Steve Palen

The board meeting included reports from the WSP, USA representative, superintendent, executive director, insurance agency, and legal counsel. Key agenda items involved investment decisions for matured certificates of deposit, the renewal of the current Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois healthcare plan for employees, and a review of the dependent coverage contribution policy. Additionally, the board considered a resolution regarding the borrowing of vacation time against future accruals and scheduled an executive session to discuss labor relations, litigation, and personnel matters.

The Board discussed various operational and project updates, including ongoing issues with the District website and the need for legal intervention. Superintendent and Executive Director reports highlighted progress on tree clearing for bid packages, rip rap haulage delayed by weather, and various pump station project statuses. The Board addressed new business, including the execution of a work order with Vandevanter Engineering for pump station rehabilitation and a temporary license agreement with Olin/Winchester, LLC for interceptor structure improvements.

The meeting included project updates from the U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers, WSP, USA Inc., and the Executive Director. Key actions involved the approval of bills totaling $103,092.11 and the approval of the financial/balance sheet and Revenue & Expense reports. New business focused on potential actions regarding rolling maturing Certificates of Deposit (CDs) for Rand and Maintenance into new CDs with specific interest rates and durations. The Commissioners also discussed and approved the first amendment to the Operations, RAPS, and Mel Price 2026 budgets. An executive session was held to discuss an appointment, followed by a return to open session.

The meeting included a review of the Executive Director's project update. Discussions were held regarding an insurance claim check for a tractor. Financial matters included the approval of the bills totaling $20,361.56 and the passing of the Treasurer/Financial Report. Commissioners were informed about the 2026 St. Louis District Flood Preparedness Workshop. The Executive Director's report detailed numerous ongoing and completed projects, including Gravity Drains Inspections, ARPA projects, Sluice Gate Actuator Replacements, and various maintenance projects such as tree clearing and culvert replacement assessments. Coordination updates with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) were provided regarding pump station modifications and bid package progress, alongside an update on the former Wood River Power Station Demolition legal matter involving CTI Development and Commercial Liability Partners. Financial documents reviewed included various unpaid bills schedules and the balance sheet as of January 22, 2026, and the Revenue & Expense report.

The meeting agenda included receiving reports from the Superintendent/Maintenance, Executive Director, Luken Insurance Agency, and Attorney James Craney. Other planned agenda items involved the Treasurer/Financial Report and Communications. Old Business and New Business sections were marked as not applicable (n/a). The board also planned to enter an Executive Session to discuss labor relations and negotiations, pending or threatened or imminent litigation, and the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, or performance of employees.