-
CCMD District Manager Jim Eccher (second from R) receives Manager of the Year award from the Colorado Rural Water Association. Courtesy Photo -
CCMD Director Jim Eccher (middele) and Water Plant Manager Gary Golladay (L) with CRWA Executive Director Claude Strait Courtesy Photo
The Colorado City Metro District continues to make head way on procuring funds for the Lake Beckwith Dam Improvements. At their meeting on Tuesday, March 26, District Manager Jim Eccher shared with the board a correspondence from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) awarding the district a one-million-dollar grant. The grant must be used in the next five years.
Eccher also made the board aware that the plaques received for Manager of the Year and Water System of the Year at the recent Colorado Rural Water Association Meeting were on display in the lobby of the metro district office.
The board voted 4-0 to purchase a used Vac Trailer (Potholer) for $20,000. The 400-gallon tank will have more flexibility on a trailer than to buy a self-propelled piece of equipment which would have to be insured and maintained.
A pair of fences were approved, one on Cuerno Verde and one on Bull Bear Place at the recommendation of the CCAAC. Both were approved by a 4-0 vote.
The board was updated on the Stewart Ranch water situation. Eccher reported a letter had been sent detailing the options for the ranch, but he had not received the notice of delivery back as of the meeting on Tuesday.
Eccher estimated for one of the options, about $60K-$70K worth of work would need to be done which includes meters, valves, digging a vault and a tap fee. With an inclusion option, lines might need to be replaced and fire hydrants added on the property. The area around the ranch will need to be shut off regardless of which option is chosen for at least a day. A June 1 shut off will occur if an agreement is not reached.
Eccher shared with the board that he scheduled six or seven interviews on Wednesday and Thursday of last week for two more positions. Fielding questions on the existing Finance Director position, Eccher indicated he would prefer to fill that spot within 30 days in order to not get too far behind in financial reports and work. Eccher indicated he had several inquiries but had not received packets yet from an official applicant. He also indicated department heads are doing a good job of managing their individual budgets.
Eccher will receive his annual evaluation from the board at the first meeting in May. A tentative town forum was set for April 23, at 6:30 p.m. More information will be posted as soon as it becomes available.
A proposal for services was presented to the board from Paychex services. The proposal would include taking care of district paychecks, providing HR services and tax services. The price tag on the initial year of service was $15,951.60. No action was taken at the meeting. Nancy Schuerr presented a proposal to the board to assist Eccher with projects on a part time basis.
Schuerr and Eccher had not discussed compensation on the contract position. The board, by a 4-0 vote, instructed Eccher and Schuerr to begin contract talks and come up with a compensation number.
Eccher notified the board of a lead-copper survey coming up which will focus on the type of piping that homes built before 1971 have going in and out of their meters. Eccher indicated there will be no issues with the piping in Colorado City. The survey must be completed by October 20.
Board Member Ray Davis composed the newsletter which will go out with billing statements this month.
