2021 AWBD Fall Journal

JOURNA L AWBD

TEXAS

FALL 2021 WELCOME BACK AWBD!

Annual Conference Recap | AWBD Bylaws Update | AWBD Launches New Website Membership & Outreach | Lessons Learned from Denmark | MUDs + Social Media

an Association of Water Board Directors-Texas Publication

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Journal of the Association of Water Board Directors - Texas (AWBD) is published by the Association throughout the year in Houston, Texas. The materials contained in the Journal are compiled from various sources of information available to the AWBD and from articles submitted by individuals.

The opinions and representations contained herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Association, the Board of Trustees, or individual members, thereof, nor does the Association or the Board warrant the factual accuracy of all of the materials herein.

Readers are encouraged to read carefully, study the issues raised, and come to their own conclusions.

19 2021 AWBD Annual Conference in Review From the President .............................................................................. 1 AWBD Board of Trustees...................................................................3 AWBD Advisory Council.....................................................................4 AWBD Committee Chairs..................................................................7 Welcome New Members ..................................................................9 AWBD Information................................................................................9

Mission & Vision Statement.......................................................9 AWBD Staff............................................................................................9 Contact AWBD....................................................................................9 Parks Meeting Schedule............................................................. 11 AWBD Bylaws. . . On the Ballot Again.......................................13 ON THE COVER: Various images of AWBD’s AWBD Joins Texas Coalition of Special Districts members, Trustees, and staff Pressing for State Recovery Fund..............................................15 at this year’s conference in San Membership & Outreach Antonio.

AWBD’s Ambassadors Program...................................................17 2021 AWBD Annual Conference Review...................................................................................................19 Award Recipients........................................................................... 23 Photo Gallery.................................................................................... 25 Exhibitors & Sponsors.................................................................. 27 2021 Watersmart Listing........................... 29 Going Deep: AWBD Launches its New Website, GIS Features................31 AWBD ‘21-’22 Calendar.............................. 37 World-class water optimization: Lessons Learned from Denmark.......... 39 The Good, Bad and Ugly of a MUD World-class water optimization: vs Social Media.............................................. 43 Lessons Learned from Denmark Outgoing Leadership.................................. 47 Passages............................................................ 53 About our Members.................................... 54

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AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Summer 2021

FROM THE PRESIDENT I hope you enjoy the recap of the Annual Conference found in this issue of the AWBD Journal. If you would like to watch these sessions or previous AWBD events on-demand, please visit www.awbd.org, our brand new AWBD website. AWBD Staff and the Communications Subcommittee spent countless hours pulling together a great platform that will get even better.

Ellen Hughes

AWBD Board of Trustees, President

Dear AWBD Family, Being chosen by my fellow trustees to serve as your President is a great honor. The role is something I take very seriously, and I will do my best to live up to the high standards of AWBD as I discharge my duties. Of course, I look forward to keeping the sense of fun and family that has AWBD built over the years.

Two months into my term as President, I am even more impressed by my predecessor, Trisha Frederick. Trisha accomplished so much in three years. I am thankful for her service and the fact that, as Immediate Past President and a friend, I can call her whenever I need advice or someone to just listen. Our 2021 Annual Conference was amazing—seeing people, learning from presenters, and being out again felt wonderful. The AWBD annual conference has always been a special time as directors, consultants, and vendors are given the opportunity to learn and network faceto-face over several days. Could we ever imagine how precious that face-to-face connection was until it was denied for over a year?

Going virtual for the 2020 Annual Conference and 2021 Midwinter Conference was prudent, but nothing beats being together in person when it’s safe. The conferences subcommittee outdid themselves, delivering amazing topics and speakers we were privileged to hear in San Antonio. So much industry knowledge packed into two days is no small task. And kudos to AWBD’s staff for pulling off live and virtual options, so as many people as possible could join in.

1

AWBD will line up more face-to-face and virtual opportunities, including Directors–101, 2021 Fall Seminar, and the 2022 Midwinter Conference in Galveston, TX. Please join us in person when you feel ready, and we will continue to offer virtual options for those who are either not ready for large crowds or have scheduling challenges. I am so proud of how our organization and its members continue to adapt to our new normal using cutting edge technology and the personal touch. Our new Ambassadors Program connects experienced directors with new directors, which helps MUD communities as we build even more of a sense of an AWBD community.

Technology and face-to-face experiences are exciting, but some of the Association’s most critical work takes place in the background. For instance, our Government Affair’s working group is tackling the minutiae of Lead and Copper regulations from the EPA and the untangling of the Boil Water notice requirements of the TCEQ. The work is not glamorous, but it is so important for each and every one of us in the water district world. To keep AWBD up to date, our bylaws and policy committee is working on another bylaws election and updating several policies. I promise you will hear more about our committees’ work in the next 12 months, sometimes in this journal or the Pipeline eblast, and sometimes at conference. Stay tuned. H

Trustees and members of the Advisory Council welcome members to contact them about any matter of Association concern through the AWBD office: 11700 Katy Freeway, Suite 450 | Houston, TX 77079 Website: www.awbd.org Office phone: Toll free (800) 597-0122 or (281) 350-7090

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AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

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AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

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AWBD COMMITTEE CHAIRS

AWBD CHAIRS 2021-2022 COMMITTEE / SUBCOMMITTEE NAME

CHAIR / CO-CHAIRS

Government Affairs Committee

Jerry Homan

Legislative Planning Subcommittee

Trey Lary

Local Government Subcommittee

Larry Goldberg

Regulatory Affairs Subcommittee

Ken Heroy, P.E.

Coordination Subcommittee

Kristen Hogan

Programs & Education Committee

Trisha Frederick, P.E.

Conferences Subcommittee

ElizaBeth Reeves

Exhibitors & Sponsorship Subcommittee Daniel “Dano” Lozano

Emerging Leaders Subcommittee

Special Programs & Parks Subcommittee

Tara Klein

Nominating Committee

Trisha Frederick, P.E.

Strategic Planning Committee

Ellen Hughes

Bylaws & Policy Subcommittee

CO-CHAIRS: Robin Bobbitt & Dwayne Mason

Office Relations Subcommittee

Autumn Phillips

Communications Subcommittee

Rebeca Marcucci

Finance & Budget Subcommittee

Dwayne Mason

Membership Committee

7

Breah Campbell

Rick Ellis

Outreach & Engagement Subcommittee CO-CHAIRS: Bob Jarvis & Wendy Duncan

Regional Initiatives Subcommittee

CO-CHAIRS: Linda Backlund & Zac Evans

Water Smart Subcommittee

CO-CHAIRS: Margaret Cox & Bear Oakley

Recognition Subcommittee

Mike Rozell

AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

Association of Water Board Directors - Texas 2021 PFIA TRAINING

2021 FALL SEMINAR

THURSDAY, OCT. 28TH, 6 PM

HOUSTON MARRIOTT WESTCHASE

BE PREPARED: MUDS’ EMERGENCY PLANNING AFTER URI AND SB 3 Once again, MUDs must re-evaluate emergency planning and preparedness. From floods and droughts to freezes and pandemics, water districts have overcome crisis after crisis. Join your fellow directors and our experts for dinner and learn how MUDs can shield their residents from the next emergency.

95 per person for AWBD members;

$

COST :

prior to October 21st deadline

$

135 per person for reservations after

SCHEDULE OF EVENT

6:00 PM – Check in begins

6:30 PM – Dinner served

7:00 PM – Program begins

GUEST SPEAKERS Guest Speaker information coming soon.

October 21st and for non-members

160 per person for walk-up participants

$

All reservations are subject to availability. You will receive an event confirmation from the office.

Visit awbd.org to REGISTER TODAY!

AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

8

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS AWBD extends a warm welcome to the following members who have recently joined the Association. If you know of a district or firm interested in joining AWBD, the Membership Committee would be happy to visit with them. Contact the AWBD office or visit awbd.org for a copy of the Membership application.

Acoustic Leak Detection LLC City of Houston East Fort Bend Co. Development Authority Elite Construction and Engineering Services, LLC HACH Harris Co WCID 158 Landia, Inc. Raymond James Resource Energy Sentriforce Video Surveillance Williams Industrial Services

MISSION STATEMENT

The Association of Water Board Directors - Texas is dedicated to the betterment of Texas water district operation and management through education, unification, and advocacy.

VISION STATEMENT The Association of Water Board Directors Texas is the industry expert and source of education in Texas.

