Minutes 1/16/2025

1. Call to Order. 5:18pm

Board present: Ward Holmes, Mike Roussin, Jeff Wagner and John Gallup. Staff Present: Matt Nesbitt and Tim Graham. Visitors: Beverly Lawrence( D West 2 resident) and Mike Wasson (Rafter J Resident).

2. Approval of the Agenda. Mike motioned to amend and approve agenda, Jeff2nd approved.

3. Approval of 12/19/2024 Meeting Minutes. Mike motioned to approve the 12-19 minutes, Jeff 2^nd, approved.

4. General Managers Report: Administration, Rate Relief, Source, Treatment Water System.

5. Approve Rate Resolutions 25-4

6. Raftelis Cost of Service Update/Site Visit.

7. Approval of Bills.

8. Public Comment.

9. Easement Termination

10. Adjourn. 7pm

5. Financials, Billing, Insurance, etc.

Year end bottom line net income was $259,000 which is $72,000 short of budget mostly being under on premium retail sales and being under $25,000 on LPWWA. For year end we were under on operating expenses by $78,000 even though we fixed four leaks and paid the rising costs for asphalt. The $72,000 net income shortfall was because we had budgeted $100,000 in grants but ended up going a different route and asking CDPHE for 27 million in grants and loans. It turns out when you ask for that much you have many pre -qualification meetings and environmental surveys which cannot be executed in a year. Where we stand is the project needs assessment review section with CDPHE before we can move to engineering.

Water production for December was 4,153,159 million gallons and we estimate the lake is at 813 acre feet.

Rate Relief Request:

Shawn Carden of 900 Spring Road is asking for rate relief after discovering a broken water filter under the sink in the rental property(30,000 gallons). Shawn arranged for the plumber immediately after discovering the leak while visiting his fathers estate getting it ready for winter. Shawn had the plumber make the repairs immediately and fully winterized the rental so they have less issues until they can be on site next summer. Mike made a motion for Tier 1 rate relief, Jeff 2^nd, approved.

Source and Supply:

We turned in our pumping estimates for next years ALP pumping season. We estimated on both the low estimate and high estimate needs for next year depending on snow accumulations and spring runoff conditions. This helps ALP OM&R understand the needs for the next year so they can negotiate electric costs with WAPA to refill Lake Nighthorse.

Tim and Chris work Performed list-

Christmas/New years led to short weeks – no major projects

Thawed out multiple frozen meters and continue to do so

Installed Two new doors in the treatment plant – main entrance and electric room (improved security)

Ordered PAC (coagulant)

Ordered Tank Scan tank level monitoring system for the Morning Star tank

High Winds relocated the solar bee – will have it returned to its original location after the lake thaws

Old Chlorine Regulator failed – ordered replacement

Filter # 2 Re-coat contract signed, waiting for a start date (January 20^th??)

Durango West 2 gave us access to their SCADA

Submitted Chlorine Dioxide/Chlorite quarterly report

January Bacteriological samples

Installed sample station at Shenandoah pump house

Spoke with Browns hill about PLC programming

Power went out at LD pump house, tripped LD tank sprayer/blower

Fort Lewis Mesa Fire Department pulled water from our CR125/Old Snag fire hydrant 1/11

Emailed Senator Cleave Simpson in support of HB 25-1077 (removes the license requirement  to test backflow prevention devices)

Normal day to day operations

Treatment: This winter has been very cold so treatment has been very slow and steady. We are keeping up but it’s a balancing effect keeping the tanks full and flowing enough to keep the bulk customers topped off.

5. Approve Rate Resolutions 25-4

Mike made a motion to not approved rate resolution 25-4 (raises rates 5%) until the Cost of Service study is finished and distributed, no 2^nd so motion dies. Jeff made a motion to approve Rate Resolution 25-4, John 2^{nd ,}approved.

6. Raftelis Cost of Service Update/Site Visit.

Todd Cristiano and Nikki Bartrak will fly in Thursday January 16^th for a site visit and tour the plant and distribution system. Todd and Nikki will attend the board meeting and run through a power point to explain the cost of service process and answer questions. Touring the plant and seeing the distribution system will help them understand the unique service area so costs can be divided equally. After a brief presentation by Todd the board asked a few questions on splitting up costs and no use fees for bulks that don’t consistently use water. The board also stated that La Plata West Water Authority needs to be examined as a growing bulk user who has increased usage each year and continues to do so.

