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!
 

**
Dear Friends: 
Here is the board package link for our Helix Water District Board Meeting: AGENDA
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Friday, May 25, 3 pm
7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942-0427
 
Last week the Board met and went over 3 proposed water rate scenarios. The Board rejected ALL three proposals. After quite a bit of discussion and suggestions from the Board, we asked staff to modify the scenarios and come back with them slightly modified to discuss today at 3pm. The staff brought back an additional 5 scenarios, proposed new rate scenarios reduce the rates 1% or more!
Here is what has been proposed:
 
Proposed Scenario Descriptions
Scenario 1 Local water supply from rainfall at 660 acre-feet in fiscal year 2018-19 and then at the historical average of 1,220 acre-feet in fiscal years 2019- 20 through 2022-23
Scenario 2 Local water supply from rainfall gradually reducing to zero by fiscal year 2022-23.
Scenario 3 Local water supply from rainfall gradually reducing to zero by fiscal year 2022-23. Additionally, the $2.5 million of budgeted revenues in excess of budgeted expenditures for fiscal year 2017-18 being placed in the rate stabilization fund and then available to offset rate increases in fiscal year 2018-19.
Scenario 4 Utilize scenario 2 above and then increasing water sales by 6 percent to 30,000 acre-feet versus the fiscal year 2017-18 budget of 27,700 acre-feet
Scenario 5 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 castiron pipeline replacement program for fiscal year 2018-19; • not making a $750,000 prepayment to Cal PERS in 2018-19; and • refilling the rate stabilization fund to the 5 percent minimum set by the district's reserve guidelines.
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 castiron 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.
Scenario 7 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 castiron pipeline replacement program for fiscal year 2018-19; • not making a $750,000 prepayment to CalPERS in 2018-19 and • keeping the rate stabilization fund at its current level of $2.3 million or 2.8 percent of water billings and revisiting bringing the reserve to the minimum 5 percent level during the fiscal year 2019-20 budget process.
Scenario 8 Utilize scenario 2 and then offset the proposed rate increase by: • increasing water sales by 6 percent to 30,000 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 castiron pipeline replacement program for fiscal year 2018-19; • not making a $750,000 prepayment to Cal PERS in 2018-19; and • keeping the rate stabilization fund at its current level of $2.3 million or 2.8 percent of water billings 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 1.4% of the total increase (included below).

 
For the average customer using 21 Units of water in a two-month period.
​
Current 2017-18 - $151.19
Scenario 1
% 4.6
$ Increase $6.99
Proposed 2018-19 $158.18

Scenario 2
% 4.9
$ Increase $7.47
Proposed 2018-19 $158.66

Scenario 3
% 4.9
$ Increase $7.47
Proposed 2018-19 $158.66

Scenario 4
% 4.2
$ Increase $6.37
Proposed 2018-19 $157.56

Scenario 5
% 3.9
$ Increase $5.89
Proposed 2018-19 $157.08

Scenario 6
% 3.5
$ Increase $5.33
Proposed 2018-19 $156.52

Scenario 7
% 3.4
$ Increase $5.14
Proposed 2018-19 $156.33

Scenario 8
% 3.0
$ Increase $4.56
Proposed 2018-19 $155.75
 
**This is less than the anticipated 2015 Water Rate Study of 7.1% - 218 Notice.
 
MY thoughts for discussion…

• Great new scenarios…

 
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
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wednesday, May 16, 5 pm
7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942-0427
 
Interesting Items:
Item 9. Page 92 Board Discussion - The Board Review the Five-Year Projection Scenarios and Provide Guidance to Staff for Updating the Fiscal Year 2018-19 Water Rates
 
On April 4, 2018, Helix Water District staff presented the fiscal year 2018-19 budget guidelines and principles to the district's board and members of the public. Staff then met with the board at a public workshop on May 2, 2018 to review a draft of the fiscal year 2018-19 preliminary operating and capital budget. From the fiscal year 2018-19 preliminary budget and five year projection staff has prepared three, five year projection scenarios that are detailed below.
 
