Lakewood Water District

The agenda for the meeting included several items for discussion and approval. Key topics involved Board Officer Elections, the Finance Manager's Report which included a discussion on the Rate Model, the General Manager's Report, and various departmental reports (CIP, Water Distribution, Water Supply, IT, HR). The HR Manager's Report sought approval for updates to the Employee Handbook, incorporating changes related to pregnancy/lactation policies, personnel files access, Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) enhancements, expanded telecommuting options, and new policies regarding telematics systems and victims of hate crimes. The Capital Project Report detailed status updates on numerous ongoing and planned infrastructure projects, including water main replacements, new well equipping and treatment facilities (GAC), and blending improvements for PFAS mitigation. The Water Supply Department noted reduced PFAS action levels required taking several wells offline pending blending improvements. The IT Manager reported on successful penetration testing and the deployment of Starlink units for SCADA connectivity. Other business included recognizing employee anniversaries for January and a WASWD update from Commissioner Barton.

The meeting agenda included the swearing-in of Commissioner John Korsmo, Jr. Key discussions and approvals involved the Finance Manager's Report, including approval of payables. The Board received the 2024 Final Budget Presentation and approved Resolution B-1484, adopting an overall, weighted 8.00 percent water rate increase effective January 1, 2024. The Board also approved updated Service Connection Fees Resolution B-1410, Exhibit A, Part 1a. Reports covered operations, maintenance, engineering updates on source of supply and capital projects, and IT security updates. The IT Manager requested approval for surplus and disposal items, and the annual insurance renewal acceptance was on the agenda. The HR Manager reported on updates to the Employee Handbook and the repeal of the resolution regarding holidays and time off. Employee wage increases were acknowledged, and the next Commissioners Meeting was scheduled.

The meeting addressed several key items including the approval of a resolution and policy B-1482 repealing B-1430 regarding the delinquent process due to excessive heat law, a review of permitting and check sheets for job reviews, and board approval for out of class pay. Additionally, there was an executive session to evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for public employment or to review the performance of a public employee.

Key agenda items for this meeting included the Finance Manager's Report, which involved the approval of payables and the recommendation for the 2025 Budget, including Resolution B-1493 concerning a rate increase effective January 1, 2025. The Office Manager presented revisions to the Doreen Funderburk Customer Assistance Program (DFCAP) policy, seeking approval for Resolution B-1494, which involves renaming the program and adjusting pledge amount criteria. The Engineering Manager's report detailed updates on capital projects such as the R-2 Well award, progress on well redevelopment, and status of various water main replacement projects in coordination with the City of Lakewood. The HR Manager reported on the successful recruitment of two Water Utility Workers and a Lead, and noted professional accomplishments of staff members. The IT Manager reported no cybersecurity issues and updates on insurance applications.

The Board of Commissioners meeting covered several administrative and operational items. Key discussions included the swearing in of Commissioner Rediske, the approval of the Attorney Services contract with Inslee Best, and the Finance Manager's report including approval of payables. A major focus was the approval of the 2026 Budget and Resolution B-1500 concerning a 7.40% weighted rate increase effective January 1, 2026. Reports from the General Manager, CIP Manager, Water Distribution Manager, Water Supply Manager, IT Manager, and HR Manager were also presented, detailing updates on capital projects, operational metrics, cybersecurity, and personnel matters, including updates on PFAS regulations and well rehabilitation efforts.