Board Meeting Minutes- December 8, 2025

Monday, December 8, 2025 at 5:00 PM | 601 Cherokee Leavenworth, KS 66048-0576

Directors in Attendance

• Eric Peterson
• William Daniels
• Nick Poff
• Eric Price
• Camalla Leonhard

Directors Absent (Excused)

• None

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

• Heather Allison, Finance and Admin Assistant
• Judy Price and Robert Price, 403 N Broadway

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

Heather Allison, as a public notary, obtained the signed Oath of Office from the three newly elected Directors

Director Daniels noted that a quorum was present.

None

Director Poff asked if sodium hydroxide was utilized by our plants and the Treatment and Distribution Managers confirmed that it is not used.

After discussion, the following slate of officers were nominated for 2026:

• Chair - Eric Peterson
• Vice Chair - William Daniels
• Secretary – Camalla Leonhard
• Assistant Secretary – Eric Price

Upon motion from Director Daniels and seconded by Director Peterson, motion passed 5-0…

RESOLVED (No. 15630), that the Board approved slate of officers for 2026 as noted.

Upon motion from Director Leonhard and seconded by Director Price, motion passed 5-0…

RESOLVED (No. 15631), that the Board approved minutes from November 25, 2025.

Upon motion from Director Peterson and seconded by Director Poff, motion passed 5-0…

RESOLVED (No. 15632), that the Board approved the consent agenda as presented.

Staff presented the board member packet developed to share with new board members; as an essential resource for preparing for terms on the Leavenworth Waterworks Board. Packet is designed to help provide a clear, concise understanding of the legal, financial, and operational foundations of Leavenworth Waterworks.

No action necessary.

The General Manager presented meeting dates for 2026, noting that K.S.A. 13-2417 requires that the Waterworks Board meets twice monthly, with the Board meeting scheduled for the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 5 pm. Noted an adjustment to the second May meeting to account for Memorial Day and requested an adjustment to the second June meeting to allow for members of management, and possibly Directors, to attend the AWWA ACE 2026 conference.

Dates presented January 12th and 26th, February 9th and 23rd, March 9th and 23rd, April 13th and 27th, May 11th and 26th, June 8th and 29th, July 13th and 27th, August 10th and 24th, September 14th and 28th, October 12th and 26th, November 9th and 23rd, December 14th and 28th.

The General Manager also asked if Directors were interested in attending conferences. After discussion, Finance Manager recommended adopting a Board travel policy at a later date.

Upon motion from Director Price and seconded by Director Poff, motion passed 5-0…

RESOLVED (No. 15633), that the Board approved meetings dates as presented.

The General Manager presented the Request for Qualifications for Engineering Services for the South Treatment Plant Project.

He asked if any of the Directors are interested in participating in the interviews we are planning. Noted that up to two Directors could participate without violating the KOMA requirements. As an alternative, he suggested staff narrow down the selection and a final interview of two to three firms be held by the Board of Directors at regular and continued meetings.

Discussion was held and Director Peterson requested that staff narrow down the proposals prior to presenting them to the board. Director Price requested to be on the committee.

No action necessary.

Administration

1. November month-end reconciliations
2. Drafting new board member packet
3. Continue review of job descriptions
4. Setup employee appreciation event for May 30,, 2026
5. Working with team on 2025 Holiday party
6. Volunteered at USD 464 Reality U event December 5th
7. Attending KsAWWA meeting on December 12th in McPherson

Distribution

Water Distribution Projects

1. Lead & Copper Service Inventory
   • Total 33/37 for the year.
   • All unknown/galvanized service line mailers sent.
2. Mount Olivet Project
   • In use, punch list in progress.
3. Lawrence Ave
   • 3rd Draft Complete, in review.

Water Distribution Operations

1. No main breaks since our last meeting.
2. Gearing up for winter.

Further discussion held on the lead and copper service inventory noting that it is a 20 year program with an average 37 performed each year.

Water Treatment

Ohio Street Booster Station

1. Nothing new to report.

Treatment Summary

1. North Plant officially closed for the winter.
2. Starting a complete cross-training program between the plants.
3. C&B/Douglas Pump repaired seals on the Primary gearbox.
4. Reviewed RFQ for South Plant upgrade.
5. Started on ERP.

Further discussed cross-training of the plants and procautions for a freeze occurring in the winter months while the North Plant is down. Noted that the North Plant employees will resume regular maintenance and cleaning at the North Plant on March 1st.

General Manager

• Water Tank Project
  • Contract #2 Tank: DN Tank had final inspection for their work on November 21st. Punch list being addressed
• South Treatment Plant Resiliency Project
  • Waiting on the Federal Appropriations process.
  • Request for Qualifications for engineering services issued December 3rd.
• Reviewing Plans & Specifications for the Lawrence Ave./9th St. WMR Project.
• Discussed Centennial Bridge Project with Crow & Associates.
• Worked on the 2025 update of our Risk and Resiliency Assessment and Emergency Operation Plan. Will submit certification of completion for RRA in December
• Attended Missouri Regional Advisory Committee meeting, December 2nd online.
• The City took bids on the Wilson Ave Improvements on December 3rd. Linawever Construction was the apparent low bidder and although their price for the waterline replacement was higher than what we had budgeted for two years ago it appears reasonable at first glance.
• Working on this year’s PDH required for engineering license.

Director Daniels asked if there were any other updates to discuss on various ongoing projects.
Discussion was held.

Upon motion from Director Peterson, seconded by Director Leonhard, motion passed 5-0.

Director Daniels adjourned the meeting at 6:03 PM.