Otter Tail Water Management District

Key discussions included the acceptance of the Treasurer's Amended Report, showing current operating cash on hand for 2019 compared to 2018. The Board approved payment of presented bills. Under old business, the ongoing search for new Board members was noted, pumping schedules were discussed, and a motion passed to instruct the Ottertail County Auditor to add OTWD user fees to the yearly property tax roll. The Chairperson will respond to correspondence from L. Wacha regarding property matters. New business involved approving the rental of storage space until the Assistant Administrator moves in July and entering into a contract with JD Locating. Repairs for cluster fences were scheduled for better weather conditions.

The monthly board meeting involved several key actions and updates. The Board approved the Treasurer's Report and authorized payment of bills. A motion was passed to approve the OTWMD Budget for 2026. Updates were provided on the Deer Lake Property (with a hearing scheduled for January), the status of the OTWMD Cluster Drainfield Project, computer repair by Affordable Solutions, filing of PERA reports (Exclusion and Annual Leave), renewal of the OTWMD website domain, and renewal status for MCIT insurance. Additionally, the MCIT Payroll Audit Report was filed. Discussions covered ongoing Winter Projects, including homeowner letters, non-compliant septic systems, passive pumping letters, the active pumping list, and 2025 tax documents. The Administrator's report addressed a specific septic system issue at 37714 Eldorado Beach Road. The Treasurer's Report detailed account balances as of December 31, 2025, and noted that 12 Month CDs were up for renewal.

The meeting agenda included opening the meeting, Treasurer's Report discussion concerning a 7-Month CD Renewal, and payment of bills. Key operational updates involved the Deer Lake Property Owner update, an update on the OTWMD Audit, and progress on the OTWMD Record Keeping Program, which included reaching out to RT Vision and Schneider Geospatial. The board also discussed pricing for the Cluster Drainfield Capacity Check 2026 and received updates on the Rearing Pond Property and the MOWA 2026 Convention. The Administrator's Report detailed multiple instances of system alarms, frozen lines, and subsequent pumping required for various properties, with homeowners being responsible for costs in several cases. The Treasurer's Report covered financial statements ending January 31, 2026, and a summary of existing Certificates of Deposit, noting that the 7-Month CD was due for renewal.

The monthly board meeting included approval of the Treasurer's Report and payment of bills. Key discussion items involved updates on the 2023 Audit, the ongoing OTWMD Ordinance Update, and service work on the district truck due to a recall. The board also received information requests from Environmental Partners in Quincy, MA, regarding district operations, attended a local MPCA meeting, and submitted required MCIT reports. A motion was passed to increase the On Call Daily Raise for Part Time Employees from $125 to $150 per day. Additionally, the board discussed recommendations for updating Rearing Pond Signs and ongoing active maintenance replacements for the 2024 Construction Season.

The meeting agenda included several operational and financial discussions. Key topics involved reviewing the Treasurer's Report, which noted that 12-month Certificates of Deposit (CDs) were up for renewal, and the payment of bills, including a transfer from Money Market to the General Account. The Board addressed the 2026 budget and discussed the Deer Lake Property Update, as well as questions related to the yearly audit from Carlson SV. Other items covered the OTWMD Cluster Drainfield Project for 2026, updates on record-keeping program progress following a hard drive repair, the filing of PERA reports, and the renewal of the district website domain and MCIT insurance premium for 2026. The Administrator's Report detailed ongoing winter projects, such as sending letters regarding passive properties and non-compliant septic systems, and provided an update on a septic backup service call.