Proposed Scenario Descriptions
Scenario 1 Local water supply from rainfall at 660 acre-feet in fiscal year 2018-19 and then at the historical average of 1,220 acre-feet in fiscal years 2019- 20 through 2022-23
Scenario 2 Local water supply from rainfall gradually reducing to zero by fiscal year 2022-23.
Scenario 3 Local water supply from rainfall gradually reducing to zero by fiscal year 2022-23. Additionally, the $2.5 million of budgeted revenues in excess of budgeted expenditures for fiscal year 2017-18 being placed in the rate stabilization fund and then available to offset rate increases in fiscal year 2018-19.

• San Diego County Water Authority anticipated water rate increase is 1.4% of the total increase.

For the average customer using 21 Units of water in a two month period.
​Current 2017-18 - $151.19
Scenario 1
% 4.6
$ Increase $6.99
Proposed 2018-19 $158.18

Current 2017-18 - $151.19
Scenario 2
% 4.9
$ Increase $7.47
Proposed 2018-19 $158.66

Current 2017-18 - $151.19
Scenario 3
% 4.9
$ Increase $7.47
Proposed 2018-19 $158.66
 
This is less than the anticipated 2015 Water Rate Study of 7.1%.
 
MY thoughts for discussion…

• In scenario 3 the excess funds from the end of the year is placed in the rate stabilization reserve to be used to lower the rates, the amount taken out to be used should be discussed.
• In all three scenarios, the annual local water supply estimate is adjusted. Over the past 5 years, the local water supply (rain/snow at Lake Cuyamaca) has been very inconsistent (Rainy year 5000 AF, this year 660AF), should we count on a baseline amount or zero and any rain is bonus? We have been estimating 1200AF.  
• Not mentioned, or used, but should be discussed is the El Monte Reserve, we received $8,975,000 in land sales this last year. Perhaps used toward our a Capital Improvement Project  - what do you think?

 
Helix Water District Community Events

• 05/19/18 FREE Customer Appreciation Day @ The Water Conservation Garden, 10am - 2pm I will be there!
• 06/02/18 Landscape Design Workshop for Homeowners @ OC, 9am - 12pm

 
Lake Jennings Events

• 05/25/18 - 05/28/18 Catfish Opener: Night Fishing
• Lake Jennings Photo Contest - Open to all from March - May, 05/31/18 deadline

 
DIY Videos
 
We have created the first of our DIY videos, which shows the step-by-step process of how to replace your traditional sprinkler nozzles with high-efficiency rotating nozzles. The video is available on our www.hwd.com website under Conservation/DIY Projects. The video is being advertised in the March - April newsletter, which also highlights the current rebate of $4 per rotating nozzle (minimum purchase of 30) available through www.socalwatersmart.com .
 
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)
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 - BUDGET WORKSHOP
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wednesday, May 2, 4 pm
7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942-0427
 Interesting Items:
Item 6. The Board Receive the Staff Presentation of the Draft Budget Schedules and Provide Direction Regarding the Development of the Fiscal Year 2018-19 Operating and Capital Budgets
 
The budget presentations are scheduled to take place on May 2 from 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. and if needed continue on to May 3 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. as follows:
 
• Water Quality/System Operations Budget
• Operations Budget
• Engineering Budget
• Administrative Services Budget
• Capital Budget
 
Although we will not be talking about rates at this meeting, that will be on May 16, we will be hearing everything that staff wants to put in the budget and where increases and decreases are being proposed. Since we weren’t blessed with an abundance of rain like last year, we will have to plan to purchase more water from San Diego County Water Authority, the largest increase in proposed expenditures is Water Purchases, from $35,886,900 to $40,510,300. This morning I met with our GM and asked him for a copy of the Schedule anticipated estimated year end expenditures.
 
