**
Dear Friends: 
Here is the board package link for our Helix Water District Board Meeting: 
​AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wednesday, February 13, 4pm
7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942-0427
 
Meeting starts at 4pm, but we will be going into closed session, closed session may take about an hour to discuss the following items:

• Conference with Labor Negotiators
  • MOU for Helix expires June 31, 2019.
• Public Employee Performance Evaluation
  • General Manager, Annual Review

 
Interesting Agenda Items:
 
Item 9 (Page 120) . The Board Conduct a Public Hearing at 5PM and Consider Adoption of increasing Directors Compensation from $200 to $225 for Each Day’s Service Rendered

• Last adjustment was made in 2003, 16 years ago, from $150 to $200, the state legislature Water Code allows for an annual adjustment of 5% per year. 10 per diems are allowed per month.

 
Item 10 (Page 125) . Committee Meeting Schedule

• Four Committees have been developed: Engineering and Operations; Finance and Administration; Parks, Land, Lakes and Garden; Water Quality and Resources.
• These meetings are posted and the public is welcome to attend.

 
Item 12 (Page 141) . Prepayment of Helix Water District’s CalPERS Unfunded Liability

• The board review and discuss options for reducing the district's current CalPERS unfunded liability and authorize district staff to make a related one-time $3 million to $5 million lump sum advanced funding payment to reduce the district's CalPERS unfunded liability.
• In early December 2018, district staff reviewed the above with financial consultant, Fieldman, Rolapp and Associates, and asked that they calculate four criteria to evaluate options one, two and five. These criteria are: 1) Actual savings to the district net of any additional payments; 2) Net present value of the savings (based on 2.5 percent discount rate); 3) Funded ratio and 4) Date of final payoff of the current unfunded liability.
• Current Unfunded Liability is at $44.8 Million, 65% funded ratio
• 5 Options have been proposed to discuss at the meeting, as shown in board report page 145.
• Staff recommends Option 3, using upfront funds from El Monte Land Sale.
  • $5 Million Upfront paydown and additional $750,000 Next 4 years.
    • Net Unfunded Liability Svings Potential - $12.29 Million
    • Net Present Value Savings Potential - $5.83 Million
    • Funded Ratio in 2025 - 73%
    • Date UL is Paid off - 2043
    • PRO Savings gradually ramp up and average UL payments of $3.1 Million
    • PRO Retains future flexibility
    • CON Minimal near-term savings

Other Water Stuff:
Governor Newsom is pursuing the Water Tax on Water Bills through his budget process. Carl Demaio is helping to stop the water tax, check out his website here, Stop The Water Tax! And check out his you tube video on Water Tax Weaklings and who to ask to vote NO on the Water Tax.  Spread the word. Water Agencies are NOT Tax Collectors! Keep water rates low for ALL there are alternatives!
 
As always, I welcome your comments and feedback.
 
Blog is on my website of past meetings & comments…check it out!
Please feel free to forward this email.
 
Kathleen Coates Hedberg, PE, MPH
Past President, Helix Water District
www.HWD.com
Board Director, San Diego County Water Authority
www.SDCWA.org
619.994.6900
www.VoteHedberg.org
www.lakejennings.org (go fishing & camping - teepees)
www.socalwatersmart.com  (rebate link)
 
**Please note no public funds or resources were used for the distribution of this email...
***If you want to be removed from my list…let me know! J
****If this email was forwarded to you and you want to be added to my list…let me know!
*****Transparency, don’t just say it – do it!
 
 
 
 

 **
Dear Friends: 
Here is the board package link for our Helix Water District Board Meeting: AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wednesday, January 16, 5pm
7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942-0427
 
Happy New Year! We had a meeting on January 2nd, which was the first full meeting by our new Board President Dan McMillan. He has changed up the agenda a bit (President and Board Discussion before Action) and has some new ideas for the Board and some will be addressed at this meeting, also meetings will be starting at 5pm, unless it is a meeting on rates and budgets which will be at 6 for ease for public attendance.
 