7. Approval of the Bills – Bill.com report to follow

Mike made a motion to approve bills, Jeff 2^nd, approved.

8. Public Comment or Questions.

9. Easement Termination.

In 2004 and easement was established for road access to a water tank for potential Lake Durango Water Company service area growth. Mike made a motion to approve terminating the easement, Jeff 2^nd , approved.

10.Adjourn. 7pm.

Minutes 2/20/2025

1. Call to Order. 5:16PM

Board present: Ward Holmes, Jeff Wagner, Mike Roussin, Henry Bruckner. Excused John Gallup. Staff Present: Matt, Tim, Chris.

Visitors: Beverly Lawrence (D west 2).

2. Approval of the Agenda. Mike R motioned to approved the agenda, Jeff 2^nd approved.

3. Approval of 1/16/2024 Meeting Minutes. Mike R motioned to approve the minutes, Jeff 2^nd, approved.

4. General Managers Report: Administration, Rate Relief, Source, Treatment Water System.

5. Raftelis Cost of Service Update/Allocations.

6. Approve Bills.

7. Public Comment.

8. Adjourn. 6:45 PM

4. Financials, Billing, Insurance, etc.

You will see in the financials that we have spread out the monthlies to give a better prediction on sales and expenses based on recent years averages. This will help give a better view of how we stand each month on expenses and forecasting larger sales months during summer. For January we are $10,000 over on the labor because of all the frozen meters and the emergency line extension replacement on county road 125. Everyone had lots of over time due to all the emergencies. We are ahead on net income so all is well but the cold January was extremely hard on our infrastructure and staff(75 frozen meters).

Water production for January was 5,561,377 million gallons and we estimate the lake is at 793 acre feet. Board welcomed new retail board member Henry Bruckner to his first meeting. A tour will be set up to show Mr. Bruckner the distribution system and service areas.

Rate Relief:

Mr. Skyhorse at 565 South Lakeside Drive had a yard spigot leak causing low water pressure. Once the leak was discovered a backhoe was hired and they repaired the line and fitting within 2 days. Even though the leak was repaired quickly they are asking for rate relief since they lost 30,000 gallons. Mike motioned for Tier 1 rate relief based on good account history, Jeff2^nd ,approved.

Joanna Ford at 100 Tomahawk Ridge Lane had a service line freeze up and break running to their garage. M&R Plumbing arrived on scene to shutoff the line and cap it until further modifications can be made this summer. Ms. Ford is asking for rate relief since she tried to get the issue fixed immediately during the very cold January. Jeff motioned for Tier 1 Rate relief, Mike 2^nd approved.

David Lottie at 510 Deer Trail is asking for rate relief since their shower head, sink and in floor heating valves froze and burst flooding their house with 75,000 gallons. The house is used as a VRBO and the last renters/ cleaner left the thermostat at 40 degrees. The side door to the living room on the south side of the house was also left open which staff reported to the lotties when inspecting the property (Jan 29th). Lotties are requesting rate relief since they have extensive damage to the house and are facing $100,000 in repairs. Mike motioned for Tier 1 Rate relief if the Lotties could pay before the March meeting, if not they pay the full amount for the leak. Ward 2^nd , approved.

Source and Supply:

Since the winter has been very cold and dry we decided to pump leftover Nighthorse water before we start the 2025 pumping year in April. We are concerned with the lack of snow pack the pine ridge ditch will not run this spring so we must rely on our purchased Nighthorse water. We have 104 acre feet of leftover 2024 water and have pumped 28AF in the last 9 days.

Tim and Chris work Performed list:

Work Performed since 1/16/25

Thawed 75+ meters 

Started to run out of meters and meter freeze plates, purchased 20 meters from DW2

Attempted to thaw/jet rod frozen water line

Replaced 900′ of 1.5″ water line CR 125

Discovered (2) significant customer leaks affecting Morningstar Tank

Installed Tank Scan in the Morningstar Pump Station 

Re-Plumbed Rafter J pumphouse – fittings came loose and caused a significant leak

Installed new pneumatic cylinder on the filter #1 wastegate

Sampled for distribution by-products : TTHM, HAA5s and Chlorite

Bac – T sample

Filter # 1 re-coat is scheduled to begin 2/24

PAC delivery

Evoqua site visit – performed maintenance on the chlorine dioxide generator

DW1 installed VFDs, giving them the ability to control their flow rate

Pumped 28 Acre feet from nighthourse, will pump more before 4/25

Dave Henry is working on potential ways to increase contact time/disinfection – UV, Clearwell baffle blankets and Contact field

