Nathan Scown

The meeting commenced with a Work Session featuring a presentation on the Water Check 2025 report, which detailed staffing, procedures, results, and future recommendations. This was followed by a report on the conditional assessment of the Little Cottonwood Water Treatment Plant (LCWTP), outlining results, associated risk levels related to seismic design guidelines, and a projected timeline. The main Board Meeting included an update on the 2026 legislative session, highlighting potential budget reductions and discussions around water infrastructure funding mechanisms, as well as specific bills concerning wildlife areas, technology sourcing restrictions, and cybersecurity emergency response plans. Key approvals included the continued sponsorship of the Utah State University water audits program for 2026, the Purchase Contract for electric actuators for process valves and gates, approval of Ubiquiti Inc. as a sole source provider and the subsequent purchase of network equipment, and approval of a Commercial Sewer Connection Agreement with Jordan Basin Improvement District. Financial reporting and committee replacements were also addressed.

The Board meeting included discussions and actions on several items following a closed session focused on pending litigation and personnel matters. Key discussions involved the Finance Committee's recommendation to approve Resolution 1943, which amends the fiscal year 2026 budget to cover items like Little Cottonwood Creek Replacement, Managed Aquifer Recharge equipment, and O&M increases; acceptance of the August and September 2025 financial reports was also considered. The Management Advisory Committee recommended approval for updates to Metro Water's compensation pay structures, effective January 1, 2026. The Engineering Committee addressed multiple items, including the approval of Addendum No. 4 to the Cooperation Agreement with Pleasant Grove City, ratification of Change Order No. C12 for the Cottonwoods Connection project related to an unanticipated sewer line elevation change, approval for a portable office building procurement for campus improvements, and the approval of three Professional Services Agreements: for Corrosion Engineering Services with Infinity Corrosion, for Integration, Programming, and Network Communication Services with SKM Engineering (for SCADA system maintenance), and for the Finished Water Strategic Conveyance Plan with Bowen Collins & Associates. The Board also approved the minutes from the October 20, 2025 meeting, received a water supply and demand update, and approved Resolutions of Appreciation for outgoing trustees Joan Degiorgio and John H. Mabey, Jr.

The Metropolitan Water District's Environmental Mission Statement outlines a commitment to long-term, sustainable development and wise use of water, energy, and other resources. Key focus areas include Water and Energy Conservation, Water Quality Protection, Watershed Planning and Protection, Regulatory Compliance, and Environmental Compliance. The plan aims to conserve water and energy, protect water quality and watersheds, ensure regulatory and environmental compliance, provide high-quality water to customers, effectively manage valuable resources, and promote sustainable water use, with a long-term goal of achieving a 25% water use reduction by 2050.

The meeting included discussion and recommendations regarding several key agenda items. These included the approval of Addendum No. 4 to the Cooperation Agreement with Pleasant Grove City, extending trail systems on Metro Water property. Also discussed was the ratification of Change Order No. C12 to Cottonwoods Connection for sewer line relocation. The committee considered the approval of a portable office building procurement and a professional services agreement for corrosion engineering services with Infinity Corrosion. Lastly, the approval of a professional services agreement with SKM Engineering for integration, programming, and network communication services was reviewed.

The Finance Committee report includes discussion and recommendation for approval of Resolution 1943, which amends the fiscal year 2026 budget. The amendment addresses increased costs for capital projects such as the Little Cottonwood Conduit Replacement and Intake Modifications, and the Managed Aquifer Recharge Project. Additionally, it covers O&M expenses, including budgeting software, VMware software, flood repairs to the Administration building, and HVAC services for various buildings. The net increase to the adopted budget is $1,197,000.