Lake Wenatchee Water District

Special Commissioners’ Meeting

August 11, 2022

10:00 am

Location: Fire Station #91

21696 Lake Wenatchee Hwy

Commissioners Present: Fred Guimond, Bruce Harris (Quorum Present)

Staff Present: Bruce Harris, Clerk

Guests Present: Barbara Harris

Commissioner Guimond called the meeting to order at 10:00 am.

Commissioner Guimond moved to accept the minutes for the Aug 04 Commissioners’ meeting as submitted, seconded by Commissioner Harris, motion carried.

No public comments

Operations:

EMERGENCY POWER ISSUE: The telemetry repeater station is failing to communicate between the pump house and the wells to balance the system. The water operator was not able to purchase the special replacement solar rechargeable batteries due to supplier problems. Because the batteries will no longer be available, the Chelan PUD was asked to review the alternatives to provide direct 120-volt AC to the telemetry pole. The operator and clerk were present for the onsite discussion. The PUD recommended an overhead service connection to a new power pole next to the telemetry repeater as the best solution for a permanent supply of AC power. A similar conversion from solar/rechargeable battery to AC was accomplished at the Lake Wenatchee well reservoir several years ago when tree growth blocked the sun to the solar panels.

This emergency installation solution will eliminate the need to borrow power via an extension cord from the nearest neighbor, John Colvard. The PUD service representative recommended to start the installation ordering process as soon as possible because of the flow time required. They will not schedule the PUD new power pole installation until payment is received. Estimated completion of the total project is mid Oct 2022.

Motion: Commissioner Harris moves to approve the payment of $3,925 to the Chelan County Public Utility District (PUD) for installing new service including pole, secondary handhole, overhead secondary service conductor, underground secondary service conductor and single-phase service connection. Commissioner Guimond seconded, motion passed.

Commissioner Harris motioned to sign the Capital Projects fund 682.705 warrant as presented in the amount of $3,925.00. Commissioner Guimond seconded; motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 10:35 am.

Next Meeting: September 8, 2022 12:30 pm

Lake Wenatchee Water District

Commissioners’ Meeting

August 4, 2022

12:30 pm

Location: Fire Station #91

21696 Lake Wenatchee Hwy

Commissioners Present: Fred Guimond, Bruce Harris (Quorum Present)

Staff Present: Charlie Cruickshank, Operator

Guests Present: Barbara Harris

Commissioner Guimond called the meeting to order at 12:30 pm.

Commissioner Guimond moved to accept the minutes for the July Commissioners’ meeting as submitted, seconded by Commissioner Harris, motion carried.

No public comments

Operations

Generator: Waiting for Mike Brunelle, First Choice Electric, to test the load of the generator with the operator present.

Power Issue: Telemetry repeater has dead batteries which are no longer readily available. Operator Cruickshank is having a lithium battery block built. AC power is temporarily provided from neighbor.

Motion: Due to the emergency nature of the lack of permanent power to the telemetry, Operator Cruickshank will make application to Chelan PUD to get AC power to the telemetry pole and determine the scope of work. Operator will use small works roster to hire excavation and electrical work as needed. Commissioner Guimond motioned to approve, Commissioner Harris seconded, motion passed.

MIU Replacements: Before the August 25 meter readings, Charlie will replace the MIU’s that have failed to transmit for at least 2 times in a row.

Leaks & System Updates: There have been several customer complaints of sulfur smells in the water. Operator Cruickshank explained that power outages reset booster pumps and need to be manually set to optimal settings. He has also made changes to the chlorinator to help with sulfur smell. The water is perfectly safe when there is a sulfur smell, but he is working to diminish the smell by adding more chlorine. In August, as usual, the well pumps are starting to cavitate due to low water levels. This appears as small bubbles in the water, which is also safe.

EPA/DOH Earthquake Seminar: Waiting for links and copies of the presentation.

Administrative: Update on Clerk and Commissioner Search: There were no replies to the email request sent to district customers. Several people were personally asked by commissioners, but they declined. Commissioner Harris will perform the administrative clerk duties until a permanent clerk can be hired.

Secretary Appointee: Resolution 2022-08-04a to change the secretary position was motioned by Commissioner Guimond and seconded by Commissioner Harris, motion passed.

Financial Policy Manual: Resolution 2022-08-04b to update the policy was motioned by Commissioner Guimond and seconded by Commissioner Harris, motion passed.

Monthly financial reports:

As of July 31, 2022, Treasurer’s Report shows $37,613.27 in the general fund and $90,812.07 in the reserve fund for a total of $128,425.34. Imprest balance is $805.39.

Commissioner Guimond motioned to approve the July financial reports as presented, Commissioner Harris seconded, motion passed.

Commissioner Guimond motioned to approve O&M warrant $5042.68, Commissioner Harris seconded, motion passed.

Commissioner Guimond motioned to approve payroll warrant $2095.00, Commissioner Harris seconded, motion passed.

Clerk Report

Customer requested a Water Availability Certificate for his undeveloped parcel # 271718330065 for camping and RV use. Commissioner Guimond motioned to approve the water availability certificate, Commissioner Harris seconded, motion passed. Commissioner Harris will email the certificate to customer with instructions to consult with operator before digging.

Parcel 271718430010: Commissioner Guimond will phone customer on 8-5-2022 to arrange a meeting to discuss letter.

Meeting adjourned at 2:30 pm.

Next Meeting: September 8, 2022 12:30 pm