Board Meeting Minutes- January 12, 2026

Monday, January 12, 2026 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

• None

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

Director Peterson noted that a quorum was present.

None

Director Price asked about the level of chlorine in the water and Neil and John responded.

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

RESOLVED (No. 15641), that the Board approved minutes from December 22, 2025.

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

RESOLVED (No. 15642), that the Board approved the consent agenda as presented.

As requested by Director Peterson, the Finance Manager presented a draft policy to establish guidelines for board member travel and event attendance to ensure all expenses are reasonable, necessary, and directly related to LWW’s mission. This proposed policy aligns with the LWW Personnel Manual regarding travel. Furthermore, the policy addresses unique board requirements, specifically the Kansas Open Meetings Act (KOMA). Given that LWW operates with a five-member board, a gathering of three members constitutes a quorum. This policy proactively mitigates the risk of accidental KOMA violations by limiting event attendance to two members and providing guidelines for conduct at educational seminars and social gatherings. It also encourages "Collaborative Travel" with management to reduce organizational costs such as parking and redundant transportation fees.

Discussion was held regarding various conferences, KOMA, attendance, and budget. Director Price brought up a director paying for their own travel without requesting reimbursement and if they could still attend and everyone agreed that it was more than acceptable, but KOMA still applied. The request was made to change the policy name to include Reimbursable.

The Finance Manager volunteered to put together a list of possible conferences with dates and estimated costs.

After discussion and upon motion from Director Poff and seconded by Director Price, motion passed 5-0…

RESOLVED (No. 15643), that the Board approved the presented Leavenworth Waterworks Director Reimbursable Travel and Event Attendance Policy.

The General Manager shared that he had been contacted by a property management firm for Verizon Wireless this past week, proposing a reduction in the sublease agreement payment for the Pilot Knob tower. Further noted there is currently a three-party agreement in place with Verizon, Evergy, and Leavenworth
Waterworks for rental of space on Evergy’s communication tower. Currently, Verizon’s rent is $695.75 per month ($8,349 per year) and was last increased by 15 percent October 2024. The next increase is in 2029. Verizon is trying to reduce their costs for sites with the threat that they will eliminate the site and install their 5G system on pole top microcell sites, thereby reducing the rental payment to zero.

They are proposing two options to consider:

1. A lump sum of $78,600.00 for a perpetual easement
2. A reduced rent of $400 per month starting March 1, 2026 for the next five years. A 15 percent increase would apply to the next five-year period, and so on to 2056.

They are asking for a clause to be added giving them the right of first refusal. The General Manager checked with Evergy and they have not been approached about any kind of change.

The Board discussed the terms and concerns were made regarding the perpetual easement and the right of first refusal. Discussion was also held noting we do have a third option of doing nothing at this point. Director Poff wondered how long 5G would be viable and noted that it was expected to retire beginning in 2030. This brought up the point of the lump sum for a perpetual easement being a better option or not. The consensus was that it was less desirable.

The Board tabled the topic for staff research and further discussion.

Administration

1. December and year end reconciliations
2. Continue review of job descriptions
3. Working on continuing education for license renewal
4. Updating/documenting various policies and procedures

Provided on update on the customer who attended the last board meeting noting follow up was sent via email with no response.

Distribution

Water Distribution Projects

1. Lead & Copper Service Inventory
   • Total 0/37 for the year.
2. Mount Olivet Project
   • KDHE Inspection completed.
3. Lawrence Ave
   • Final plan set in review.

Water Distribution Operations

1. Break since last meeting: 1714 9th Ave., 2” CI, 1958
2. Construction mats to lessen yard damage are readily available. Prices range from $350 per sheet (1/2” x 4’ x 8’) to $1,000.00’s depending on weight ratings.
3. Main Break Stats 2025:

Distribution Manager presented various data, main breaks & valve exercising, from 2025.

Water Treatment

Ohio Street Booster Station

1. Nothing new to report.

Treatment Summary

1. Met with Carollo to discuss the South Treatment Plant Capacity Improvement Project.
2. Met with KDHE on Mt. Olivet tank inspection.
3. Worked on the end-of-the-year inventory.
4. Shut down completely for the Christmas Holiday.
   • (No issues) BIG THANKS TO JOHN AND HIS CREW!
5. December Usage: 116,450,422 gallons Daily Average Usage: 3,756,465 gallons

Treatment Manager reported that plants may be closed for holidays in the future.

General Manager

• Water Tank Project
  • Contract #2 Tank: KDHE’s final inspection of the project held January 6, 2026. No issues noted. We should be able to close out the loan next month.
• South Treatment Plant Resiliency Project
  • Waiting on the FY 26 Federal Appropriations process.
  • Consultant trying to arrange a meeting with Senator Moran’s office to discuss FY 27 budget for end of February or beginning of March.
  • Engineering RFQ’s received January 9th.
• Reviewing Plans & Specifications for the Lawrence Ave./9th St. WMR Project.
• Reviewed and approved Annual Water Rights Report to DWR.
• Was reappointed to the Missouri Regional Advisory Committee to the Kansas Water Authority for a term ending June 30, 2029 (attached).
• LCDC Annual Meeting January 16th, 11 am to 1:30 pm at RCC.
• Offices closed January 19th for MLK holiday.

Further noted that Chad Tenpenny was looking at dates for a visit to Washington D.C. and meet with legislators. Mr. Tenpenny suggested February 25th, March 3rd, or March 4th, and requested Board Members attend if possible.

General Manager reported that 3 proposals have been received for the South Treatment Plant Expansion Project Engineering services. Discussed setting up interviews on January 26th through the 28th.

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

Director Peterson adjourned the meeting at 5:48 PM.