Jenny Gutierrez

The board discussed a funding shortfall for the Veterans Park Memorial project and considered potential solutions. Approval was granted to submit grant applications for water infrastructure improvements and digital meter purchases through the Texas Water Development Board and the Bureau of Reclamation. The board also approved updates to the Drought Contingency Plan, Conservation Plan, and the Risk and Resiliency Plan. Additionally, the board approved a financial audit, received progress reports on district projects, and reviewed financial and operational metrics, including water loss rates, revenue performance, and equipment maintenance status.

The board discussed and authorized payment for the 2023 treated effluent water discharge fee to El Paso County Water and Improvement District Number One. The board also authorized the submission of an application for a possible flyover at the upcoming Veterans Day celebration. Additionally, the board received updates from their engineer regarding ongoing projects, specifically the installation of a 280,000-gallon water tank and the construction of a new lift station, including discussions on land acquisition requirements and regulatory compliance with Texas Department of Transportation and other agencies.

The board meeting focused on several key items including the approval of a change in personnel policy regarding a holiday, an update from legal counsel regarding the district's authority to access public and private property, and public comments addressing district financial matters, termination of staff, and challenges related to installation of equipment at customer properties.

The Board of Directors will convene to consider approving a grant application for the United States Bureau of Reclamation WaterSMART Small Scale Water Efficiency Projects Program, involving a potential federal fund request of $50,000 with a matching non-federal cost share for various water system improvements. Additionally, the Board will discuss updating pricing for sewer line jetting services and establishing revised tampering fees for contractors and commercial entities, receive reports from the Finance Manager, General Manager, Kemp Smith, and CDM Smith, and address scheduling for a future meeting. An executive session may be held to deliberate on attorney consultation, real property, personnel matters, security devices, or cybersecurity.

The board held a public hearing regarding the 2024 tax rate. It was noted that the tax rate has consistently decreased since 2019, with the current rate set at 0.133970. The board confirmed that no vote was to be taken during this session, with further discussion and public comments scheduled for the next meeting. The board also addressed public comment procedures.