Highlands Ranch Water

The study session included introductory comments highlighting articles in the Rocky Mountain Water magazine featuring staff members. Key updates from the General Manager covered scheduled changes to board meeting start times, recent water main breaks, resident concerns regarding water taste due to the transition from surface water to groundwater, and information about a routine IRS audit of the 2019 Bond Issuance. Presentations covered Social Media Analytics and Regulations/Legislative Updates. Discussion items included the 2025 Budget Amendment, Water Rights for Massey Draw, the Douglas County Water Plan, and a Solar Project Update. Planning and Engineering items involved several consent resolutions: Resolution 26-100 approved an appropriation and early procurement contract for the McLellan Pump Station B Improvements Project; Resolution 26-101 awarded a contract for the Water Treatment Plant Improvements -- Phase 1B Project; Resolution 26-102 ratified a change order and authorized the release of retainage for the Water Treatment Plant Improvements -- Phase 1B Early Procurement and Work Package; and Resolution 26-103 authorized a Consulting Services Agreement for the 2026 Pipeline Replacements Project. Finance and Administration included Resolution 26-104 to designate meeting places and posting locations, and the ratification of December 2025 cash and investment transactions.

The 2024 Capital Improvement Plan for Centennial Water & Sanitation District outlines a 10-year strategic framework to maintain and enhance the district's water and wastewater infrastructure. The plan prioritizes investments across various categories including water treatment, wastewater treatment, groundwater systems, distribution, collection, SCADA, and administrative facilities. It also addresses water acquisition strategies and regulatory compliance, with a core objective of providing safe, sustainable, and reliable water and wastewater services to customers while upholding operational reliability, employee safety, financial prudence, and service excellence.

The meeting includes discussions and potential actions on various resolutions. These include an appropriation and amendment for the Groundwater System Evaluation Project, ratification of change orders and release of retainage for the Well SP-14 Equipment and Site Work Project, and authorization to engage Forvis Mazars, LLP for an audit of the District's financial statements. Further actions involve adopting the 2026 budget, approving fund transfer parameters and rates/fees for extended service areas, and approving changes to rates and fees in the Highlands Ranch Water and Wastewater Agreement. Additionally, the agenda covers authorizing the General Manager to continue or enter into engagement/consulting contracts with multiple firms, annual approval of the Compensation Plan Guide, and ratification of November 2025 cash and investment transactions. An executive session is scheduled for legal advice regarding a wastewater treatment plant contract dispute.

The meeting included discussions on an audit update and a billing update, with a recommendation to continue the suspension of shut-offs and late fees. The board will decide on officers at the next meeting. Resolutions were adopted for engineering services related to the McLellan Pump Station B Improvements, approval of an Integrated Project Delivery Process for the construction, and an evaluation of the District's groundwater system. The board also ratified May 2025 cash and investment transactions.

The budget focuses on providing safe, clean, and reliable water services while meeting regulatory requirements cost-effectively. Key discussion points include managing water supply, addressing regulatory impacts such as Regulation 85 nutrient limits, and maintaining infrastructure. The budget also covers technology changes, investments in regional water supply projects like Chatfield Reallocation and WISE, and wastewater treatment improvements to comply with CDPHE standards. It details the budget process, financial policies, and rate structures, emphasizing water conservation and long-term financial stability.