Budget Expenditures
2016/17  $71,365,400 - Actual $68,726,598
2017/18 $72,159,900 - Estimated ?
Proposed 2018/19   $79,548,700

​Water Purchases Budget
2016/17 $36,056,500 - Actual $35,014,241
2017/18 $35,886,900 - Estimated ?
Proposed 2018/19 $40,510,300

The Budget Schedule format this year looks a bit different as with converting to a new administration billing system, the budget includes retirement and PTO into each schedule, as opposed to leaving it out. This way, we know where employee costs are applied to each schedule. Concurrently, they still left a summary of Schedule 468 as a breakdown of insurance costs.
 
Please feel free to come to the meeting and ask questions on the Budget, we should be there till at least 8pm, with possible continuance to Thursday evening, but we hope to wrap up Wednesday evening by 9am.
 
CA Water Politics:

• On April 10, 2018, Metropolitan Board approved funding for full-scale, two tunnel CA Waterfix. The MWD Chair did not allow for any substitute motions or to table the item, he wanted a vote Yes or No. Without the Support of  the largest agencies, San Diego County Water Authority and the City of Los Angeles, the vote still passed.
• MWD says that the project impact to the ratepayer will increase an average up to $4.80 a month while San Diego County Water Authority analysis says otherwise. This project has a long way to go, environmental and legal issues, design, construction all with the ultimate goal of fixing the Bay Delta problems and ensuring our water supply is delivered South. I sure hope that the price of this reliability doesn’t go more than $4.80 as MWD says – but only time will tell.

 
Helix Water District Community Events

• 05/19/18 Customer Appreciation Day @ The Water Conservation Garden, 10am - 2pm

 
DIY Videos
 
We have created the first of our DIY videos, which shows the step-by-step process of how to replace your traditional sprinkler nozzles with high-efficiency rotating nozzles. The video is available on our www.hwd.com website under Conservation/DIY Projects. The video is being advertised in the March - April newsletter, which also highlights the current rebate of $4 per rotating nozzle (minimum purchase of 30) available through www.socalwatersmart.com .
 
Campaigns, Contests and Scholarships

• Lake Jennings Photo Contest - Open to all from March - May, 05/31/18 deadline

 
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
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 Regular Helix Water District Board Meeting: 

​AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wednesday, April 4, 6 pm
7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942-0427
 
Interesting Items:
 
Item 6 The Board Receive an Update Regarding a Potential Meeting between the Helix Water District Board of Directors and the Padre Dam Municipal Water District Board of Directors to Discuss the East County Advanced Water Purification Project
Currently in the engineering and administrative development stages. An Helix WD Adhoc Committee may be formed during the President’s Report Item 8, a).
 
Item 7. (PDF Page 88) The Board Provide Direction to Staff Regarding the Draft Budget Guidelines and Principles for Developing the Fiscal Year 2018-19 Preliminary Budget
It is that time of year again – budgets and rates – I would like a zero increase…but with the cost of CA increasing. However, we are going over the Budget Guidelines, I do have much to talk about when it comes to the end of the year excess revenues. Which as of right now, we have excess as we have sold more water than anticipated, and were able to use stored water from the rains last year (free water). I want to discuss creating a policy of that funding going toward our rate stabilization fund and then using that money to offset and balance any rate increases, not just go into the general fund. Also, further discussion on our CALPERS unfunded liability. I am pleased to see that our Capital Improvement Program is anticipated at $11.1 Million, not an increase from this years budget.
According to the Water Rate Ceiling established in 2015 (I VOTED NO) the rate ceiling for this year would be approximately 7.3% but I do not anticipate that happening. The proposal increase in rates from Metropolitan Water District is approximately 3%, we will be soon talking about the impact to San Diego County Water Authority, but I do not anticipate a significant increase, thus, any increase if any to Helix should be low as well!   
 
