TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF MAY 7, 2026
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC INFORMATION & EDUCATION
Mr. John P. Murray, Executive Director
Title
Authority to participate in 2026 WEFTEC Operations Challenge
Body
Dear Sir:
Authorization is requested to participate in the 2026 WEFTEC Operations Challenge and to incur associated costs.
The WEFTEC Operations Challenge is a skills-based competition where teams compete in five timed events that simulate real-world utility challenges: process control, lab analysis, maintenance, collections, and safety. The competition serves as both a showcase and a training platform, enabling participants to sharpen technical skills, learn new technologies, and perform under pressure. The District has been a competitor since first fielding a team in 2007, pausing only during the 2020-2022 period due to the pandemic.
Preparation for Operations Challenge includes weekly practices, purchasing equipment, a practice session with one or more Midwest teams, and travel to one regional event and to WEFTEC in New Orleans. If approved, the team will travel to Brighton, Colorado, for their regional competition this summer.
The total cost for the team to participate in the 2026 Operations Challenge, including equipment, registration fees, travel, and related expenses, is estimated to be approximately $30,000.
It is recommended that authority be granted for the District to participate in the 2026 WEFTEC Operations Challenge and to incur associated costs.
Requested, Edward J. Staudacher, Acting Director of Maintenance and Operations, MFM
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for May 7, 2026