Interesting Agenda Items:
 
Item 5 . The Board Receive an Update Regarding the East County Advanced Water Purification Program (AWP)
 

• We will have a presentation by Helix WD Staff and Padre Dam MWD Staff, Engineer Al Lau and Consultant Ken Weinberg, on the latest status of the AWP Project, on January 31, 2019. There is a  Joint AWP Ad Hoc Group meeting on January 31, 2019 and this is a presentation to ensure the whole board is up to speed on the direction of the project. Later in closed session item B. we will be discussing the price and terms for the proposed conveyance of property ( capacity rights and operation of the proposed AWP.  The Board will be giving guidance to the AWP Adhoc Members, Director Scalzitti and myself to inform the Joint AWP Ad Hoc Group.

 
Item 6 (Page 8). Discussion – President’s Report

• New Standing Committee development – Helix Water District Parks, Land, Lakes and Garden Committee
• Board Member’s Compensation Options – Per Diem Options

 
Exciting Water Stuff:
 
I was pleasantly surprised to see myself featured in the article on Women in Water! Women’s future careers in water topic of Cuyamaca event is tomorrow – and yes, I will be there! A civil engineer in politics!
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/communities/east-county/sd-se-cuyamaca-water-20181227-story.html
 
As always, I welcome your comments and feedback.
 
Blog is on my website of past meetings & comments…check it out!
Please feel free to forward this email.
 
Kathleen Coates Hedberg, PE, MPH
Past President, Helix Water District
www.HWD.com
Board Director, San Diego County Water Authority
www.SDCWA.org
www.VoteHedberg.org
www.lakejennings.org (go fishing & camping - teepees)
www.socalwatersmart.com  (rebate link)
Thomas Paine Liberty Torchbearer Award Winner

**Please note no public funds or resources were used for the distribution of this email...
***If you want to be removed from my list…let me know! J
****If this email was forwarded to you and you want to be added to my list…let me know!
*****Transparency, don’t just say it – do it!
 
 
 

​**
Dear Friends: 
Here is the board package link for our Helix Water District Board Meeting: 
AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wednesday, December 19, 6pm
7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942-0427
 
Interesting Agenda Items:
 
Item 6 (Page 86). Election of Officers (again)
 

• Due to an Irrigation Law oversight the Presidency did not change last board meeting, it has to occur after the First Friday of the month, hence I am still President and then Tomorrow marks the last day of my Presidency of the Helix Water District Board (yes, it  took me 11 years to get there). But now per our policy that was adopted in 2017, the board will elect new officers annually, and in my opinion it should be rotated. Furthermore in my opinion, no board member is of greater stature than the other board members and we are only as strong as our weakest link. We must work together and respect each other to do the best we can for the people we serve. I have had the pleasure to serve as Board President and during my leadership we have excelled and increased transparency and outreach to our customers. I am so proud of the Helix Water District in embracing new ideas, new technology and new approaches. Thank you for allowing me to serve you.

 
Item 7 (Page 90). Annual Update of the District Policies and Procedures Manual

• The board conduct a public hearing to receive comments on miscellaneous fees and charges proposed for 2019 in the policies and procedures manual and adopt Resolution 18-48 approving and authorizing adoption of the policies and procedures manual, effective January 1, 2019.
• Most of the items are just wordsmithing and corrections with some increases in costs due to salaries and some less due to other factors, all fees are backed up by documentation.

 
As always, I welcome your comments and feedback.
 
Blog is on my website of past meetings & comments…check it out!
Please feel free to forward this email.
 
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday and I look forward to the New Year!
Cheers!
 
Kathleen Coates Hedberg, PE, MPH
President, Helix Water District
www.HWD.com
Board Director, San Diego County Water Authority
www.SDCWA.org

www.VoteHedberg.org
www.lakejennings.org (go fishing & camping - teepees)
www.socalwatersmart.com  (rebate link)
Thomas Paine Liberty Torchbearer Award Winner
 
**Please note no public funds or resources were used for the distribution of this email...
***If you want to be removed from my list…let me know! J
****If this email was forwarded to you and you want to be added to my list…let me know!
*****Transparency, don’t just say it – do it!
 