Some of the major dates for this year's budget process include:
 
April 4
Present to Board
Budget Guidelines and Principles

May 2 and 3 (tentative)
Review with Board
Draft Fiscal Year 2018-19 Budget Schedules

May 16
Present to Board
Five Year Projection Workshop

May31
Distribute to Board
Preliminary Budget Document

June 6
Board Meeting
Preliminary Fiscal Year 2018-19 Budget for Board Approval

August 1
Board Meeting
Approval of Water Rates

August 22
Distribute to Board
Fiscal Year 2018-19 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
 
Helix Water District Community Events

• 04/21/18 Helix Talks - Water Treatment Plant Tour – Sign up on line
• 04/28/18 Butterfly Festival @ The Water Conservation Garden, 9am - 3pm
• 05/19/18 Customer Appreciation Day @ The Water Conservation Garden, 10am - 2pm

Lake Jennings Events

• 03/23-18 - 04/08/18 Spring Break Lake Open every day
• 04/14/18 New Moon Fishing

Campaigns, Contests and Scholarships

• Lake Jennings Photo Contest - Open to all from March - May, 05/31/18 deadline

 
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
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 Regular Helix Water District Board Meeting: 
AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wednesday, March 21, 6 pm
7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942-0427
 
Interesting Items:
 
Item 5 b) iii. Minutes March 10, 2018. The Board had a very productive Best Practices Workshop (Retreat) and discussed three main topics:

1. Use of Land Sale funds ($9 Million)
2. Future of Lake Jennings
3. Clean Energy Feasibility Study

Each item was discussed at length with Board Member input, although, no decisions were made there was consensus on some ideas and direction. These items will come back for further direction to the board soon.
 
Item 8. (PDF Page 88) The Board Authorize Staff to Submit a Notice of Intent to Withdraw from the Association of California Water Agencies Joint Powers Insurance Authority Based on the Status of Fiscal Year 2017-18 Strategic Work Plan Objective 3.7b, "Research Coverage and Premium Options for the District's General Liability, Property and Workers' Compensation Insurance"
 
In an effort to make sure we are getting the best price and coverage for insurance we are looking into receiving a bid from another agency, but in order to receive pricing information, the company requires that we submit a notice of intent to withdraw from our current agency. However, we can rescind the withdrawal notice, if the new bid price/coverage is not better than what we currently have.
 
Item 9. (PDF Page 100) Monthly reports for February. Due to the warmer weather these last few months, the water usage has gone up and definitely more usage this February than last year. However, with this intermittent rain in March, the water usage may be lower this month or the same as last year.
 
Just goes to show you mother natures weather patterns are very unpredictable! Be water wise and turn your sprinklers off for a week as rain is coming on Thursday. BH2OWYZ
 
Helix Water District Community Events

• 03/24/18 El Cajon Arbor Day @ Kennedy Park, 8am - 11am
• 03/24/18 Water Conservation Garden – Garden Tour
• 04/21/18 Helix Talks - Water Treatment Plant Tour – Sign up on line
• 04/28/18 Butterfly Festival @ The Water Conservation Garden, 9am - 3pm
• 05/19/18 Customer Appreciation Day @ The Water Conservation Garden, 10am - 2pm

Lake Jennings Events

• 03/17/18 New Moon Fishing
• 03/24/18 Spring Carnival
• 03/23-18 - 04/08/18 Spring Break Lake Open every day
• 04/14/18 New Moon Fishing

Campaigns, Contests and Scholarships

• High School Photo Contest - 03/09/18 deadline
• Grades K-6 Poster Contest - 03/12/18 deadline
• CSDA VIDEO CONTEST Create a one-minute video telling the public, “What’s so special about special districts,” local government agencies formed by local voters to meet specific needs, like water or sewer service. The California Special Districts Association (CSDA) is offering prizes up to $1,000. Applications and videos due by April 1, 2018. www.sandiegocsda.weebly.com
• Lake Jennings Photo Contest - Open to all from March - May, 05/31/18 deadline

eBill Cupcake Sweepstakes

• Our eBill cupcake sweepstakes continues through March 31, 2018. When customers sign up to receive their water bill electronically between those dates they will be automatically entered in a monthly drawing for a dozen Sprinkle Cupcakes, delivered to their home or business. New enrollees only.