AWBD STAFF The AWBD staff is dedicated to assisting Association members in a professional and efficient manner at all times - whether at a conference, at the office or in response to your e-mailed questions during the year. Please contact staff members by phone or e-mail Augustus “AUGGIE” Campbell Executive Director acampbell@awbd-tx.org Pam G. Harton Finance and Administrate Manager pharton@awbd-tx.org Gabriel Lopez III Communications Manager glopez@awbd-tx.org Elizabeth Dominguez Media & Communications Specialist edominguez@awbd-tx.org

Taylor L. Cavnar Deputy Director tcavnar@awbd-tx.org Sara M. Albright Program Specialist salbright@awbd-tx.org Irma Valdez Receptionist ivaldez@awbd-tx.org

CONTACT AWBD Association of Water Board Directors - Texas Energy Tower 11700 Katy Freeway, Suite 450 | Houston, TX 77079 Office phone: 281/350-7090 or Toll free: 800/597-0122 FAX: 281/350-7092. website: www.awbd.org

9

AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

AWBD Bylaws Amendment Virtual Election is happening NOW through Sept 15th, 2021!

Here’s the AWBD Official Election Checklist: 1. Identify your voting member representative and email it to tcavnar@awbd-tx.org; 3. VOTE ONLINE NOW (or before Sept 15, 2021)!!!!

4. If you have questions or technical issues call 1 832-326-4043 or email tcavnar@awbd-tx.org.

Please do your part and make sure that your organization is working on this checklist.

AW

BY B LA D W S

2. Review the proposed Bylaws;

2022 MIDWINTER

CONFERENCE

JANUARY 28 - 29, 2022 MOODY GARDENS CONVENTION CENTER G A LV E S T O N , T X

Register Today at AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

WWW.AWBD.ORG 10

On the first Friday of each month the AWBD Parks Committee will continue to host their regularly scheduled meetings. Due to COVID-19 social distancing recommendations these event will take place virtually. For more information visit: https://register.awbd-tx.org

TBD Beth White

Houston Parks Board

NEXT THREE MEETINGS Oct. 1, 2021 - NOON

AWBD PARKS COMMITTEE SCHEDULE

Nov. 5, 2021 - NOON

Modifying Detention Basins to Better Remove Water Pollutants Dana Brown

Dec. 3, 2021 - NOON

TBD Nick Cook

Mike Stone Associates

Dana Brown & Associates

11

AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

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CALL NOW: 281-350-0895

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AWBD BYLAWS . . . ON THE BALLOT AGAIN. Over 98.4% of AWBD members voted in favor of passing new bylaws proposed by the AWBD board of trustees. However, when the election closed at the AWBD 2021 Annual Conference, only 47.5% of AWBD 943 members in good standing had voted— meaning that AWBD was 24 votes short of the votes needed to pass the bylaws.

Ellen Hughes, AWBD’s new President, said, “We came so close, and we need these bylaws changes to make AWBD functional for the 21st Century. The last time AWBD successfully changed its bylaws was 2002—a lot has changed since then.”

“Considering the work that was put into these bylaws, to get so close and come up just short is disappointing,” said Dwayne Mason, co-chair of AWBD’s Bylaws and Policy Committee. “The board and, based on votes we received, the members overwhelmingly support the changes—it’s just a matter of getting our members to vote.”

AWBD will hold another bylaws elections, opening voting on September 1, 2021 and closing voting on January 29, 2022. With the exception of language copied and pasted from Article IX (Trustee Elections) into Article IVX (Bylaws Amendments) regarding use of paper and electronic ballots, the proposed amendments remain unchanged.

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The other Bylaws and Policy co-chair, Robin Bobbitt said, “We learned a few lessons. We are going to make sure that district and business members get more access to ballots—districts that don’t vote electronically will get paper ballots. We also caught one small change that we should make—and that’s to make sure that our elections for trustees and bylaws are consistent.”

Summary of Bylaws: ARTICLE I: Definitions. The Bylaws Team recommended updating several definitions—mainly to clean up the language. Most of the changes were to definitions related to trustees. The Bylaws Team also recommended adding a definition of “policies and procedures” to make sure that AWBD keeps its policies on its website.

ARTICLE III: Objectives. The Bylaws Team recommend replacing AWBD’s objectives from 1975 with objectives adopted by the Board of Trustees in 2020 that are based on AWBD’s 2019 legislative principles.

These updated objectives preserve our original aims while making some positive updates.

ARTICLE IV: Membership. The Bylaws Team also recommend updating language to allow for online applications and to clarify the difference between members and their member representatives.

AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

ARTICLE V: Organization & Powers: The Bylaws Team sought to make references to trustees clearer and to add the Treasurer to the Executive Council. Many issues involving the Executive Council are related to budgeting.

ARTICLE VI: Removals and Vacancies. The Bylaws Team suggested requiring anyone filling a vacancy on the Board of Trustees to meet the requirements in Article V.A—the requirements to serve as a Trustee.

ARTICLE IX: Election Procedures. The Bylaws Team recommended updating the election procedures to make it easier to allow for electronic voting.

BACON & WALLACE, L.L.P. ANNOUNCES ITS MERGER WITH

PAUL A. PHILBIN & ASSOCIATES, L.L.P. AND HAS RENAMED THE FIRM

BACON, WALLACE & PHILBIN, L.L.P DAX W. PHILBIN HAS BECOME A PARTNER OF THE FIRM

PAUL A. PHILBIN HAS BECOME OF COUNSEL TO THE FIRM 6363 WOODWAY, SUITE 800 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77057-1762 TELEPHONE: (713) 739 -1060 FACSIMILE: (713) 739 -0401 BWPLEGAL.COM

ARTICLE X: Meetings. The Bylaws team proposed to update AWBD Annual Meeting provisions to give the Board more flexibility to determine the format of the annual meeting. This would allow the Board to hold meetings both in person and online, for instance.

The proposed change would clarify board meeting notice provisions and add the Immediate Past President to the quorum provision.

ARTICLE XI: Board Committees. The Bylaws Team recommend some language to allow the board to change the names of standing committees as long as the committees remain responsible for the relevant work.

AL), the Board of Trustees recommended copying language from Article IX into Article IVX to ensure consistent elections processes.

To see the proposed bylaws, please visit https:// register.awbd-tx.org/ and click on the AWBD Documents tab. Please send any questions or comments on the bylaws to acampbell@awbd-tx.org. H

ARTICLE XIV: Amendments to Bylaws. Finally, the Bylaws Team recommended a change to require mail-in ballots for bylaws to arrive 7 business days ahead of the vote instead 48 hours ahead to make vote counting easier. Additionally (NEW PROPOSAWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

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AWBD JOINS TEXAS COALITION OF SPECIAL DISTRICTS PRESSING FOR STATE RECOVERY FUNDS

AWBD joined a coalition of special district associations to support local governments in Texas providing fire, emergency, water, and healthcare services. The coalition sent a letter to state leadership on Tuesday seeking access to the state’s $15.8 billion share of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) recovery funds.

The coalition represents special district providing essential services to over 10 million Texans.

“Texas’ special districts have seen the impacts of the pandemic,” said Auggie Campbell, Executive Director.

“Our districts have continued providing quality critical services to Texans throughout COVID-19 while taking on unexpected costs and losses. Access to ARPA funds will help our districts ensure that Texans continue to have dependable infrastructure, access to healthcare services, and clean drinking water.” Read the Letter Here The group, collectively representing more than 1,000 of Texas’ special districts, is asking the state to utilize authority outlined in the American Rescue Plan Act to transfer State Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Funds to special purpose units of local governments. Unlike cities and counties, many special districts have not received direct access to federal resources aimed to as-

15

sist governments’ response to, and impacts from, the COVID-19 public health emergency.

“When special districts are excluded from relief, essential frontline workers and community residents are excluded from relief,” the letter states. “By designating State Fiscal Recovery Funds to special districts, those districts would not need to rely on cities and counties for financial assistance and would have enhanced ability to invest in our communities’ infrastructure and readiness.”

Groups signing the letter to Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, and state legislative leadership include the Texas State Association of Fire and Emergency Districts, Texas Fire Chiefs Association, Texas Organization of Rural and Community Hospitals, Texas Section of the American Water Works Association, Texas Rural Water Association, Texas Water Conservation Association, and the Association of Water Board Directors – Texas.

The Texas State Legislature is expected to address allocations of its $15.8 billion in federal recovery aid in a future special legislative session starting in September. H

AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

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16

MEMBERSHIP & OUTREACH AWBD’S AMBASSADORS PROGRAM DeBra was terrified. This was her first AWBD Conference. After walking into the exhibit hall, feeling overwhelmed and out of place, DeBra went back to her hotel room. Her husband did not understand.

DeBra is an outgoing, confident person. What could be so scary?

Four years later, Debra Edwards walked up to the lectern, welcomed a room full of new AWBD members to a special breakfast, and introduced herself as AWBD’s first Ambassador.

AWBD prides itself on being a welcoming organization for all its members. Most AWBD members have been going to conference for years. Many of us had directors, consultants, and friends that showed us the ropes. When Debra suggested to AWBD’s Membership Committee that the organization offer new members some ways to feel more welcome, Membership Committee Chair Rick Ellis listened up.

