Board Members Present: Chairman Jim Haynes, Vice-Chairman Bill Jones, Bruce Vogelsinger, Bill Jones, Brent Sleep and Gary Wescott
Others Present: Maintenance supervisor Doug Bopp, Secretary/Treasurer Jacquie Albright, Lou Goodness, Chuck Samson.
Chairman called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. at the WaterLife Discovery Center, 2100 Lakeshore Drive, Sagle Idaho.
The special meeting had been called to discuss the following:
-Whether to pursue an interim expansion of the District’s wastewater treatment facility and lift station upgrade as proposed by J-U-B Engineering.
-Whether to engage the services of Attorney Stephanie Bonney of Moore, Smith, Buxton & Turcke, Chartered.
-Whether to have J-U-B Engineering and attorney Ted Diehl, determine if existing easements are adequate to accommodate the proposed upgrade of the Fish Hatchery and other lift stations.
Much discussion followed regarding the deferred maintenance, the need to rebuild 2 lift stations, the possibility of replacing some of the infrastructure and the amount of build out the District is currently able to pursue.
The need to proceed as spelt out in the letter provided by J-U-B Engineers was reviewed.
Discussion whether to proceed with Judicial Confirmation or a Revenue Bond followed.
Due to time constraints (money guaranteed till June 2010) it was agreed to pursue Judicial Confirmation.
The updated facility plan also requires the rebuilding of two lift stations due to the increased capacity needed and the replacement of some collection lines.
How to equitably distribute new hook ups was discussed. The board will be reviewing all aspects of prepaid hookups and the dates of purchase, people who are ready to build immediately and have permits and septic systems which must be replaced as determined by Panhandle Health District.
Questions arose as to whether this loan would jeopardize funding for a long term solution. The consensus of the Board was that the long term solution will not be in jeopardy future funding would still be available to the District.
A motion was made and seconded to proceed with the expansion of the land application site by applying a drip irrigation system, re-building two lift stations and replacing some of the collection lines at a cost of $1.8m. The motion carried with 4 Yes votes and 1 No vote.
A motion was made and seconded to accept the proposal presented by Attorney Stephanie Bonney and retain Ms. Bonney as our Bond Attorney. Motion carried.
The Board will request Engineer Paul Klatt to clarify and prioritize the lift stations.
Jim will be in touch with the District’s Attorney Ted Diehl as the need to hav
e all the easements reviewed and revised and a letter drafted to all property owners.
Bruce expressed concern about J-U-B’s experience and expertise in irrigation systems. He suggested we investigate the possibility of other engineering firms with specific expertise and experience in this area and request proposals to undertake the final design and contract specifications. Gary expressed the opinion that three bids for engineering services are required. This however, is incorrect as under Idaho Law engineers are selected by qualification. Bruce agreed to pursue and clarify this issue.
A motion to adjourn was made and seconded at 3:20pm. Motion carried.