 
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 Regular Helix Water District Board Meeting:
 AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wednesday, March 7, 6 pm
7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942-0427
 
Interesting Items/Water Politics:
 
Item 8. (PDF Page 63)  The Board Review and Consider a Request from the Association of California Water Agencies to Contribute to their No Drinking Water Tax Campaign and Participate in their Coalition Efforts
 
In 2017, Senator William Manning introduced Senate Bill 623 which proposes a tax on drinking water to fund water solutions in disadvantaged communities. The Bill proposes to raise $160 million dollars annually by taxing water ratepayers (85% of the share), fertilizer (11%) and dairies taxes (4%) and collect the money and give it back to those disadvantaged communities to help with water treatment solutions.
 
Last year, water agencies throughout the state opposed SB 623. While in agreement that everyone should have access to safe drinking water, the agencies advocated that a state tax on drinking water is not the appropriate solution as it works against the goal of keeping water affordable for Californians. A coalition letter initiated by Association of California Water Agencies and signed by more than 100 member agencies, including Helix Water District and the San Diego County Water Authority, proposed an alternative funding solution to a water tax.

• ACWA Association of CA Water Agencies is asking us to do more to oppose this bill and asking for $10,000 funding to develop a strategic external affairs campaign and advertising campaign focused on key legislative districts to STOP and OPPOSE the State Tax on Drinking Water in Budget Trailer Bill and SB623.

 
 
Item 9.  The Board Authorize the President of the Board of Directors to Execute a Fifth Amendment to the Employment Agreement between Helix Water District and General Manager Carlos V. Lugo Following Negotiations with Mr. Lugo during Closed Session Noticed for 5:30 p.m. on March 7, 2018

• Carlos has completed his 5th year as General Manager for Helix Water District and has done a great job. Over the last couple of years he has changed the dynamics at Helix with the addition of two new board member and the retirement of 3 of the 4 Department Directors. Meeting the goals set by the Strategic Plan and the numerous new programs that the new board has required (committees, policy changes, communications), he brought Lake Jennings Campground self-sufficient, implemented new public outreach programs, reigned in the budget and significantly lowered the anticipated water rate increases, all whilst providing Safe, Reliable Drinking Water!

 
Helix Water District Community Events

• 03/24/18 El Cajon Arbor Day @ Kennedy Park, 8am - 11am
• 04/21/18 Helix Talks - Water Treatment Plant Tour – Sign up on line
• 04/28/18 Butterfly Festival @ The Water Conservation Garden, 9am - 3pm
• 05/19/18 Customer Appreciation Day @ The Water Conservation Garden, 10am - 2pm

Lake Jennings Events

• 03/17/18 New Moon Fishing
• 03/24/18 Spring Carnival
• 03/23-18 - 04/08/18 Spring Break
• 04/14/18 New Moon Fishing

Campaigns, Contests and Scholarships

• High School Photo Contest - 03/09/18 deadline
• Grades K-6 Poster Contest - 03/12/18 deadline
• CSDA VIDEO CONTEST Create a one-minute video telling the public, “What’s so special about special districts,” local government agencies formed by local voters to meet specific needs, like water or sewer service. The California Special Districts Association (CSDA) is offering prizes up to $1,000. Applications and videos due by April 1, 2018. www.sandiegocsda.weebly.com
• Lake Jennings Photo Contest - Open to all from March - May, 05/31/18 deadline

eBill Cupcake Sweepstakes

• Our eBill cupcake sweepstakes continues through March 31, 2018. When customers sign up to receive their water bill electronically between those dates they will be automatically entered in a monthly drawing for a dozen Sprinkle Cupcakes, delivered to their home or business. New enrollees only.