 
 

**
Dear Friends: 
Here is the board package link for our Helix Water District Board Meeting: 
AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wednesday, December 5, 6pm
7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942-0427
 
Interesting Agenda Items:
 
Item 7 (Page 107). Election of Officers
 

• Tomorrow marks the last day of my Presidency of the Helix Water District Board (yes, it  took me 11 years to get there). But now per our policy that was adopted in 2017, the board will elect new officers annually, and in my opinion it should be rotated. Furthermore in my opinion, no board member is of greater stature than the other board members and we are only as strong as our weakest link. We must work together and respect each other to do the best we can for the people we serve. I have had the pleasure to serve as Board President and during my leadership we have excelled and increased transparency and outreach to our customers. I am so proud of the Helix Water District in embracing new ideas, new technology and new approaches. Thank you for allowing me to serve you.

 
Item 10 (Page 121). Professional Services Agreement for Lake Jennings Event Center Project CIP19020

• Preliminary design services for the Lake Jennings event center project with proposed uses to include weddings, picnics, reunions, commercial, community and school events, luncheons, dinners and parties.

 
As always, I welcome your comments and feedback.
 
Blog is on my website of past meetings & comments…check it out!
Please feel free to forward this email.
 
Kathleen Coates Hedberg, PE, MPH
President, Helix Water District
www.HWD.com
Board Director, San Diego County Water Authority
www.SDCWA.org
619.994.6900
www.VoteHedberg.org
www.lakejennings.org (go fishing & camping - teepees)
www.socalwatersmart.com  (rebate link)
Thomas Paine Liberty Torchbearer Award Winner
  
**Please note no public funds or resources were used for the distribution of this email...
***If you want to be removed from my list…let me know! J
****If this email was forwarded to you and you want to be added to my list…let me know!
*****Transparency, don’t just say it – do it!

**
Dear Friends: 
Here is the board package link for our Helix Water District Board Meeting: 
AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wednesday, November 14, 4pm
7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942-0427
 
Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday next week we moved up our Board Meeting to take care of Helix business. Due to timing the Treasurers Report will be presented at the meeting tomorrow.
 
Interesting Agenda Items:
 
Item 6 (Page 35). The Board Consider Approval of the Term Sheet for the Proposed Agreement for Implementation of the East County Advanced Water Purification Program

• Over the last eight months, the project partners have worked to develop a framework for potential future agreements required if the program is implemented. The framework is identified as the term sheet and specifies common points of understanding covering the following topics:
  • Agreement terminology • Negotiating and approval process • Terms and conditions of the joint powers agreement • Wastewater and water purchase agreements, and • Permitting, design, construction and operation considerations.
  • The ECAWPP has a potential of producing up to 12,800 acre-feet of local water supply that would be delivered to Lake Jennings.

 
Item 9 (Page 71). Update Regarding Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory

• Discussion of the past study and future development of an energy policy and project to evaluate future projects at the district.

 
As always, I welcome your comments and feedback.
 
Blog is on my website of past meetings & comments…check it out!
Please feel free to forward this email.
 
Kathleen Coates Hedberg, PE, MPH
President, Helix Water District
www.HWD.com
Board Director, San Diego County Water Authority
www.SDCWA.org
619.994.6900
www.lakejennings.org (go fishing & camping - teepees)
www.socalwatersmart.com  (rebate link)
 
**Please note no public funds or resources were used for the distribution of this email...
***If you want to be removed from my list…let me know!
****If this email was forwarded to you and you want to be added to my list…let me know!
*****Transparency, don’t just say it – do it! 

