Merlin Klotz

The Board of Directors discussed several operational and legislative updates, including drought response policies, upcoming community events like the Citizen's Academy and an Earth Day celebration, and progress on infrastructure projects such as the Reata North filter installation and the Bar CCC pumphouse rehabilitation. The Board approved the disbursement of accounts payable and adopted a resolution to update the Colorado Open Records Act policy. Additionally, the Board held initial discussions regarding a revision to the Water Resource Credit Policy and a petition for the inclusion of the Southridge Preserve property into district boundaries. An executive session was conducted to address cybersecurity matters.

The board discussed cybersecurity measures in response to recent hacking incidents and received updates on conservation rebates. Leadership reported on maintenance at the Rueter-Hess Reservoir, progress on water rights settlements for the Platte Valley Water Partnership, and operational metrics for water production and quality. The board approved modifications to the Employee Handbook and a resolution to increase the District Manager's salary. Additionally, the board reviewed proposed updates to the Colorado Open Records Act policy and held a work session to develop criteria for selling water resource credits.

The board received updates from the leadership team regarding accessory dwelling units, the Platte Valley Water Partnership, operations, and technology services. Legal counsel provided information on potential district inclusions and water facility issues, while legislative updates covered specific state bills. The board approved the disbursement of accounts payable and adopted a resolution for the inclusion of Sierra Middle School into the district boundary. A first reading was held for revisions to the employee handbook. Furthermore, a contract was awarded to EDGE Contracting, Inc. for the Bradbury Blowdown Modifications Project. The board also conducted a work session to discuss potential graywater policy frameworks and held an executive session to evaluate the district manager.

The meeting commenced with board comments, including a report on the Platte Valley Water Partnership presentation and the status of the annual audit process. Leadership comments included the introduction of the new Engineering Director, Adam Monchak. Technology Services provided updates on SharePoint implementation for records retention and a security summary covering cyber and physical threats. Key actions included the approval of Accounts Payable disbursements for January 16-31, 2026. Informational discussions covered 2025 employee retention statistics, highlighting a significant turnover increase primarily due to job opportunities and other factors, and a year-in-review for the Operations Team. The Board also discussed and received guidance on developing policies related to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) following recent state legislation, focusing on impact fees, credits, and administrative requirements. Two major approvals were granted: Amendment 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Jacobs Engineering for the Platte Valley Water Partnership Owner's Agent role, and the on-call services contract approval for Well Equipment Replacement and Rehabilitation services, awarded to Hydro Resources.

The Board meeting included discussions and actions on several items. Key topics involved the approval of minutes from the February 12, 2026 meeting and accounts payable for the first half of February 2026. The Board considered Resolution 2026-02 regarding the inclusion of the Sierra Middle School property, which involves complex water rights and credit considerations, including a cash-in-lieu payment of $330,000. The first reading of Resolution 2026-03 concerned modifications to the Employee Handbook, detailing updates based on legal changes and policy improvements, such as bereavement leave and overtime calculation. A contract approval was sought for the Bradbury Blowdown Modifications Project with EDGE Contracting, Inc. for $207,108, intended to redirect blowdown flows to the stormwater system. Additionally, the Board held a work session to discuss graywater policy in response to recent state legislation, focusing on health, maintenance, cost/benefit analysis, and water rights implications, with staff recommending prohibition.