'Headed in different directions'

The resignation of Dave Beck from the Creston Waterworks Board of Trustees opened the board meeting Tuesday evening.

“I appreciate the opportunity. There have been more opportunities on this than I think Dawn (Loudon) and I thought when we got started ... it’s worked out. You know, I think things are progressing and I appreciate the opportunity,” Beck said.

Beck joined the Creston Water Works board in Jan 1, 2017 and will serve through March 1. Beck’s term was set to expire in 2022. He plans to join his wife in Urbandale, where she owns an art studio and the couple is closing on their new home.

Following Beck’s announcement, the board elected the following officers: Dawn Loudon, chair and secretary; Ann Levine, co-chair; and Mark Eblen, treasurer. Eblen and John Tapken were appointed to the finance committee.

Audit

The board approved a three-year audit service proposal from Martens and Company, CPA, LLP.

“Martens was awarded the audit for the city again for a three year term ... so we feel that we have some continuity between the audits and prefer to use the same auditor as the city of Creston,” said Steve Guthrie, general manager.

According to the proposal, Creston Waterworks will pay $12,000, $12,500 and $13,000 for auditing services for fiscal years ending June 30, 2020, 2012 and 2022, respectively.

Hurley Creek

The Sycamore Street Bridge and water main replacement project was discussed and supplemental agreement No. 1 was approved, which would allow for the completion of the final design phase services for the North Sycamore Street bridge replacement over Hurley Creek.

“Several water mains that need to be moved ... because their going to be in the way of the new bridge support system.

The project is partially funded by a Iowa Department of Transportation grant, which will pay 80% of the cost. The 20% funded through Creston Waterworks is estimated at $26,250.

Guthrie said no money will be due immediately and there may be a slight cost increase to keep the project on track. However, the board previously budgeted up to $44,000 for the project and Guthrie does not anticipate the project to exceed the $26,250 estimate.

“There is a chance we won’t have to worry about it until after July 1, which is what I’ve been pushing for, but we need to approve our end of the bargain so they can keep going on the project,” said Guthrie.

Closed session

The board met in closed session for 10 minutes at 6 p.m. to discuss a SIRWA mediation contract and allocation of SIRWA payments. The board approved the mediation contract, which will be released to the public late February or early March.

Guthrie said the mediation contract has to do with forming a new contract going forward that allows Creston Waterworks and SIRWA “to meet their goals more readily.”

“It basically changes the partnership ... We’re headed in different directions and that’s all I can ... say,” he said.

In other board news:

• nine bacteria samples were collected and all samples were bacteria free.

• the board approved its financial depository resolution to allow Creston Water Works to deposit funds at First National Bank and Iowa State Savings Bank.

• Guthrie said no action was needed on pay application No. 4 or change order No. 4. The work on water mains on East Howard Street is now complete.

• Guthrie reported the spectrometer – which measures chlorine residuals, fluoride, manganese, etc. –  was no longer passing calibration, so a new one was purchased for $4,500.

• a letter was submitted to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources stating the boards intentions of Creston Waterworks to rehab its existing strainer and asked to end quarterly meetings with SIRWA, which was approved by the board. All compliance requirements have been met by Creston Waterworks.

• over the past month, recovery cleans of the membranes were done and 110 maintenance work orders were completed.

• lights within the shop will be converted to LED, which is expected to result in a 80% energy reduction and the number of bay lights will reduce from 24 to 12.

• winter maintenance on vehicles is taking place.

• Guthrie reported Creston Waterworks was at 47.84% of its budget at the halfway mark of its fiscal year.

The Board meets 5:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at the Waterworks office, 820 S. Park Street.

Board members and staff can be contacted by calling 641-782-5817.