Upper Thompson Sanitation District board members and staff members paid tribute Tuesday night to outgoing Chairman Chris Eshelman, praising his 15 years of service and his leadership through some of the district’s most consequential moments, including the 2013 flood, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the planning of a new water reclamation facility.
Eshelman’s resignation takes effect at the conclusion of the May 19 board meeting. He was elected to serve as a Trustee on the Estes Park Town Board in April.
District Manager Suzanne Jurgens called Eshelman’s departure “bittersweet.”
“Your leadership and steadfast commitment have significantly contributed to the strength and success of the district,” Jurgens said as she presented Eshelman with a plaque and commemorative gifts.
The plaque recognized Eshelman for 15 years of “exemplary service” on the board, including two years as chairman.
Leadership During Critical Times
Eshelman was first elected to the special district sanitation board in 2008 and served until 2019, then returned to the board in 2022. Jurgens credited Eshelman with helping guide the district through the devastating September 2013 flood, which damaged sewer infrastructure throughout the Estes Valley.
“The board’s leadership made all the difference in the world in how the district responded to that,” said Jurgens.
Jurgens also said Eshelman played a pivotal role in securing the more than nine-acre site where the special district plans to construct a new water reclamation facility.
“If we hadn’t made that move, we wouldn’t be here today,” she said.
During the pandemic, Eshelman helped the district navigate operational challenges while maintaining essential wastewater services and assisting customers who were struggling to pay their bills.
“Calm, Quiet Leadership”
Board Vice Chair Sue Doylen said she personally urged Eshelman to return to the board when vacancies arose.
“He has served so well,” Doylen said. “Calm, quiet leadership that is credible, backed with integrity, and just a really, really good guide to work with.”
Operations Manager Matt Allen thanked Eshelman for his support of district staff and capital investments.
“Always being knowledgeable and engaged in what we’re doing in operations and being supportive of our budget requests and projects … that really helped us a lot,” Allen said.
Steve Ravel, a senior project manager with Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, LLC, the engineering firm overseeing the new treatment plant design, said Eshelman’s dedication to the community was especially evident during the 2013 flood.
“Your home and your property were affected by the flood, but you continued to be dedicated to the district,” Thompson said. “You were concerned about everyone in the community.”
Eshelman thanked the board and staff for their remarks, saying he appreciated the recognition.
“It’s a good staff. It’s a good district,” Eshelman said. “People say that it’s a well-run district outside of these walls.”
Jurgens said the district is fortunate that, although Eshelman is leaving the sanitation district board, he will continue serving the community as a town trustee.
“We’re really not losing you,” she said. “The town will be better for that commitment and service.”
Board reorganizes
Following Eshelman’s recognition, the board elected new officers effective at the conclusion of the meeting. Doylen was unanimously elected chairwoman, Mike Morgan was elected vice chair and treasurer, and Andrew Kessler was elected secretary. Kent Bosch was named assistant secretary-treasurer.
The board also began discussing how to fill Eshelman’s vacant seat. Jurgens said several district customers have expressed interest in serving, including resident Jeff Page, who has attended recent meetings virtually.
Other Business
In other action, the board approved a petition to include property at 1721 Windham Court within district boundaries, allowing the owners to connect two residential structures to the sewer system.
The board also approved a $197,056.66 invoice to AE2S for engineering services related to the water reclamation facility and lift station improvements project.
Additionally, the board received updates on several major sewer rehabilitation projects using cured-in-place pipelining technology.
A district open house open to the community is scheduled for June 30 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the treatment plant.
The UTSD welcomed Dee Dee Clay as the district’s new customer service representative and administrative assistant, and Riley Ferguson, a University of Colorado student studying water resources, has joined the district as a summer laboratory intern.
Jurgens also shared that she has received several handwritten notes from customers thanking district employees for their helpful and courteous service.
“It makes me so proud to work with a team like that,” Jergens said.
The board then adjourned its public meeting to an executive session to address the bid estimate provided by RN Civil Construction for the 60% design phase of the water reclamation facility and lift station improvement project.