Junibert Magalona

The Board discussed and adopted an updated Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of North Bend for billing and collection services, focusing on cost-recovery and liability protections. Additionally, the Board authorized entering into a legal services agreement to participate in multi-district litigation concerning PFAS contamination in drinking water supplies. Other business included the approval of a purchase for a new rotary brush-cutter for vegetation management, a project update on the Water Transmission Main Tunnel, and a discussion regarding potential litigation during an executive session.

The board discussed and authorized several key items including the purchase of a Blue-White M3 peristaltic pump to prevent service interruptions, and approved professional services contracts with Crow/Clay & Associates for architectural design work related to a service center storage room remodel and a female breakroom/mother's room remodel. The board also authorized an amended professional services agreement with FCS Group for public outreach regarding the Water Rate Study and approved the 2025 biennial actuarial valuation and associated employer contribution rates for the defined pension plan. Additionally, the board authorized a new contract with Evolve Cyber Insurance Services LLC for data breach and cyber liability insurance. The meeting concluded with an update on the SolarBee mixer installation at Merritt Lake and an executive session regarding potential litigation.

The Board meeting primarily focused on awarding bids for essential services and capital projects. Key discussions included the proposed award of water treatment chemical bids for the 2026 calendar year, resulting in awards to multiple vendors with noted price changes, and the unanimous approval for the purchase of a new stream and current monitor (SCM) from Correct Equipment for $14,615.00 to address operational reliability and data latency issues. Furthermore, the Board accepted the lowest responsible bid of $999,752.00 from SLE, Inc. for the FY 2025 water main replacement bundle, despite the contractor being previously unknown. In a subsequent action, the Board awarded the Pony Creek discharge line tunnel project to Papaya Contracting, LLC for $157,362.00. Updates were provided regarding the operational status of the new HVAC system at the Water Treatment Plant and the proposed outreach plan for the FY25-26 Water Rate Analysis. The meeting concluded with a decision to enter executive session to discuss potential litigation.

The Regular Board Meeting focused primarily on the award of bids for several major procurements. Key discussions included the proposed award of water treatment chemical bids for the 2026 calendar year, resulting in unanimous approval to award contracts to the lowest responsible bidders despite some price increases. The Board also approved the purchase of a new stream and current monitor (SCM) to replace an aging unit, opting for the Chemtrac HA2-DT4 model to ensure near-instantaneous readings and improved process control. Furthermore, the Board accepted the lowest bid of $999,752.00 from SLE, Inc. for the FY 2025 water main replacement bundle, and awarded the Pony Creek discharge line tunnel project to Papaya Contracting, LLC for $157,362.00 after a review of qualifications. Updates were provided on the HVAC replacement at the Water Treatment Plant and the outreach plan for the FY25-26 Water Rate Analysis.

The Board meeting included an update on the High-level Reservoir roof replacement project, which was successfully completed on schedule and within budget. The replacement covered approximately 10,000 square feet, utilizing galvanized steel trusses. The Board also discussed the results of the FY2025 Water Rates & System Development Charges (SDC) analysis. Following deliberation on balancing financial sustainability with affordability, the Board unanimously adopted Rate Design Option 5B, which features gradual and predictable increases. The Board directed the General Manager to proceed with implementation planning. Updates were also provided regarding the scheduled HVAC replacement for the Water Treatment Plant. The session concluded with an executive session to discuss potential litigation.