Board Meeting Minutes- February 10, 2025

Monday, February 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM | 601 Cherokee Leavenworth, KS 66048-0576

Directors in Attendance

• Richard Gervasini
• William Daniels (via phone until 5:25 pm)
• Eric Peterson
• Nick Poff

Directors Absent (Excused)

• Chad Lough

Staff in Attendance

• Joel Mahnken, General Manager
• Dana Splichal, Finance Manager
• John Hodgden, Distribution Manager
• Neil Seichepine, Treatment Manager
• Britni Huff, Staff Engineer

Others in Attendance

• None

Director Gervasini called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.

Director Gervasini noted that a quorum was present.

None

None

Upon motion from Director Peterson and seconded by Director Poff, motion passed 4-0…

RESOLVED (No. 15560), that the Board approved minutes from January 13, 2025.

Upon motion from Director Peterson and seconded by Director Poff, motion passed 4-0…

RESOLVED (No. 15561), that the Board approved the consent agenda as presented.

The management team has been reviewing the personnel manual for applicable updates to ensure we are consistent with policies across departments as well as in practice.

At the meeting held on January 13th, the Board requested that management ask 3 employees to review the manual and provide feedback. Each manager selected one person from their team and the Finance Manager shared feedback received.

Discussion was held. Upon motion from Director Poff and seconded by Director Peterson, motion passed 4-0…

RESOLVED (No. 15562), that the Board approved the consent agenda as presented.

The General Manager shared the updated management performance evaluation for the Board’s review and input.

Discussed and Board consensus was no changes needed. No Board action required.

Upon motion from Director Daniels, seconded by Director Peterson, motion passed 4-0…

RESOLVED (No. 15563), that the Board approved the December 2024 Financial Statements.

The General Manager presented the Target Cash Reserves report as of December 31, 2024. Noted that we have total reserves of $11,234,187 with a target of $6,510,002, the excess being available for capital improvement projects.

Upon motion from Director Daniels, seconded by Director Peterson, motion passed 4-0…

RESOLVED (No. 15564), that the Board approved the Target Cash Reserves report as presented.

The Water Treatment Manager requested directions from the Board on the topic of fluoridation of drinking water. Noted that the citizens of Leavenworth approved fluoridation on the ballot in November 2000. Due to supply chain issues post-COVID, we were unable to add fluoride to the water at either treatment plant from February 2022 to February 2023. Testing during this period revealed naturally occurring fluoride in the water.

It was further noted that the benefits of adding fluoride to drinking water have been debated extensively. Older reports suggest it can be beneficial for children aged 3-5 in families with limited access to dental care, primarily through water consumption. However, newer research raises concerns about potential developmental harm in children. The professional opinion of the Manager is that minimizing the chemicals added to our drinking water is preferable therefore requested the Board's approval to place this issue on the November ballot, allowing Leavenworth citizens again to decide.

Discussion was held and the Board directed the General Manager to seek legal advice on the process of adding this to the November 2025 ballot.

Administration

1. Month end reconciliations
2. Year-end reports
3. BS&A Software
   • Continuing working with the conversion team
4. Contacting vendors to research outsourcing of printing and mailing of bills
5. Preparing for audit on March 10th
6. Rate announcement for public
7. Working with KMU on training schedules and offerings
8. John, Neil and I met with our worker's compensation insurance carrier for our annual review

Distribution

Water Distribution Projects

1. Lead & Copper Service Inventory
   • 1 Galvanized service replaced; Unknown/Galvanized on WMR Selection Criteria
2. Lecompton Water Main Replacement (2023)
   • Notice of Award given
3. Mount Olivet Main Lines
   • HWY 73 tie-in complete, waiting on valves

Water Distribution Operations

Between January 24th, 2025 and February 6th, 2025, the following water-distribution activities have occurred:

b) Flooded Home; 1136 Quincy; shared pictures during the meeting.

Water Treatment

Ohio Street Booster Station

1. R.E. Pedrotti replaced a CPU board for the VFD pumps.

North Plant Summary

1. C&B repaired non-functioning ice pump with parts of the second non-functioning ice pump. Pump installed and tested as of 2pm 2/6/25.

South Plant Summary

1. Mid-American Valve finished installing 15 new valves. (2025 C.I.P.)

General Manager

• Water Tank Project
  • Contract #1 Pipeline: Hettinger Excavating has completed the tie-in on Hwy 73. Working towards Substantial Completion.
  • Contract #2 Tank: No activity to report.
• South Treatment Plant Resiliency Project
  • Tenpenny Law continues to work on support for CDS Grant.
• Working on contracts for the Lecompton WMR project.
• Attending Missouri River Regional Advisory Committee meeting February 6th online.

Upon motion from Director Daniels, seconded by Director Peterson, motion passed 4-0.

Director Daniels adjourned the meeting at 5:51 PM.