Maumee Watershed Conservancy District

The board discussed the renewal of their medical insurance plan, opting for the current carrier despite a premium increase. Updates were provided on various water management projects, including the Upper Blanchard River funding and construction progress, the Little Auglaize River stream inspections, log jam removal on the St. Joseph River, and efforts to address trash and property easements at Grassy Creek and Schaller Ditch. Additionally, administrative reports covered general office maintenance, financial records management, and the Audit Committee reviewed financial procedures, vouchers, and bank reconciliations to ensure compliance with state auditing standards.

The board approved a membership renewal for the National Watershed Coalition, re-appropriation of 2026 accounts, the Hancock County Forest Lake Ditch petition improvements, and a retirement gift for Judge Joseph Schmenk. Reports were provided regarding ongoing Upper Blanchard River projects, including FEMA grant status, bridge work agreements, and flowage easements, as well as maintenance activities on various rivers and creeks. The Audit Committee reviewed vouchers, bank reconciliations, and financial statements to ensure compliance with State Auditor standards.

The Board of Directors discussed several key resolutions and updates. This included approving a verbal agreement with Hancock County Commissioners regarding the use of remaining funds from the Norfolk Southern Railroad bridge project to support Phase 2 benching construction. The board also approved renewing membership for the Blanchard River Watershed Partnership. Further action involved approving the US Signal Fiberoptic Routing plans, with a recommendation for Turnkey to confirm clearance depths at stream crossings. Resolutions were passed to approve improvements for the Allen County Bixel Ditch Petition #1349 and the Williams County Sloan Petition #743 (Option 2). Updates were provided on the Upper Blanchard River projects, including FEMA grant status, the NS Bridge work agreement, and hydraulic improvements. The Legal Counsel reported on NS and Kedar Army items, and the General Manager detailed the completion of the 2025 financial audit and various administrative tasks for 2026 preparation. The Maintenance Manager reported on logjam removal and equipment servicing.

The Board of Directors meeting addressed several financial and project matters. Key actions included the re-appropriation of accounts for 2025 via Resolution No. 2400 and the approval of the 2026 Appropriations, Disbursements and Estimated Resources via Resolution No. 2401. Directors also approved Christmas bonuses to be equally divided among specified personnel. Significant updates were provided regarding the Upper Blanchard River projects, including the status of the FEMA grant review, an agreement revision with NS, and plans for Columbia Gas pipeline relocation. The Board authorized Wendy Yunker to execute a Work Agreement contingent on legal and project manager review (Resolution No. 2402). Bids were authorized to be advertised for the Additional Hydraulic Improvements Project (Resolution No. 2403) and the Eagle Creek Dry Storage Basic project (Resolution No. 2404). Regarding the Little Auglaize River, the Board declined the Army's settlement offer and authorized proceeding with a Motion for Summary Judgment (Resolution No. 2405). Furthermore, the committee decided to utilize the company eMerge for converting permanent records to electronic format (Resolution No. 2406). The Maintenance Manager reported on ongoing stream inspections and equipment servicing.

The Maumee Watershed Conservancy District Board of Directors Meeting included discussions and approvals related to financial reports, updated policies with a cybersecurity program, and a contract for engineering support for flood risk reduction projects in the Upper Blanchard Watershed. Updates were provided on the Upper Blanchard River project, including funding status, bridge work, hydraulic improvements, and the Eagle Creek project. Other topics included Little Auglaize River, Grassy Creek and Schaller Ditch, and St. Joseph River updates. Legal counsel provided updates on the Kedar Army case and the Norfolk Southern agreement. The General Manager reported on various activities, including foreclosure actions, special assessment collection, and cybersecurity training. The Maintenance Report covered mowing, spraying, and repairs. The board also discussed and approved employee salary adjustments and Christmas bonuses. The Audit Committee meeting involved a review of financial procedures and statements.