** Dear Friends: Here is the link (too large to send) for the board package for our Regular Helix Water District Board Meeting: AGENDA REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Wednesday, June 21, 2017, 6pm 7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942-0427 Interesting Items: On June 16, 2017, Helix Water District Receives $8 Million Payment in Land Sale Transaction Following 2014 El Monte Valley Court Settlement My comment on the issue – I am so glad to see the lawsuit over and I hope the new owners work with the community and are good stewards to the environment. Interesting Agenda Items: Item 8. Pdf page 70. Options Regarding Helix Water District's Continued Participation in the Water Conservation Garden (www.TheGarden.org) Joint Powers Authority On August 12, 1992, Helix Water District and the following agencies entered into a Joint Powers Agreement: Otay Water District, Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District, San Diego County Water Authority, city of San Diego and Padre Dam Municipal Water District. Since 1992 changes have been occurred at the Garden, Padre Dam MWD is no longer is part of the JPA, and Sweetwater Authority is currently a JPA member. The parties entered into a Joint Powers Agreement for the purposes of water conservation by creating, operating and maintaining a xeriscape demonstration garden and related facilities to help educate the public about landscaping practices which conserve water. JPA Agency Annual Funding San Diego County Water Authority $137,632 Helix Water District $96,450 Otay Water District $95,450 Sweetwater Authority $77,142 City of San Diego $77,142 Total $454,816 The agreement supports the objectives of the district's strategic plan and funding of $96,500 has been included in the district's fiscal year 2017-18 budget The Board Discuss Options Whether to: 1} Continue Participation in the Water Conservation Garden Joint Powers Authority Agreement; 2) Withdraw from Said Agreement; or 3) Provide a Letter Identifying Specific Conditions for Continued Participation Note: From the Garden Website www.TheGarden.org The mission of The Water Conservation Garden is to inspire positive change in the living environment through the conservation of water and other natural resources. The Water Conservation Garden has nearly six acres of displays that showcase water conservation through a series of beautiful themed gardens, such as a native plant garden and a vegetable garden, as well as how-to displays such as mulch and irrigation exhibits. The Garden also features a native butterfly pavilion that is open spring and summer each year. Please visit our Exhibits page for more information. Admission is free, and the Garden can be viewed on a self-guided tour, with a group or through one of our FREE docent-led Garden tours every Saturday at 10:00am The Garden offers many programs and services including: Classes and Workshops (four to six per month) on topics such as art, water-wise gardening, landscaping and even how to make cheese! Ms. Smarty-Plants™ Youth Education Program
As always, I welcome your comments and feedback. Per the request of the Helix Water District Board on May 16, 2012, the following language is to be added by all Board Directors in all outgoing Director correspondence. "This correspondence, and any documents attached hereto, reflects the individual opinions and positions of the above-named Director and does not represent the opinions or positions of the District's Board of Directors or the District. Pursuant to Section 9.1-11(A) of the Helix Water District Policies and Procedures Manual, individual Directors, except as otherwise authorized by the Board, shall have no power to act for the District or the District's Board of Directors." **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!
