MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE
ARABIAN ACRES METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
Held:
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Attendance Executive Session |
The
regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Arabian Acres Metropolitan
District was called and held in accordance with the statutes of the State of Gene
L. Billings Radford
K. Walker Dennis
S. Yoder David
J. Biondo Director Alan
L. Jordan was Also present were Dave Stanford and A
motion was made for an Executive Session of the Board of Directors for
determining positions relative to matters that may be subject to
negotiations, developing strategy for negotiations and instructing
negotiators as per CRS 24-6-402(4)(e).
The motion was seconded and unanimously carried. The Board was in Executive Session from |
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Call to Order |
Director Billings noted that a quorum was
present and called the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the
Arabian Acres Metropolitan District to order at |
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Disclosure Matters |
Director Billings
asked the Board to confirm that no changes have occurred to any of the
Directors’ interests that warrant amending the written disclosures on file with the
Secretary of State’s Office with regard to any potential conflicts of
interest. Pursuant to |
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Approval of Minutes |
The minutes of the
regular meeting of the Board of Directors held |
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Financial Matters 2005 Budget Hearing |
Director Jordan had emailed to
everyone his report on the financial overview of the District as of Monthly financial statement and expenses were reviewed. In addition to the checks listed on the check register, a $150.00 check (#1319) for Director Al Jordan was written to replace two lost checks (#1151 and #1167) for $75 each. The Board directed Ms. Reeder to put a stop payment order on the lost checks to prevent fraud. A motion was made for the Board to approve the financial statements as presented. The motion was seconded and unanimously carried. Director Walker questioned the "bond costs" and "organizational costs" on the balance sheet as showing as assets. The Board directed Ms. Reeder to ask either Paul Goedecke or Ray Russell for an explanation of these items. A discussion ensued regarding mileage reimbursement for Director Walker, who drives over 200 miles round trip to attend the Board Meetings. Director Yoder suggested the District reimburse Director Walker half of the IRS rate of 37.5˘ per mile. Director Biondo suggested a flat fee. A motion was made to reimburse Director Walker $40 per meeting for his mileage, payable in a check separate from his directors fee check, on the days that Director Walker is not already in the area to attend other meetings. The motion was seconded and unanimously carried, with Director Walker abstaining. Regarding the Budget Amendment for
2003, Ms. Reeder presented Paul Goedecke's The Budget Hearing portion of the
meeting was opened at The Directors reviewed and briefly
discussed the most recent copy of the 2005 budget. A motion was made for the Board of
Directors adopt the 2005 budget as presented, appropriate |
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District Operations Discussion |
a. Administration: The Board directed Mr. Stanford and/or his employees to contact Mr. Rupp when there are problems within the District, as Mr. Rupp is very familiar with the system and its quirks. Mr. Rupp clarified that he would like to be contacted for unusual problems and situations only, such as the leak in the CSU easement, not day-to-day items. c. System Operations: The Board held a discussion regarding Mr. Stanford's plan for preventative maintenance. Mr. Stanford stated that controls are replaced fairly regularly due to lightning strikes. Meters tend to slow down with age and should be replaced every 8 to 10 years. The meters manufactured today will most likely last longer than the ones being replaced. In general, valves should be operated annually to ensure that they are working properly. Mr. Stanford reminded that Directors that lack of money is an on-going issue with maintenance, and that maintenance work will be done as money allows. For example, the valve boxes damaged by the County while grading, cost approximately $100 each, plus excavation costs and require a road cut permit. In another example, Mr. Stanford noted that when flushing hydrants, the water must first be de-chlorinated before being released onto the ground. The de-chlorination equipment is expensive. Director Walker questioned if it was feasible for several Districts to get together, purchase the equipment as a group and share it as needed. Ms. Reeder will provide Director Walker with a list other Districts in the area, so he can approach them with this idea. |
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Manager’s Report Attorney’s Report Other Business Adjournment |
Mr. Stanford reported that the
system is working well. The District has received the re-drill permit for
Well #5. The concrete pad for Well #8
will be postponed until May or June 2005, when weather and funds will permit
the construction. Beginning in March
2004, the State of Regarding the Regarding the Augmentation and Exchange Water Court Decree, Mr. Rupp stated that David Lindholm spoke with Bradford Benning, the attorney for Highland Lakes Water District. Mr. Benning had some negative comments about the plan, but Mr. Lindholm feels these are not justified. Therefore, the Augmentation and Exchange plan is still in the negotiation stage and Mr. Lindholm will continue to consider various other strategies regarding this action. Mr. Rupp reviewed the Trout Haven Resort Easement for the Vacated Roadway Property, showing the Directors a map and pointing out the area in question. After a brief discussion and in response to Mr. Rupp's question regarding the transferability of the original easement acquired with the Trout Haven Resort main, to the vacated roadway property, Ms. Fritsche stated that, in all probability, if this is part of the same line the District obtained the easement for last year, then it is still a valid easement. Mr. Rupp has more to do to determine if the original easement has transferred to the newly created properties of the vacated roadway area. Ms. Fritsche presented a draft "Third Amended and Restated Advance and Reimbursement Agreement" between Arabian Acres Metropolitan District and the Arabian Acres Water Company, LLC for consideration. The Directors discussed several options, and decided to wait until the end of the year to determine the precise financial status of the District at that time and what, if any amount, can be paid to the Arabian Acres Water Company, LLC. Director
Billings reported on the meeting with Teller County regarding the UNCC locate
issue with Teller County Department of Transportation, held in Mr. Stanford noted that he has spoken with CSU about joint-purchasing the markers necessary to permanently mark the valves to save money. CSU has provided the name of the supplier, who will give the District the same rate as they give CSU. Mr. Stanford also commented that now that the meeting with the County has been held, and that the County and not just the Department of Transportation is aware of the problem, the problem might be resolved in the near future. Director Billings asked Ms. Reeder to provide him with a list of other Districts in the area so he could contact them regarding this issue. The Directors discussed the Trout Haven promotional letter and Director Walker presented a list of ‘brain storming’ ideas compiled from last month's meeting. Ms. Fritsche reminded the Directors that any reduction in fees or incentives to tap into the District must be justifiable and equitable to all constituents. Tap fees are meant to fund future capital projects, not to buy wells. Ms. Fritsche will review the ideas suggested and get back to the Directors with her comments. Director Biondo suggested that the District consider sending out a simple informational letter to the Trout Haven main area residents, with no mention of special incentives or discounts. Director Billings asked Director Biondo to develop such a letter for the Board's review. Director Billings stated that he will be preparing the next newsletter soon, and would like the District Manager to prepare something suitable for the newsletter, possibly information on maintenance or system operation. There being no further business to
come before the Board, and upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously
carried, the meeting was adjourned at _________________________________________ Secretary for the Meeting |