After DeBra joined, AWBD started a new members breakfast and introduced a “pink ribbon” for new members, to make sure that AWBD’s new members felt welcome. While the breakfast and ribbon were a good start, Debra and Rick felt like they could and should do more. DeBra suggested pairing new directors with experienced mentors.

Rick is Vice President at the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, so making members feel welcome is

17

part of his job description. Rick had just help established AWBD’s Membership and Outreach Committee, chaired by Wendy Duncan, President of Willow Fork Drainage District and a communications consultant, who also works to make people feel welcome. DeBra, Rick, and Wendy worked with AWBD staff to develop an AWBD Ambassadors program—a titled borrowed from the Katy Chamber—to make sure that everyone who attends AWBD Conference walks in knowing someone who will help show them the ropes—not just at AWBD, but in their roles at .

And not just any someone, but someone who knows and cares about AWBD and districts.

Led by Wendy and DeBra, AWBD has a great first class of Ambassadors: Ms. Sabrina Alaquinez, Fort Bend Co MUD 218 Mr. Brandyn Cottingham, Fort Bend Co MUD 24 Ms. Wendy Duncan, Touchstone District Services Ms. DeBra Edwards, Harris Co MUD 501 Mr. Craig Kalkomey, LJA Engineering, Inc. Ms. Brenda Landin, TNG Utility Corporation Ms. Jennifer Smith-Hicks, Accurate Meter & Supply Mr. Harry Thompson, Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP If you would like to join the ranks of AWBD’s Ambassador Program, or a new member seeking an Ambassador please email Irma Valdez. We are accepting applications. H AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

Turning Data into Information and Information into Insight.

Come see how we've evolved.

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2021 AWBD ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN REVIEW

BY NICOLE SEGURA

“This is wonderful! I feel like I am coming back from a long, strange trip,” remarked one AWBD member when asked about attending in person for the 2021 Annual Conference. Held in San Antonio, June 17-19 with over 1,300 in attendance and 500 virtual participants, members hailed the event as a great success.

DAY 1 BRIEFS Executive Director Auggie Campbell welcomed the large crowd spread across the largest space in the history of AWBD Annual Conferences to the “big top.” President Trisha Frederick thanked the staff, trustees, advisory council, and committee mem-

ElizaBeth Reeves INFRAMARK winner of Hybrid Bingo and Kristel Zaman with Grundfos

19

bers for their hard work in 2020 and in pulling off a hybrid Annual Conference. Ms. Frederick gave a short update on AWBD’s committees. Secretary Rick Ellis announced that membership reach a record 942 members and participation in AWBD is strong and growing! Treasurer Dwayne Mason provided a financial report that showed a strong balance sheet for the association. Ms. Frederick then called elections for two at-large trustee positions and regional trustee positions for North Texas and Central Texas.

World-Class Water Optimization: Lessons from Denmark In Denmark, municipal water utilities have been pushed to innovate and improve efficiency every year – by law. Today, Denmark’s water sector is leading the way with world class energy optimization, energy production, water loss prevention, digitalization, maintenance solutions, and more. Danish utilities are seen as recovery and reuse plants, meaning they produce more energy than they consume, and are now being built as “city parks” giving back more than just clean water to communities.

Numerous surveys commented this was the best AWBD session they had seen.

Winter Storm Uri–A Panel Discussion on Operations and Engineering During the 2021 Freeze

AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

Winter Storm Uri caused unprecedented freezing temperatures across Texas that resulted in many complications related to water district infrastructures. Directors and infrastructure consultants must ensure they can provide uninterrupted water and sanitary sewer service to customers. The panel shared ideas on what went well, what did not, and how to prepare for future events.

There’s a Right Way to Acquire Right-of-Way Eminent domain attorneys and a real estate appraiser got “poetic” as they shared the ins and outs of right-of-way acquisition. The panel covered the basic process for MUDs and special purpose districts to acquire real property interests and drove home the importance of having the right resources engaged at the right time in the process.

Trailways & Recreation, Keeping your Community Connected and Active!

Retrofitting an established community with trails and parks requires strategic planning and community involvement along with funding. Hiring a consultant team can help districts successfully integrate trails and parks. The right partner can take your district through initial planning to final implementation and literally connect and invigorate your community.

Texas Energy Supply During Winter Storm Uri Winter Storm Uri and the negative impact on the electric grid resulting in frozen pipes has raised serious concerns regarding the Texas electric grid. As a result, districts across the state must reevaluate how they are managing their energy operations to ensure they are protected from grid failures. The Texas legislature proposed 300 pieces of legis-

Tax Rate Questions Session - Speakers Julie Gerdes, Rathmann & Associates, LP; Greg Lentz, Masterson Advisors LLC; Stephen Eustis, Robert W. Baird & Co. and Ellen Hughes Trustee as Moderator

lation, and SB 3 requires energy reforms. MUDs should evaluate not just compliance but what technology can improve reliability and mitigate the impact of the next crisis.

Small MUD, Big Plan Harris County Municipal Utility District 132 successfully worked with BGE engineers to review their existing capital improvement plan (CIP) and identify and prioritize projects to improve and maintain its aging infrastructure. Other MUDs can learn practical lessons from this case study.

Tax Rate Questions & Answers in the Age of Senate Bill 2 Since the enactment of Senate Bill 2, MUDs have struggled to understand and in some cases absorb the impact of new regulations on ad valorem taxation and authorizing fees in 2020. Boards should watch this presentation to ensure they are taking the right steps when determining tax rates and fees.

DAY 2 BRIEFS Legislative Update On Day 2 of the AWBD Annual Conference, Trey Lary and Howard Cohen opened the conference with an update on the 87th Texas Legislative Session and introduced Senator Paul Bettencourt. U.S. representatives Troy Nehls and Lizzie Fletcher, Texas representative Jim Murphy, and Texas Water Development Board Chairwoman Brooke Paup gave virtual remarks.

Lessons From Denmark

AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

Important MUD-related bills passed in the Texas Legislature this year, including HB 1410 regarding MUDs that want to build parks. The cap is now 3%

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instead of 1% if the MUD meets the TCEQ’s fiscal conservative evaluation standards. HB 1154 pertains to website transparency and information that is required to be posted by public entities.

in water, winter storms, water pressure, boil water notices, etc.

Looking Forward Five Years

Water districts should look at least five years into SB 3 which addresses the electric grid and ERCOT the future when planning maintenance and should – but also impacts be proactive. A reactive water districts – also approach occurs when passed. It expands conditions of equipment upon SB 361 (which and structures alter over in 2009 required time and are dealt with MUDs to adopt an after a problem arises, emergency plan) resulting in major facility to include all MUDs rehauls. These costly jobs statewide and inmight have been avoidstitute compliance ed through long-term regarding water planning and regular, pressurization stansmaller repairs. The most dards. It also dicAWBD Trustees Rick Ellis and Mike Rozell visit with successful proactive apDelegates at conference. tates that MUDs proaches are achieved cannot charge late through development or disconnect fees during weather events. of a 5-year maintenance program which reduces cost and complexities of major upgrades by satisThe Good, Bad and Ugly of a MUD vs. Social Media fying necessary preventative and predictive mainSocial media can be helpful in conveying import- tenance needs at facilities on a regularly scheduled ant information, but it can also be a forum where basis. Benefits of a 5-year program include reducmisinformation spreads. It’s essential for water dis- ing equipment downtime, minimizing repairs, imtricts to develop, implement, and practice a com- proving asset reliability, and planning budget cost. munications plan of which social media is an important part. Ensure you have a communications What is a Boil Water Notice and How Does it Affect plan and spokesperson (typically the director) in the your Water System and Customers? event of an emergency. Media training and preap- Winter Storm Uri left over 8.7 million Texans under proved messages can prepare MUDs to respond to a boil water notice, affecting 1,259 water systems inquiries in crisis situations like hurricanes, bacteria across the state. Many MUDs had emergency power generators at water plant facilities, but in some cases, generators failed to work due to the freeze.

In other cases, treatment and transmission facilities were damaged by the freeze, causing a drop in water pressure which resulted in boil water notices.

The single most common cause for boil water notices for all water systems during Winter Storm Uri was loss of power. The rules can be complex, but it’s essential that water districts know all requirements and have a plan in place for future events.

Embracing Technology to Manage MUDs Saturday Awards Luncheon Bear Oakley Water Smart Co Chair announcing the 2021 Water Smart Partners

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MUDs should focus on utilizing technology that is readily available to operate facilities and systems AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

on-site as alternatives to traditional groundwater and surface-water supplies. Texas has been a leader in treating all water as one water with indirect reuse projects in the Dallas-Fort Worth and El Paso areas, direct potable reuse in West Texas and soon in El Paso and the Austin area, condensate harvesting in San Antonio and Austin, and on-site blackwater reuse in Austin. H

AWARDS LUNCHEON Legislative Update- Senator Paul Bettencourt speaking with Trey Lary, Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP and Howard Cohen, Schwartz, Page & Harding, L.L.P.

more efficiently, accurately, and safely. This includes using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), automated process controls, telemetry monitoring systems, and facility enhancements. A GIS, for example, can expedite repairs, reduce manhours, decrease service interruption times, and increase customer satisfaction!