Sampled finished water for Iron and Manganese – high levels can interfere with UV disinfection

Plowed snow for the first time this winter

Several customer service lines are currently frozen. 1 customer replaced their water line

Normal day to day operations

Treatment:

Tim passed his A Treatment exam at the End of January and took over as ORC (Operator in Reasonable Charge) after Chris Kramer retired. This is a huge accomplishment for a very unique manually operated treatment plant. Congrats Tim!! Board agreed on allocating ORC pay.

5. Raftelis Cost of Servcie Update/Allocation

Todd and Nicki from Raftelis will be giving me their first iteration of cost allocations this Wednesday afternoon which I will pass along. I suggest we look over the allocations with their notes and then the following week have a zoom call to ask them questions and discuss the allocations. A discussion was had over the initial start to the study and the board looks forward to a zoom call to view the up to date cost allocations.

6. Approval of the Bills – Bill.com report to follow.

7. Public Comment or Questions. Beverly passed out a spreadsheet showing the districts usage over the years and asked that we keep watching our data usage logging in to view D west 2 tanks levels. Staff informed her that instead of multiple viewers we changed to one so hopefully the data usage is less.

8. Adjourn.

6:45PM

Minutes 3/20/2025

1. Call to Order. 5:18PM

• Board Present: Ward Holmes, Jeff Wagner, Henry Bruckner. Excused: Mike Roussin.
• Staff Present: Tim Graham, Chris Moore, Matt Nesbitt.
• Visitors: Mike Wasson(Rafter J resident), Beverly Lawrence ( D West 2 resident/board member).

2. Approval of the Agenda. Jeff Motioned to approve the agenda, Henry 2nd, approved.
3. Approval of 2/20/2025 Meeting Minutes. Jeff motioned to approve, Henry 2^nd, approved.
4. General Managers Report: Administration, Rate Relief, Source, Treatment Water System.
5. Raftelis Cost of Service Update/Allocations.
6. Approval of Bills.
7. Public Comment.
8. Adjourn

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4. Financials, Billing, Insurance, etc.

 Metered sales to retail are looking good and our bulk sales are $3,000 higher than budgeted with total revenue $2,000 ahead of budget. Repairs and maintenance are over due to the line replacement but we will see if we can capitalize this expense. Overall year to date expenses are $26,000 over budget due to labor/repairs and maintenance. The harsh cold and 3 feet deep frost lines we experienced  in January and February broke many meters and caused lots of issues in many subdivisions.  Even after communicating to residents to drip water many residents had meters freeze up and many service lines froze.  Meter Suppliers across the state said that many districts and water authorities had freeze issues which resulted in meters and parts back ordered 3 months.  Lake Granby reached minus 40 the last week in January.

Water production for February was 5,522,323 million gallons and 4,786,323 gallons were distributed we estimate the lake is at 838 acre feet and filling.

Rate Relief:

Currently None.

Source and Supply:

Since we expect very little runoff from the ditch we started pumping the remainder of 2024 allocated ALP water.  We started pumping in early February to gain 100 Acre feet before April 1^st when the new 2025 pumping year starts. We need to fill up the lake with our ALP purchased water but we also need to maintain 4 ft below spill per the Dam inspector.  This year  the dam inspector wants to stay 4 ft below spill so he can keep a closer eye on the on the dam groins.    By using last years allocation we can run through this summer and re fill in the fall after we see how much summer usage and evaporation losses we have.

Tim and Chris work Performed list:

Filter # 2 Refurb –

Removed filter and clarifier media

WBS Sandblasted the filter and clarifier

Welder patched some holes

WBS re-coated the clarifier and filter. The coating did not adhere well .WBS is going to sandblast and recoat starting 3/19 (Staff explained why WBS must redo the refurbishment at no cost).

New underdrains were ordered, may take 8-10 weeks

Ordered new hardware and fasteners

New clarifier media retainer screens are being made by Cal Steel

Ordered new clarifier air scour nozzles

Kelly donated a laptop to LDWA, Metron uploaded the meter reading software onto it

Submitted a credit application for Badger Meters  in order to obtain pricing – we may be able to get cellular endpoints that work with our current meters cheaper than Metron radio/register combos. Also looking into Neptune meters.

