Water Works Board

September 29, 2021 The regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Department of Water Works was called to order at 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, in the Main Office of the Department of Water Works, 532 Franklin Street. A quorum was present with the following Board members in attendance: Mr. Behrendt, Mrs. Pishkur, Ms. Gonzales, and Mr. Bush. and Mr. Sperling. Also present were Superintendent Chris Johnsen, Accountant Chris Wolfe. Four other employee members were present as guests to speak under public comment. Mr. Behrendt presided. Upon a motion by Mr. Bush, seconded by Mrs. Pishkur, the minutes of the September 14, 2021 regular Board meeting were approved as written. Upon a motion by Mr. Sperling, seconded by Mr. Bush, the Approval of Claims dated September 28, 2021 was approved. Mr. Wolfe gave a general overview of the August 2021 Financial Statements. Upon a motion by Mr. Bush, seconded by Mrs. Pishkur, the August 2021 Financial Statements were approved as presented. Upon a motion by Mr. Sperling, seconded by Mrs. Pishkur, the list of 14 purchase orders was presented and approved by the Board. Superintendent Johnsen presented a draft policy and practice to open the discussion on how to move forward with the continuing rise of Covid-19 cases. The policy including the possibility that until the Department employees are 100% vaccinated, masks would be required indoors when working closely with other employees, contractors and customers until LaPorte County is in the blue on the IN State Department of Health Covid Dashboard for 4 consecutive weeks. The floor was opened to the employees for their comments. The comments were: Employee Tyler Little stated his concern of having to wear a mask and only getting 15% of oxygen and having to wear one in a confined space. Employee Nathan Randhan stated his concern of having to wear a mask on construction sites. Employee Lisa Dolph voiced her opposition on vaccination mandates. Under old business: Superintendent Johnsen advised the Board that due to tax rules and other costs, we should not refinance the bonds with Baker-Tilly at this time, it can be reviewed again after March 1, 2024. Superintendent Johnsen advised the Board the Filter Media replacement will take place next week and will complete the final 5 filters. Superintendent Johnsen advised the Board that we have received 5 of the 6 checks so far for the Whitefoot Trail main project. We will continue to pursue other potential customers. Superintendent Johnsen reminded the Board of the Plant tour taking place Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at 9:00a.m. Under new business: Superintendent Johnsen advised the Board of the ARPA funded bonus Resolution 4813 by the City, more details to come at a later date. Superintendent Johnsen advised the Board that an exit conference for the audit was held on September 22, 2021 and the finding will be released on November 6, 2021. A minor issue was Identified and has been addressed. Under public comment: All public comment was made during the discussion of the COVID-19 Policy and Practices Under Directors comment: President Behrendt advised that nothing has been decided yet regarding the Covid-19 policy. There being no further business to come before the Board, upon a motion by Mr. Sperling, seconded by Mr. Bush, the meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.