In the Future, There Will Only Be One Water

2021 Class of Water Smart Partners The 96 districts approved in this year’s Water Smart program are pioneers that are making a real difference in water conservation. There are three MVP districts that have been in the program since 2001: Fort Bend WCID 2 Post Wood MUD Timber Lane UD.

TRUSTEE ELECTIONS

One way to address increasing water usage, is to treat all water as a water resource while carefully considering equity and environmental impacts. All water includes water traditionally considered as a nuisance to dispose of as quickly as possible, including rainwater, stormwater, condensate, and wastewater. Urban areas can themselves become sources of water through harvesting these waters on-site as alternatives to traditional groundwater and surface-water supplies. Texas has been a leader in treating all water as one water with indirect reuse projects in the Dallas-Fort Worth and El Paso areas, direct potable reuse in West Texas and soon in El Paso and the Austin area, condensate harvesting in San Antonio and Austin, and on-site blackwater reuse in Austin.

Regional Trustees

In the Future, There Will Only Be One Water

Dwayne Mason Harris Co ID 18 Treasurer

One way to address increasing water usage, is to treat all water as a water resource while carefully considering equity and environmental impacts.

All water includes water traditionally considered as a nuisance to dispose of as quickly as possible, including rainwater, stormwater, condensate, and wastewater. Urban areas can themselves become sources of water through harvesting these waters AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

Zachariah T. Evans McGinnis Lochridge Central Texas Trustee Linda Backlund McKinney MUD 1 North Texas Trustee

At Large Trustees Mike Rozell Fort Bend Co LID 11 First Vice President James Ellis Interstate MUD Secretary

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2021 Annual Conference

Award Recipients VISIONS AWARDS Over the last 29 years, the Visions Award is one of the most prestigious and highest awards that AWBD can bestow on a member.

Al Rendl, North Harris County Regional Water Authority Todd Burrer, INFRAMARK Rebecca Marcucci, Municipal District Services, LLC Ken Heroy, Jones-Heroy & Associates, Inc. (not pictured) EMERGING LEADERS INAUGURAL CLASS OF 2021 Sabrina Alaquinez-Wallin, INFRAMARK Caleb Burson, Accurate Meter & Supply Nick Cooke, Mike Stone Associates, Inc. Brandyn C. Cottingham, Fort Bend County MUD 24 Chris Elam, Fort Bend County MUD 143 Alene Efaw, P.E. , BGE, Inc. Monica Alyssa Garza, Radcliffe Bobbitt Adams Polley PLLC Norman E. Gutierrez, EIT, Langford Engineering, Inc. Darrell Hawthorne, Municipal Accounts & Consulting, LP Mark C. Hodges, Odyssey Engineering Group Camaaron Jackson, EHRA Engineering Christina L. Miller, Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP Austin Muse, Municipal District Services James Parker, Costello, Inc. Rhonda Patterson, Assessments of the Southwest Julie Ward, Brazoria Fort Bend County MUD 1 Vicki Warren, Fort Bend County MUD 137 Michael Willett, Touchstone District Services

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AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

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2021 Annual Conference

Photo Gallery

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AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

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Thank you to Our 2021 Summer Exhibitors Acclaim Energy Accurate Meter & Supply, LLC Acoustic Leak Detection LLC Advanced Water Well Technologies All Play, Inc. Alsay Incorporated AOS Treatment Solutions, LLC AV Water Technologies AVR, Inc. AWBD-TX Badger Meter, Inc. Best Trash, LLC BioCOPE, Inc. BJ’s Park & Recreation Products Brad Greer & Associates C & C Water Services Champions Hydro-Lawn, Inc. Classic Messaging, LLC Concentric Integration LLC Core & Main, LP DN Tanks Double Oak Erosion Eastex Environmental Lab, Inc. Enhanced Energy Services, LLC Fencecrete America Inc. Ferguson Waterworks, Inc. First Billing Services Gallagher GeoVend International LLC HACH Hahn Equipment Co., Inc. HARCO Insurance Services, Inc. Infinity Services, LLC Infrastructure Rehabilitation USA, Inc. Kamstrup Water Metering, LLC Kraftsman Commercial Playgrounds & Water Parks Landia, Inc. Lone Star Recreation of Texas, LLC LUKE Applications, LLC Magna Flow Environmental

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Marathon Pest Control Master Meter, Inc. Masuen Consulting, LLC Municipal Financial Services, L.P. NAPCO Chemical Company, Inc. Neptune Technology Group North Fort Bend Water Authority Off Cinco Precision Pump Systems Preload, LLC Pumps of Houston, Inc. Purify Residential Recycling & Refuse of Texas, Inc. SEAL Security Solutions, LLC Sentriforce Video Surveillance Sprint Waste Services Starnik Storm Maintenance & Monitoring, Inc. Superior Lawn Care Sweeping Corp of America T. F. Harper & Associates LP Terralogic Terry’s Landscape & Design Texas CLASS Texas Pride Disposal Texas Water Development Board TexPool The Playwell Group, Inc. TML Intergovermental Risk Pool Today’s Integration, Inc. Touchstone District Services Trinity Wastewater Solutions Triton Consulting Group Turnbuckle Fencing, LLC Wastewater Transport Services, LLC WaterLogic Water Smart WCA Waste Corporation Worldwide Power Products, LLC Zaladium Analytics, LLC Zenner USA AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

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2021 WATER SMART LISTING WATER SMART CONSULTANT PARTNERS Water Smart Sponsoring Partners Accurate Meter & Supply, LLC AEI Engineering, LLC BGE, Inc. Bleyl & Associates Champions Hydro-Lawn, Inc. Coats Rose, P.C. Environmental Development Partners, L.L.C. H2O Innovation IDS Engineering Group INFRAMARK LLC

Magna Flow Environmental McGinnis Lochridge Municipal District Services, LLC Municipal Operations & Consulting, Inc. Pape-Dawson Engineers, Inc. TNG Utility Corporation Utility Tax Service, LLC Water District Management Co Wheeler & Associates, Inc. WWWMS, Inc.

WATER SMART DISTRICT PARTNERS Beechnut MUD Bissonnet MUD Brazoria Co Mud 2 Castlewood MUD Central Harris Co Regional Water Authority Cinco MUD 14 Cinco MUD 8 Clay Road MUD Faulkey Gully MUD Fort Bend Co MUD 122 Fort Bend Co Mud 123 Fort Bend Co MUD 124 Fort Bend Co MUD 156 Fort Bend Co MUD 2 Fort Bend Co MUD 23 Fort Bend Co MUD 25 Fort Bend Co MUD 30 Fort Bend Co MUD 35 Fort Bend Co MUD 47 Fort Bend Co MUD 50 Fort Bend Co MUD 81 Fort Bend Co WCID 2 Harris Co FWSD 47 Harris Co MUD 118

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Harris Co MUD 120 Harris Co MUD 127 Harris Co MUD 130 Harris Co MUD 167 Harris Co MUD 168 Harris Co MUD 200 Harris Co MUD 208 Harris Co MUD 23 Harris Co MUD 24 Harris Co MUD 261 Harris Co Mud 264 Harris Co MUD 280 Harris Co MUD 281 Harris Co Mud 282 Harris Co MUD 285 Harris Co MUD 304 Harris Co Mud 341 Harris Co MUD 364 Harris Co MUD 370 Harris Co MUD 372 Harris Co MUD 374 Harris Co MUD 400 Harris Co MUD 412 Harris Co MUD 419 Harris Co MUD 43

Harris Co Mud 433 Harris Co Mud 449 Harris Co MUD 46 Harris Co MUD 489 Harris Co MUD 501 Harris Co MUD 6 Harris Co Mud 70 Harris Co MUD 82 Harris Co WCID 116 Harris Co WCID 119 Harris Co WCID 132 Harris Co WCID 133 Harris Co WCID 36 Harris Co WCID 91 Harris Co WCID 92 Harris Fort Bend Counties Mud 3 Kings Manor MUD Langham Creek UD Mayde Creek MUD Meadowhill Regional MUD Montgomery Co MUD 36 Montgomery Co MUD 39 Montgomery Co MUD 46 Montgomery Co MUD 47

Montgomery Co MUD 6 Montgomery Co MUD 60 Montgomery Co MUD 67 Montgomery Co MUD 7 Montgomery Co MUD 8 Montgomery Co MUD 89 North Mission Glen MUD Northampton MUD Northwest Harris Co MUD 15 Northwest Harris Co MUD 29 Pine Village PUD Ponderosa Forest UD Post Wood MUD Prestonwood Forest UD Reid Road MUD 2 Spring Creek UD Spring West MUD Sunbelt FWSD The Woodlands Metro Center MUD The Woodlands MUD 1 Timber Lane UD West Harris Co MUD 11 West Harris Co MUD 9

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GOING DEEP: AWBD LAUNCHES ITS NEW WEBSITE, GIS FEATURES ABOUT: At AWBD’s 2020 Trustee Planning Session, AWBD’s Board had a few technology items on its wish list, including a new website, virtual programs, and AWBD’s Geographic Information System and Services (AGISS). All three of these items come together in AWBD’s new website: www.awbd. org, making AWBD’s information and educational programs more accessible for AWBD members.

