BMWC 30th Annual Meeting Minutes – March 3, 2026
Darren Apken, President, called the 30th Annual Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting opened with Randy Haukap leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Attorney Jeffrey Mollet reported that the 1% quorum had been met with 82 contract holders in attendance. Darren Apken then introduced members of the Board, Engineer, Legal Counsel, Contractor, and employees. Randy Haukap resigned from his Board member position after serving for 10 years. A thank you plaque was presented. A moment of silence was taken in honor of Board Member, Brent Whittaker, who passed away at his home on June 23, 2025. Darren then turned the meeting over to Mike VonderHaar, Secretary of the Board, who provided proof of the Annual Meeting Notice and pointed out that the 2025 Annual meeting minutes were included in the agenda. Greg Beaumont made a motion to accept the minutes. David Holthaus 2nd motion. Motion carried.
Kay Lange gave an update on the Bond/Madison’s Rounding up for your Community Program. The Program was implemented in February 2020. Currently having approximately 343 contributors for a total collected in the past year of around $ 1793.59. Grand total collected from inception being $ 10,171.32. The money collected was placed in a special savings account with a balance of $ 960.71 as of December 31, 2025. The Round Up committee met during the year and reviewed submitted applications. The following were approved recipients of a $ 250.00 award: Bond County Toys for Joy, Edens Glory, Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation, Come to the Table Food Pantry, Pocahontas School Library and The Simple Room. The Board approved to make these award donations to each of the above-mentioned community organizations abiding by Bond/Madison’s Rounding up for your Community policy guidelines. Members were encouraged to donate to the Rounding Up for your Community Program by calling the office.
Mr. Eyman submitted the Treasurer’s Report directing membership to review the Profit/Loss and Balance Sheet printed in the agenda. Any questions can be answered at the meeting, or anytime at the office. With the financial reports being in good order, Doug Haston made a motion to approve them. Rich Lange 2nd. Motion carried.
Bob Massa of Juneau and Associates took the floor to give an update on the “Project” of water main looping, tower painting, telemetry system replacement, and water system improvements. Contract A – Haier Plumbing & Heating Inc. has completed the mainline installation and is currently flushing and pressure testing the system. Installation of meter services is also underway. Approximately 70 new water services are being added to the BMWC system. Contract B – The Shawnee Tower painting project has been completed by Neuman Company Contractors, Inc. Contract C (SCADA)-Vandevanter to begin installation of the new SCADA system soon. Funding for this project is being provided through a low-interest loan from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Public Water Supply Loan Program (PWSLP). The PWSLP is funded through a combination of state and federal sources. The project received a $3,200,000 loan with an interest rate of 1.4%, to be repaid over a 30-year period. The loan also includes approximately $1,420,000 in principal forgiveness.
Attorney Jeffrey Mollet presented the slate of nominees and explained the voting procedure. For the Madison County Director position, Warren Aplin and Brandon Eldridge were nominated, requiring a vote of membership. Each candidate addressed the members and provided information regarding their educational background, work experience, key skills, and qualifications for the Director position. Ballots were collected and tallied, resulting in 42 votes for Warren Aplin and 39 votes for Brandon Eldridge. Mr. Mollet asked the members to accept the nomination of Warren Aplin and requested a motion to accept the slate as presented. Greg Beaumont made the motion, and David Holthaus 2nd. Motion carried. Eric Gillan was presented as the unopposed nominee for the Bond County Director position. Mr. Mollet then asked for a motion from the floor to approve the nominee by acclamation. Henry Reymond made the motion, and Jim Schlemer 2nd. Motion carried.
Laura Knackstedt was presented as the unopposed nominee for the Bulk Water Representative position. Mr. Mollet asked the bulk representatives to accept the nomination of Laura Knackstedt and requested a motion to accept the slate as presented. Rich Accornero, Pocahontas representative, made the motion, and Darren Apken, Marine representative, made the 2nd motion. Motion carried. Mr. Mollet then asked for a motion from the floor to approve the nominee by acclamation. Darren Apken made the motion, and Rich Accornero 2nd. Motion carried.