​**
Dear Friends: 

Here is the board package link for our Helix Water District Board Meeting: 
AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wednesday, November 7, 6pm
7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942-0427
 
Happy Election Day! 12 years ago I was elected to the Helix Water District Board of Directors and I have worked hard for you! As an engineer and your current Board President, I can tell you much has changed in these 12 short/long  years at Helix Water District. There has been continuous improvements at the district and I want you to see them, too. From new online payment options, to award-winning communications and financial management policies, this district works hard to provide you with exemplary service, and to be a resource and a good neighbor. This year I was up for re-election, however, no one ran against me, so, it is my pleasure to serve you for another 4 years! Thank you to all of you who voted today, there are many elections, local, state and federal that affect us all. I voted, and I will continue to be the voice for you at all levels. Water agencies cross many jurisdictions (ie. local wholesalers, state and federal regulations and funding) and I am always ready to be a voice for safe, reliable and affordable water for Helix Water District and for you!
 
Interesting Agenda Items:
 
Item 9 (Page 142). The Board Consider Changes to the Policies and Procedures Manual and Set the Date and Time of the Public Hearing

• Eight pages of noted proposed changes. This did not go through any Board committees, so we will be going through the proposed changes at the meeting tomorrow. Much of it is clarification and some district fee changes. (Section 2.12 – Pages 200‐218 Miscellaneous fee changes)

 
As always, I welcome your comments and feedback.
 
Blog is on my website of past meetings & comments…check it out!
Please feel free to forward this email.
 
Kathleen Coates Hedberg, PE, MPH
President, Helix Water District
www.HWD.com
Board Director, San Diego County Water Authority
www.SDCWA.org
619.994.6900
www.lakejennings.org (go fishing & camping - teepees)
www.socalwatersmart.com  (rebate link)
​
**Please note no public funds or resources were used for the distribution of this email...
***If you want to be removed from my list…let me know! J
****If this email was forwarded to you and you want to be added to my list…let me know!
*****Transparency, don’t just say it – do it!

**
Dear Friends: 
Here is the board package link for our Helix Water District Board Meeting: 
​AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wednesday, October 17, 5pm
7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942-0427
 
Interesting Agenda Items:
 
Item 6 (Page 77). The Board Receive the Audited Annual Financial Statements and Independent Auditor's Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2018 (with Comparative Information for 2017)

• The Audit Committee – Deana Verbeke and Dan McMillan have been meeting with the auditor and will give their report along with the Auditor at the meeting.
• No deficiencies were found – this is the first audit with our new billing system.
• Page 90 gives an overview of the financial highlights compared to the year before.
• Page 95 The audit now includes the pension and OPEB liabilities. The district has recorded a net pension liability of$43.5 million and a $28.6 million net OPEB liability. These balances represent the differences between the plans total pension and OPEB liabilities and fiduciary net positions. The district's funded status for its pension and OPEB plans as of the most recent valuations at June 30, 2017 were 67 percent and 30 percent, respectively. It is important to highlight that these are not new liabilities for the district and every employer with a qualifying pension and/or OPEB plan will record these liabilities on their balance sheets.
• The difference (operating revenue reduction) between 2018 and 2017 is due to the wet year we had in 2017.

 
Upcoming Events:
 
Find more information on these events on our the links below or www.hwd.com.

• 10/20/18 WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Series @ OC, first of four class series which runs every Saturday through November 10.
• 11/03/18 Autumn Fest and Plant Sale @ The Water Conservation Garden, 10am - 3pm
• 11/07/18 WaterSmart Landscape Workshop for Homeowners @ OC, 6pm - 9pm

 
As always, I welcome your comments and feedback.
 
Blog is on my website of past meetings & comments…check it out!
Please feel free to forward this email.
 
Kathleen Coates Hedberg, PE, MPH
President, Helix Water District
www.HWD.com
Board Director, San Diego County Water Authority
www.SDCWA.org
www.lakejennings.org (go fishing & camping - teepees)
www.socalwatersmart.com  (rebate link)

**Please note no public funds or resources were used for the distribution of this email...
***If you want to be removed from my list…let me know! J
****If this email was forwarded to you and you want to be added to my list…let me know!
*****Transparency, don’t just say it – do it! 