According to Lopez, adding features and functions, like searchable directories, video and written content, interactive maps, and personalized content greatly increases the time and resources required.

Lopez should know.

He has worked on website design for almost two decades, including for MD Anderson and Hart Energy—an oil and gas publishing powerhouse.

“The website redesign aimed to make everything easier for members, putting more content on the homepage, adding some very useful features, making navigation simpler, and keeping the look similar across the site,” said Gabe Lopez, AWBD’s Communications Manager. Under the ABOUT tab on awbd.org, users will find rosters and bios for the AWBD Board, Advisory Council, Trustees, Staff, and History. The History tab has a lot of great photos.

In 2020, AWBD’s Board decided to bring on both a Communications Manager and a Communications and Media Specialist.

These new hires would help deliver and manage a better website, more and higher quality virtual programming, and some AGISS features, as well as a higher quality journal and social media.

LEARN: “A website redesign can take a lot of time, a lot of money, or both,” said Lopez.

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Lopez and other AWBD staff spent several months working with the AWBD Communications Committee on website concepts and procurement.

AWBD’s Board approved a plan in December 2020, AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

and staff engaged web developers in January of 2021. AWBD’s new website consists of three different websites that blend features efficiently. Because AWBD staff managed the design and content creation for the new website and outsourced the complex web development, the website cost a fraction of what it would cost otherwise without making sacrifices.

Under the LEARN tab on awbd.org, users will find on-demand video, journal articles, resources from agencies and other associations, and a continually improving assortment of educational tools for water directors.

EVENTS: Another part of the discussion from the 2020 Planning Session was what to do with the video from the Annual Conference? The Board wondered, could the videos go on the website so members could watch them any time? AWBD staff was confident that they could deliver this, but they did not have a ready solution.

“AWBD hired a virtual events production company at the same time I started at AWBD in 2020,” said Lopez. “We had all of this great content, but we didn’t know how to deploy it. We took some time to settle on a solution.”

vides members with access to sessions from the 2020 and 2021 Annual Conferences as well as the 2021 Midwinter Conference.

The Communications Committee also asked staff to update the registration side of the AWBD website. The old AWBD website and the registration site looked different because they were actually two different websites.

“Updating the registration side was relatively easy because Taylor had put so much of that site together and had a good relationship with the original registration site developer,” said Lopez.

Under the EVENTS tab on awbd.org, users can find calendars of events, conference pages and information, AWBD’s Parks programs page, and listing of past events.

GET INVOLVED: “A well-managed website gets better over time based on how people use it,” says Lopez, “We’re going to keep learning, keep the content updated, and keep making improvements. We want members to keep seeing what they like and see new things to keep their interest.”

When the 2021 Annual Conference came around, Lopez managed the virtual edition of 2021 AWBD Annual Conference while AWBD Deputy Director, Taylor Cavnar, managed the live event. Lopez also worked with Cavnar to come up with an on-demand registration, which is free to all members and proAWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

“If you notice some information on the website is off, please let us know,” said Lopez. “We can make corrections on our site or database and let the TCEQ know, if we used TCEQ data.”

Under the GET INVOLVED tab on awbd.org, users will find prospective member information, informa-

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tion on the Ambassador Program, Water Smart Program, and recognition opportunities, such as the Project Awards (applications are due October 31st).

CONNECT: At the 2020 Planning Session, Advisory Council member Howard Cohen came up with the idea of AGISS as a way to help different groups get and improve accurate information about MUDs: help officials see how many MUDs were in a particular jurisdiction or help AWBD board members update information to help improve TCEQ’s database.

In simple terms, AGISS connects AWBD’s database to maps and templates, creating custom maps and reports to help AWBD educate, unite, and advocate.

Then AWBD President, Trisha Frederick, asked if it was possible to create something helpful and easy for the public to use, like a “Find My MUD” tool?

“When Trisha came up with the ‘Find My MUD’ idea, we thought that was a feature that everyone, directors, officials, and residents, would like and that we could deliver quickly,” said Lopez.

While the AWBD Communications Committee was redesigning the AWBD website, AWBD’s Government Affairs Committee oversaw procurement and creation of AGISS. The awbd.org homepage features the “Find My MUD” tool “above the fold”. As part of AWBD’s commitment to improving the website, AGISS-powered interactive maps will roll out later this year, and more AGISS tools will be available for members in 2022.

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Under the CONNECT tab on awbd.org, users will find the AWBD Directory, information about advertisement and sponsorship opportunities, contact forms, and idea submission forms.

LOGIN: One of the things that has changed very little on awbd.org is the login process, which works very well because of AWBD’s database. Taylor Cavnar created AWBD’s database almost twenty years ago, shortly after she started at AWBD. H

AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

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AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

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2021-2022 AWBD EVENT

CALENDA R AWBD OFFICE CLOSURES July 5, 2021 - Fourth of July Sept. 6, 2021 - Labor Day Nov. 22-26, 2021 - Thanksgiving Holiday Week Dec. 23 - 27, 2021 - Christmas Holidays

RECURRING EVENTS

Jan. 3, 2022 - New Year’s Holiday

1st Friday of each month 12pm PARKS COMMITTEE MEETING (unless noted below)

April 15 - 18, 2022 - Spring Break Holidays

JULY 2021

May 30, 2022 - Memorial Day

AUGUST 2021

21st - AWBD Midwinter

Conference

Registration opens

OCTOBER 2021

20th - New Director

Workshop

NOVEMBER 2021

1st - AWBD Social Media

Summit 28th - AWBD Fall Seminar

Houston Marriott

Westchase

SEPTEMBER 2021 2nd - AWBD Midwinter

Conference regular

registration rates

are in effect

DECEMBER 2021 16th - No refunds and late

fees are in effect for

Midwinter Conference

Dates are subject to change. Visit www.awbd.org for more details

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AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

FUTURE CONFERENCES Midwinter – 2022 Friday, 1/28 – Saturday, 1/29

Moody Garden, Galveston

Midwinter – 2025 Friday 1/24 – Saturday, 1/25

JW Marriott Austin, Austin

Annual – 2022

Annual – 2025

Thursday, 6/23 – Saturday, 6/25 Fort Worth

Thursday 6/12– Saturday, 6/14 San Antonio

Midwinter – 2023 Friday, 1/27 – Saturday, 1/28

JW Marriott Austin, Austin

Midwinter – 2026 TBD

Marriott Marquis, Houston

Annual – 2023

Annual – 2026

Thursday, 6/22 – Saturday, 6/24 AmericanBank Center, Corpus Christi

Thursday 6/25 – Saturday, 6/27 Gaylord Texan, Grapevine

Midwinter – 2024 Friday, 1/19 – Saturday, 1/20

Hyatt Reunion, Dallas

Midwinter – 2027 Friday 1/22 – Saturday, 1/23

Fairmont Austin, Austin

Annual – 2024

Annual – 2027

Thursday 6/13 – Saturday, 6/15 Fort Worth Convention Center

JANUARY 2022 27th - 29th -

Thursday 6/10 – Saturday, 6/12 *Tentative Fort Worth

FEBRUARY 2022

MARCH 2022

MAY 2022

JUNE 2022

2022 AWBD Midwinter Conference Galveston Moody Gardens

APRIL 2022 TBD - AWBD Spring

Breakfast

Houston

10th - Deadline for receipt of

Resolutions nominating

candidates for AWBD

Trustee election

23rd - 25th -

10th - Certification of

candidates and

finalization of ballot

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23rd - Campaigning Begins

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Conference 24th - Candidate Speeches

at General session

Dates are subject to change. Visit www.awbd.org for more details

AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

2022 AWBD Annual Conference Fort Worth

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WORLD-CLASS WATER OPTIMIZATION: LESSONS LEARNED FROM DENMARK

BY MORTEN SIEM LYNGE

When someone says Danish, one’s mind immediately starts to envision the taste of mouth-watering fluffy pastries. However, at this year’s Mid Summer Conference, the participants got a taste of something else the Danes have come to excel at over the past couple of decades; efficient and resilient water operations. Because if there is one thing the Danes value more than delicious baked goods, it is a safe, clean environment and water in particular.

