Lake Wenatchee Water District
Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes
May 11, 2023
Location: Fire Station #91
21696 Lake Wenatchee Hwy
Commissioners Present: Fred Guimond, John Colvard, Erin Colwell (quorum established)
Staff Present: Bruce Harris – Clerk, Charlie Cruickshank – district water operator
Guests Present: Barbara Harris
Commissioner Guimond called the meeting to order at 9:30 am.
Commissioner Guimond moved to accept the minutes for April 13, 2023, as written. Commissioner Colwell seconded; motion passed.
Public comments: none
Administrative
Clerk Report
Water Availability Requests (WAR) and Certificates (WAC):
A water availability certificate (WAC) was issued for parcel 271614700090 (Lorie Witmer) in Mt Park for the purpose of rebuilding a failed septic system on the parcel. The property is already served by the water district and has a water meter.
Other new service connections: Status of the two active new water service connections in the Mt Park water system were briefly discussed. They are for parcel 271614700030 (Keith Wall), 271614700055 (Ryan Barr). The installer has been contacted by the customer regarding the meter’s exact location and scheduling.
Another new water service on Brown Rd, parcel 271718340575 (Morisoli), was reviewed and the customer will contact the installer for service line connection using the existing double vault/meter. While the service connection is being made and tested, improvements to the meter vault surroundings will be made to avoid dirt and outside water infiltration during the snow melt cycle.
Leak Status: The large leak at parcel 271718925210 on Maple Drive has been repaired. Because this is a customer service line issue (broken personal water hydrant near the meter vault), the cost of repairs will be borne by the owner.
O&M and Payroll Warrants
Monthly financial reports: As of April 30, 2023, Treasurer’s balance sheet shows $44,578.33 in the general operating fund and $113,515.82 in the reserve fund. Imprest balance is $971.88.
Customer aging status as of May 1, 2023, was:
60 days – 18 customers @ 60 days ($1790.66)
90 days – 0 customers @ 90 days ($ 0.0)
Commissioner Guimond motioned to approve the financial reports as presented, Commissioner Colwell seconded, motion passed.
Commissioner Colvard motioned to approve the O&M warrant for $18,403.26 Commissioner Colwell seconded, motion passed.
Commissioner Guimond motioned to approve payroll warrant for $1450.00, Commissioner Colwell seconded, motion passed.
Operations
Generator update:
After much discussion, Commissioner Colvard recommended that the water district should use RCW 64.50 to claim a ‘notice of construction defect’ to initiate a process to obtain an outside expert opinion of the generator’s condition and identify possible resolutions.
Commissioner Colvard motioned to retain Yakima Generators and David Steward Engineering Consulting to schedule an initial evaluation and assessment that caused system failure of the Kohler Generator. The evaluation should be scheduled in July or August of 2023. Notices of intent will be sent to the potential responsible parties and the cost of the evaluation will not exceed $5,000. Commissioner Colwell seconded; motion passed.
Notice of defect letter per RCW 64.50 will be generated and mailed to the responsible parties notifying them that an outside expert will be performing the evaluation and they are invited to observe. The professional evaluation will be used to determine whether to repair or replace the generator and document for warrantee/insurance purposes.
Scada programming: RH2 Engineering has not reported back on a method of adjusting the SCADA control system at the Homestead pumphouse to resume pumping more slowly after an extended power outage to reduce the sudden drawdown of the aquifer. RH2 is also evaluating the cost of replacing the Homestead pump house control computer.
MIU / vault status: Replacement MIU registers ordered from HD Fowler have been installed. The new service vaults have been placed near where they will be installed as soon as the contractor is available.
Chlorine equipment leak: Normal chemical wear and tear has corroded some of the connection fittings of the chlorinator system in the Homestead pumphouse. Replacement parts are not available currently.
Meeting adjourned at 11:15 am.
Next meeting – June 08, 2023 9:30 – 11:30 am DST