Board Meeting Minutes- December 22, 2025

Monday, December 22, 2025 at 5:00 PM | 601 Cherokee Leavenworth, KS 66048-0576

Directors in Attendance

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

Directors Absent (Excused)

• Nick Poff

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

• Rolan Galliart, 2508 South 15th Street

Director Peterson called the meeting to order at 4:55 PM.

Director Peterson noted that a quorum was present.

Rolan Galliant 2508 S. 15th Street – voiced concern that he received a late notice and pays electronically through his bank and then was assessed a late fee. Concerned that customer service was not applying payment timely. Discussion was held and the Finance Manager shared dates that Mr. Galliant’s payments were received and applied over the past 3 months noting the last payment was paid via check and not electronically and was received after the due date.

Director Peterson requested that a policy on board travel and conference attendance be drafted. He also requested that the Board hold off on sending Board members to conferences in 2026 as we just raised rates and we want to be cognizant of what we spend.

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

RESOLVED (No. 15636), that the Board approved minutes from December 8, 2025.

Discussion held on the utility billing refunds noted and how they are presented as only two names were noted. Will correct and remove names.

Upon motion from Director Leonhard and seconded by Director Price, motion passed 4-0…

RESOLVED (No. 15637), that the Board approved the consent agenda, with corrections as noted.

After discussion held regarding water loss, upon motion from Director Price and seconded by Director Leonhard, motion passed 4-0…

RESOLVED (No. 15638), that the Board approved the November 2025 financial statements as presented.

The Finance Manager presented the engagement letter received from SSC CPAs, P.A. to conduct the 2025 audit. After discussion and upon motion from Director Leonhard and seconded by Director Daniels, motion passed 4-0…

RESOLVED (No. 15639), that the Board approved signing of the engagement letter for the 2025 audit.

The Distribution Manager noted that our internal vehicle evaluation process conducted during budget season this year established the need to replace our Meter Shop Truck #3. This process evaluates our fleet based on mileage, known maintenance issues and existing damage to determine a score that reflects the vehicle condition.

He further noted that Truck #3 is a 2018 Chevy, it has 93,000 miles, we have spent $3,800 on repairs for this vehicle in the last 3 years, it needs tires and electrical work. The truck has minor cosmetic damage from years of wear. This is a half-ton truck with the extra cab that is used to haul equipment and manpower for large meter testing and replacements.

The following bids were received:

1. Henry Martens Chevrolet
   • 2026 Chevy 1500 DBL Cab $42,500.00
   • Trade in Value $10,000.00
   • Total $32,500.00
2. Morris Smith Ford
   • 2026 Ford F150 Super Cab $47,142.98
   • Trade in Value $13,500.00
   • Total $33,642.98
3. Main Street CDJR
   • 2026 Ram 1500 Crew Cab $46,206.50
   • Trade in Value $13,000.00
   • Total $33,206.50

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

RESOLVED (No. 15640), that the Board approved purchase of the 2026 Chevy 1500 DBL Cab for a total of $32,500 from Henry Martens Chevrolet.

Administration

1. November financial statements
2. Continue review of job descriptions
3. Working with team on 2025 Holiday party held on December 15th
4. Attended KsAWWA meeting on December 12th in McPherson
5. Working on continuing education for license renewal
6. Updating/documenting various policies and procedures

Distribution

Water Distribution Projects

1. Lead & Copper Service Inventory
   • Total 35/37 for the year.
   • All unknown/galvanized service line mailers sent.
2. Mount Olivet Project
   • In use, punch list in progress.
3. Lawrence Ave
   • Final plan set in review.

Water Distribution Operations

1. Main Breaks: 110 Marion, 6” CI 1973
2. Compiling data for year-end main break report

Director Peterson requested that the Distribution Manager research mats that could be used during construction to minimize damage to grass and property.

Water Treatment

Ohio Street Booster Station

1. Nothing new to report.

Treatment Summary

1. Met with BG Consultants regarding South Plant Capacity Improvement Project
2. Met with contractors about new office space
3. Winter preventative maintenance at the North Plant
4. Attended safety meeting on 12/17/25
5. Average Daily Usage: 3,694,013MGD (Million Gallons a Day)

The Treatment Manager reported to the Board that he would be moving his office location to the administration building.

General Manager

• KMU Safety Training held Dec 17th on “Year End Review” and Professional Development on “Critical Thinking”.
• Water Tank Project
  • Contract #2 Tank: DN Tank working on punch list items. They expect to be completed by the 19th.
• South Treatment Plant Resiliency Project
  • Waiting on the Federal Appropriations process.
• Reviewing Plans & Specifications for the Lawrence Ave./9th St. WMR Project.
• Meeting with the City Engineer and KDOT ROW agent on Centennial Bridge Project December 19th.
  • Noted during the meeting that this had been cancelled by KDOT.
• Certified the 2025 update of our Risk and Resiliency Assessment December 16, 2025. Will be working on the Emergency Operation Plan over the next six months.
• Completed this year’s PDH required for engineering license.

Reported that Chad Tenpenny is working with Congressman Schmidt’s office as part of his reelection team for 2027.

Invited Board members to attend the annual LCDC meeting on January 16, 2026.

Upon motion from Director Price, seconded by Director Leonhard, motion passed 4-0.

Director Peterson adjourned the meeting at 6:05 PM.