KATHLEEN HEDBERG HELIX WATER DISTRICT, DIVISION 4
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Helix Water District Board Meeting - Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 2pm

2/15/2015

 
Here is the agenda and board package for our Helix Water District Regular Board Meeting:  

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wednesday, February 18, 2015 – 2pm
7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942-0427

Interesting Items:

 Item 7, PDF Page 45:  Execute a Superseding Addendum to the Existing Noble Americas Energy Solutions Energy Contract that Modifies the Price and Extends the Term of the Contract Another Two Years and Execute an Addendum to Include Fixed Pricing for Resource Adequacy and Renewable Portfolio Standard Charges. Staff estimates that we will see an $80,000 savings this fiscal year with this amendment.

 Item 9, PDF Page 63, The Board Receive Information and Provide Feedback Regarding the Design Concept of the Boardroom Audio/Visual Improvements Project We have recently been experiencing problems with the existing system due to the aging infrastructure, outdated technology design and difficulty with repair and sourcing replacement parts for the system.

 No estimated prices are listed in the Board Report, however, the staff had mentioned previously that it may be in the $200-300,000 range. There are a few new items proposed, 4 flat screens monitors for the public, voting panels, timer. I had asked to consider in the design Video Recording, BB&K discouraged the notion and was concurred by the some Board Members. I think it would be an asset for the public especially in light that our meetings are at 2pm.  

 Item 10, PDF Page 68, Water Rate Structure Cost of Service Workshop The Board Report states that the Board will Review Recommended Rate Structure, Rate Design Approach and Cost of Service Model proposed by RFC. As depicted in the Board Report Step 6: Rate Workshop with District Board on February 18, 2015 – RFC conducts Rate Workshop to present rate structure to the District for consideration and discussion. In Step 5 Rate Workshop & Model Review with Staff – RFC conducts Rate Workshop and Model Review with staff to evaluate Rate Scenarios for District Board presentation.

 Please note, the Board Report does not have any proposed water rate structure information. I emailed staff on Friday, February 13th, right after I got the Board Package, and I asked if I could have a copy of the RFC Report. I was told that the report would not be available till the Board Meeting and that the report was still in draft as the finance department works through the final details, I guess Step 5 is still in progress. I asked to be sent  the report even if it is Tuesday evening. Also, note I did bring up that this Workshop should be held in the evening for greater public access, however the Board majority did not agree.

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."

Helix Water District Board Meeting - Wednesday, February 4, at 2pm

2/3/2015

 
Dear Friends,

Here is the link for the agenda and board package for the Helix Water District Regular Board Meeting:

AGENDA

REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wednesday, February 3, 2015 – 2pm
7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942-0427

Interesting Items: Item 6:  Presentation by Executive Director John Bolthouse of The Water Conservation Garden regarding the Habitat Garden Project and Development of an Education Program Exclusively for Helix Water District Ratepayers – Please note this is NOT A TYPO – He did not attend the last meeting.

Item 12, PDF Page 58, Mid-Year Adjustments to the Fiscal Year 2014-15 Capital Improvement Program Budget

This is the first time the Board has seen these numbers as we do not have a Finance Committee, it appears that we have a reduction in our Capital Improvement Program of around $400,000 (due to project savings). However, some projects have been added. One item is to update our audio visual in our Board Room, I have asked to look at video, what do you think? I will be discussing and better understanding the proposal.

However, as stated in page 62, due to lowered water consumption, the district water billing revenue is projected to be under budget by approximately $2.8 million by the end of the year. On the expenses side, expenditures are projected to be approximately $1.8 million below budget which could partially offset the projected $2.8 million in revenue loss. This would leave a potential operating budget shortfall of approximately $1.0 million by the end of fiscal year 2014-15. The district has sufficient reserves and/or rate stabilization reserves to cover this potential shortfall. In addition, the district set aside $1.0 million from the El Monte settlement that could be used for this purpose if the board directs staff to do so. There are five months before the end of the fiscal year, including several more months of winter that could impact this projection. District staff will return to the board in early April with an update of the potential operating budget shortfall and receive direction from the board on how to apply the projected capital improvement program budget savings.

Information A, PDF Page 65-89, Strategic Work Plan

Great overview of the Seven Focus areas and the work the District is planning to meet the goals…

  1. Customer Service

    1. Customer service study December 30, 2015 – I hope to be able to provide input on the questions this time around.

  2. Employees

    1. New MOU by June 30, 2015

  3. Fiscal Integrity

    1. Cost of service study, new “fair and equitable” rate structure – by June 30, 2015

  4. Infrastructure

    1. CIP plan every 5 years – by June 30, 2015

  5. Water Resources

    1. Lake Jennings Water Reuse Plan – 2016

    2. Drought Awareness Public Campaign – meet the 114 gpcd goal - June 30, 2015

  6. Optimizing Technology

    1. Enterprise Content Management System – overhaul of entire District system, 2017

  7. Public Education & Outreach

    1. Update Website – June 2015

 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."

    Author: Kathleen Hedberg

    Civil Engineer in 4th Term as a Helix Water District Board Director and Past President of the Board!

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