William Conway

The Board meeting commenced with the administration of the Oath of Office for the reappointment of Director Clint Blackhurst. Key discussions included the CEO's report highlighting participation in the Reception on the River event and receipt of Peak Performance Awards from NACWA. The Chief Legal Officer provided updates on renewable natural gas developments, potential direct potable reuse (DPR) work with Aurora Water, and legislative considerations regarding artificial intelligence (AI) bills. New Business featured resolutions recognizing employees and directors for their years of service. Furthermore, the Board authorized Work Authorization No. 3 for the North Secondary Upgrades and Intensification Project (PAR 1411) with PCL Construction, Inc., totaling $17,518,700. Agreements were also authorized for investment consulting services for the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan with CAPTRUST, actuarial services with Milliman, Inc., and financial auditing services with Baker Tilly US, LLP. Finally, amendments to several sections of the Rules and Regulations Governing Operation, Use, and Services of the System were adopted.

The Board of Directors received reports from the CEO regarding system operations, turnover rates, and upcoming tours, as well as an update from the Chief Legal Officer concerning legislative sessions and ongoing litigation. Key business actions included designating the official location for posting meeting notices, authorizing a work agreement for equipment procurement related to the Northern Treatment Plant Secondary Clarifier Mechanism Replacement Project, and approving the issuance of Sewer Improvement Bonds Series 2026A. The Board also approved an additional appropriation for the North Secondary Upgrades and Intensification Project to correct a previous error and passed a memorial resolution in honor of former Director Rob Duncanson. Additionally, the Board recognized a staff member for their transition and discussed upcoming meeting schedules.

Key activities during the meeting included the recognition of various Metro Water Recovery employee teams for their noteworthy contributions throughout 2025, including the Elevated Ops Team who achieved national champion status. Principal Engineer Mark Hofmeister was honored with the 2025 Board Chair Award for his exceptional work, notably on a cost-saving storm sewer project for the City and County of Denver. A progress report addressed potential power outages near the Robert W. Hite Treatment Facility (RWHTF) and an update on concerns regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination from the METROGRO Farm was deferred to January. New business focused heavily on financial matters, resulting in the unanimous adoption of the First Amended 2025 Annual Budget, a Supplemental Appropriation, and the rescinding of unexpended capital appropriations totaling $4,458,330.00. The Board also authorized the CEO to enter into a one-year agreement for the repair and conditioning of electric motors with Integrated Power Services.

The Executive Committee agenda included several action items. Key discussions involved adopting a resolution to designate a public place for posting meeting notices. Another action item was authorizing a Work Authorization 1 for the Northern Treatment Plant (NTP) Secondary Clarifier Mechanism Replacement Project, along with appropriating funds from the Fixed Asset Replacement Fund Capital Project Account. The committee was also set to approve the Sewer Improvement Bonds Series 2026A (Bond Resolution). Additional action items included appropriating funds to correct an error in the resolution for the North Secondary Upgrades and Intensification Project, and adopting a memorial resolution for former Director Rob Duncanson. Information items covered the Annual Charges Presentation, Annual Fixed Asset Replacement Priorities 2026-2030, 2026 Strategic Initiatives, Director Code of Conduct/Ethical Standards, Status of Capital Improvement Projects, Operational Performance Report, and Financial Reports.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the administration of the Oath of Office for newly appointed and reappointed Directors. The CEO's report highlighted a recent Gold Awards ceremony and an upcoming community volunteer day. The Chief Legal Officer provided updates on matters concerning transactions in the European natural gas market, renewable natural gas sales within the U.S., records retention progress, and legislative changes. The Compensation Committee met to review draft executive team compensation policy. New business primarily focused on financial matters for the 2026 fiscal year, including the unanimous adoption of Cost Allocation Percentages for Annual Charges for Service, an increase in the 2026 Sewer Connection Charge to $6,070 per SFRE, adoption of the 2026 Large-User Exception Capital Investment Fractions, and the establishment of the 2026 Reactivation Charge at $165 per SFRE. Finally, the Board held its annual election of officers for the 2025-2026 term.