Kae Hoppe

Key discussions included the review and approval of the CMaR for the South Center Core Improvement project, with Minger Construction being approved as the contractor. The Trustees were updated on the Garlock Slough Lift Station improvements appraisal and provided direction on the next steps. An update on construction projects included a decision not to proceed with relocating the conference room wall in the new office. The Board reviewed five active treatment agreements and noted that several easement changes related to the South Center Core Project will be presented later. An executive session was held to discuss union negotiations, and the start time for the April 8, 2025 meeting was set for 2:00 p.m.

The meeting focused on the adoption of several resolutions. Resolution 2017-03, appointing a Paying Agent, Note Registrar, and Transfer Agent, was adopted. Resolution 2017-04, authorizing a loan agreement and the issuance of notes, was adopted. Resolution 2017-05, accepting Project 2016-02, LS 3-3 Force Main Relocation, was adopted. The Trustees decided not to allocate funds toward a settlement with United Fire regarding damages at Lot 26 West Okoboji Harbor 2nd Addition. An update on existing projects and studies was provided, and a letter regarding the termination of the bio-solids hauling agreement was reported. The financial statement was reviewed and approved, as were the bills for January 2017, including fund transfers.

The Board of Trustees held a work session focused on operations and budget review. No formal action was taken during this session.

The meeting involved reviewing an encroachment application for Lot 129 and Part of Lot 131, resulting in an agreement for a proposed retaining wall and steps, with final plans to be reviewed at a special meeting. Trustees approved capacity requests for two parcels, established an agreement revision with the City of Okoboji regarding sewer connection inspections, and approved Change Order #5 for the 140th Street Orleans Street and Utility Improvements Phase 1 amounting to $91,508.00. The consent agenda was approved, which included the previous month's financial statement, expenses, transfers between savings and checking for General and Construction funds, and partial payment applications for ongoing projects. Updates were provided on land purchase direction, the Shop, Lab, and Office Project schedule, and the Force Main Project status, noting potential contract cancellation if progress stalls. The Guaranteed Maximum Price for the South Center Core project is expected at the next meeting.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding the levy rate for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. No written or oral objections were filed, closing the public hearing. Discussions included an agreement and hold harmless document for The Shores Apartments, which required signature before approval. The Trustees reviewed the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, noting that while the total levy remains at $2.50 per $1,000 of evaluation, the split between operations and debt service will change over time. The Fiscal Year 2026 operations budget was approved. Change Order #4 for the Shop, Lab and Office Improvements project, totaling $589,714.79 and adding 124 days, was approved. The signed agreement and hold harmless for The Shores Apartments was approved. Updates were provided on the CMaR process for the South Center Core Project, the Callaghan Case, and communication with the City of Spirit Lake regarding Pointe of Pines 3rd Addition. Discussions also addressed options to improve the functionality of the new conference/board room.