Lancaster County Rural Water District 1

The meeting commenced with the election of the Board Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer. Key discussions included the approval of the Attorney Report concerning two property releases and relinquishments: one for a 155.5-acre parcel at 98th and Pine Lake Road to Red Tail Heights, and another for 2.5 acres associated with the Rentschler Property in Cheney. The Board also approved the payment of presented bills, the Treasurer's Report, and the 2026 Proposed Operating Budget. In the District Managers Report, the Board passed a motion requiring customers annexed into the City of Lincoln to be served by the district for a maximum of one year, after which service will cease. Discussions also covered progress on the upcoming Audit and testing of a new wellfield property. Finally, a motion was passed establishing a district policy requiring benefit holders running for the Board of Directors to submit a short biography for public review.

The regular meeting involved the approval of the October 2025 minutes. The Attorney Report addressed the Adopted Resolution concerning property annexation by Municipalities within the District's Service Area, noting a future meeting with City of Lincoln Officials. Bills totaling a significant amount were presented and approved for payment. The Treasurer's Report was reviewed and approved. The District Manager presented a proposed updated Users Agreement, which will be linked to the 2026 water rate structure. Discussions also covered the potential for future hookups to the City of Lincoln's new pipeline project from the Missouri River. Unfinished business included plans for the total replacement of Well 2R in the Spring of 2026 and a reminder regarding the deadline for Benefit Holders to submit names for the upcoming Board of Directors election. The Board entered and exited Executive Session to discuss Employee Reviews.

The Board reviewed and approved the minutes from the June 11, 2025 meeting. The Attorney provided updates regarding the dissolution of the original Booster 5 Easement, which will see the associated building listed for sale, and noted the Froehlich Claim against the District has a two-year window for suit progression. Bills totaling several amounts from various vendors were presented and approved for payment, as was the Treasurer's Report. A motion passed to extend new rural water hookups only to customers experiencing documented problems with their private wells, provided a house is already on the property and the connection is for domestic use only, prohibiting underground sprinklers. A proposed change to water rates, increasing the charge per thousand gallons after 3,000 gallons from $4.00 to $5.00, was discussed, with further review scheduled for the August meeting. Discussions also covered updating contractual language with the City of Lincoln Planning Department regarding annexations. Unfinished business included plans for a full 12-hour pump test at new well 2024-6 later in the fall, and scheduling a new test well installation for August 2025. A new maintenance contract with Maguire Iron for tower cleaning rotations every three years was planned.

The meeting addressed guest concerns regarding water shut-offs and meter requirements, with clarification provided on timelines for resolution. The board approved the annexation of seven parcels by the City of Lincoln, specifically the Kruger Development, although these parcels are currently served by private wells. Additionally, the board approved the application for release and relinquishment of 73.2 acres of Fog Limited property, which will also be incorporated into the City Limits of Lincoln. The attorney reported on an upcoming County Board of Commissioners Meeting to discuss the ARPA Booster Station Project and concerns regarding city growth infringing on the service area. The board approved various bills for payment and the Treasurer's Report. The District Manager provided an update on critical water level drops in Tower 3, suggesting a need for future gallon reduction restrictions in 2024. Sod permits in Areas 2 and 3 have been suspended due to insufficient capacity. Issues with Well 5 (pumping sand) require replacement, and Well 3 has been pulled for rehabilitation after being 90% plugged. New business included awarding the bid for the Booster Station Project to Judd's Brother's Construction after one bid was deemed nonresponsive. Finally, rehabilitation of Ground Storage #1 is scheduled for September 18, which will limit water consumption until completion.

The regular board meeting addressed a guest concern regarding an abnormally high-water bill caused by a sprinkler system malfunction; the Board maintained its policy of no forgiveness for such incidents. The Board approved the minutes from the September 10, 2025 meeting. Bills totaling various amounts to multiple vendors were approved for payment, and the Treasurer's Report was approved. The District Manager presented a proposed updated Users Agreement, which will be subject to further review before the November meeting. Additionally, Resolution 2025-3 concerning Municipal Annexation was adopted. New business included updates on the completion of a test well replacement project for facility 2R, which is expected to significantly increase pumping capacity, and a forthcoming meeting with the City of Lincoln regarding connecting the water system to a proposed Missouri River water main feed.