President Darren Apken asked if there was any unfinished business. None was stated. The President then asked if there was any new business for discussion. Marty Landmann, Manager/Operator, took the floor to inform the membership that, regretfully, Illinois American Water (IAWC) has once again submitted a request to the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) for new rates. Information provided indicates the company is requesting an increase of approximately 16–18%. Mr. Landmann noted that in 2024, IAWC requested a 38% rate increase and was granted an 18% increase. He explained that the rate review process typically takes approximately eleven months. Final decision is expected late December 2026, with any approved rates effective January 1, 2027.
Mr. Landmann reported that in August 2024, BMWC increased its rate by $0.55 per 1,000 gallons. Since that time, BMWC has been closely monitoring income and expenses to keep any future rate increases to a minimum. Currently, a tentative increase of approximately $0.25 to $0.30 per 1,000 gallons is being considered. Mr. Landmann further reported that water purchases for 2025 increased by $262,730 compared to the previous year. In addition, an unexpected repair to a 14-inch water main in the amount of $17,400 contributed to higher expenses for the year. However, unbudgeted income from earned interest and CoBank patronage totaling $83,400 helped offset these expenses, resulting in BMWC finishing 2025 with net revenue of approximately $83,519.21.
David Frueh made a motion to adjourn the meeting. David Holthaus 2nd motion. Meeting adjourned. Each member submits signed invitation card at the registration desk to receive a BMWC $ 10.00 bill credit. BMWC $ 50.00 bill credit winners were: Jesse Thompson, Pleasant Mound Township, St. Peters UCC Church, Carl Albert, Jana Willis and Nancy Kahl. Applebee’s Dinner/AMC Movie Theater gift cards winners were Eric Gillan and Gary Kreutzberg.
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Please join us tomorrow night for the 30th Annual Meeting of the Bond Madison Water Company. Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Copper Dock Banquet Hall (west building), 498 White Oak Lane, Pocahontas. The meeting will include reports on company operations and system improvements, and the election of three directors: Bond County (vacant), Madison County (Randy Haukap not seeking re-election), and Bulk User Representative (Laura Knackstedt).
Each director’s seat will be for a three-year term.
SIGN AND SUBMIT your post card meeting notice card at the registration desk. ATTENDEES WILL RECEIVE $10.00 BILL CREDIT AND A CHANCE TO WIN AN ADDITIONAL PRIZE.
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December 27, 2025 @ 2:00 p.m.
The boil order for your area is now lifted. Sorry for the inconvenience. If you have any further questions/issues, please give us a call at 618-593-6225.
See below for Important Information.
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Re: Lead Notification – Emergency Water Main Repair
Affected areas include:
- Wieseman Road
- Brickyard Hill Road
- Underwood Lane
- W. Carson
- Possum Hill Road
- Behme Lane
- Schien Road
Dear Water User,
In accordance with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and the Illinois Environmental Protection Act Section 17.11 regarding lead notification Bond Madison Water is required to provide you a copy of the attached “Lead Information Notice”. This NOTICE is for informational purposes concerning lead in drinking water and some preventative measures to help reduce lead in drinking water. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Marty Landmann at (618) 593-6225 or marty@bondmadison.com
Marty Landmann, Operator-Manager
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER Dear Water Customer: Today’s Date: December 27, 2025 Our water system has begun water line maintenance and/or construction projects that may affect the lead content of your potable water supply. Lead, a metal found in natural deposits, is harmful to human health, especially young children. The most common exposure to lead is swallowing or breathing in lead paint chips and dust. However, lead in drinking water can also be a source of lead exposure. In the past, lead was used in some water service lines and household plumbing materials. Lead in water usually occurs through corrosion of plumbing products containing lead; however, disruption (construction or maintenance) of lead service lines may also temporarily increase lead levels in the water supply. This disruption may be sometimes caused by water main maintenance/replacement. As of June 19, 1986, new or replaced water service lines and new household plumbing materials could not contain more than 8% lead. Lead content was further reduced on January 4, 2014, when plumbing materials must now be certified as “lead-free” to be used (weighted average of wetted surface cannot be more than 0.25% lead). The purpose of this notice is for informational purposes only. While it’s not known for certain whether this particular construction project will adversely affect the lead (if present) plumbing in and outside your home, below describes some information about the project and some preventative measures you can take to help reduce the amount of lead in drinking water. Project Start Date: 12/24/25 Project expected to be completed by: 12/27/25 Project location and description: Emergency Water Main Repair Affected areas include:
What you can do to reduce lead exposure in drinking water during this construction project: Run your water to flush out lead. If the plumbing in your home is accessible; you may be able to inspect your own plumbing to determine whether, you have a lead service line. Otherwise, you will most likely have to hire a plumber. · If you do not have a lead service line, running the water for 1 —2 minutes at the kitchen tap should clear the lead from your household plumbing to the kitchen tap. Once you have done this, fill a container with water and store it in the refrigerator for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula throughout the day. · If you do have a lead service line, flushing times can vary based on the length of your lead service line and the plumbing configuration in your home. The length of lead service lines varies considerably. Flushing for at least 3 —5 minutes is recommended. Use cold water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula. Do not cook with or drink water from the hot water tap, lead dissolves more easily into hot water. Do not use water from the hot water tap to make baby formula. Look for alternative sources or treatment of water. You may want to consider purchasing bottled water or a water filter that is certified to remove ‘total lead”. Clean and remove any debris from faucet aerators on a regular basis. Do not boil water to remove lead. Boiling water will not reduce lead. Purchase lead-free faucets and plumbing components. Remove the entire lead service line. Test your water for lead. Call us at: (618) 669-2861 to find out how to get your water tested for lead. While we do not do the testing, we can provide a list of laboratories certified to do the testing. Laboratories will send you the bottles for sample collection. Please note that we are not affiliated with the laboratories, and they will charge you a fee. · If test results indicate a lead level above 15 ug/L, bottled water should be used by pregnant women, breastfeeding women, young children, and formula-fed infants. |
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IEPA Project Funding Announcement 8/26/25
BOND MADISON WATER COMPANY
IEPA LOAN NO. L174892
WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
Improvements to the Bond Madison Water Company’s water distribution system, including rural water main extensions in Bond County, painting the Shawnee tower, and replacement of the SCADA system will begin construction soon. Funding for this project is being provided by a low interest loan from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Public Water Supply Loan Program (PWSLP). The PWSLP is funded by both state and federal sources. The $3,200,000 loan has an interest rate of 1.4% and will be repaid over 30 years. The loan also includes principal forgiveness. These improvements will provide potable water to rural residents in Bond County and will improve the operations of the Water Company’s water distribution system.
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Effective Monday August 18th, our supplier, Illinois American Water (see below message) will be temporarily changing the type of disinfectant used in the water as they always do at this time of year. Instead of combining the chlorine in the water with ammonia, they will be adding chlorine only. During this time Bond Madison Water will flush the distribution system using this type of disinfectant. Our annual flush of the system will begin August 18th. We will resume normal disinfectant in approximately four to six weeks. Flushing the system lines with chlorine only disinfectant removes and prevents chemical build up in the lines. There is no need to boil the water. Many distribution systems use this type of disinfectant year-round. If an objectionable difference in odor is noticed, then allow water drawn from the tap to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours. Dialysis patients and renal care facilities should be aware of these changes and adjust their health care practices accordingly.
Dear Customer, This is an important message from Illinois American Water. We are beginning our annual maintenance program, which includes testing and flushing fire hydrants in addition to a temporary change in water treatment. This work is expected to begin on 8/18/25 and will occur across our system until 9/5/25. Flushing in your area will occur between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. This work is part of our annual maintenance which supports continued water quality and fire protection. While Illinois American Water crews are working, customers may experience a slight drop in water pressure or draw some discolored water for a short period of time. If your water is discolored, run the cold water taps only, at the lowest level of the house for about 3 to 5 minutes until the water runs clear. If discolored water occurs please also refrain from doing laundry during that time. While we are completing this work, our water quality team will also be switching treatment to a form of chlorine known as “free chlorine,” which does not contain ammonia. This stronger disinfectant is typically used by water utilities when flushing water mains and fire hydrants. If you have a health care need that requires purified or filtered water, you should reach out to your healthcare provider with any questions. During the temporary treatment change, customers may experience a more noticeable chlorine taste or odor in their water. There is no reason for concern. This is due to the switch in chlorine types. If you are a landlord and water service is in your name, please inform your tenants so they are aware of this impact to their water service. In keeping with American Water’s focus on safety for both customers and employees, please do not approach our crews while they work. For more information or to see a map of the affected area please go to https://amwater.com/ilaw/alerts. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding. Esto es un aviso importante sobre su servicio de agua y/o alcantarilla. Para asistencia en Español, por favor llame Illinois American Water al 1-800-422-2782.
