Minutes June 23, 2024
/BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING
Call to Order: Jim called the meeting to order at 9:30 am at the Scenic Estates Clubhouse.
Board Members Present: Jim Coats, Jeff Smith, Leslie Dempsey, David Canterman, & Tim Robison
Board members absent: None
Staff Present: Allison Cash, Nick Kluge
Voting Status: All board members present are in good standing. Quorum.
Changes to the Agenda:
Add “Bid for Chipping” to Administration Report
Add “Procedures” to Administration Report
Approval of Minutes and Consent Agenda:
Board of Directors’ Meeting Minutes-May 19, 2024
May 2024 Financial Reports
Staff Operations Report
Wilson Progress Report May 2024
Tim would like to discontinue using the Consent Agenda beginning at the July 2024 BOD meeting.
Leslie motioned to approve the Consent Agenda and the May 19, 2024 BOD Meeting Minutes. Jeff seconded. All in favor.
Member Communications:
Susan Baker read a letter she wrote to the board regarding LISECC Rules & Unsightly Properties. During the discussion, Jeff suggested holding a community forum to brainstorm possible solutions. There was also discussion about a possible AGM questionnaire with advisory questions.
Social Committee Report
Carol McKinney reminded everyone about the Luau on June 29 from 5:30 pm-7:30 pm at the Clubhouse.
Mark Sexton addressed the board to remind everyone of the very costly lawsuits brought against the board and the community in the past and to discourage the board from any negotiation with the individuals who originally brought the lawsuits.
Disaster Preparedness Committee Report
Siren controller will be installed on June 24, 2024.
A card has been designed to be distributed to members with important phone numbers and information about what to do in an emergency.
The committee is planning a meeting in July for existing Map Your Neighborhood leads and anyone who is interested in becoming involved.
A small group text has been created to include the Battalion Officer of the LIFD, LISECC board members, LISECC staff and committee members.
In addition, a group text will be sent to LISECC members who have opted in to receive disaster alert texts.
The committee has received the NOAA radios but has not distributed them yet.
Board Reports:
President:
Water Treatment Plant Forums-Jim proposed that the board host at least two community forums to discuss the new water treatment plant.
The first forum would focus strictly on the history of the water treatment plant replacement project. It will be a comprehensive discussion of why we need the new water treatment plant.
The second forum would address the funding for the water treatment plant replacement project. LISECC is planning on seeking a low-interest 40-year loan with the USDA.
Nooksack Watershed Adjudication
It is unclear how LISECC will have to respond, but LISECC will respond for the entire water system; members of LISECC will not have to file individually.
2024 AGM
Tim motioned to reschedule the 2024 AGM for Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 10:00 am. Leslie seconded. All in favor.
General Manager Report
Payment Plan Request
Tim motioned to approve the proposed payment plan. Jeff seconded. All in favor.
Lien Warning Notice
Leslie motioned to approve sending the lien warning notice and filing the lien in the event the payment is not received prior. Tim seconded. All in favor.
2023 Draft Audit
Tim motioned to approve the 2023 Audit. Leslie seconded. All in favor.
2024 Reserve Study
Discussion of the findings of the reserve study and the recommended reserve contribution for 2025. The board would like to schedule a virtual meeting with the reserve specialists to address specific questions about the report.
Operations Manager Report
DOH-Technical Assistance Report
The DOH was here for a tech assistance site visit. It was a very helpful visit and they provided good pointers for maintaining compliant water for our current treatment plant.
Consumer Confidence Report
A draft was presented to the board for their review. The report will be finalized and sent out to LISECC water consumers by the end of the week.
Kingworks Engineering Services Proposal
Whatcom County requires an engineer stamp on the drawings for the reservoir gangway. Nick contacted three engineering firms, but only received one estimate. Kingworks has provided a time and materials estimate for $4,500.00.
Critical Area Assessment for Dickinson Lake
In order to apply for the HPA (Hydraulic Project Application), we must complete a critical area assessment. After contacting three wetlands’ specialists, we received a bid from NW Ecological Services for $6,400, which would review the reservoir and the swim lake.
Tim motioned to approve up to $12,000 for the Kingworks Engineering Proposal and the critical area assessment from Reserves. David seconded. All in favor.
NW Tech Services Proposal-For the last few years, staff have been struggling with IT challenges. NW Tech Services would help us create a secure network for all of our data management and would provide us with IT support as needed. The board offered their support in pursuing this option.
VP/Secretary: No report
Finance
Review of Draft 2025 Budget-The budget is almost ready for the board to review, but Leslie needs the final figure for the reserve contribution before the draft can be presented.
Administration:
David reviewed the status of the 2 remaining delinquent properties.
David recommended getting an additional bid for chipping from Dan Dittrich for Firewise 2025.
David motioned that all interactions and all work requests between any board member and staff goes through the president who disseminates the information to the General Manager. Tim seconded. All in favor.
Operations/Water: No report
New Business: None
Old Business: None
Other Business:
Additional discussion about scheduling community forums and the process of applying for the USDA loan.
Next Meeting: July 28, 2024 at 9:30 am
Adjournment: Leslie motioned to adjourn the meeting at 11:58 am. David seconded. All in favor.
