Lake Whatcom Water And Sewer District

The meeting agenda focuses on the selection of a new commissioner to fill the vacancy for Position No. 3. Key discussion items include interviewing applicants for the position, holding an executive session to evaluate candidate qualifications, and the formal nomination of a preferred candidate for appointment.

The Board of Commissioners meeting covered several key agenda items. Discussions included the approval of a Developer Extension Agreement for the Sudden Valley Community Association regarding a culvert replacement project, and the adoption of a revised Commissioner Protocol Manual which includes a new policy on social media use. The Board also reviewed general business matters, including the District's compensation philosophy and capital surplus policy creation, and received reports from the General Manager and various department managers.

The agenda for this meeting included several key items. Business included a presentation on Energy Savings Performance Contracts, and consideration for the adoption of Resolution No. 904 concerning the Update to District Design & Construction Standards. Staff reports were scheduled from the General Manager, Engineering Department, Finance Department, and Operations Department. The meeting also provided two public comment opportunities.

This Business Utilization Plan outlines the Lake Whatcom Water & Sewer District's strategy to increase the participation of small, minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses in its Small Works Roster direct contracting process. The plan aims to achieve a goal of awarding 50% of all small works projects to small and diverse businesses, thereby fostering broader engagement. Key elements include provisions for direct contracting under RCW 39.04.152(4)(b)(iv), a policy against repeatedly favoring contractors, and a commitment to annual assessment and public reporting of utilization achievements.

The meeting addressed several key operational and financial matters. On the consent agenda, the Board approved accounts payable vouchers and payroll matters, while explicitly excluding approval of the previous meeting's notes from the formal approval action documented. Key discussion centered on two capital improvement projects where bids exceeded budgeted amounts: the Country Club Horizontal Directional Drill Sewer Line Construction and the Geneva Sanitary Sewer Lift Station Renovation. For the Country Club project, the Board awarded the contract to Colacurcio Brothers, utilizing contingency funds. For the Geneva project, the Board authorized a transfer from the Sewer/Stormwater Contingency Fund to cover the shortfall and awarded the contract to Equity Builders. Additionally, the Board adopted Resolution No. 857, which revised the District Administrative Code by combining purchasing policies from Chapters 2.16 and 2.17 into a single, clarified chapter. The General Manager provided updates on social media presence, an open Maintenance Worker I position, crew training, and a recent side-sewer leak.