Public: Two residents attended the meeting in person. One expressed his curiosity on learning how the Board works to provide water and sewer services, while the other was interested in well maintenance and practices. He went on to discuss oil removed from his water heater and residue found in water related appliances in his recently purchased home. The Board assigned the Operator and Engineer to investigate the situation. The Board thanked the residents for their interest and continued to promote their engagement.
The Board reviewed and approved multiple routine agenda items, previous month’s minutes, and trash collection.
Bookkeeping: The District’s bookkeeper report consisted of snapshots of accounts; TexStar investments accounts, balance reports, tax account, transfers to operating accounts, interests earned, Operating; deposits, check approvals, refunds, operating investments, checking transfers, maintenance deposits, budget (on first month of budget), revenue, total expenses, joint facility reports, tracking, CDs and debt service payments (already made in September).
Infrastructure & Maintenance
Drainage & Detention Ponds: Director Greene reported that the HOA agreed to handle the nutria situation on their property. The Board was also notified that Stuckey’s would be sending a new representative to discuss future matters.
San Jacinto River Authority: Nothing new to report.
Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District Matters: Since the District’s last meeting, Director Cote has had meetings with water providers in Montgomery County about the diminishing rate in the aquifers. He pleaded with others to get involved and understand the very expensive future ahead and even sent an email to the Texas Water Development Board to discuss the lack of action from the Lone Star Board. He asked the District’s Engineers to investigate and conduct a survey of the District boundaries to determine the elevation and to see if there has been subsidence. The Engineers agreed to look into an elevation analysis, perhaps pulling data from when the community was first developed and bring it to the Board next month. Director Cote hopes to avoid the ‘fishbowl effect’ and bring the findings and/or petition to Lone Star.
Engineer’s Report:
Water Well Plant No. 2 – They only received one bid that exceeds what the District had previously budgeted. Engineers explained the additional cost as irrigation improvements, fence work, and site improvements that would be done by a subcontractor. Since this is a joint project with shared equal cost, the District’s Counsel recommended that the Engineers bring the 450 calendar day bid to the other Districts. Bookkeeping agreed that the difference from the original quote could be pulled from the operating account.
The Chicot Well – No updates since last month; will stay on the agenda until the rest of the Board can be caught up.
CIP – A copy of the current five-year CIP was given to the Board.
Birnham Woods Pedestrian Bridge – MCMUD 88 is in the process of bidding.
SJRA Surface Waterline Connection – The water model is complete and they are in the process of reviewing it and will share results with the District’s Engineers at the end of the month.
Bond Application No. 9 – Nothing new since last month.
Storm Water Permitting Matters – The 2024 permit was approved by the TCEQ.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality inspection of facilities – They received a notice of violation for ‘peeling’ from the TCEQ. A proposal was given to the Board for the Engineers to perform a full inspection (mechanical and electrical) of all the facilities on site. They will prepare any findings, submit photos, and report if anything is needed to pass. The Board approved.
Operator’s Report: September reported over 17.8 million gallons of consumption across various categories, higher than last month. Most likely due to drought conditions. 96% was accounted for. The report was standard; EyeOnWater accounts update (up 7), monthly permitted percentages, pumpage, well reports, high users, delinquent accounts, cut offs, inspection on the waste water treatment plant, etc. The Board also approved an amendment to the Rate Order that will include language regarding leaks on residents’ side of the meter. Measurement charts on well pumpage showed a decrease. The District’s operator also went over the rate changes in their contact with the Board.
Legal
Unlimited Tax Bonds, Series 2025: The Board received the Draft of Preliminary Official Statement. The bond sale award, if any, will take place on November 20th at 3PM at the Clubhouse.
Property Association Matters: Nothing new since last meeting.
Director Attendance Policy: Counsel went over the Water Code regarding attendance and the means to disqualify a Director due to absences. This will be added to next month’s agenda. Directors in attendance reiterated that they changed their regular meeting date and time (since 2022) to accommodate the other Directors but they have yet to attend.
Upcoming Meetings
November 14th, 11 AM at ABHR – Regular meeting day, location and time
November 20th, 3PM at Legends Ranch Clubhouse – Bond Sale Award
