 The SUN is OUT at Lake Jennings! Spring Break this week and OPEN all week, Enjoy spring break camping, boating and fishing at Lake Jennings. Hours Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Friday - Sunday 6 a.m. - 7 p.m. Good Afternoon Friends:
Hope you are enjoying the warmer San Diego weather! Just a reminder that we will be having a community meeting for the public (No Board Members, discussion will be relayed to us) this week on our rate adjustment at Helix Water District if you have any questions or want more information. Staff will give a presentation followed by a question and answer session. Date & Time: Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 6pm How to access this meeting The public is welcome to attend the public hearing virtually or in person. Attend in person at: Helix Water District Boardroom 7811 University Ave in La Mesa Attend virtually: Click Link: Join Zoom meeting online Meeting ID: 868 1534 1141 Password: 245575 By Phone: 1-669-900-6833 or 1-669-444-9171 Supporting Documents and Resources Review the Proposition 218 rates notice in English (PDF) Review the Proposition 218 rates notice in Spanish (PDF) Use out calculator to estimate your water bill Review the draft cost of service study on which the proposed rates are based (PDF) Watch "What Water Rates Pay For" video All supporting documents and resources are also available on our Helix rates webpage Have a Great Week! Be Water Wise, Kathleen Hedberg, PE, MPH kchedberg@cox.net  Cuyamaca full! Great water year! Savings will come when we use that water instead of buying from San Diego County Water Authority. The Drought is OVER! Tonight at the Helix Water District Board Meeting, the board adopted Resolution 23-18 declaring an END Water Shortage Response Level 2 (mandatory up to 20% reduction). We are not in any water shortage level, thus, you do not need to continue to cut back, however, continue permanent water use efficiency measures that are always in effect.
Helix Water District Rate Adjustment for 2023- 2026 (4 years), you should have received a notice of proposed changes to fixed charges and variable charges. https://www.hwd.com/DocumentCenter/View/1605 The rates will be adjusted with a maximum cap of 3.9% each year (Average Helix User, 21 Units). However, we will look at water rates every year and this number may come down, from the use of the local water we have received this year. Please note there will be a Community Meeting at Helix Water District Administration Office Board Room, 7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, Next Week on April 12, at 6pm, you can come to the meeting or watch and ask questions via zoom, Meeting ID: 868 1534 1141, Password: 245575. There will be a 20 minute presentation on the rate adjustment and plenty of time to answer your questions and here any comments. But of course, if you have any questions you can also contact me. Also, San Diego County Water Authority is working on their Budget for 2024, with a projected water rate increase of 14%. The Helix Board took immediate action last month to let SDCWA know that the budget/rate increase needs to be reduced (see below attached letter). Be Water Wise, Kathleen Coates Hedberg, PE, MPH President, Helix Water District 619.994.6900 www.HWD.com www.VoteHedberg.org 
 Good Evening Friends and Neighbors,
I received good news from the San Diego Registrar of Voters Office today, Elvira Vargas, the Elections Manager, said “Congratulations, see you in 4 years!” Yes, no one decided to run against me for Helix Water District, Division 4. and it is my pleasure to serve another term for YOU! The past 4 years have flown by. Covid took us all by surprise, but I am very proud to say that we kept the water flowing 24/7/365, worked on projects for the future and kept mindful on the cost of water. We are going through a drought throughout the West, Delta and Colorado River, but, with the planning of our region, and conservation, we are just fine on our water supplies right now. However, please do not waste water and if you are tech savy, buy a device that keeps track of your water in real time, tells you if you have a leak and more, I have the FLUME, $200 and there is a $100 rebate! One thing that has come up quickly is the retirement of our General Manager, Carlos Lugo. He has been our General Manager for over 10 years and has been at Helix for over 30 years. He has been a great General Manager. He started as an Assistant Engineer and moved up the ranks to Director of Engineering and then to General Manager. He has been a huge part of the success of Helix Water District. He has worked with this Board with such grace, patience and gusto (blood, sweat & tears)! We are going to miss him. Tomorrow will be his last Board Meeting, and we will be recognizing his contribution, Item 6. To join this meeting virtually https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89522067059?pwd=ZEdzdlE1dnRjKzNUMGJSemU5ZTRIZz09 Zoom Meeting ID: 895 2206 7059 & Meeting Passcode: 468657 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Wednesday, August 17, 2022 - 3 p.m. 7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942-0427 At the next meeting in September, we will have our new General Manager, Brian Olney. Brian has been with the District for over 20 years and his knowledge of the District is just as amazing as Carlos. The past 9 months he has been working as Assistant General Manager and he is ready to take the lead. That is all I have for now. Thank you again for trusting me as your Helix Water District representative, please know if you have any questions, you can call me or email me or tweet or Facebook me any time! Be Water Wise, Kathleen Coates Hedberg, PE, MPH President, Helix Water District 619.994.6900 www.HWD.com www.VoteHedberg.org  **
