Meeting Minutes of December 16, 2014
Chairman Joesph Burrows called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A roll call was taken and present were: Chairman Joseph Burrow, Vice Chairman Robert Jacobini, Secretary/Treasurer Mike Williamsen, Water Supply Operator Ron Lada, District Secretary Karen Dunn, and Trustees Grace Brewer, Robert Hughey, Jay Ross, and Jay Ruble. Absent was Trustee Jenny Anderson.
The professional in attendance was Mr. Mike Twomey, Attorney.
The Board reviewed the minutes of the November 2014 regular meeting. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Jacobini to accept the minutes as presented; seconded by Mr. Ruble and with (5) yes and (0) no votes, the minutes were approved.
No visitor or customer requests were available for discussion at this time.
No forms of communication were presented for discussion at this time.
Under the order of new business, the 2015 Schedule of Meetings of the Board of Trustees was presented and reviewed. A motion was made by Mr. Hughey to accept the 2015 schedule as presented, seconded by Mr. Ruble and with (5) yes and (0) no votes, the schedule was approved.
Next presented was the 2015 Operating Budget by Secretary/Treasurer Williamsen, who explained line item specifics based on both previous year and anticipated upcoming expenditures. Also discussed was the necessity to increase water revenue. After deliberate and careful discussion and consideration of all aspects, it was agreed that a water rate increase was necessary for successful operations. A motion was made by Mr. Ruble to increase water rates an approximate 9% overall as follows: Minimum Charge for “0” usage to $18.30 per month, first 1 to 1000 gallons to $22.90 flat rate per month, and usage above 1000 gallons to $18.30 per 1000 gallons prorated. Seconded by Mr. Hughey and with (5) yes and (0) no votes the motion was approved. Motion to accept the 2015 operating budget was tabled to the next regularly scheduled meeting so adjustments could be made based on the new rate increase.
At this time the employees were requested to exit the meeting as the Board discussed Christmas bonuses. After discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Hughey to extend to each employee a Christmas bonus in the same amount that was presented the previous year. Seconded by Vice Chairman Jacobini and with (5) yes and (0) no votes, the motion was approved.
No old business was addressed at this time.
Under the order of contract renegotiations, the Board discussed recent communications with members of the South Highway Water District Board of Trustees. Also discussed at this time were other options related to a water source. In depth discussion continued related to the engineering and financial requirements for establishing an alternate water source. The Board requested Mr. Twomey communicate with both Engineers and local financial establishments related to the specific items discussed. No other action was taken at this time.
Financials for October 2014 were reviewed and discussed previously during presentation of the 2015 Operating Budget.
The Edward Jones Investment Report for November 2014 was not available for discussion.
The Secretary/Treasurer Report and the Accounts Payable Report for December 2014 were presented by the Secretary/Treasurer. After discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Ruble to accept the reports as presented, transfer $25,327.49 from Operation/Maintenance checking to Repair/Improvements savings, and pay the bills. Seconded by Mrs. Brewer and with (5) yes and (0) no votes, the motion was approved.
The Water Supply Operator Report was presented by Ron Lada with no discrepancies. Discussion followed related to water loss. Also discussed was the status of new water meter installation.
No additional public comments or questions were presented at this time.
There was no move for an executive session.
There being no further business, a motion was made by Mrs. Brewer to adjourn; seconded by Mr. Ross and with a voice count of (5) yes and (0) no votes, the meeting was adjourned.