jeff Nelson

The regular board meeting commenced at 6:03 p.m. following the Pledge of Allegiance. Public comment included a resident raising concerns about communication failures and prolonged power outages on a specific street following a storm. The board committed to following up in writing. Key business included the approval of the McKenzie River Intake Pump Station RFP from Stantec Engineering, following extensive evaluation. Additionally, the board opened and subsequently closed a public hearing regarding proposed amendments to policy C, Chapter 7, Section 10, concerning customer service fees related to backflow testing, adopting the resolution for the fee increase. The meeting also included a review of the budget committee applicant process and an update from the insurance agent regarding board member protections under the Oregon Tort Claims Act and recommended insurance coverage requirements for vendors.

The meeting included public comment where representatives from the Smart Court system requested assistance from the Utility Board for participants requiring help with utility payments, emphasizing the importance of stable utilities for recovery from substance abuse and criminal charges. The board business commenced with the approval of the consent agenda, which included a discussion regarding the procurement split between two providers for distribution transformers. Subsequently, a public hearing was opened regarding proposed changes to the 2025 fee schedule for water system development charges (SDC), detailing the annual review process based on the Seattle cost of construction index and presenting options for adjustments, including maintaining the current 22% reduction or applying a 0.4% increase. The discussion also covered the historical context for setting the October 1st effective date for SDC changes.

The business agenda for this special work session includes a review of SUB Memberships/Sponsorships for 2025, a review of SUB's In Lieu of Tax Payments to the City for 2025, discussion of a proposed City Payroll Tax, and deliberation on Measure 20-373, Lane County Watersheds Bill of Rights. A check-in regarding GM Recruitment is also scheduled if time permits.

The meeting comprised a Special Work Session and a Regular Board Meeting. Discussions during the Special Work Session included a review of SUB Memberships/Sponsorships for 2025, review of SUB's In Lieu of Tax Payments to the City for 2025, the Proposed City Payroll Tax, and Measure 20-373 regarding the Lane County Watersheds Bill of Rights. The Regular Board Meeting agenda covered items such as authorizing a Legal Services Contract and appointing Legal Counsel for 2026, administrative appointments for 2026, a General Manager recruitment check-in, presentations on the BPA Transmission Account, SUB Productivity Incentive, updates on the SUB Strategic Plan for 2025 initiatives and the 2025 to 2026 crosswalk, SUB Property Strategy, and updates on Rainbow/SUB/City Urban Services Agreement, Telecommunications, and Team Springfield. The regular meeting also included time for general business updates and review of future board agenda items.

The Special Work Session agenda included a review of SUB Memberships/Sponsorships for 2025, a review of SUB's In Lieu of Tax Payments to the City for 2025, discussion on a Proposed City Payroll Tax, and an update regarding Measure 20-373, Lane County Watersheds Bill of Rights. There was also a check-in scheduled for General Manager recruitment, time permitting.