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*Special Meeting Minutes-May 19, 2025*
Darren Apken, President, called the Special Meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Mike VonderHaar, Secretary of the Board, attested that the Special Meeting notice card was mailed by first-class mail to each member of record on May 1, 2025. That date being not less than ten nor more than forty days prior to the meeting in accordance with the BMWC By-Laws.
Bob Massa of Juneau Associates took the floor to give an update on the System Upgrade Project (Phase 6). Bids for this project were opened April 10, 2025.
Bids were higher than expected on all three contract bids.
Contract A (Water Main Extension-Bond & Madison County) Received (1) bid from Haier Plumbing for $ 1,979,804.00
Contract B (Shawnee Road Tower Painting) Received (2) bids from: Neumann Co. for $318,300.00 and Elevation Coatings for $ 378,000.00.
Contract C (S.C.A.D.A)- Received (1) bid from Vandevanter Eng. for $ 688,720.00
IEPA has loan funding available for the full amount, and the principal forgiveness of $1,420,000.00 is still available. Water main construction would start late August/early September, tank painting in Fall 2025/Spring 2026 and SCADA in Fall 2025.Attorney Jeffrey Mollet reported that the 1% quorum had been met with 41 contract holders in attendance. The resolution to be voted upon is as follows: “Resolution to authorize Bond Madison Water Company to enter into a loan agreement with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for a loan amount of up to 3.2 million dollars”. Chris Atchison made a motion to accept the resolution.Carl Albert 2nd motion. Motion carried.Darwin Kirsch made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Kenny Fields 2nd motion. Meeting adjourned.
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Payment Processing Changes – Please Read
As of 5/31/25, BMWC will no longer be accepting debit or credit cards for payments online or by telephone. Please sign up for 10th of the month automatic payments with checking acct info. You may also make phone payments by using this same info.
Also after that date, there will no longer be online access using a log in/password.
Per our utility program representative:
“PayRoc will no longer support the Jayhawk framework”. We had been working
with i3Vertical to update their interface with Jayhawk. I3Vertical has yet to
correct this on their end. At this time, we have not seen any progress from
PayRoc. We are sorry for this inconvenience.”
On May 31, 2025, we will no longer have a debit or credit card processing company to take care of your BMWC payments. We are sorry for this inconvenience and want the best for our customers and want to make sure you get the best experience possible. Effective immediately, we will be transitioning into a new payment processing software provider. We would like to introduce you to our preferred payment option – ACH Bank Pull, which you can trust to make payments with us quickly and safely.
The ACH Form link: BMWC ACH Bank Pull Form
go to: https://bondmadison.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/BMWC-ACH-Bank-Pull-Form.pdf
Office Hours-Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Night drop box slot in drive thru available 24/7
Common Questions asked thus far, I have been signed up for ACH for years. Do I need to let you know our info? YES!
Can I still send a paper personal check? YES!
Can I still use online bank bill pay? Yes, but remember some banks mail checks to us, so pay early.
Can I still call my payment into the office? Yes, we will gladly process your payment per your phone call by collecting your routing# and account #.
As of 5/31/25, there will be no BMWC online access to your account nor will we be accepting debit and credit card payments.
We are sorry for this inconvenience and hope you understand.
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BMWC 29th Annual Meeting Minutes – March 4, 2025************************************
There will be a ten percent (10 %) late charge added to each bill that is unpaid after the due date. Failure to receive billing or USPS mailing delays do not constitute late fee forgiveness. Bank bill payments may be debited from customers bank account on or before due date. Bank uses 3rd party processor to mail a check. This check may incur USPS delays that may impact prompt delivery of the check. Late fees will process on the 18th of the month around noon. Any payment received after that time will be charged the above-mentioned late charge.
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