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Director’s report: billing system cutover, Petersen Reservoir winter operations and Chimney Hollow analysis
Summary
Staff reported a mostly successful cutover to a new SpryPoint billing/CIS system with short-lived payment processor issues, announced winter use of Petersen Reservoir while Chambers is under maintenance, and updated the board on Northern Water’s analysis of naturally occurring uranium at Chimney Hollow and potential ion-exchange treatment options.
At the Nov. 19 meeting, the water and sewer director updated the board on several operational matters: the recent cutover from the previous Community Plus billing system to a SpryPoint customer information system, joint reservoir operations this winter, and ongoing analysis for Chimney Hollow reservoir construction.
Billing system cutover: Staff reported the SpryPoint implementation went live over the weekend with a small set of issues (initial third-party credit-card payment processing problems and email-import errors) that were resolved within days. Customers will receive new account numbers on subsequent bills and staff warned of elevated customer-service volume for roughly a month as customers re-register and staff resolve data-import questions. Staff also described a billing-methodology change to smooth base availability charges by dividing annual charges evenly across 12 months.
Petersen Reservoir winter operations: Because Chambers Reservoir is down for maintenance, staff will run Petersen Reservoir through the winter to meet the joint operations plan deliveries (up to 3,000 acre-feet annually / about 10 cubic feet per second from November–March). The winter releases help keep the river from locking with ice and provide treatment plant deliveries.
Chimney Hollow analysis and uranium: Staff described ongoing technical and legal review of naturally occurring uranium in rock at Chimney Hollow. Northern Water is conducting geochemical analysis and modeling to guide filling strategies and any required treatment. Staff said they expect options such as an ion-exchange treatment facility that targets high-concentration pockets rather than treating the entire reservoir; the city is coordinating technical and legal reviews and does not plan a rushed first-fill.
Cherry Ranch pipeline: Project managers reported the Cherry Ranch pipeline installation is ahead of schedule and substantially complete pipe installation is expected by year-end; remaining work includes fiber conduit and finish activities on the roughly $23.5 million project.
No board action was required for these updates, and staff will return with operational photos, additional analysis, and follow-up as needed.
