Highland Pines Domestic Water Improvement District

The board meeting addressed the potential connection to 723 N Valley View Dr and the review of a related proposal from Dr. Leo. Discussions focused on whether to proceed with using Valley View Drive or accepting the Leo's offer, including the associated costs for landscaping. The Board ultimately moved to continue with the Valley View path, with the provision to revisit the Leo's offer if the project becomes too expensive or unfeasible. Following the decision, the Board Chair planned to contact the relevant party to coordinate the temporary relocation of a PEX line to facilitate ongoing construction at the Leo property.

The meeting involved rearranging the agenda to accommodate a Board Member's early departure. Key discussions included potential action regarding a water meter repair expense charged to a customer following a contractor error, and an update on the Lower Tank Project progress, including clearing debris. The Board approved the Bookkeeper's Report and associated checks, noting an additional check to correct a bank processing error. Board positions were addressed with unanimous votes confirming the Chair, Vice Chair, Clerk, and Treasurer. Significant discussion and subsequent Executive Session focused on a potential connection to 723 N Valley View Dr, specifically reviewing two letters from the property owner's attorney regarding easement use or a quit claim deed/quiet title lawsuit; the Board subsequently authorized legal counsel to proceed based on executive session instructions. Finally, the Board discussed and unanimously approved renewing the contract with Fann, agreeing to a four-year term with the same base price, contingent upon Fann estimating the time required to exercise all water valves in the system and provide quarterly preventative maintenance reports.

Key discussions during the meeting included the replacement of a corroded fuse box for the storage shed project, requiring a $9,000 reallocation of project funds, and the approval for the purchase and installation of 28 shelves for the new Tuff Shed. The Board also discussed vendor services, noting concerns about frequent monitoring in relation to the Fann Environmental Contract and ultimately executing the contract as presented. Furthermore, the Board approved the draft 2025/2026 budget to be presented for public comment, which included an increase in insurance coverage and a reduction in an APS line item to balance the budget. Finally, the Board retroactively approved the action to authorize Sunrise Engineering to re-bid the Valley View contract.

Key discussions included an update and possible action regarding the Lower Water Tank, where the Board directed Sunrise Engineering to produce a design memorandum to size pumps and ascertain the most cost-effective electrical setup for grant purposes, noting that the pump station might require earlier replacement. The Board also addressed water service line issues, pre-approving a change order not to exceed $12,000 for upgrading service lines discovered to be shared or improperly set up, with one abstention due to a conflict of interest. Progress on the Valley View waterline extension was reported, noting the County approved the work contingent on compliance corrections. The Board discussed the Fann report, the discovery of two buried valves on Smoki requiring future excavation for access sleeves, and an urgent leak on the District side that lacked an isolating valve. The Bookkeeper's Report was approved. Following an executive session regarding annexation processes, the Board voted to proceed with instructions provided by legal counsel, and an organizational change was made where Director Ferguson stepped down as Vice Chair to return to the Clerk of the Board position, with Director Padilla nominated as the new Vice Chair.

The meeting included a Chair Report and two public hearings concerning the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget and Rates and Fees. During the budget hearing, discussions focused on raising the insurance expense from $10,000 to $15,000 and the Board's decision to continue absorbing the cost of the City of Prescott's yearly water rate increases. The public hearing on rates addressed high-volume usage, with comments from the public. The special meeting portion of the session included the unanimous approval of the FY 2025/2026 Final Budget and the FY 2025/2026 Final Rates and Fees.