Mark Lampert

The meeting included executive sessions to receive legal advice concerning domestic and commercial well owners' rights and water court actions, as well as to discuss personnel matters regarding the Office Manager's compensation. Key agenda items involved engineering reports covering developer projects like the 7-Eleven connection and 2153 S Wabash St Fireline, and Capital Improvement Projects such as the E Evans Ct Water Main Replacement and the Syracuse/Valentia Master Meter Vault Rehabilitation. The Operations Report addressed backflow device testing compliance and the review status of plumbing permits for grease and sand/oil interceptors for several businesses. The Board also approved the 2026 board meeting schedule and reviewed construction project worksheets regarding contractor payments and budgeted amounts.

The meeting included the Operations Report, noting that backflow test reports for 2025 are currently 99% complete, and several plumbing permits remain under review by Arapahoe County. Key conveyance items discussed included the pending sewer main jetting and CCTV for Dayton Street Townhomes and expected minor repairs for Elevations at High Line East. The Board determined that civil action must be pursued against Mainline Construction for two instances of hydrant water theft. The Engineering Report covered developer projects, with comments provided for the Elcar Pickle Farm water and sewer plans, and updates on Capital Improvement Projects, including the Warren/Quebec master meter vault rehabilitation design review, pavement work approval for the E Evans Ct Water Main Replacement, and punchlist completion for the Syracuse/Valentia Master Meter Vault Rehabilitation. The Manager's report detailed construction project worksheets and revised engineering estimates. The Board unanimously voted to ratify the 2026 rates and fees for potable water, sewer usage, sewer only accounts, East Virginia Village sewer maintenance, fireline services, non-potable water usage, system development fees, and hydrant usage. The Board also scheduled a discussion for January 2026 regarding invoicing well customers and awarded the America's Water Infrastructure Act-Risk and Resilience Assessment contract to Hazen and Sawyer.

The Board unanimously approved the agenda and consent agenda. During public comment, a resident inquired about links for water conservation rebates. A budget hearing was held where the Board unanimously approved resolution 2025-1125-2, appropriating funds for 2026 general operating expenses and capital outlay, and resolution 2025-1125-1, adopting the 2026 budget. Engineering reports covered guidance for developer projects, including fireline design and easement requirements for the Eloise May Library Expansion. Capital Improvement Projects updates included progress on master meter vault rehabilitations and the completion of the E Evans Ct Water Main Replacement. The Operations Report indicated 97% completion for 2025 backflow test reports and noted that plumbing permits for several markets were still under review. The District will be pressing charges against Mainline Construction for water theft. The Board adopted the 2026 potable water rates, sewer usage rates, various fees (including fireline and system development fees), and agreed to offer payment plans to delinquent customers. Additionally, the Board agreed to refund hydrant usage fees to Incredible Edibles for overlapping billing periods.

The meeting included discussions on developer projects such as Arcadia, Quebec Way Townhomes, and Trailside Townhomes, as well as capital improvement projects like the rehabilitation of meter vaults and water main replacements. The board reviewed the engineering report, a 10-year capital improvement plan, and a rate study RFP. Updates were provided on construction projects, the upcoming election, the 2025 board meeting schedule, and investment performance. Issues related to meter reading system upgrades, Denver Water billing, backflow devices, and grease traps were addressed. The board also approved a revised purchase agreement for a property and new requirements for electronic as-built drawings.

The special meeting of the Board of Directors covered topics such as the Billing Specialist Position and the District's Service Plan. The Board directed staff to prepare the 2026 budget using the current rate methodology for 2026 without the minimum usage billing. Increases to water and sewer revenue will be based upon rate increases from Denver Water and Metro Water Recovery. Water tiered rates and sewer usage rates based on average winter water use will be go into effect in 2027. The Board directed staff to maintain its reserves because funding capital projects with reserves is much less expensive than funding projects with bonds or loans. The District does not have a mill levy.