Therefore, this article wraps up the top three takeaways from the presentation by the great Danes, spearheaded by Morten Siem Lynge, Consul General of Denmark in Houston and Head of the Danish Water Technology Alliance, a public-private partnership fostering knowledge-sharing and facilitating transatlantic partnerships.

1. There is no such thing as wastewater – only displaced resources The Danish water sector has pledged to become energy and climate-neutral by 2030 – and it is well on the way. One of the reasons this is possible is due to the highly efficient wastewater operations. In fact, over the past 30 years, most wastewater treatment plants have turned into water resource recovery facilities not only producing clean water but also gas, electricity, heat, and e.g. high-quality fertilizers.

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One of the examples presented at the conference was the Marselisborg treatment plant, located outside of Denmark’s second-largest city, Aarhus. By implementing advanced SCADA control, turbo compressors, aeration optimization, and utilizing biogas through combined heat and power systems, the plant now has a 150 percent net energy production and is one of the most efficient plants in the world.

Another example showed was Billund Resource recovery plant. A city of 26.000 people that combines waste management and wastewater treatment. Today it produces 3.5 times the energy used in the water sector and sells this surplus energy to the local electricity grid.

On a much smaller scale, Lemvig, a city on the outer west coast of Denmark with only 6.800 citizens, is also playing a significant role in the water sector. The city was the first European city to have a 100 percent separate sewage system, and now, their ambition is to create a climate-neutral water sector. In 2020 they inaugurated their Climatorium, an innovation center where the utility partners with companies and universities to develop new solutions based on existing challenges. Today, 19 projects are up and running, which shows that even small utilities can work with the business community to create a better water sector as well as local jobs and growth.

AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

Want to know more? Explore how to unlock the potential of wastewater in this whitepaper provided by the Danish organisation, State of Green.

convincing as to why you should invest time and resources into NRW related efforts, you can dive into this article about the Danish way on Water Online.

2. Proactive leak detection and non-revenue water (NRW)

3. You can’t manage what you can’t measure Digitalization.

It is estimated that up against 40 percent of the world’s water supply is lost between production and the end consumer. Even here in Texas, several cities’ water loss exceeds 20 percent. In comparison, the average water loss in Denmark is down to 5 percent, with some cities way below.

How is it possible?

One of the absolute buzz words of the Danish water sector’s journey. Digitalization and data utilization has rapidly become the heart of daily water operations. It is increasingly presenting a 100 percent realtime data overview, which is key to optimizing operations, becoming efficient, and staying resilient. As an example, Morten Siem Lynge stated:

A very proactive leakage detection system plays a significant part in keeping percentages low. Many cities are divided into smaller districts metering areas where managers get a warning as soon as water consumption deviates from the expected “blue line,” a benchmark based on historical consumption on the time of the day, day of the week, temperature etc. generated by AI and machine learning.

Additionally, smart meters all the way to the residential level, which has built-in acoustic leak detection measuring noise patterns around each meter, allows for quick and easy identification of local leaks.

Finally, water managers have a strong focus on maintaining the right amount of water pressure in the pipe system. Instead of keeping a high level of pressure 24 hours a day, it is controlled to reduce stress on the distribution network and save energy.

“Through sensors, we know if a large critical pump is suddenly starting to vibrate more than usually, and that allows us to have a look at it before it breaks down. Also, a noteworthy side effect is that our water sector is suddenly becoming an attractive industry appealing to young ambitions and talented engineers. They now know it is cool to work in the water sector!”

Dive into the digital transformation of urban water management and its role in creating smart, liveable cities of the future today here. H

If you want to know more about the lessons learned in Denmark, please do not hesitate to contact Morten Siem Lynge at morlyn@um.dk.

Ultimately, lowering NRW means that you will minimize lost revenue. However, if you still need a little AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

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PROJECT AWARDS APPLICATION OPEN AWBD seeks to recognize the best facilities, programs, and infrastructure from districts— large and small! If your district has completed a noteworthy project or program within the past three years from the date of the application.

See the application link below for more details.

AWBD Project Awards are due

Sunday, Oct. 31st, 2021!

The image above is not the actual award. It is only a rendering of what the award may look like.

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AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

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THE GOOD, BAD AND UGLY OF A MUD vs SOCIAL MEDIA

BY SIMON VAN DYK

Despite our concerns about its value or contribution, social media is here to stay; creating a world where neighbors who may never speak to each other in person engage one another online. This presents both a challenge, and an opportunity, for special purpose district directors as they seek to provide accurate and timely information to their residents while avoiding lighting any virtual powder kegs that may blow up online if not managed or messaged well.

As districts consider their options, there are a few considerations (both legal and practical) summarized below. As this was originally a one-hour presentation at the 2021 AWBD Summer Conference, readers may want to watch the video of the session inside the on-demand section of our new and improved website: https://awbd.org/learn/awbdon-demand/

different people fill these roles, depending on the audience or the subject matter to be discussed. Consideration of the district communications plan should take place in the quiet times, not pushed off until an emergency necessitates it. Reviewing this plan as an annual agenda item or semi-annual special meeting where a committee (or the full board) can revisit the details and work with their pertinent consultants to strategize different scenarios keeps the communication plan up to date and optimized for use when needed. This public outreach blueprint might also authorize a consultant to speak on behalf of the district when emergency incidents arise

Have you created a Communications Plan?

The first step in deciding how to manage district communications with your residents is to engage your consultants to assist in assembling a plan of action for both emergency and non-emergency situations necessitating public outreach. The best initial step is identifying the responsible parties and establishing a chain of communication when an incident occurs; some districts may want to consider having

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AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

requiring immediate and accurate response, and communication cannot wait for the full board to convene at their next regular meeting.

There are established protocols in the event a boil water notice must be issued and what steps must be taken to abide by all the TCEQ requirements, but how do districts practically get the information out to residents? A communications plan should also discuss what channels a district will utilize to communicate, and during which events they will be employed. Many of the “oldschool” tools like yard signs, bill stuffers, and door hangers take time to deploy and, in many cases, do not reach people consistently, and do not address resident desire for real-time communication. Considering deployment and update times relative to getting information in residents’ hands, text- and email-based alerts alongside social media updates can often be faster than website updates; many districts are employing a combination of platforms to utilize for greatest public outreach, to include social media pages.

What modern platforms should you consider?

We all know neighborhood Facebook groups, Nextdoor users, and the new Neighbors app by Ring are all heavily utilized and we ignore them at our peril. Fortunately, the district does not need to have a Facebook page of their own to proactively engage residents. When false claims are made or misinformation needs addressing on one of these platforms, it is important everyone involved considers tone, voice, and intent when responding. Occasionally, a director or consultant may be too emotionally involved in a discussion and may seem combative or defensive which can cloud or detract from the accuracy of information they are trying to share. Additionally, if more than two directors comment on a topic that relates to district business, they could find themselves in violation of the Texas Open Meetings Act. For these reasons and more, most districts should consider designating someone to be a priAWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

mary “voice” for the district; for difficult or unforeseen issues, the board may want to establish a communications committee empowered to exercise limited authority to engage the appropriate consultants in crafting effective messaging and responding quickly when the situation warrants it. This committee can also work to establish pre-planned messaging for common issues that may arise saving valuable time and money when an event happens.

Where do I start?

Consider adding an agenda item to discuss the topic of developing a communications plan. Your attorney and consultants have likely participated in this process with other districts or can connect you with the right people within the industry to help you through this process. Further, consider establishing a communications committee and who you would like on that team. This committee can help establish who should be your spokesperson, begin discussing what pre-planned messaging you may need, and what platforms you may want to consider utilizing. Finally, once you implement something, ask your attorney to make the topic a recurring item either annually or semi-annually and evaluate what changes you may need to make based on your own experiences and district specific needs. H

44

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OUTGOING LEADERSHIP MUD No. 1 hem about any matter of

al Way, Suite 307, Spring,

Guy Harris started life in England, earning a BS in mechanical engineering and MS in manufacturing technology and projGuy W. ect management in the UK before moving to Texas. For over Harris 30 years, Guy has lived in Denton County. He has served on NORTH TEXAS TRUSTEE NORTH TEXAS TRUSTEE Denton County Fresh Water Supply District 1-B since 2007, ct them about any matter of them about welcome members to contact any matter of bringing his decades of experience managing major projects DENTON CO FWSD 1B Denton County FWSD No. 1B ndal Way, Suite 307,400 Spring, www.awbd-tx.org), Randal Way, Suite 307, Spring, for a major telecommunications company. welcome members to contact them about any matter of .

597.0122 or 281.350.7090.

e7

Page 7

Guy W.

Harris

ct them about any matter of www.awbd-tx.org), 400 Randal Way, Suite 307, Spring, ndal Way, Suite 307, Spring, 597.0122 or 281.350.7090.Page 7 Page 7 Conferences, Guy wondered about getting more involved with AWBD. After attending several AWBD Annual .

