**
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

• The Dorcas E. Utter Butterfly Pavilion featuring numerous species of butterflies native to Southern California and the host and nectar plants they love
• School tours by appointment
• Large group tours by appointment
• Landscape design consultations by appointment
• Large events such as festivals and plant sales throughout the year featuring family-friendly activities
• Hosted events such as fundraisers, wedding and other ceremonies
• Gift shop with a wide range of unique items including books, candles, jewelry, garden artwork and much more!
  

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
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*****Transparency, don’t just say it – do it!

**
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:

• Drought Level 1 was rescinded. However, per our Helix Policy 4.9 customers still must adhere to permanent water use efficiency measures.
• Item on the Customer Survey was pulled from the agenda. The item will come to committee for further discussion.

 
Proposed Fiscal Year 2017-18 Preliminary Budget:

• The Board Adopt the Fiscal Year 2017-18 Preliminary $88,282,730 Budget.
  This will result in a Total costs, including capital expenses and water purchases, are increasing by approximately $2.5 million, or 2.9 percent versus the prior year’s budget, primarily due to an increase in capital expenses. Fortunately, we were able to hold tight on our department budgets and due to rains we will be able to take advantage of using more local water supply from Lake Cuyamaca.
• This Proposed Budget’s affect to the average Customer using 18 units every two months (pdf page 21):
  • Water Rate Increase due to San Diego County Water Authority    2.3%
  • Water Rate Increase due to Helix Water District                             1.6%
  • Total Water Rate Increase                                                               3.9%
     
    Please note: This is an estimated water rate, we will go over water rates again once we have our end of the year budget numbers in August.
     
    Based on my suggestion to the District this year, I asked that we formulate our budget to comply with the Government Finance Officers Association Best Management Practices for Budgets (www.gfoa.org). The GFOA recognizes agencies to prepare budget documents of the very highest quality that reflect both the guidelines established by the National Advisory Council on State and Local Budgeting and the GFOA’s best practices on budgeting and then to recognize individual governments that succeed in achieving that goal.
     
    Helix is working toward complying with all the GFOA Budget Best Management Criteria and plans to submit for the GFOA Budget Awards Program in the next year or two. This is a huge step in the right direction, I think you will be pleased on all the information and layout. One of the most important additions to our budget is page 16, (pdf page number 25), Funding Sources and Uses.
    
    

Fiscal Year 2017-18 Funding Sources

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

• As you know, I have been on the Board of Directors for the San Diego County Water Authority since January (www.sdcwa.org). Currently, reviewing the 1.6 Billion Dollar two year budget right now. SDCWA is the wholesaler of water to Helix Water District, and Metropolitan Water District is the wholesaler of water to SDCWA (www.mwdh2o.com). There are Board of Directors who oversee each agency, from Helix, to SDCWA, to MWD. Politics are involved at every level.
  
• Unfortunately, as most of you know from the news there is a lawsuit between SDCWA and MWD on water rates. This has been going on for years through appeals etc. SDCWA has hired a public relations firm to get the word out on issues that the SDCWA MWD Delegates (four SDCWA Board Directors) http://www.mwdfacts.com/ have raised relating to MWD finances. MWD has countered many of the issues brought up by SDCWA and can be found at this site: (http://www.mwdh2o.com/WhoWeAre/Pages/facts.aspx).
  
• SDCWA won the first round in the lawsuit and MWD appealed to the next level, oral arguments were made on May 10, 2017, the California Court of Appeal of the 2010 and 2012 SDCWA v. MWD.s. Now 3 Judges have 90 days to come up with a decision and then apparently, whoever loses can appeal one more time to the CA Supreme Court.
  

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:

• Washing down paved surfaces, including but not limited to sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts or patios, except when it is necessary to alleviate safety or sanitation hazards, is prohibited.
  
• Water waste resulting from inefficient landscape irrigation, such as runoff, low head drainage or overspray, etc., is prohibited. Similarly, stop water flows onto non-targeted areas, such as adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, hardscapes, roadways or structures.
  
• Irrigating turf and ornamental landscape during and for at least 48 hours following measurable precipitation is prohibited.
  
• Irrigating ornamental turf on public street medians is prohibited.
  
• Use recirculated water to operate ornamental fountains.
  
• Wash vehicles using a bucket and a hand-held hose with positive shut-off nozzle, mobile high pressure/low volume wash system or at a commercial site that recirculates (reclaims) water on-site. Avoid washing during hot conditions when additional water is required due to evaporation.
  
• Serve and refill water in restaurants and other food service establishments only upon request.
  
• Offer guests in hotels, motels and other commercial lodging establishments the option of not laundering towels and linens daily.
  

 
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!