MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING

 OF THE HARBOR WATER P.U.D.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2025

 

The regular meeting of the Harbor Water P.U.D. Board of Directors was called to order by President Dan Fraser at 4:00 pm, September 11, 2025, in the administrative building, at 98069 W. Benham Lane Harbor, Oregon

Board Attendance was taken

President: Dan Fraser “present” Vice President: Tom Beene “present” 

Board Member: Jim White “present” Board Member: Herman Bloemsma “present” Board Member: Bill Frye “absent” Superintendent: Ken Burshem “present”

District Manager: Ami Arneson “present” IT: Ariel Poston “present” Engineer: Matt Robart “present via zoom”

 

Pledge of Allegiance was said.

No Modifications, Additions or changes to the agenda, or conflicts of interest stated.  Beene made a motion to accept the agenda, White seconded, the motion passed 4-0. Yes: Beene, White, Fraser, Bloemsma. No: None

Minutes from the previous board meeting on August 14, 2025, were reviewed. Beene made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by White, the motion passed 4-0. Yes: Beene, White, Fraser, Bloemsma. No: None.  

September 2025 current bills, in the amount of $80,684.88 were presented, discussed, and approved. Beene made a motion to accept and pay the bills, seconded by White, the motion passed 4-0. Yes: Beene, White, Beene, Bloemsma. No: None.  

 

Items For Action: 

 

White made a motion to increase the rates per 100 gallons to the Rate changes below, Bloemsma seconded, the motion passed 4-0.  Yes: Beene, Fraser, White, Bloemsma. No: None.  

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 Superintendent Report: 

The water truck is available for Harbor Water customers to come and collect drinking water because of the higher-than-normal salinity levels, according to Burshem.   The challenges of implementing a water treatment plant were discussed.  Harbor Water lacks suitable land and proper licensing and experience to implement a treatment plant.  Burshem still has concerns for the bridge supporting the water intake pipe.  Robart shared insights from a previous engineering consultation.  The engineer was not concerned with the bridge’s structural integrity. The bridge issue will be revisited after the current project is completed.  Burshem has hired two new employees. Both are doing a good job.  

 

District Manager Report:

 

Arneson reported the new windows will be installed on September 29, 30 and Oct 1, 2025 in the rental house.   Arneson asked Burshem to have the small garage rekeyed, he said he would take care of it.  The garage door also needs to be repaired.  Rate study grant is in the review and ranking phase.  Harbor Fire Department board chair forwarded an email to Arneson from attorney Mark Wolf.  He will review the lease between both HF and HW and help draw up a new one. 

 

Engineer:

Robart provided updates on the permitting process.  Monday September 15, 2025, there will be a wetland site visit.  Burshem attested that the clearance of blackberry brush at the Ranney collector site was finished in time for the inspection.  Fema will be here for an inspection on September 24, 2025.   Robart expressed optimism about being on track for the 2026 build timeline.  Robart will include language about maintaining access for potential riverbank stabilization work.  

 

Public comments: 

Robert Wittren a Pelican Bay Dr customer, spoke about issues with road maintenance and water line repairs.  Burshem confirmed the area where the water pipe broke and has been repaired.  

 

Board comments: 

Fraser reported that the Harbor Fire Dept would like to see what entails installing a Fire Hydrant where the standpipe is located.  Burshem said the cost would be approximately $20,000. - $30,000.  He agreed to get bids from contractors.  Possibly the Harbor Fire Department could receive grants for the project.  Once bids are received, Arneson will forward the bids to HF Departments board chair.  At the next meeting, Bloemsma wants to compare and analyze the September and October billing revenue to ascertain the effect of the rising water prices.  Board members noted that the roof on the small garage has blown off in places.  Burshem will have his two new employees put a new roof on the building.  

 

Revenue Fund $263,765.07

Money Market $2,434,313.17

Security $99,748.40

 

Meeting adjourned at 5:45 PM