Dave Henry is still working on the Contact Field and UV options for increased contact time. The state does not typically allow a bypass in a UV system, but due to the characteristics of our water in the spring/summer/fall they may make an exception. If we choose to go with UV, it should only be needed when the water temps drop.

TTHM/HAA5/Chlorite sample results came in. All results are below the MCL

Submitted monthly Bac-T samples

Replaced 12 broken meters

We’ve been pumping Nighthorse water for the last month. Dave Marsa is planning on turning off 3/28 before the new water year begins.

Brandon has been with LDWA for 6 months( passed his D Treatment and 1 Distribution certification)  Henry made a motion to increase his hourly rate $2 for passing his tests and starting his job during a difficult winter, Jeff 2^nd, approved.

Normal Day To Day operations

DW1 installed VFDs so they can adjust how much their pumps pull to fill their tank

Met with Dave Henry to go over the Capital Improvement Plan and analysis

Dave Henry is working on potential ways to increase contact time/disinfection – UV, Clearwell baffle blankets and Contact field

Normal day to day operations

Treatment: 

Since the lake will be filling up this year with purchased ALP water and not ditch water we hope the filter and treatment process will be smoother and less turbid. Filter 2 is also getting refurbished so we hope it runs a little more efficient with new screens, new paint and new media.

5. Raftelis Cost of Servcie Update/Allocation

Todd and Nicki from Raftelis will have a short written update for the board meeting explaining cost breakdowns for average demand and peak demand.  In 2 weeks they hope to have the 1^st draft of the costs analysis finished so we can all meet on zoom and discuss.

6. Approval of the Bills – Bill.com report to follow. Jeff made a motion to approve bills, Henry 2^nd , approved.
7. Public Comment or Questions.

Mike Wasson asked about any upcoming projects with Rafter J? Staff stated nothing was official yet and we are waiting on legal.

Beverly Lawrence stated  she would like to attend cost of Service meetings or if possible see the drafts or material Raftelis is proposing on rates.  Staff said “sure”.

8. Adjourn. 5:53PM

Minutes 4/17/2025

1. Call to Order. 5:17PM

• Board Present: Ward Holmes, Jeff Wagner, Mike Roussin, Henry Bruckner.
• Staff Present: Matt, Tim, Chris. 
• Visitors Present: Beverly Lawrence(D west 2), Dave &Joyce Thayer( Rafter J HOA), Bob manning (Rafter J HOA), M H Wasson.

2. Approval of the Agenda. Jeff motioned to approve, Mike 2^nd
3. Approval of 3/20/2025 Meeting Minutes. Jeff motioned to approve minutes, Mike R 2^nd
4. General Managers Report: Administration, Rate Relief, Source, Treatment Water System.
5. Raftelis Cost of Service Update.
6. Rafter J Project.
7. Approval of Bills. Mike motioned to approve bills, Henry 2^nd
8. Public Comment.
9. Adjourn 6:12PM

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4. Financials, Billing, Insurance, etc.

 After 3 months metered sales to retail is ahead $22,337 and we will see an increase with all users as we get closer to May.  Once we get through a few more spring storms and move into the consistent warm temperatures in May and June I suspect our sales will dramatically increase.  After the dismal snow pack this winter users will not be able to rely on their wells and our sales will increase significantly.

We submitted our plant upgrade expenses so we were able to get a DOLA reimbursement of $42,000 which helps the other income line item. We have $20,000 left from DOLA which we will use for the PLC upgrade in the plant which is scheduled to be finished in May.

Water production for March was 5,769,042  gallons of that 4,981,042 gallons were distributed. We currently estimate the lake at 826AF as of April 14th and expect zero water from the ditch this spring. Mike stated we need to include some descriptions of the events that cause overtime so it can be explained.  Matt stated he would include that in the work performed lists and that projects that cause overtime would have pictures to back it up.

Rate Relief:

605 North Lakeside had a leak in their service line to the house, they installed a whole house shut off valve last year before traveling. After seeing the bill in February they new they had a leak in the service line to the house. The service line was fully replaced and the leak was found under the porch near the house connection. Jeff motioned for Tier 1 rate relief, Henry 2^nd approved.

