Board of Directors and Officers
2023 Harmony Heights Water Co: Board of Directors
Dan Powers, President
Geoff Nason, Vice President
David Jessen, Secretary
Don Ondrisko
Larry Hensen
Company Officers:
Dan Powers and Larry Hensen are serving as Certified Water Operators.
Darrow Jessen is serving as assistant secretary.
Peter Codella is the bookkeeper.
See Board Bio’s.
Business Letter in Lieu of a 2021 Annual Meeting
Last year Harmony Heights Water Company (HHWC) sent out a Business Letter instead of
holding an annual meeting, due to the pandemic environment at that time. This letter was well
received by shareholders.
While pandemic conditions are somewhat different this year, there are no large changes or major
decision items to bring before shareholders. Therefore, the Board has determined to again send
out a business letter in lieu of holding a 2021 annual meeting. We wish you all health and safety
Introductions:
The Board of Directors for HHWC is Daniel Powers, President; Geoff Nason, Vice-President;
David Jessen, Secretary; Larry Hensen and Don Ondrisko, Board Members. The board
administers the operations of the company and has coordinated via email and video conference.
Water companies are highly regulated and require a Certified Water Operator. Dan Powers is the
Certified Water Operator for HHWC and coordinates with the State of Utah for our water
company. Larry Hensen is also a certified water operator and Dallan and Darrow Jessen have
been certified water operators in the past.
Additionally, Pete Codella reliably completes finance and treasurer duties and Darrow Jessen
serves as assistant secretary.
Informational and Business Items:
- New Board Member
Last year’s business letter noted that there was an opening to serve as a board member on the Board of Directors and indicated that interested parties should contact Dan Powers. Don Ondrisko volunteered to serve and the Board installed Don as a new board member. There were no other interested parties.
If you have an interest in serving HHWC and running for a board member position, please contact Dan Powers. - System Items
Shortly after the big storm in late August, our very old well pump control system failed. The problem is in the very old control and power wire going from the pump house to the tanks. Considering that the system is very old and was prone to failure we decided to replace it with a modern cellular based system. The new system will cost about $15,000.00 installed. It will allow us to monitor the tank levels real-time, set level alarms, monitor the pump operation, and set pump alarms. The notification and control will be through a cell phone app. The system install is scheduled to start on Thursday 9/30/21 and should take 2-3 days to complete. - 2020 Financial Summary
There were no unexpected expense items in 2020. As was noted in last year’s business letter, a capital infrastructure expenditure of approximately $20,000 was made to upgrade old meters. The new electronic meters not only update the system, they save costs in meter reading since the new meters are read electronically. Other expenses were below estimated budgeted amounts.
Since much time and ability is being donated to operate, complete financial duties, and manage the company, the replacement reserve account was nonetheless able to increase. The percent of the recommended reserve amount needed for replacements increased from 47% in 2019 to 52% in 2020. Since company infrastructure (tanks, distribution lines, etc.) is more than halfway through its useful life, it is very important that reserve amounts be set aside to repair and replace aging structures.
Upcoming capital expenditures are planned to come from this reserve account and include approximately $15,000 to update a failing Pump Control System in 2021 and sandblasting, repainting, and refurbishing one of the tanks in the next year or so. Reserve amounts are kept in FDIC insured corporate CDs, require dual signatures to withdraw, and are reconciled by a different member of the board.
No rate adjustment is recommended at this time. - Stock Transfer Instructions
As noted in last year’s letter, the stock transfer process has been simplified. The stock transfer instructions for shareholders and title companies are located on the company website – www.hhwaterco.com – under “Sales and Title Changes.” If you are selling or changing ownership of your lot, please see these instructions. - New Meter Installation
The new remote read meters have worked out very well. We reduced our monthly meter reading cost from $200.00 to under $30.00. - Cross Connection Reminder
There are many connections to our water distribution system. When connections are properly installed and maintained, the concerns are very minimal. However, unapproved and improper piping changes or connections can adversely affect not only the availability, but also the quality of the water. A cross connection may let polluted water or even chemicals mingle into the water supply system when not properly protected. This not only compromises the water quality but can also affect your health. So, what can you do? Do not make or allow improper connections at your homes. Even that unprotected garden hose lying in the puddle next to the driveway is a cross connection. The unprotected lawn sprinkler system after you have fertilized or sprayed is also a cross connection. When the cross connection is allowed to exist at your home, it will affect you and your family first. If you’d like to learn more about helping to protect the quality of our water, call us for further information about ways you can help. - See something, say something!