He attended a Nominations Committee meeting and was elected to serve as AWBD North Texas Trustee in Page 7 Page 7 Trustees and members of Parks’ the Advisory welcome 2017.

Guy shared Michael vision Council for bringing better technology and communication to AWBD. members to contact them about any matter of Association concern through the AWBD office: ct them about anywas matter of them welcome members to contact any matter ofAWBD’s Guy the first about chairman of Special Program Committee, which helped develop online prondal Way, Suite 307,400 Spring, www.awbd-tx.org), Randal Way, Suite 307, Spring, gramming, like AWBD’s Cyber Security training, Houston Wilderness HB 1410 video, and post-conference 400 Randal Way, Suite 307, Spring, TX 77388 .hem aboutorany 597.0122 281.350.7090. matter of on-demand programming. These programming moves helped AWBD navigate the pandemic and provide al Way, Suite 307, Spring,www.awbd-tx.org Website: Page 7 Page 7 AWBD members with the educational tools they seek whenever and wherever they are needed. Guy, an Office phone: Toll free (800) 597-0122 or (281) 350-7090 avid amateur was also a champion for the AWBD virtual 5K. Page runner, 7

ge 7

When the demands of his career, MUD, and family shifted, Guy made the decision to help AWBD find his replacement, encouraging Linda Backlund, the current North Texas Trustee, to succeed him. H

AWBD Summer 2020 Journal

5

INFRAMARK. YOUR PARTNER OF CHOICE

ge 7

47

AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

SECRETARY

2019 - 2020 Board TREASURER of Trustees

Interstate MUD

Harris County Improvement District No. 18

OUTGOING LEADERSHIP

When Michael Parks moved to Texas,Luis he had M. not heard of MUDs. Being curious, he went to his local MUD’s board meeting. He found the MUD model appealing. MUDs keep home Parks prices low and, with good leadership, can make communities CENTRAL TEXAS TRUSTEE IMMEDIATE IMMEDIATE PASTPAST PRESIDENT better, offering amenities and services tailored to residents’ PRESIDENT desires. So, he ran for the Brazoria-Fort Williamson-Travis Bend Co MUD 1 BoardCounti Brazoria Fort Bend County in 2010 and was elected to the board.

BRAZORIA-FORT BEND CO bers of the Advisory Council welcome contact them about any matter of them about any matter of MUD No. 1 Trustees and members of themembers Advisory to Council welcome members to contact

Michael Michael

Zervigon

Parks

MUD No. 1

n throughAssociation the AWBD concern office: (www.awbd-tx.org), Randal Way, Suite 307,400 Spring, MUD 1 400 through the AWBD office: (www.awbd-tx.org), Randal Way, Suite 307, Spring, office phone is 77388. toll free The 800.597.0122 Texas office phoneoris281.350.7090. toll free 800.597.0122 or 281.350.7090.

rnal

The MUD’s attorney encouraged Michael to attend AWBD Page 7 conferences and get involved.

Guy W.AWBD’s ability AWBD Winter 2020 Journal Page 7 Appreciating Ellen and potential to support MUDs, Michael ran for the AWBD Board in 2013. He wanted to bring a pure, community/resident perspective to AWBD as well as the professionalism of a process engineer/MBA. Michael NORTH TEXAS TRUSTEE distinguished himself as an AWBD Trustee, working to establish AWBD’s Government Affairs Committee GULF COAST TRUSTEE and testifying before the Texas Legislature.

Harris

Hughes

Denton County FWSD No

Trustees and members of the Advisory welcome to contact them about any matter of them about any matter of Trustees andCouncil members of the members Advisory Council welcome members to contact Association concern through the AWBDconcern office: (www.awbd-tx.org), 400 Randal Way, Suite 307,400 Spring, Association through the AWBD office: (www.awbd-tx.org), Randal Way, Suite 307, Spring, Trustees and ofphone the Michael Advisory Council welcome members toand contact them about any matter of Texas 77388. President The office phone is77388. toll freemembers 800.597.0122 oris 281.350.7090.

Texas The office toll free 800.597.0122 or 281.350.7090.

As AWBD from 2016 until 2018, sought to about improve AWBD’s technolTrustees and members of the Advisory Council members contact them any matter ofprofessionalize Association concernwelcome through the AWBDto office: (www.awbd-tx.org), 400 Randal Way, Suite 307, Spring, Association concern throughTexas the AWBD office: (www.awbd-tx.org), 400 Randal Way, Suite 307, Spring, ogy and communication, which helped significantly during COVID-19.

Michael works in healthcare, which 77388.

The office phone is toll free 800.597.0122 or 281.350.7090.Page 7 AWBD Winter 2020 Journal AWBD 2020 Journal Page 7 Texas 77388. The office phone isWinter toll free 800.597.0122 or 281.350.7090.

Fort Bend County MUD No. 23

again benefitted AWBD, as it pivoted to virtual and hybrid formats. Michael’s belief in MUDs, AWBD, and AWBD Winter 2020 Journal Page 7 community-minded leadership improved AWBD and helped the MUD community.

Michael remains inAWBD Winter 2020 Journal Page 7 Gordon “Bob” Trustees and members of the Advisory Council welco volved in AWBD. He also serves as on the Board of Directors for the Education Foundation of Harris members to contact them about any County, matter of VP for Shadow Creek Booster Club, and member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Association concern Trustees and members of Trustees the Advisory welcome membersCouncil to contact them about any matter of them andCouncil members of the Advisory welcome members to contact aboutthrough any matterthe of AWBD office:

Jarvis

Association concern through the AWBDconcern office: (www.awbd-tx.org), 400 Randal Way, Suite 307,400 Spring, Association through the AWBD office: (www.awbd-tx.org), Randal Way, Suite 307, Spring, WEST TEXAS TRUSTEE 400 Randal Way, Suite 307, Spring, TX 77388 Texas 77388.

The office phone is77388. tollCouncil free 800.597.0122 or 281.350.7090.

Texas The office phone is toll free 800.597.0122 281.350.7090.

Trustees and members of the Advisory welcome members to contact them aboutorany matter of bers of the Advisory Council members contact them about any matter of Association concernwelcome through the AWBDtooffice: (www.awbd-tx.org), 400 Randal Way, Suite 307, Spring,www.awbd-tx.org Website: n throughTexas theAWBD AWBD office: (www.awbd-tx.org), 400 Randal 307, Spring, Winter 2020 Page 7 77388.

TheJournal office phone is toll free 800.597.0122 or 281.350.7090.

AWBD Winter 2020 Journal Way, Suite Page 7 office phone is toll free 800.597.0122 or 281.350.7090.

Office phone: Toll free (800) 597-0122 or (281) 350-7090

Horizon Regional MUD

FOR MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICTS. AWBD Winter 2020 Journal

rnal

Page 7

Page 7

AWBD Summer 2020 Journal

ers of the Advisory Council welcome members to contact them about any matter of n through the AWBD office: (www.awbd-tx.org), 400 Randal Way, Suite 307, Spring, office phone is toll free 800.597.0122 or 281.350.7090.

nal

With more than four decades of experience providing cost-effective services to municipal utility districts (MUDs) in Texas, INFRAMARK has a proven track record of delivering high-quality water and wastewater operations our clients and their residents can count on.

Page 7

We go the extra mile, every day, to be an indispensable partner. INFRAMARK’s client services team is there for our clients, anticipating their needs and providing the necessary support needed to keep their residents confident that they are always receiving the best service.

Contact us today to learn how you can feel the impact of Pure Partnership™ with INFRAMARK. Todd Burrer todd.burrer@inframark.com 281-578-4245 713-805-9232

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We provide clients nationwide with INTELLIGENT, water and wastewater SOLUTIONS at every point in the water cycle.

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As an O&M partner, USW Utility Group can manage every component of your water and wastewater system, from the initial planning to the build out of your district. By balancing regulatory requirements with operational needs, we’re able to find operational efficiencies and innovative solutions for improved performance and cost certainty, thus enhancing a system’s economic, technical and environmental performance while planning for future needs.