​**
Dear Friends: 
Here is the board package link for our Helix Water District Board Meeting: AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wednesday, October 3, 6pm
7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942-0427
 
Interesting Agenda Items:
 
Item 5.c) Ratify Checks Operating Account Checks Submitted for Ratification:       

• Nothing of concern, but I wanted to point out that we have more detail and a running balance of our check registers as a result of our new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system that is a new comprehensive business management program.  We also modified our monthly treasurer report (following board meeting packet). The Board likes this new system and is asking more questions on the detailed information (great transparency).

 
Water Stuff:
 
Water Talks!
Come Check out our Award Winning Helix Water Talks hosted at the Operations Center in El Cajon this Saturday. See where all our pipe and other water distribution system items are stored (meters, fire hydrants) and ask questions! Over 100 people have RSVP’s and there is room for more! October 6, 2018 8:30am-11am. This is also the start of Water Professionals Appreciation Week, so be sure to say thanks!
 
Power Your Drive!
Also, in September we had a SDG&E Ribbon Cutting of the activation of our Power Your Drive Charging Stations, these stations were installed “free” and we now have several Prius Prime Hybrids that we can use with these chargers and it is estimated that we will save over $1000 per vehicle in fuel costs!
 
Upcoming Events:

• Find more information on these events on our the links below or www.hwd.com.
  

​10/06/18 Helix Water Talks @ OC, 8:30am - 11:30 am
10/20/18 WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Series @ OC, first of four class series which runs every Saturday through
11/03/18 Autumn Fest and Plant Sale @ The Water Conservation Garden, 10am - 3pm
11/07/18 WaterSmart Landscape Workshop for Homeowners @ OC, 6pm - 9pm
 
As always, I welcome your comments and feedback.
 
Blog is on my website of past meetings & comments…check it out!
Please feel free to forward this email.
 
Kathleen Coates Hedberg, PE, MPH
President, Helix Water District
www.HWD.com
Board Director, San Diego County Water Authority
www.SDCWA.org
www.VoteHedberg.org
www.lakejennings.org (go fishing & camping - teepees)
www.socalwatersmart.com  (rebate link)
 
**Please note no public funds or resources were used for the distribution of this email...
***If you want to be removed from my list…let me know! J
****If this email was forwarded to you and you want to be added to my list…let me know!
*****Transparency, don’t just say it – do it!

Good Afternoon,

I know some of you have been wondering where I have been, well, I have all over our beautiful country this summer. Texas, Massachusetts,Pennsylvania, New York and Atlanta with a side trip up to Canada to visit Beautiful Niagara Falls! Taking my kids to visit colleges, summer camps and lacrosse tournaments. 
All whilst preparing for a potential campaign (up for re-election 2018) and fighting Sacramento on the Water Tax!
So, success!

• No one put their name in the hat to run against me - so, yes, I have another 4 years to Represent the great constituents of Helix Water District (Division 4)!
• The SB845 Water Tax failed, never made it out of Appropriations Committee for a vote (yay!). I made quite a few calls up to Sacramento to Senators and to the Appropriations Committee asking for a NO vote. 
• Unfortunately, SB998, passed, regarding shutting off water for non payment - it is on the Governors Desk and (we) Helix WD have sent a letter requesting him to VETO the bill. It would drag on the shut off process and we may end up giving more free water away when people don't pay their water bill.
• I have said, time and time again, and I am getting LOUDER our biggest challenge in the water industry is Sacramento! These bills are causing more regulations and requirements on us water systems, when we have had enough challenges getting through drought and costly water system upgrades and improvements! Enough is Enough!

Things at Helix are going well, we had a slight increase in our budget due to regulations (see above), but overall, we kept he rates down to around 3% increase (January 2019). This year we will be busy evaluating and addressing our CALPERS retirement unfunded liabilities and working with our employees on renewing the MOU. Currently, we hired a company to do a comprehensive salary and benefit analysis, looking at other local agencies and also private agencies. So, we have quite the task ahead. I will keep you informed!
  
A few exciting water events coming up:

• East County Water Festival - Padre Dam MWD - Saturday, September 8, 9am-1pm 
• Lakeside Chamber Event at Lake Jennings - Thursday, September 20th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m​

Water Turf Rebates are back!    
​
Take care and be water wise!
As always, I welcome your comments and feedback.
 
