Joseph L. Ellis

The Board addressed multiple administrative and operational items, including the cancellation of the upcoming directors election due to unopposed candidates. Financial actions included the review of the arbitrage rebate report, renewal of insurance policies, acceptance of the bookkeeper's report, and the approval of the Annual Report for continuing disclosure compliance. The Board awarded a contract for Series 2026 Unlimited Tax Bonds and adopted the associated resolution and agreements. Furthermore, the Board selected legal counsel, reviewed operation and maintenance reports for district facilities, authorized various repairs and replacements, and approved the critical load spreadsheet and a water loss audit. Additionally, the Board reviewed park maintenance reports, landscape architecture project updates, and engineering reports involving various infrastructure and construction projects, while also accepting a storm sewer easement.

The meeting agenda includes discussions on garbage and recycling services, security reports, and financial and bookkeeping matters, including bill payments and investment reviews. Key items also involve developer reimbursement reports, tax assessment and collection matters, and appraisal requests for defined areas. The board will address the operation of district facilities, including water and sewer services, an Identity Theft Prevention Program, and a Risk and Resilience Assessment. Additionally, the meeting will cover interlocal agreements, storm water and park maintenance, engineering projects, bond and surplus funds applications, capital improvement plans, and West Harris County Regional Water Authority matters.

Key discussions during the meeting included the renewal of the District's electricity contract, with the Board concurring to renew with TXU Energy. The Board approved a supplemental reimbursement report for various bond series and authorized the disbursement of bond funds. Financial matters involved accepting the bookkeeper's report, approving an Amended Exhibit A to the Depository Pledge Agreement with Central Bank, accepting disclosure statements, and approving a Resolution Authorizing Bookkeeper to Sign and Initiate Certain Disbursements. The Board authorized the update of the District website with energy usage information and accepted the tax assessor/collector's report. A resolution was passed unanimously to cast the District's votes in favor of Bill Frazier for the Board of Directors of the Harris Central Appraisal District. Operational decisions included approving the repair of booster pump no. 4 and replacement of contacts at Water Plant No. 4, approving customer appeals regarding water/sewer bills, and authorizing an adjustment for one account's water use. The Board also approved the Storm Water Management Program report and several related proposals for cleaning oil grit separators and installing signage. Park maintenance repairs, including bollard cable repair and graffiti removal, were approved. The Board authorized advertising for bids for landscape improvements at Mason Woods Sports Park and approved a pay application for Bridge Creek, Section 10 Landscape Improvements. Landscape work at Avalon at Cypress involved approving a change order deduction and approving pay estimates for various sections, including awarding a contract for Section 4 to Triple E Landscapes. Engineering matters included authorizing advertisement for bids for Grand Mason West Road improvements and approving numerous pay estimates and change orders related to water, sewer, drainage, and paving projects across several sections (e.g., Avalon at Cypress West, Grand Mason, Bridge Creek Village). The Board also reviewed a memorandum regarding reporting requirements for bonds and tax rate elections to the Comptroller.

The Board meeting addressed several operational and financial matters. Key discussions included the annual review and adoption of resolutions concerning the District's Investment Policy and the list of qualified broker/dealers. The Board reviewed reports on tax assessment, collections, and delinquent taxes, accepting the report and authorizing bill payments. Financial and bookkeeping reports were reviewed, including budget comparisons, and payments were approved. Facility operations included reporting new residential and commercial taps, reviewing customer appeals, and authorizing the termination of delinquent accounts for utility services. Several engineering matters involved awarding contracts for force main construction, road/storm sewer construction, and utility acceptance projects, along with approving various pay applications and change orders for ongoing construction. The Board also addressed landscape architect reports, approving proposals and pay estimates for park and landscape improvements. Furthermore, a Resolution Regarding Intent to Reimburse the operating fund from future bond proceeds for Lift Station No. 18 construction costs was adopted, and sanitary sewer and water meter easements were accepted.

The board convened to discuss and adopt an Amended and Restated Drought Contingency Plan, which includes provisions for implementation, enforcement, and penalties for violations. The plan addresses water supply limitations, system limitations, contamination, and outages. It establishes trigger conditions for mild, moderate, and severe drought stages, along with corresponding response measures such as voluntary water use reduction, restrictions on outdoor water usage, and potential surcharges for excessive water use. The plan also outlines procedures for public notification, emergency management, and coordination with regional water planning groups.