Source and Supply:

We used the remainder of the 2024 Nighthorse water allocation and pumped 136 AF before the  2025 pumping year started in April.  We followed through with the plan to use our allocated water to refill a portion of the lake until we have more guidance from the Dam inspector. The “Dam” inspector wants to see that after multiple years of high lake levels our dam groins are drying out.  Once we have more guidance from the dam inspector, we will know if can add more Nighthorse water or if we need to keep the lake at a certain level. Either way we have our full 2025 Nighthorse allocation of 224 AF that is readily available to be pumped.

Tim and Chris work Performed list:

A welder repaired the filter # 2 trough support

WBS brush blasted the failed coating on filter # 2 and re-sprayed

WBS had a 3rd party inspector inspect their re-coat and did some touch ups, should get the inspector’s report in the next week

Repaired two leaks on MTN top in Rafter J (directly feeds from Lake Durango Tank)

Fire Hydrant inventory – 90 fire hydrants, 4 flush hydrants

Nighthorse pumps turned off 3/28/25

Valve inventory/exercising

Reviewed our capital improvement plan with Dave Henry

Bac-T samples

The backflow preventer in the Treatment Plant and Lake Durango Pump house was tested/passed

Dam Inspection scheduled 4/22/25 

Sanitary Survey scheduled 5/2/25

Normal day to day operations

Treatment: 

Filter #2 was inspected after multiple touch ups and approved to be reassembled after 7 more days of paint curing(as of April 15th).  We are still waiting on the under drains to be fabricated on the east coast and shipped in late May.  Once this project is finished we will have 2 working filters in the treatment plant so we can alternate usage just like our distribution pumps. Staff explained that WBS fixed the issues during the refurbishment and passed the 3^rd party inspection.

5. Raftelis Cost of Servcie Update:

Todd and Nicki from Raftelis gave a few updates during a short work session giving us updates and edits on the cost allocation.  The board gave them direction and concerns on some of their work to date.  Todd and Nicki stated they would take those comments and insert them on the draft rates they hope to have ready in May.  Henry stated we should build up extra contingency reserves for electrical costs since we may need to rely on pumping Nighthorse water(no pine ridge ditch water). With the drought factor and potential rate increases from LPEA we should be ready cause rates are increasing.

6. Rafter J Project:

Rafter J HOA would like to continue the dry hydrant project where they tie into the Rafter J tank and install 2 new dry hydrants. This project is to battle the increasing wildfire risk that we all face in the future.  The HOA board members have been working with the Fire Department to come up with a plan for strategic placement of the dry hydrants for maximum efficiency. Lake Durango Water Authorities legal team is looking into terms for this agreement.  This project is unique since the HOA would pay to install a new main line and hydrants connecting to LDWA’s storage tank.   A lot of liability questions come to mind as well as hydrant testing, usage costs during testing and overall costs if the tank was drained.  More questions than we have answers for right now until we get some direction from legal. Bob and Dave stated some history of the  Rafter J HOA  and explained the wildfire risk.  They wish to move forward and partner with LDWA on a new hydrant project connecting to the Rafter J tank.  Mike stated that the project makes sense and the initial start to the agreement was very logical.  

6.Approval of the Bills – Bill.com report to follow. Mike motioned to approve bills, Henry 2^nd approved.

8. Public Comment or Questions.

NONE

9. Adjourn. 6:12PM

Minutes 5/15/2025

1. Call to Order 5:18PM

• Board Present: Ward Holmes, Jeff Wagner, Mike Roussin, Crystal Fenwick
• Staff Present: Tim G, Chris M, Matt N
• Visitors Present: Beverly L (DW 2) , MH Wasson (Customer) , Greg Barber (Customer)

2. Approval of the Agenda. Jeff approved the agenda, Ward 2^nd, approved.
3. Approval of 4/17/2024 meeting minutes. Jeff motioned to approve the minutes , Ward 2^nd , approved.
4. General Managers Report: Administration, Rate Relief, Source, Treatment.
5. Raftelis Cost of Service Update.
6. Approval of Bills. Mike motioned to approve bills, Ward 2^nd, approved.
7. Public Comment.
8. Adjourn 6:09 PM

