Wade E. Hathhorn

The Board of Directors meeting addressed several key administrative and operational items. Key discussions included the approval of the agenda and the appointment of officers, noting that the Chair role rotates to the City of Gladstone representative for the 2025/26 fiscal year, and the election of the Vice Chair. The Board adopted a new Paid Leave Oregon Policy and authorized offering the Oregon Savings Growth Plan (OSGP) to employees. Financial reports were reviewed, along with operations reports highlighting concerns regarding low river flows and intake clogging due to unusual algae growth. A key action taken under the Local Contract Review Board session was the adoption of a resolution authorizing the use of a Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) form of delivery for water treatment plant improvements. General Manager Hathhorn announced his resignation, effective December 31, 2025.

The January 28, 2026 Regular Board Meeting agenda included several key items. The Consent Agenda involved adopting the 20-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and addressing minutes from the December 18, 2025 meeting. Discussion items focused on appointing the Budget Officer and adopting the calendar for the FY2026-27 Budget process, receiving the FY2024-25 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Auditor's Letter, considering Resolution 2026-01 regarding trail-use immunity, and preparing for a System Development Charge update. The meeting also featured staff reports covering management, engineering, construction, operations, and finances. During the Executive Session, powers of the General Manager were transferred to Jamey Pietzold effective January 1, 2026, and the employment agreement with Pietzold was authorized for execution. The prior General Manager, Wade Hathhorn, was acknowledged for his service.

The regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners included a discussion of the Clackamas River Water (CRW) Treatment Plant Improvements. CRW presented their Water Supply Plan and Improvement Plan, noting limitations in current capacity and the need for significant repairs, including addressing turbidity and potential cyanotoxins. A potential partnership involving shared ownership or financing with Sunrise Water Authority and the NCCWC for these improvements was discussed, focusing on economies of scale and reliability. The board reached a consensus to continue pursuing this partnership. Additionally, an updated draft of the 20-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) was distributed, totaling approximately $96 million, with major components including reservoir construction and participation in CRW plant rehabilitation. Staff reports covered the change of the December meeting date, confirmation of insurance discounts following a survey completion, progress on establishing a partnership with the Oregon Energy Fund, and a request for approval of a one-time additional paid day off for staff. Following executive session regarding real property transactions, the board authorized the General Manager to execute a lease agreement with Day Wireless.

The meeting included the administration of the oath of office to Commissioner Wayne Barstow. A public hearing was held for the second reading of Ordinance 2018-01, which was subsequently adopted. Discussion items covered the Financial Statements for August 2018, including the inclusion of the Audit Engagement letter and follow-up on a transaction detail. A policy on Repayment and Collection of Incorrect Bills was discussed, focusing on collection/repayment timelines and the inclusion of an appeals process. The Board also reviewed plans for the upcoming Customer Satisfaction Survey, noting changes in focus areas and the potential use of incentives. Staff reports updated the Board on the Reservoir 11 project, performance guarantee status with the City, and lower peak water demand despite heat waves. Operational reports included discussions on unaccounted for water. The Board addressed the Board Calendar, liaison reports, and concluded with an executive session regarding real property transactions, which resulted in the authorization for the General Manager to purchase specified property.

The agenda for the regular meeting included the administration of Oaths of Office for newly appointed commissioners, followed by public comment. Consent agenda items involved the approval of waterline easements and acceptance of water mains and related facilities for Scouters Mountain Apartments South and Good Shepherd Village, as well as approval of the previous month's minutes. Discussion items focused on the Election of Officers for the fiscal year 2023-24 and setting Liaison Assignments. Staff reports covered updates on new facility construction progress, workforce issues, streamflow conditions due to early flow recession, engineering reports detailing numerous proposed and active subdivisions, and financial statements for June 2023. The Board also convened the Local Contract Review Board to award the construction contract for the High Ridge Court/Dogwood Lane waterline replacement and extension project, and planned for an Executive Session to discuss the CEO's performance, real property negotiations, and exempt records.