As stockholders, we all have an interest in a good water system. If you see anything out of the ordinary, i.e. standing water where it shouldn’t be, please notify a member of the board.
2019 Annual Meeting Minutes
Following are the minutes of the 2019 annual meeting. This was the last formal meeting with stock holders present. Instead of a meeting, Business Letters were distributed in 2020 and 2021.
These minutes were prepared by David Jessen, Secretary, and will be presented at the 2022 annual meeting for approval.
Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders
of
HARMONY HEIGHTS WATER COMPANY
a Utah Non-Profit Corporation
June 20, 2019
Time & Place: The annual meeting of the Shareholders of Harmony Heights Water Company, a Utah nonprofit corporation, was held at the New Harmony Library, New Harmony, Utah on Thursday, June 20, 2019, at 6:00 PM. The Notice of Meeting together with the Affidavit that was sent to all Shareholders has been filed.
Welcome and Introductions: Daniel Powers acting as Chairman opened the meeting and welcomed all attendees. The Board of Directors and Trustees was introduced; Daniel Powers, President; Geoff Nason, Vice-President; David Jessen, Secretary; Peter Codella, Treasurer; and Larry Hensen, Board Member.
Shareholders Present: A roll was signed by shareholders that were present. Proxies were called for and it was noted that several proxies had previously been mailed to the company PO box.
PHASE 1: Present in person: Paula Bell Lot 27, Peter & Madeline Codella Lot 4, Arthur & Janet Haines Lot 18, Cid Martin Lot 16, John McGloughlin Lot 19 & 30, Daniel Powers Lot 23 & 24, Robert Mergen Lot 11. The following Shareholders were present by Proxy: Jon Lee Lot 6 represented by Art Haines, Bruce Hopenfeld Lot 14 represented by Daniel Powers.
PHASE 2: Present in person: Dallan & Darrow Jessen Lot 1, Claude Grant Lot 7, Gary Hugie Lot 9, Geoff Nason Lot 25, Larry Hensen Lot 26, Robert & Lucinda Rutten Lot 28, David & Carol VanWagoner Lot 22. The following Shareholder was present by Proxy: Tauna H. Navalta Lot 13 represented by Darrow Jessen.
OTHER: Present in person: Dallan & Darrow Jessen – 722 E 200 S. The following Shareholder was present by Proxy: Karolee Talbot phase 3 Lot 2 represented by Darrow Jessen.
B SHARES: Present in person: David Jessen, Dallan & Darrow Jessen. The following Shareholders were present by Proxy: Darlene Jessen Prestwich & Sy Prestwich represented by David Jessen, and Karolee Hall Talbot represented by Darrow Jessen.
It was noted that there was not a majority quorum present.
The chair indicated that without a quorum of shareholders present, informational items would still be discussed, but items requiring a shareholder vote would not be binding upon the company. With the resignation of Pete Codella from the board, the company bylaws indicate that the board has the responsibility to appoint a successor.
The chair indicated that at the end of the meeting, shareholders present could cast a “preference” vote. The board would take that preference into account as they appoint a new board member.
Minutes: The Chair indicated that the minutes were mailed with the annual meeting notice for review and therefore would not be read out loud. There were no additions or corrections to the minutes. Paula Bell made a motion to accept the minutes. Art Haines seconded the motion.
Training: Lot owners in attendance were trained in our Cross Connection program requirements by Dan Powers. Of note was the importance of avoiding cross connection piping and siphon situations.
Informational Items: A “Thank you” card was given to Pete who has given generously of his time this past year and is stepping down from the Board. Pete has agreed to continue assisting in billing and finance functions as an Assistant Treasurer.
Water sample results for the past year were discussed by Dan. He noted that all of the water tests this past year had great results. We really have an excellent water source. The HHWC Annual Drinking Water report (CCR) that is prepared each year gives information on water quality.