4. Financials, Billing, Insurance, etc.

Financials are attached and during April 1^st we started getting physical reads instead of estimates during the winter months.  Sales will increase with the new physical reads and as temperatures rise we will see the increased summer usage. With no snow on the ground we started repairing leaks and fixing pump houses gearing up for the sanitary survey(Treatment plant and distribution system inspected).  All pump houses were cleaned and repaired as well as tank hatches had new gaskets installed.  The financials show large expenditures for supplies and maintenance because we jumped on prior issues while we had the crew, the time and no snow. Without jumping on these inherited problems we would just be rolling the dice this summer during high usage(increase risk of mainline failures). We are over on engineering because we used Harris to investigate and get more information on the CIP list and clearwell expansion comparison. The overage on billing will get corrected and moved to capital because this is the integration of the new billing software( MUNI LINK). We also had to renew our insurance so thats why our general liability shows the dramatic increase. During April the plant treated 5,493,589 gallons and distributed 4,709,589 gallons, the lake currently is estimated at 803 AF. 

Rate Relief.

Currently None.

Source and Supply:

 We have been checking on the solar bee since it was set back in the correct place with additional mooring.  The winter ice shifted during the February melt and the high winds forced the solar bee near the dam.  The solar bee vendor sent their crew to move the bee and perform annual maintenance/inspection. The dam inspection went well but the north groin may need some excavation work to replace the drain pipe to a more effective perforated pipe.  More information to come with additional ideas and inspections from Matt Gavin(state inspector). We also have Amber reservoir totally drained so we can work on the leaky toe drain. Staff explained the process of how the work could be performed during winter at lower lake levels. This would require draining less of the lake and then being ready in spring to refill.

Tim and Chris work Performed list-

Dam Inspection 4/22

We had the Left dam filter drain scoped per the inspector’s request( try to figure out groin saturation)

Prepared for Sanitary Survey (organize plant and all paperwork)

Sanitary Survey 5/2

Troubleshoot post filter chlorine injection

Periodic tank inspections

Comprehensive tank inspections 5/8

The check valve on the back wash pump in the treatment plant is failing. We are waiting for a quote from Core & Main 

Bacteriological sample

Submitted samples for – TTHM, HAA5, Chlorite, Diphthalate and UV 254 (UV transmittance)

Repaired a leak in RJ– some overtime that week for each employee

Zoom meeting with Badger Meter representatives – May do a pilot study to determine feasibility. Waiting on their Cell service analysis report before we move on to the next step

Normal day to day operations

Treatment.

In late May we will use the boat and treat (copper sulphate) the entire lake so we can eliminate the chance for algae growth.  By eliminating the possibility of algae growth, we will not have clogged filters during the treatment process which adds more strain on the plant.  By adding Nighthorse water in March we are interested to see if the less turbid water is easier on the plant requiring less adjustments(this worked last year very well).  

5. Raftelis Cost of Service Update.

Todd and Nicki have been making adjustments since the last work session updating cost and usage allocations.  Kelly and I have a Zoom meeting on 5-14 with Nicki to clear up billing issues so we can have updates for Thursdays meeting.  We are behind schedule on the Cost of Service Study which Todd and Nicki are aware, I have asked them to pick up the pace. As soon as they send me updated materials I will pass them along for the board to review. Crystal described different rate designs and rate classifications so that lower usage customers benefit.

6.Approval of the Bills – Bill.com report to follow.

7. Public Comment or Questions.

Greg stated he was interested to learn about the cost of service study and wanted to hear about the progress. He stated his background in finance, water utilities and gave a brief description of rate design for different classes.

8. Adjourn.

6:09PM

The June 2025 Meeting was cancelled

Minutes 7/17/2025

1. Call to Order. 5:16PM

Board present: Ward H, Mike R, Crystal F and Henry B. Staff present: Tim, Chris, Matt. Visitors: Greg Barber.

2. Approval of the Agenda. Henry motioned to approve, Mike 2^nd, approved.
3. Approval of 5/15/2025 Meeting Minutes, June Meeting Canceled. Mike Motioned to approve, Henry 2^nd, approved.
4. General Managers Report: Administration, Rate Relief, Source, Treatment Water System.
5. Raftelis Cost of Service Recap.
6. Approval of Bills. Mike Motioned to approve, Henry 2^nd
7. Public Comment.
8. 7:34PM

4. Financials, Billing, Insurance, etc.

  For June financials the authority is looking steady and keeping expenses slightly under for the month by 7,000.  Total water sales looks consistent to what we anticipated back when we budgeted in November (considering a less than average snowpack). The large increase in sales will be evident next month because that’s when we see  high temperatures and customers increased demand(no precipitation yet).

