Sunny Meadows Missoula County Water and Sewer District
Meeting Minutes
October 27th, 2022 06:00 PM at East Missoula Fire Department
Roll Call: Cyndie Winchell, Michael Bushey, Meggan Quigley, Paula Niccum
Approval of Minutes: Cyndie made a motion to approve the minutes as posted ob the site. Michael seconded, motion carried and the minutes approved.
Financial Information: Meggan read the September financial report from the county. A motion was made by Paula, seconded by Michael, the motion carried and financials approved.
Public Input: None.
Old Business:
Project update- The contract to drill the water line for the upgrade has been submitted and approved. The contractors, Trenchless Solutions will be contacting the homeowners who have agreed to allow them to park equipment on their property for the drilling.
Meggan and Cyndie did some research on the proposed system wide water meter replacement:
The board has been encouraged to use some of the ARPA funds to replace all the water meters in the system. Meggan spoke to Mike Maples, public works director for Choteau MT to ask about their experience with Sensus meters since the board is considering purchasing them. He had positive feedback about their experience with the ones they have installed so far.
Cyndie requested a cost estimate to set up the meter readings and bookkeeping on a software called Clerkbooks. Many Sensus meter systems use that software. The board is determining whether converting to that system will be necessary.
Meggan also reached out to Big Sky Solar. Their original estimate was high but included building support for the panels. It could be more affordable If the panels can be installed on the roof of the new building on the well field.
New Business
DEQ sent a letter regarding one bad water test in the last testing period. Andy Mefford, our water system operator is addressing the issue and will keep us updated.
A resolution was written to authorize the third payment to the Great West Engineering for the project. The board discussed their invoice and a motion was made by Meggan and seconded by Michael, carried and resolution approved.
The Clerkbooks estimate for meter reading and accounting software was $8,750.00 up front and $1849 per year. Board will continue to research and discuss.
Additional recommendations for the system improvement project-
Because the cost estimates of the system improvements are significantly less that the ARPA funds that were approved, the board was encouraged to look at other improvements that should be made to the system. Most of these improvements would be made after the initial project improvements are completed, allowing the ARPA funds to be used for contingencies as needed. The board prioritized the improvements as follows:
1. System wide meter replacement: The board was strongly encouraged to replace all meters in the system with ARPA funds. Due to supply chain issues, the board was also urged to order the meters asap. After discussion a motion was made by Paula, seconded by Cyndie, the motion carried and purchase approved.
Remaining improvements to be made after initial improvements are complete.
2. Fire Hydrant on the hill, vicinity of upper Edgewood Drive
3. Fence around the well field lot on Highway 200
4. Backup power source for booster station at the water storage tank on the hill.
5. Solar panels for building(s) to reduce power bills for the system.
Director compensation- Paula will count the meetings attended by each board member and double check against the minutes, a resolution to pay the directors will be voted on at the November meeting.
Fire department donation resolution will be discussed and voted on at the next meeting.
Sign Duty for December: Meggan
Adjournment:
- Motion to adjourn made by Cyndie, seconded by Meggan. Motion carried, minutes adjourned.
- District Website: http://www.sunnymeadowswater.com/
- Respectfully submitted by Paula Niccum
