Board Meeting Minutes- April 14, 2025

Monday, April 14, 2025 at 5:00 PM | 601 Cherokee Leavenworth, KS 66048-0576

Directors in Attendance

• Richard Gervasini
• Nick Poff
• Chad Lough

Directors Absent (Excused)

• William Daniels
• Eric Peterson

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

• Chad Tenpenny, Tenpenny Law LLC
• Dr. Paul Hund, DDS, 10 Santa Fe Street

Director Gervasini called the meeting to order at 5:01 PM.

Director Gervasini noted that a quorum was present.

Regarding the fluoridation issue in water, Dr. Hund discussed the pros and cons of adding fluoride to water produced by Leavenworth Waterworks. He confirmed that the position of the Kansas Dental Association is, and will continue to be, that fluoridation at the currently recommended by the CDC is good for dental health and out ways any negative effects noted in recent studies. Discussion held.

No additional discussion was held as two Directors were absent.

Mr. Tenpenny was present to discuss his recent trip to Washington D.C., along with Director Daniels, who represented Leavenworth Waterworks. The two spoke with several congressmen and staff regarding the infrastructure needs of Leavenworth Waterworks and possible funding available.

Discussion was held with no action taken.

None

Upon motion from Director Poff and seconded by Director Lough, motion passed 3-0…

RESOLVED (No. 15572), that the Board approved the consent agenda as presented.

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

RESOLVED (No. 15569), that the Board approved the consent agenda as presented.

Administration

1. March reconciliations
2. BS&A Software - go live date July 28th
   • Continuing to work with the conversion team
     1. Bi-weekly meeting to discuss status and questions
     2. Have held several discovery meetings
     3. Remote Data Reviews April 8th and 9th
3. Audit ongoing – have provided all information and auditors are wrapping up in the office.
4. Attended monthly safety meeting on Heat/Summer Hazards
   • Goal is 100% participation from all employees.
   • We now have two KMU sessions each month available to all employees

Distribution

Water Distribution Projects

1. Lead & Copper Service Inventory
   • 1 Customer has replaced their galvanized services since last meeting. Total 11/37 for the year.
2. Lecompton Water Main Replacement (2023)
   • MCON started, pipe on 92 HWY installed.
3. Mount Olivet Project
   • DN Tanks on-site, layout work in-progress

Water Distribution Operations

1. Zero water main breaks since last meeting!
2. All Ludlow fire hydrants have been replaced.
3. I will be attending the KMU Water Conference this month.

Valve Exercise Progress

• Presented map of valves operated to date.

Water Treatment

Ohio Street Booster Station

1. Nothing new to report.

North Plant Summary

1. UPDATED 2025 C.I.P.
   1. Replacement of Submersible Ice pump (intake) $60,000 approved $52,510 actual
   2. Replace lighting at the Intake $5,000 approved $1,740 actual

$65,000 approved $54,250 actual Under budget by $10,750

South Plant Summary

1. C & B pulled HSP #3, our VFD to inspect and repair.
2. UPDATED 2025 C.I.P.
   1. 24-inch check valve replacement $45,000 approved $13,674 actual
   2. Filter valve replacement $125,000 approved $123,000 actual
   3. Plant water flow meter replacement $9,500 approved $10,750 actual
   4. Repair cement flooring around entrance to elevator $6,000 approved $1,900 actual

$185,000 approved $149,324 actual Under budget by $35,676

General Manager

• KMU Safety Training held April 14th on “Summer Hazards” at both the South Plant and the Office. The Safety Committee met afterwards.
• Water Tank Project
• Contract #1 Pipeline: Hettinger Excavation has demobilized from the site. Paperwork for the SRF loan and final payment remains.
• Contract #2 Tank: DN Tanks’ sitework subcontractor, Linaweaver Construction, has completed working on the site. Prime contractor to start mid-April.
• South Treatment Plant Resiliency Project
  • Submitted the revised BRIC grant application to KDEM on March 31st. On April 7th received a Notice from FEMA that all BRIC grants have been discontinued.
  • Tenpenny Law continues to work on the CDS Grant option.
• The Lecompton Road WMR project: MCON started April 7th on west end of the project.

The General Manager further noted that a white paint color was selected for the new tank and is called “Alpine”.

Director Gervasini requested progress pictures of the Tank Project be provided to the Board in the future.

Upon motion from Director Lough, seconded by Director Poff, motion passed 3-0.

Director Gervasini adjourned the meeting at 6:07 PM.