Valleyhi Community Club. Inc
2026 Annual meeting minutes
Ingalls Creek Enrichment Center
Meeting called to order by President Karl Ruether at 2:15
Board members in attendance: Karl Ruether, Jim Nies, Steve Collamore, Danielle Small, Minutes for annual meeting called to order at 2:15pm
Danielle Small and John (Sean) Baird ran for the open positions on the board. Danielle was reelected and John was confirmed.
WATER MASTER REPORT
Jason, watermaster presented update on water quality and tests that have been completed. Valleyhi is 100% in compliance with all water regulations but will need to test for copper and lead. Our water pipes were blown out (at the end of Allen Ln) fall of 2025. There will also need to be a P Fost test done at some point.
RESERVOIR REPORT
Dave Schettler gave presentation on upcoming water reservoir project. General conversation regarding location, size, cost and timeline. Since the current reservoir is on private property and the property owner is not interested in having a new reservoir built on their property the board and Dave have been working together to find another location. The board decided on a space near the baseball field that is community owned and allows for the space needed for the tank, additional equipment and access road. The board understands that the tank will now be more visible to the community and will have an impact on some community members’ view. The long-term plan would be to plant trees around the tank with the goal of hiding the tank as much as possible, but yes, it would still be visible.
The next steps will be applying for grants (both state and federal are possible options). This is a 2-year cycle, with the hope to build in 2028 State revolving grants. The design has been finalized, for tank, new building, generator, and all infrastructure. Dave is working on July application. And we should know by fall of 2027 if we will be moving forward with plans for building in 2028. Although the total cost of the project has still not been finalized, the expectation will be that it will come in around 1 million dollars. Once approved this will be a 7–8-month project.
There were several questions from community members regarding the cost and timeline of this project. After all questions were answered the community members, in attendance, had a better understanding as to how and why the board is moving forward with the reservoir project and showed a high level of appreciation to Dave and the board members for all their hard work.
Danielle Small expressed gratitude for the positive feedback of the community. Karl did point out the importance of Valleyhi as a community being able to move forward with this project, because if PUD needs to take on the project it will become much more expensive.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Karl brought the Fire Dis 6 newsletter to the community’s attention. Our station is scheduled to be deregulated. Fire dept is looking for volunteers so our station can stay open. If interested, please reach out to Andy Lee (district fire chief). Member question; If fire hydrants can be used to fight fires. Yes, but according to Andy there is not enough water. Jason can monitor the current water reservoir’s water level. Another question was asked if hiring firefighters is an option if needed, and whether it is, but we are unsure what that cost would be.
WATER ASSESMENT BALANCES
Most of Valleyhi property owners have paid or are on payment plans for the special assessment and their water bills. For the few property owners that are not in good standing the board has been working tirelessly in the collection process and will continue to do so until all balances have been paid.
The board will also look into what community resources are available for financial assistance and that information will be uploaded to our website.
We will need to continue with the 5% annual increase (water bill) that has been in place for the last 5 years. This means fewer assessments (hopefully) in the future. The goal is to reduce the annual rate increase at some point.
Meeting was called to a close at 3:32
Community potluck started.
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