Thomas Rotert

The board meeting was held for the purpose of electing officers for the upcoming year, resulting in the re-election of the current Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary/Treasurer. Additionally, the board approved a benefit unit application for a new RV park development.

The Board discussed a proposed RV Park development, requiring specific easements and limiting spot counts. Financial actions included the approval of monthly bills and payroll, as well as the authorization of a resolution to issue a utility system revenue note. The Board approved several benefit unit applications and transfers. Operational updates included changing authorized bank account signers, tabling an employment action, and receiving reports on the SCADA project, generator project, and water loss statistics.

The meeting featured a public comment session where a representative from Reed's Excavating Service demonstrated ongoing issues with failing polyethylene pipe material due to aging infrastructure, linking it to recurring meter leaks. Key actions included the approval of November bills and payroll amounting to $207,693.29. The Board approved several benefit unit applications and transfers, and proceeded with the revocation of one benefit unit for non-payment and the voluntary surrender of another. A motion was approved to pass a proposed $0.06 per thousand gallons rate increase to customers, contingent on Oklahoma Ordnance Works Authority approval, effective for January usage. Final pay requests and retainage releases were approved for two separate water line projects: the ARPA E 550 Rd & N 4380 Rd Water Line Project and the Inola WWTP Water Line Extension Project. A Development Agreement with Steddum RV Park for 30 lots was also approved. The Engineering Report noted that the ARPA and Inola WWTP projects are concluding, pending final inspection and SCADA equipment readiness. The Manager's Report detailed a water loss rate of 44.33% and discussed exploring quotes for replacing non-working MIUs with cellular endpoints. The Board also advised the Manager to investigate options for handling after-hours phone calls.

The key discussion point for the Special Board of Directors Meeting involved the approval of an Independent Contractor Agreement with DDW Underground & Construction, LLC/Dillon Weaver. This agreement authorizes meter reading services to be performed one time per month, commencing immediately, at a rate of $1.75 per meter, with reports to be submitted weekly under the direction of designated staff members.

The regular monthly board meeting addressed several financial and operational items. Actions included the approval of October bills and payroll, authorization for benefit unit applications and transfers, and approval to reinvest District funds with Edward Jones Company into T-Bills. The Board approved the 2026 Board Meeting Schedule and the 2026 Budget. Approval was granted for the purchase of a Bobcat mini excavator. Agreements for Environmental Services and Bond Counsel Services with The Public Finance Law Group, PLLC, were also approved. The Manager's Report noted a high water loss percentage and a payment error regarding the ARPA line extension project. The Board approved a one-time Christmas Bonus for employees and authorized the hiring of a new part-time employee, Amanda Huff. Updates were given on the auction of surplus equipment, and additional checks were approved for Kellogg Engineering.