 
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

​www.lakejennings.org (go fishing & camping - teepees)
www.socalwatersmart.com  (rebate link)

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

AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wednesday, February 7, 6 pm
7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942-0427

​Interesting Items:

• On Saturday, January 27, we had the third in our series of Helix Talks at the Administration Building. We had over 80 attendees who were given a visual presentation of the history of Helix Water District and to the present.  A tour of the three story building visiting all the departments, customer service, public affairs, IT, human resources, engineering and board secretary.
  • It is because of these connections to our customers through great tours, new website, twitter, FB, Nextdoor and email communications we just received word that Helix will be receiving the AWWA’s (American Water Works Association) Communications Achievement Award and the District will write a case study about our communications and outreach program that they will feature in the Journal AWWA this year. Applications judged primarily on ability to demonstrate the utility's ongoing commitment to public outreach, commitment of resources to public communications, the linkage between communications efforts and the organization's operational goals, establishment of communication objectives, thoroughness of planning, execution of activities and documentation of results. GREAT JOB HELIX!

Water Politics:

• The weather has been dry and hot…

Helix Water District Community Events

• 03/24/18 El Cajon Arbor Day @ Kennedy Park, 8am - 11am
• 04/21/18 Helix Talks - Water Treatment Plant Tour – Sign up on line
• 04/28/18 Butterfly Festival @ The Water Conservation Garden, 9am - 3pm

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

​**
Dear Friends: 
Here is the board package link for our Committee of the Board Meeting: 
AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wednesday, January 24, 2018, 3pm
7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942-0427
 
This is a Committee of the Board Meeting, no action is taken, only presentation and discussion.
 
Main Discussion Item (following service award to Tim Ross around 3:30pm):

• Item 6. (pdf page 3) The Board Receive a Presentation from Probe Research Inc. Consultant Scott Mackay regarding the 2017 Customer Survey Results

 
Helix Water District retained Probe Research Inc. to conduct a customer survey among its residential customers

• 27,000 Customers received email invitation to take the survey
• 2,366 Probe Research received responses from 2,366 customers (9% which is 3x Nat. Average)
  
• Most respondents, 27% responded from Division 4 area!

 
Key Findings:
 
Customer Satisfaction
Staff Interaction

• 84% expressed satisfaction with their interactions with staff, and 47% rated their experience a 10 out of 10

The Value of Water

• 74% indicated they are receiving excellent or good value for the price of their household water

Water Quality

• 63% drink Helix tap water, and 78% indicated they are satisfied or neutral when asked about water quality. Customers who are critical of water quality mention “taste” most often

Overall Service

• 76% say that they are satisfied with the quality of the service that Helix provides.

Billing and Communication
Billing

• 71% are not interested in the district rolling out automated water meters
• 82% are not interested in changing the billing cycle to a monthly rather than the current bi-monthly interval

Communication

• Customers seeking information often are most interested in:
  • water quality
  • the way water costs are derived
  • the water purification process and
  • tips and advice on water conservation
• Customers seeking information most often:
  • go to the district’s website
  • or to bill inserts and
  • newsletters mailed with their water bills

District Programs
Water Conservation

• 91% intend to continue to conserve water even if Southern California's drought has been declared officially over
• Water smart landscapes are popular with Helix customers
• Customers who haven’t yet converted to more water efficient lawns and gardens cite cost as a major impediment to changing
• Almost 40% have participated in some kind of conservation-related program sponsored by Helix

The Water Conservation Garden

• Nearly 40% have visited the Garden and 57% of those customers acquired information that they were able to put into action in their own landscape.

Lake Jennings

• Nearly 50% have visited Lake Jennings at some point, and 63% of Division Five customers have visited.

 
Take a look at the results in the packet, come on Wednesday to hear and discuss findings. These results will help us guide in updating our Strategic Plan and the Helix Water District Future…thank you for your participation!
 
MY Water Politics:

• GOOD NEWS! I am back on the ACWA Communications Committee – all systems normal again!

 
Helix Water District Community Events

• 01/27/18 Helix Water Talks: Then & Now @ AO, 9am - 11:30am (I will be here – sign up it should be a great tour!
• 03/24/18 El Cajon Arbor Day @ Kennedy Park, 8am - 11am
• 04/28/18 Butterfly Festival @ The Water Conservation Garden, 9am - 3pm
  

Lake Jennings Events

• 02/03/18 Kid’s FISH FREE Day

 
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!