 Kathleen Coates Hedberg, PE, MPH
President, Helix Water District
www.HWD.com
Board Director, San Diego County Water Authority
www.SDCWA.org
619.994.6900
www.lakejennings.org (go fishing & camping - teepees)
 
**Please note no public funds or resources were used for the distribution of this email...
***If you want to be removed from my list…let me know! J
****If this email was forwarded to you and you want to be added to my list…let me know!
*****Transparency, don’t just say it – do it!
 
 

​**
Dear Friends: 
Here is the board package link for our Helix Water District Board Meeting: 

​AGENDA
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wednesday, June 6, 4 pm
7811 University Avenue
La Mesa, CA 91942-0427
 

Water Politics:
On May 23rd, I joined other local water leaders to oppose a proposed $135 million per year tax on drinking water in California. Here is an article on the new Water News Network that San Diego County Water Authority.  No to the Water Tax the tax proposal is being advanced through Senate Bill 623 by state Sen. William Monning (Carmel) and a Brown Administration budget trailer bill related to safe drinking water. Be sure to make sure your Legislature votes no! They need to hear from you or we will be required to add a tax on your water bill – and this tax (money) will not be coming back to us, but to other water systems that have groundwater contamination! There are other funding opportunities available to provide for communities that have water contamination as us water agencies have pointed out to the Governor.  The  concern is that if the State starts taxing water bills, it will open the door to more and more taxes! Call, email, tweet your legislatures!
 
Last Helix Meeting Recap (Friday, May 25):
Last meeting the Board met and went over 5 additional proposed water rate scenarios (initially the Board rejected the first staff three proposals -rate increase around 5+%). After much discussion the Board went with Scenario 6 which will be approximately 3.5% increase to the average customer of 21 units.
 
Scenario Selected
Scenario 2 Local water supply from rainfall gradually reducing to zero by fiscal year 2022-23 (we discussed evaluating annually).
Scenario 6 Utilize scenario 2 and then offset the proposed rate increase by: • increasing water sales by 3 percent to 28,500 acre-feet versus the fiscal year 2017-18 budget of 27,700 acre-feet; • using $975,000 from the El Monte Reserve to partially fund the cast iron pipeline replacement program for fiscal year 2018-19; • not making a $750,000 prepayment to CalPERS in 2018-19; and • refilling the rate stabilization fund in fiscal year 2018-19 only to 4 percent versus the 5 percent minimum set by the district's reserve guidelines and revisiting bringing the reserve to the minimum 5 percent level during the fiscal year 2019-20 budget process.

• San Diego County Water Authority anticipated water rate increase is 0.6% of the total increase (included below).

 
Current 2017-18 – 18 Units $151.19
Scenario                                          6
%                                                3.5%
$ Increase                                 $5.33
Proposed 2018-19                $156.52

**This is less than the anticipated 2015 Water Rate Study of 7.1% - 218 Notice.
 
Interesting Agenda Items:
Item 8. Page 92 Action Item - The board adopt the fiscal year 2018-19 preliminary operating budget in the amount of $78,480,100 and the preliminary PayGo capital budget in the amount of $11,093,000.

• The board met on May 2nd and spent over 5 hours reviewing the draft preliminary budget. Here is the updated version that includes some changes that we made when we discussed potential water rate reductions on May 25th.  

As always, I welcome your comments and feedback.
 
Please feel free to forward...
 
Kathleen Coates Hedberg, PE, MPH
President, Helix Water District
www.HWD.com
Board Director, San Diego County Water Authority
www.SDCWA.org
www.VoteHedberg.org
www.lakejennings.org (go fishing & camping - teepees)
www.socalwatersmart.com  (rebate link)
 
**Please note no public funds or resources were used for the distribution of this email...
***If you want to be removed from my list…let me know! J
****If this email was forwarded to you and you want to be added to my list…let me know!
*****Transparency, don’t just say it – do it!