Meeting Minutes of September 10, 2025
The regular meeting of Buncombe Public Water District was called to order on September 10, 2025 at 6:02 p.m. at the District’s office located at 79 Wiley Ln, Makanda, Illinois.
Call to Order
Trustees Present: Hughey; Brewer; Dickson; Fiorino; Howell; Lamb
Trustees Absent: None
Also Present: Alex Heidbreder; Sage Lintner; Robert Baker; and Michael R. Twomey.
Chairman Hughey conducted the meeting.
MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING HELD AUGUST 13, 2025 made by Trustee Dickson and seconded by Trustee Brewer. On voice vote, motion passed with all Trustees voting aye.
Visitor, Customer, and Public Comments
A. Robert Baker:
Mr. Baker informed the Board that he received a letter from the District requesting his presence. He reported to the Board that he did not see any of the options listed that applied to him and wanted to know exactly what would apply to him. Chairman Hughey informed him that he has one meter with multiple apartments and businesses using the one meter. He was informed that those would have to be metered separately.
Mr. Baker informed the Board that in his opinion IEPA approved his current set-up. Chairman Hughey informed him that IEPA allows the Districts to prepare their own ordinances and penalties.
Water Operator Heidbreder confirmed that Mr. Baker has multiple units on one meter. He further stated that there are three apartments and an ice cream shop, therefore there would be four meters needed.
Mr. Baker stated he did not know exactly what needed to be done. Board discussed and determined a letter with items of noncompliance and options to correct would be sent to Mr. Baker. The letter will also contain a drop dead date by which he must comply with District ordinances or risk losing water service.
Old Business
A. None. It should be noted for public record the District held two informational meetings at the Makanda Civic Center on August 21st & 23rd. The purpose was to provide the customers of the District an opportunity to express their opinion on the rules and regulations of the District and rates for water usage. District history and future plans were also discussed.
New Business
A. IEPA Inspection:
Sage presented to the Board an inspection letter received from IEPA. She included in the Board packet. Sage said that some of the violations listed were incorrect and appears to be a form letter of some sort or another.
The District has complied with the IEPA request for correction. A response letter has been mailed to IEPA.
City of Carbondale Water Supply
A. There has been a continuing problem with backflow through the master meter. The City of Carbondale has apparently ordered a backflow preventer and will install the same.
Monthly Staff and Board Group Reports
A. Office Manager Lintner Report:
Office Manager Lintner presented a written report to the Board and placed of record with the Minutes.
B. WSO Heidbreder Report:
Alex Heidbreder presented a written report to the Board and placed of record with the Minutes. Water Operator Heidbreder also noted that some customers have had issues with high pressure along Church Street since the new line was installed. Some of the customers would like reimbursement for costs and damages. A suggestion was made to contact the people to come to the Board and explain their individual circumstances.
Chairman Hughey also requested Water Operator Heidbreder to fix hydrants that are leaking. There are three and Water Operator Heidbreder has been requested to repair one a month.
C. Work Group 1 Ordinances:
Nothing presented.
D. Work Group 2 District Improvement:
A meeting for September is scheduled for September 19, 2025 at 11:00 at the Water District office.
E. ROINC Report:
Sage presented a written report to the Board and placed of record with the Minutes. It was noted that there was a 10% water loss District wide.
MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY STAFF AND BOARD GROUP REPORTS was made by Trustee Brewer and seconded by Trustee Howell. On voice vote, motion passed with all Trustees voting aye.
Monthly Treasurer/Accounting/Financial Reports
A. Spreadsheet of Bills to be Paid:
Office Manager Lintner presented to the Board a written list of bills to be paid.
B. Amy Financial Report August 2025:
There was a letter dated September 8, 2025 included in the Board packet.
C. 125% Report:
A written report was presented to the Board and placed of record with the minutes.
D. Change in Account Balances Month:
A written report was presented to the Board which included a profit/loss versus actual. Sage is working on the 2026 budget.
E. Profit/Loss versus Actual:
Included with the Change in Account Balances report.
F. Investments:
Chairman Hughey requested Board permission to take an additional $25,000.00 and place in a CD. This money will be withdrawn from the First Mid account. This money is to be invested in a 3-6 month timeframe.
MOTION TO APPROVE THE MONTHLY TREASURER REPORT AND FINANCIAL REPORT made by Trustee Fiorino and seconded by Trustee Lamb. On roll call vote, motion passed with all Trustees voting aye.
Payment of Bills
A. A schedule of all bills was presented to the Board for review. MOTION TO PAY ALL BILLS made by Trustee Brewer and Seconded by Trustee Howell. On roll call vote, motion passed with all Trustees voting aye.
Additional Trustee Comments or Questions
A. None
Executive Session
A. None.
Motion for Adjournment
MOTION TO ADJOURN MEETING made by Trustee Fiorino and seconded by Trustee Howell. On voice vote, motion passed with all Trustees voting aye.
Meeting adjourned at 7:23 p.m.