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** Dear Friends: Here is the link (and attached) for the board package for our Special Helix Water District Board Meeting: AGENDA SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tuesday, June 13, 2017, 6pm 7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942-0427 Interesting Notes from Last Week’s Regular Board Meeting:
Proposed Fiscal Year 2017-18 Preliminary Budget:
Operating Revenue $ 82,925,300 Capital Reserves - Carryforward 3,905,000 Prior Year Capacity Receipts 1,092,430 Maintenance Reserves 360,000 Total Funding Sources: $88,282,730 Fiscal Year 2017-18 Use of Funds Operating Expenses $ 71,564,500 Capital Expenses - PAYGO 12,508,000 Capital Expenses - Carryforward & Other * 4,205,000 Contribution to Reserves** 5,230 Total Use of Funds: $88,282,730 *Funds from the year before not spent **Funds left over from the year before currently either comes from or goes to the General Fund – I would like to discuss this line item at a future board meeting to propose it go to the Rate Stabilization Fund. Our 2017-18 Budget this year is very comprehensive and encompasses a new layout and a good format and all information pertaining to the District Budget, including financial policies, debt management guidelines and strategic plan. The remaining dates in the annual budget and rate setting process are as follows: June 13 Board Meeting Preliminary Fiscal Year 2017-18 Budget for Board Approval August 2 Review with Board Tentative Final Water Rates August 16 Board Meeting Approval of Water Rates and Distribute Fiscal Year 2017-18 Budget Document September Bill Insert Mailed to Customers Regarding Upcoming Water Rates January 1 Water rates effective on bills for water used in November and December As always, I welcome your comments and feedback. Per the request of the Helix Water District Board on May 16, 2012, the following language is to be added by all Board Directors in all outgoing Director correspondence. "This correspondence, and any documents attached hereto, reflects the individual opinions and positions of the above-named Director and does not represent the opinions or positions of the District's Board of Directors or the District. Pursuant to Section 9.1-11(A) of the Helix Water District Policies and Procedures Manual, individual Directors, except as otherwise authorized by the Board, shall have no power to act for the District or the District's Board of Directors." **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 link for the board package for our Regular Helix Water District Board Meeting: AGENDA REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Wednesday, June 7, 2017, 6pm 7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942-0427 Interesting Items: Item 6. Presentation by General Manager Maureen Stapleton of San Diego County Water Authority
Item 8. (pdf Page 85) Adopt Resolution declaring an end to Drought Level 1 Recommendation: The board adopt Resolution 17-32 declaring an end to Drought Response Level 1. On April 7, 2017, Governor Jerry Brown declared an end to the drought emergency following record-setting precipitation and snowpack throughout California. Helix has been at a Drought Level 1 since June 15, 2016. While continuing permanent water efficiency measures that are listed in our policy and procedure manual permanently, the only item is being changed is that we are withdrawing the restriction that voluntary recommends that customers to irrigate before 10am and after 6pm and no more than 10 minutes. Policy and Procedure Manual Section 4.9 permanent water use efficiency measures are in effect at all times:
Please note in the meantime CA Legislatures are working on developing legislation to implement the Governor’s Framework on Making Water Conservation a CA Way of Life - Long Term Regulations on Water Indoor Use and Outdoor Use and Use for Commercial, Industrial and Institutional…the future regulations are unknown and I hope that we are at the table during development. Item 9. (pdf Page 89) 2017 Customer Survey Consultant Recommendation Recommendation: The board authorize the general manager to execute a professional services agreement between Helix Water District and Probe Research, Inc. in the amount of $18,150 for the district's 2017 customer survey. Staff evaluated each consultant's proposal based on the thoroughness of their response to the request for proposals, technical expertise, staffing resources, references and cost. Consultant shall conduct a customer satisfaction survey. The intent of the survey is to measure overall customer satisfaction within Helix Water District's geographic service area; measure customer satisfaction for specific services, including efficiency in delivery; ensure the customer survey results are statistically valid, have a high degree of accuracy and that survey results are communicated clearly. I will be asking for a copy of the proposals on Monday as well as well as the rfp as I want to make sure that the survey will be meaningful. I also want to make sure that the board is involved in the question development. FYI: Here is the future budget/water rate meeting schedules: June 6 Distribute to Board Preliminary Budget Document June 13 Board Approval of Preliminary Fiscal Year 2017-18 Budget August 2 Proposed Fiscal Year 2017-18 Water Rates August 16 Board Approval of Fiscal Year 2017-18 Water Rates (tentative) As always, I welcome your comments and feedback. Per the request of the Helix Water District Board on May 16, 2012, the following language is to be added by all Board Directors in all outgoing Director correspondence. "This correspondence, and any documents attached hereto, reflects the individual opinions and positions of the above-named Director and does not represent the opinions or positions of the District's Board of Directors or the District. Pursuant to Section 9.1-11(A) of the Helix Water District Policies and Procedures Manual, individual Directors, except as otherwise authorized by the Board, shall have no power to act for the District or the District's Board of Directors." **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! |
Author: Kathleen HedbergCivil Engineer in 5th Term as a Helix Water District Board Director and Past President of the Board! CategoriesArchives
April 2023
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