Kham Keobounnam

The regular board meeting involved several key actions and discussions. The agenda was approved, followed by the approval of the Consent Agenda, which included Gross Payroll and Accounts Paid for January 2026, and the Cash & Investment Ending Balances Report. Key agenda items included the approval of a contract for utility bill printing with Bend Mailing Services, LLC, not to exceed $85,000 per year. The Board also approved the selection of Baker Tilly for audit services for fiscal years ending 2026 through 2030. Furthermore, a Professional Services Contract was awarded to Carollo Engineers, Inc. for Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Improvements Planning, not to exceed $1,351,357, covering up to 30% engineering design. A construction contract was awarded to Western United Civil Group, LLC for the High Lift Pump Station Pump 5 project, not to exceed $102,000. The meeting also included the quarterly financial report presentation (2nd Quarter FY 2026) and updates on CIP projects. Commissioner French was re-elected as the Special Districts representative. Commissioner reports covered activities from other utility/water boards.

The session consisted of a Special Meeting and a Work Session. The Special Meeting addressed the consideration of approving an increase to the Not To Exceed amount for established CRW On-Call Construction Contracts, specifically raising the NTE limit to $200,000 each for several contractors. The Work Session included an initial discussion on future water rates, providing an overview of rate history since 2017 and modeling scenarios, with a detailed session planned for March. Updates were provided on the status of the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, noting obstacles such as Covid and staff turnover, and progress on the General Manager recruitment process. Commissioner communications covered future topics including the orphaned reservoir site and the future of the CRW Admin building. The General Manager also reported on the progress of the I-205 project and initial discussions regarding WTP improvements partnering.

The Board Work Session was scheduled to provide historical context and an update on the current rate-setting process, with a follow-up meeting planned for March to review future rate options. The discussion addressed the necessity for future rate increases starting September 1, 2026, to fund ongoing capital needs beyond what rates alone cover, address inflationary impacts on operating costs, and support infrastructure maintenance, improvement, and expansion. Other agenda items included consideration for an increase to the Not to Exceed Amount of established CRW on-call construction contracts, an update on the CRW Strategic Plan progress, and updates regarding the General Manager recruitment and current status.

The session commenced with a Work Session focused on Hiring Procedures, Standards, Criteria, and Policy Directives for the recruitment of a new General Manager, during which the Board reviewed and provided edits on the draft job profile. The Regular Meeting included an audit presentation, after which the Board acknowledged receipt of the 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. The Consent Agenda covered gross payroll and accounts paid for December 2025, cash and investment balances, and the declaration of surplus property disposal. Key agenda items addressed the approval to increase the contract not-to-exceed amount with Vanderhouwen for temporary staffing, approval for an amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Consor North America for the I-205 Crossings/82nd Drive Waterline, Phase 2 Project, and approval for the purchase of a new John Deere Compact Excavator. Finally, the Board adopted the Standards and Criteria for the General Manager Position and adopted Resolution 07-2026 detailing the hiring procedures for the new General Manager.

The meeting included a Work Session and a Regular Meeting, both addressing public comment protocols. Key discussion points included the adoption of hiring procedures, standards, criteria, and policy directives for the recruitment of a new General Manager. The Regular Meeting agenda featured an Audit Presentation by Baker Tilly for FY 2025 and several consent agenda items regarding Gross Payroll and Accounts Paid for December 2025, and Cash & Investment Ending Balances Report. Other agenda items considered for action included the declaration of surplus property (vehicles and equipment), approval of a contract for utility bill printing, an increase to the not-to-exceed amount for a contract with Vanderhouwen, approval of a professional services agreement amendment for the I-205 Crossings/82nd Dr WL phase 2 project, and the purchase of a new compact excavator.