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We are a Full-Service Water and Wastewater Operations Helping Directors Maintain the Quality of Life inUtilities, Their Communities Company servicing Municipalities, Investor-Owned and Industrial Facilities in and around the greater Houston IDS provides all types of utility districts (MUDs, FWSDs, WCIDs, etc.) with a Our utility district services include: area since 1989.

complete range of engineering services from initial development to long• District Engineering Services term management and rehabilitation of a mature district’s facilities. We • Facility Inspections and Condition currently represent more than 70 utility districts and work with the Board Evaluations of Directors, the District’sFor consultants, thewe District’s land developer(s) over 30 and years have provided our Clients and theirManagement Planning • Asset • GIS Services (GPS Mapping, Repair to plan, design, and construct utility systems that will meet the current and Tracking, the and Websites) Residents with excellent future needs in a phased and cost-effective manner. customer service along with • Parks, Trails, and Amenities highestdesign levelservices of Water and Wastewater • Water Supply Plants and Distribution IDS not only provides engineering for new utilities including Operations, Systems (New/Rehabilitation) waterlines, sanitary sewer lines, drainage waterSystem treatmentMaintenance, plants, Distribution andfacilities, Collection Billing & Treatment Plants • Wastewater water pressure maintenance facilities, and wastewater treatment plants, and Distribution Systems (New/ Collection Services, Recreational Facility Maintenance, but also provides districts with additional services because we recognize Rehabilitation) that districts will be responsible for maintaining these utilities for the • Stormwater Drainage and Detention and Water Facility Maintenance foreseeable future. ADistrict sample ofManagement, additional services thatStorm we provide includes Systems (New/Rehabilitation) periodic project status reports, utility condition surveys, asset management • Capital Project Funding and Grants plans, park and trail facilities, geographic information systems, water and • TCEQ Bond Application Reports • Water and Sewer Rate Studies sewer line rehabilitation, surface water conversions, water reuse, water • Local,to State, and Federal Permits well rehabilitation, waterTo and sewer rateabout studies,how bond and our services learn more weelections can tailor • Annexation Feasibility Studies applications, and assisting theneeds district’s with permit compliance. fit the ofoperator your District contact us today at 281.324.9803

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We know the property tax business

With over 60 Years of property tax assessment and collection experience, Mike Arterburn, RTA, and JoAnn Ramos, RTA, are ready to put that knowledge to work for you.

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Currently we represent 100 Special Districts in Aransas, Brazoria, Cameron, Chambers, Collin, Denton, Fort Bend, Galveston, Guadalupe, Harris, Kaufman, Kendall, Liberty, Montgomery, Tarrant, Travis, Waller, Williamson, and Wise Counties.

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PASSAGES On behalf of the membership, the Board of Trustees extends its deepest sympathies to our members and friends who have lost loved ones. May shared memories and the warmth of sincere friendship bring you comfort in your time of grief.

We are diminished by the passing of:

Tom Brewer Lakeway MUD

Huntington Capital Markets® Where Smarter Financial Solutions Flow The Huntington team understands the unique challenges of special districts. With expertise in municipal securities, we can provide advisory, underwriting, and placement services to public entities when they need it most.

Learn more about how Huntington can help. Contact Ryan O’Hara, Head of Texas Public Finance, ryan.r.ohara@huntington.com or (713) 621-4020.

⬢®, Huntington®, ⬢ Huntington® and Huntington Capital Markets® are federally registered service marks of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. © 2021 Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. All rights reserved. Huntington Capital Markets® is a federally registered service mark and a trade name under which the investment banking products and services of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated and its subsidiaries, Huntington Securities, Inc. and The Huntington National Bank, are marketed. Securities products and services are offered by licensed securities representatives of Huntington Securities, Inc., registered broker-dealer, member FINRA and SIPC. Banking products and services are offered by The Huntington National Bank, Member FDIC. 13956 | 02/21 Investment, Insurance and Non-deposit Trust products are: NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT FDIC INSURED • NOT GUARANTEED BY THE BANK • NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY • MAY LOSE VALUE

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AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

Peters brings over 30 years of sales and business development experience

ABOUT OUR MEMBERS Newport, Washington, based irrigation design, consulting and water management firm Masuen Consulting announced the addition of Jon Peters to their team as the Director of Sales and Marketing. is a proven several business locations leader withinover years of sales the30 Pacific Northwest Masuen Consulting, LLCPetersmanaging and Jon business development in agriculture, moisture sensing, and Baseline, for Cenex Harvest soil States, Peters Joined Names Peters New experience irrigation central controls.

Inc. of Boise, Idaho, where he led the sales and marDirector of Sales and keting efforts from 2004 through 2018, growing the Marketing Peters will be overseeing sales company at all Masuen locations.

He will beinternational developing andirrigation into a successful implementing corporate marketing strategies, translating central controls brand. the company’s business Newport, Washington, based objectives into marketing initiatives that drive growth and support the company’s irrigation design, consultdiverse rangemanagement of irrigation and water Whenrelated I first services. met Jon, he was a one-man sales and ing and water firm Masuen Consulting an- marketing department for a small manufacturing After 16 as an agricultural crop consultant, managing in the He was trying several to get locations me to use their soil nounced theyears addition of Jon company.

Pacific Northwest for Cenex Harvest States, Peters Joined Baseline, Inc. of Boise, to talk Peters to their team as the moisture sensors. It turned out we had a lotIdaho, where hePeters led theissales and marketing efforts from growing as thea crop about because he2004 hadthrough years of2018, experience Director of Sales and Marketing. a provcompany into of a successful international irrigation controlsI owned brand. and operated consultant in thecentral area where en business leader with over 30 years sales and business development experience in agriculture, soil a hay and cattle ranch. Over the years I watched as “When I first met Jon, he was athe one-man and marketing department for a under small his smallsales company he joined grew rapidly moisture sensing, and irrigation central controls. manufacturing company. He was trying to getI me to use their soil moisture sensors. Itand leadership. particularly admired his honesty turned out we had a lot to talk about because he had years of experience as a crop Masuen Peters will be overseeing sales at all Masuen loca- principled values, which aligned well with Jontions.

Peters,He Director of Sales and in the area where and operated a hay using and cattle Over the senConsulting’s.

I did start the ranch. soil moisture will be developingconsultant and implementing cor- I owned Marketing, Masuen Consulting sors athe some still do today.

I am excited porate marketing strategies, translating the years I watched as thecomsmall company joinedpoint grew and rapidly under his leadership.

I to have his experience and leadership on our team pany’s business objectives particularly into marketing initiatives admired his honesty and principled values, which aligned well with Masuen. ” -Mitch Walker, Founder President, that drive growth and support the company’s diMasuen Consulting’s.

I did starthere usingatthe soil moisture sensors at some point&and still Masuen Consulting, LLC verse range of irrigation and water related services. do today. I am excited to have his experience and leadership on our team here at After 16 years as an agricultural consultant, Masuen.”crop -Mitch Walker, Founder & President, Masuen Consulting, LLC For more information, please visit www.masuenconsulting.com

AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

56

DO YOU HAVE NEWS? Have news about what’s happening in your district? Want to share with your fellow AWBD members? We want to hear from you.

Please submit your news/news releases to AWBD ‘s Sara Albright (salbright@awbd-tx. org). Any photos must be 300 dpi resolution / JPEG format. Indicate credit for photos. All person in photos must be identified. Include member contact name and information. If accepted for publication, items may be edited for accuracy, space and clarity.

CONTACT AWBD Association of Water Board Directors - Texas Energy Tower 11700 Katy Freeway, Suite 450 Houston, TX 77079 Office phone: 281/350-7090 or Toll free: 800/597-0122 FAX: 281/350-7092.

Website: www.awbd.org

57

AWBD - TEXAS JOURNAL | Fall 2021

A Professional Water Utility Management Corporation

TRUSTED SINCE 1971 We are committed to the operational needs of our community and conserving our most precious resource.

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(281) 376-8802

58

ASSOCIATION OF WATER BOARD DIRECTORS - TEXAS Energy Tower 11700 Katy Freeway, Suite 450 Houston, TX 77079

ADVERTISERS' INDEX Municipal Financial Services, L.P. ............18

Bacon, Wallace & Philbin, LLP ...................14

H2O Innovation ........................................................i HARCO Insurance Services, Inc. ..............30

Professional Utility Services, Inc. . ...........51

Bleyl Engineering . ...............................................2

Huntington Securities Inc. ...........................55

Source Point Solutions, LLC . ......................49

INFRAMARK, LLC ................................................ 47

TNG Utility Corporation . .................................12

Jones | Carter .......................................................54

USW Utility Group .............................................50

LightPoint Engineering, LLC .......................53

Utility Tax Service, LLC ...................................52

Magna Flow Environmental .......................34 Marathon Pest Control ...................................28

VSE Vogler & Spencer Engineering, Inc................................................. 45

McDonald & Wessendorff Insurance ....24

Water District Management, Inc. .............58

McLennan & Associates ...............................49

Water My Yard.......................................................56

Municipal Accounts & Consulting, L.P. . 41

Worldwide Power Products, LLC .............46

A & S Engineers, Inc. ........................................16

C & C Water Services ......................................30 Central Bank ........................................................42 Champions Hydro-Lawn, Inc. ....................35 CivilTech Engineering, Inc. ..........................50 DN Tanks . ............................................................... 57 EHRA Engineering ...............................................6 Environmental Development Partners LLC ...........................................................11 Gallagher . ................................................................iii