Dan also noted that a Utah State regulatory exercise called a “Sanitary Survey” was completed last year. A Sanitary Survey is required every three years. The company passed with a score of negative 5 (good) points. During the exercise it was noted that if future water tests return unsatisfactory results, a chlorination system may need to be installed.
Presentation: A power point presentation was given by David Jessen. The following highlights were discussed:
Since the Transition: The new board has been operating the company. Dan Powers and Larry Hensen have passed the Certified Operator test and serve as “Certified Water Operators (CWO).” Having a good CWO is critical for the company and would have to be contracted from the outside if one was not available in our neighborhood.
Processes: The new board has also been refining processed and updating documents. It was discussed that a letter had been sent to a few shareholders where the original water certificate is not with the company. It was noted that for these few shareholders the state mandated lost certificate process could cause a delay in selling the property.
Replacing Water Meters: Upcoming items included replacing water meters with transmitting meters. It was noted that many meters are 20-25 years old and that meters are often replaced at around 20 years. Transmitting meters could save time and cost in reading meters, serve customers by improving leak detection, minimizing the need to go on shareholder property, and eliminate the possibility of a winter usage surprise by reading meters during the winter. A preliminary cost estimate is between $20,000-$25,000. Meters could be purchased from company reserve funds.
Assistant Secretary: The company is looking for someone to be retained as an assistant secretary to handle clerical functions, administer legal transfers, and assist in financial duties, as needed.
Infrastructure and Reserves: The HHWC water system represents a significant investment with a replacement cost of approximately $630,000. The system is approximately half way through its useful life. The company should be saving reserves sufficient to replace system infrastructure. If there were a system infrastructure challenge, the company would have to use reserves, assess shareholders, or obtain a loan. It was noted that reserves are growing, but are only approximately 40% of estimated needed reserves (up from 29% last year). It was noted that replacing meters is a capital expense and would reduce the amount available for reserves.
Financial Report: The company income statement was reviewed. It was noted that income had increased, and that insurance had reimbursed the company $7.700 for a lightening strike in 2017. An estimate of 2019 income and expenses was also discussed. No rate adjustment was recommended at this time.
Preference Vote: John McGloughlin had volunteered to be on the board and was on the Ballot voting for board members. Ballots were distributed and the preference vote taken. The preference vote was unanimous in voting for the existing board members and John McGloughlin.
The board determined to appoint John McGloughlin as a new member of to the board.
Meeting Adjourned.
David. Jessen, Secretary, Harmony Heights Water Company
Board Biographical Information
The following biographical information was provided by the Board members:
Geoff Nason: Geoff is a retired geologist who has lived in New Harmony for the last 10 years. He helped with the administration of a small community water system in California before retiring. He performed most of the well-head sampling and reporting to regulatory agencies as well as preparing the annual water quality reports to regulatory agencies as well as preparing the annual water quality reports for consumers. In New Harmony he has been on the Executive Committee of the water company and a member of the Architectural Control Committee, and the current president of the Harmony Heights Owners Association Phase 2 organization. Geoff Dan is a Certified Water System Operator in the state of Utah.
Larry Hensen: Larry spent 22 years as a self-employed residential and commercial Flooring Contractor, and 24 years as a self-employed General Contractor, managing crews of between 5 and 30 men. He scheduled and ran major projects during this time. Larry works well with people and is experienced at making rapid decisions when necessary.
David Jessen: David has served in HH Water Company administration for several years. He has represented the Company with state regulatory agencies, and would bring continuity to the new Board and help perpetuate the company. He is a Certified Public Accountant who facilitated the HH Water Company receiving tax-exempt status from the IRS and gaining Public Service Commission regulatory exemption status.
Dan Powers: Dan is a retired Senior Business Systems Analyst at Motorola Solutions Inc., responsible for the MotorolaSolutions.com website. Prior to that he was a Software Engineer at Rockwell Collins working on commercial aircraft avionics systems. Before that, he served 6 years in the US Navy as a Submarine Nuclear Power Operator. As a Machinist Mate, he was a Nuclear Power Instructor at the National Reactor Testing Station in Idaho and a Nuclear Power Operator on the USS SARGO SSN 583 submarine homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Although he has no direct experience with private water systems, his training included radiological and chemical monitoring of nuclear water systems. Dan is a Certified Water System Operator in the state of Utah.