Joe Clark

The meeting included the approval of maintenance and overhaul quotes for multiple water wells and the IRP pump. The Board took action to terminate the employment of the Interim Administrator. Further items included the approval of health, dental, vision, and life insurance renewals, the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, and the authorization of new staff hires for the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, the Board approved a manual adjustment to the water billing rate for the Northern Lights Condominium HOA.

The Commission meeting focused on organizational transitions, including administrator hiring and office staff training. Discussions covered the review and approval of the fiscal year budget, health insurance renewal options for staff, and quotes for pump repairs and well rehabilitation. Additionally, the Commission discussed operational reports concerning water distribution system maintenance and facility improvements.

The Board discussed and approved the Administrator Employment Agreement for the new candidate. The Board reviewed the fiscal year 2027 budget, noting necessary corrections to be made before future approval. Additionally, the Board addressed the retirement announcement of a senior operator, including plans for an exit interview and a transition strategy. Commissioners also raised questions regarding the status of various consulting and project contracts and emphasized the need for consistent website updates for meeting materials.

The agenda covered various items including routine financial reviews such as Bills & Review of Invoices for September and related revenue/expense statements. New business involved a motion to approve a Generator Rental Invoice from Total Energy Systems, LLC for $11,916.85 related to a prior WWTP generator failure, a request for an update on Surge Protector status at LS6, discussion on disposing of old vehicle fleet assets, designation of Kaz Bajc as the primary SRF loan contact, tabling a decision on the Lift Station 8 stabilization proposal, reviewing a request for sewer capacity transfer from the City of Douglas to Saugatuck Township (55,000 gpd), and discussion regarding the Administrator Hiring Process framework.

The Special Commission Meeting agenda included a public comment period, a review of consent agendas which covered bills, invoices, and reports for December and January, and correspondence. New business items focused on the administrator hiring update and contract authorization, a budget review, and an update regarding Kaz's retirement. The Commission Meeting on December 15th included entering a closed session to review confidential communications and applicant information, approving the consent agenda (with edits to the December 3rd minutes), discussing retirement funds, reviewing engineering standards, and inviting candidates for administrator interviews. A subsequent Special Public Meeting on December 18th involved interviewing two administrator candidates and conditionally offering the position to Robert Miller, contingent on a background check and negotiation. The January 21st Special Public Meeting addressed the City of Saugatuck sewer capacity purchase, which resulted in a motion to indefinitely postpone action and a subsequent motion to decline consent for the sale and direct the Manager to draft a response letter conveying this decision. This meeting also included postponing action on the FY27 Budget and Health Insurance Renewal, and tabling approval of the compensation package for the administrator candidate, as well as adopting new By-laws.