Water production for June was 8,950,891 gallons and 8,066,891 gallons distributed. We currently estimate the lake at 863AF and we are distributing a little over 1 AF of treated water per day.

We currently have our 2024 Audit under Peer review with Haynie and Company so we hope to have the final audit ready for our August board meeting. This expense is line item 1-632 which  is lumped into our yearly accounting so that’s why it looks like we are over budget.

Rate Relief:

793 Ridge Road had an irrigation leak after multiple sections of line cracked after the cold winter.  After the leaks were discovered the entire line was replaced and tested by the landscape company vital beauty.  The owner is requesting rate relief and has no prior leak history. Mike Motioned for Tier 1 rate relief, Henry 2^nd ,approved.

Source and Supply:

La Plata West Water Authority pumped 22 AF and we finished July 9^th adding our 100AF of Nighthorse water.  With the increased summer demand we will plan on pumping again in October to refill the lake after summer usage.  This summer we have been distributing 270 gpm  and still some bulks are losing tank volume.  Last summer we reached 240gpm for 1 week so it goes to show how much demand increases if we don’t have any precipitation.

The Pine Ridge Ditch President will begin a clean out north of Highway 160 on the Indian Shadows property.  The sediment accumulation, various trees, vegetation, and debris over the years have reduced flows and efficiency. A little debris clearing and reshaping the ditch in sections will help tremendously to keep flows consistent.  A little ditch work goes a long way.

Tim and Chris work Performed list:

Filter #2 Refurb:

Reinstalled trough wastegate

Installed clarifier air and water manifolds

Reinstalled clarifier beads

Reinstalled clarifier screens

Shocked clarifier beads with high test calcium hypochlorite

Installed new under drains

Installed new media

Manually backwashed media and removed fine material

Manually Flushed clarifier

Painted weld spots on exterior

Filter 2 is currently online since 6/4

New PLC install began week of 6/9 

Filter #1 has been running on the new PLC since 7/7

Filter #2 PLC change over tentatively scheduled for the week of 7/21

Ordered/received chlorine

Ordered/received PAC (met a new supplier in Denver)

Integrated meter pit locations into our GIS 

Evoqua site visit – changed out the Chlorite rotameter for the chlorine dioxide generator

Bacteriological samples (June and July)

Submitted TTHM, HAA5s and Phthalate  samples

Met with Badger Meters several times. Provided us with a quote for a Pilot program

Pumped 101 acre feet from Nighthorse

13 Acre feet from the Pine Ridge Ditch

Replaced  10+ broken meters

Treated the lake with copper sulfate

Pump house maintenance 

An air-vac valve on the Nighthorse pipeline failed. Purchased a replacement, will install before we pump again

Looked into removing the used filter #2 media  – It’s considered hazardous waste. Samples will have to be submitted/tested by a lab to determine if Bondad will accept it

Investigated several high usage concerns – Demand has increased significantly compared to the last several years 

Normal day to day operations

Treatment: 

Filter #2 had its waste gate trough reinstalled and was tested out during the final steps of the refurbishment project.  Browns Hill had been running tests during the PLC install so we can run both filters and have redundancy. By having both filters fully operational we can share the abuse and be able to pull either filter offline for scheduled maintenance. 

5. Raftelis Cost of Service Recap:

Todd and the board had a work session to discuss the cost of service draft examining the rates for bulk customers and retail customers.  The big takeaway from the session was to view the demand or potential demand for the size of each customer classification. Once the demand is broken down into average and peak demand you can begin to dissect the percentage each customer classification puts on the system. The draft went through the different classifications on distribution, demand, bulk peak demand, retail peak demand and all costs to serve.  Everyone agreed that the distribution system layout to all the different subdivisions was difficult and pumping 5 times to get to certain areas will always be expensive. Crystal noted that we must allocate for non revenue water to get the full picture on what it costs to serve the customer. Crystal stated we need to perform an affordability assessment and use county census data to better understand what the residents can afford. Board members discussed contingency funds for emergencies due to our remote location and drought history.

6.Approval of the Bills – Bill.com report to follow. Mike motioned to approve bills, Henry 2^nd, approved.

8. Public Comment or Questions. Greg asked how the rate design was going to incorporate capital in the 10 year forecast Raftelis was developing. The board members each answered that adding in the capital list as well as accruing a safety net will be the ultimate goal.
9. Adjourn.

7:34PM Ward adjourned.