September 16, 2020 Minutes

Call Meeting to Order

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Jim Haney.

• Present: Jim Haney, Parke Smith, Mike DeWald, Joe Cleland
• Absent: Frank Kurth, Sue Ann Mitchell, Bob Marcuccilli

Report of Meeting Notice

The meeting date and time were posted and advertised as required.

Approval of Previous Minutes

• Parke Smith presented the August 19, 2020 regular meeting minutes and made a motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Mike DeWald and was carried by the voice vote of:
  • 4 Yeas
  • 0 Nays
  • 0 Abstain

Treasurers Report and Other Financial Matters:

• Mike DeWald reviewed the financial reports.  Mike noted the following:
  • Nothing unusual to report.
  • There were three payments to the contractor this month as a result of the calendar.
  • The required bond payment was made.
  • The Asset Replacement Fund has been constituted.
  • The ending balance was $1,511,798.
• Jim Haney made a motion to approve the Unaudited Schedule of Cash Receipts and Disbursements, the Monthly Analysis of Funds and Balances, and the Monthly Analysis of Cash Investment Accounts.  The motion was seconded by Parke Smith and was carried by the voice vote of:
  • 4 Yeas
  • 0 Nays
  • 0 Abstain
• Mike DeWald also presented the Monthly Cash Budget, the May Checkbook, the Accounts Matrix, and the CD Schedule.  Mike noted:
  • Collections were less than budgeted this month.
  • Maintenance/Repairs and Engineering were both above budget.
  • Plant Operations was ahead of budget.
  • The district remains approximately $55,000 ahead of budget for the year.
• Jim Haney made a motion to approve the monthly claims report in the amount of $41,455.30.  The motion was seconded by Joe Cleland and was carried by the voice vote of:
  • 4 Yeas
  • 0 Nays
  • 0 Abstain

Astbury Monthly Report

Donn Neff provided a written report to the board prior to the meeting and attended in person.  Donn noted:

• Lake Estates Power Issue
  • There was discussion as to whether LRSD or Lake Estates should be responsible for the issue presented at last month’s board meeting.
  • Donn is waiting for an estimate for a generator from a contractor.
  • The question was raised as to whether or not NIPSCO and REMC could help develop a joint solution.
  • The board directed Donn to work with NIPSCO and REMC to determine the cost of an additional line and if they would be willing to enter into an agreement to collaborate in this scenario.
• Check Valves
  • Three check valve replacements are currently in process, which will bring known issues up to date.
  • The cost of the replacements has been approximately $700-800 each.
  • The board asked DLZ if they could explore a stainless-steel option and assess the cost differential.
• Lightning Damage
  • Grinder at 29 B5A was hit by lighting, which destroyed the control panel.
  • The damage was an estimated $1400-1700.  Insurance deductibles will be explored.

Collection Agencies – Update

• Andy Boxberger had a discussion with Sauerteig for collection services regarding dollar amount thresholds.  The service will accept all assignments regardless of value.
• Greg Gear reported that other districts indicated that the lien process was the most effective, small claims court was not effective, and no districts used a collection agency.
• After discussion, Jim Haney proposed that the issue be tabled until the full board is present.

Subdivision Control Ordinance – Committee Update

• Andy Boxberger reported that the committee had completed the initial work and a draft would be circulated to the board.
• The proposal will be introduced at the next meeting.
• The committee anticipates having additional information regarding metered flow rates by the October meeting, which may help inform the decision.

Property Owner Connection Status

• Greg Gear reported no changes in total number of unconnected properties.
• There were 2 new permits for new construction and 1 for a tear down/rebuild this month.

Other Items That May Come Before the Board

• There was some discussion about setting a possible ceiling for Failure to Connect penalties.  The district is not currently collecting those penalties, so no action was taken.
• The 120-day past due notices went out in the mail on September 9.  44 certified letters were sent, 37 of those properties had previously filed liens.  Unpaid accounts by September 30 will result in lien filing on October 5.

Public Q & A

• None

Adjournment

• Motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:04 was made by Mike DeWald, seconded by Parke Smith, and was carried by the voice vote of:
  • 4 Yeas
  • 0 Nays
  • 0 Abstain

Parke Smith, Secretary