Central Iowa Water Works Board Highlights from the August 2024 Meeting

Consent Agenda Items:

• A resolution was passed to revise the designation for posting public meeting notices and agendas, including updating the CIWW website as a posting location.

  
  

• Board Action Items:

• None.

  
  

• Committee Recommendations:

• Executive Committee:

  • Focus on Executive Director recruitment/search process.

    
    

• Finance and Audit Committee:

  • Discussion of the Accounting Services RFP.

  
  

• Technical Committee: Two motions were approved:

  • Reimbursement to West Des Moines Water Works (WDMWW) up to $50,000 for an amendment with HDR for the Future Water Production Study.

  • Reimbursement to Des Moines Water Works (DMWW) up to $95,000 for a Professional Services Agreement with HDR to evaluate land suitability for a 50 million gallons per day (MGD) expansion near Saylorville.

Reports:

• Interim Executive Director Report:

  • Completed Start-Up Tasks: Established governance with bylaws, officers, and committees in place. Finalized essential operational structures, including staff appointments, securing banking services, obtaining an employer number, and launching the organization's website. Key administrative tasks completed include securing D&O insurance, hiring financial and legal advisors, and approval of key policies (investment, reserves, banking, purchasing, and public records). The Executive Director and Executive Assistant search are underway, with IPERS approval also obtained.

    
    

  • Upcoming Agenda Items: September: Focus on operational approvals, including DMWW Meter-to-cash, accounting services, and healthcare agreements. There will also be a presentation on proposed rates and appointing a nominating committee. October: Major milestones include approving the FY 2025 rates and budget, asset transfers, and hiring a new Executive Director. November: Public hearings on asset transfers, the 2025 budget, and future production studies will take place. December: Annual meeting and operational commencement decisions, including recognition of contributions and a celebration of the achievements. January: Transition planning, welcoming new board members, and recognizing outgoing members.

    
    

• Producers Report: Presentation on Aquifer Storage Recovery (ASR) wells was given by DMWW Water Production Director Nathan Casey. Tour announcement for WDMWW A.C. Ward Treatment Plant to be held on October 15, 2024, at 3:00 pm.  

The above highlights provide a summary of the board actions and do not constitute the official minutes of the meeting.