Dear Friends: Here is the board package link for our Helix Water District Board Meeting: AGENDA REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Wednesday, April 1, 2020 - 5 p.m. DUE TO THE EVOLVING SITUATION WITH THE COVID-19 NOVEL CORONAVIRUS AND THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA STAY AT HOME ORDER, EXECUTIVE ORDER N-33-20, THIS MEETING SHALL ONLY BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC VIA TELECONFERENCE To join this meeting via phone please dial: 1-301-715-8592 or 1-253-215-8782 Meeting ID: 198 308 979 & Meeting Password: 992330 The general public may not attend this meeting at the district's offices due to social distancing requirements. Plain Stuff: I hope this email finds you all well and staying in. We will get through this. I want to assure you that through this crisis, your water is SAFE to drink. We have ample staffing and there is no Coronavirus in your drinking water. Here is the link to information on how the Coronavirus does NOT impact your tap water, thus, NO need to buy bottled water. Interesting Agenda Item: Item 7. Discussion Budget and Rate Setting for 2020-21: The Board will discuss the Fiscal Year 2020-21 Budget and Rate Setting Calendar and Direct Staff to Evaluate the Budgetary and Rate Impacts that Would Result from a Potential Delay of the Proposition 218 Process in Light of the Economic Impacts of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic. Flume rebates are still available…. We have given out over 120 water meter smart rebates ($100 Check Back)! I love my Flume (no plumbing modifications needed), I know how much water I use every day and minute and I am notified if I have a leak or left the water running more than 2 hours! These rebates were from a Grant funded by the Metropolitan Water District https://hwd.com/smart-leak-detector-rebate/ As always, I welcome your comments and feedback. Please stay well - peace, 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 **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, March 18, 2020 - 5 p.m. 7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942 CALL IN 669.224.3412 ACCESS CODE 443-350-333 Hi, I hope this finds you all well. PLEASE NOTE YOU CAN CALL IN to the Board Meeting (see above). First off, I want to assure you that through this crisis, your water is SAFE to drink. We have ample staffing and there is no Coronavirus in your drinking water. Here is the link to information on how the Coronavirus does NOT impact your tap water, thus, NO need to buy bottled water. Interesting Agenda Items: Item 6. Declaring as Surplus Certain Real Properties in El Monte Valley: We do not need these properties and the The subject parcels, totaling 337.95 acres, located in unincorporated Lakeside, county of San Diego. The San Diego River Conservancy has the right of first refusal. This land is currently used by lease holders (Little League field, horse stables etc.) and the ideal buyer of the land will assume the leases for continuation of existing uses. Item 15 ACTION ITEM – The Board Authorize the General Manager to Temporarily Suspend Certain Provisions of Section 2.5, Turn off for Nonpayment of the District's Policies and Procedures Manual. In light of the recent state of emergency to allow access to water for sanitation purposes and to help prevent the continued spread of COVID19. FLUME REBATES ARE STILL AVAILABLE. We have given out over 120 water meter smart rebates ($100 Check Back)! I love my Flume (no plumbing modifications needed), I know how much water I use every day and minute and I am notified if I have a leak or left the water running more than 2 hours! These rebates were from a Grant funded by the Metropolitan Water District https://hwd.com/smart-leak-detector-rebate/ As always, I welcome your comments and feedback. Please stay well - peace, 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)  **
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 18, 2019 - 5 p.m. 7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942 Water Stuff: We have given out over 80 water meter smart rebates! I love my Flume (no plumbing modifications needed), I know how much water I use every day and minute and I am notified if I have a leak or left the water running more than 2 hours! If you haven’t gotten your rebate, what better Christmas or Hanukah present than to give the gift of smart water meter and have Helix give you $100 back! These rebates were from a Grant funded by the Metropolitan Water District https://hwd.com/smart-leak-detector-rebate/ Interesting Agenda Items: Item 10. ELECTION: The Board Elect Officers to Serve a One-Year Term per Section 9.1-3 of the Policies and Procedures Manual and Adopt Resolution 19-62 Appointing the President and Vice President KCHNote: Dan McMillian has done a good job, and now it is time to pass the reins on to the next Board Member. Item 11 ACTION ITEM – POLICES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL. The Board Conduct a Public Hearing to Receive Comments on Miscellaneous Fees and Charges Proposed for 2020 in the Policies and Procedures Manual and Adopt Resolution 19-63 Approving and Authorizing Adoption of the Policies and Procedures Manual, Effective January 1, 2020. KCHNote: Few changes and some increases due to cost, most significant is the changes due to new Sacramento Regulations on water shut-offs, CUSTOMER BILLING AND COLLECTIONS - WATER ACCOUNTS Section 2.3 etc. Item 12 PUBLIC OUTREACH (page 650) The Board Authorize the General Manager to Execute an Agreement for Professional Services between Helix Water District and CV Strategies in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $60,500. KCHNote: This last rate increase was the last of the 5 year 218, we need to do a new plan this next year, (note it does not have to be 5 years), we want to make sure that we have a good public education program in place for the process. Includes: Presents technical information about the cost of service study and rate scenarios in an easy to understand format; • Utilizes a variety of outreach tools to build customer understanding and acceptance of water rate increases; • Creates opportunities for public participation and encourages customer engagement; and • Ensures maximum transparency and public accountability. Happy Holidays! I hope you all had a great year and will make 2020 even Better! 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: I have some exciting news!!! Helix Water District has a NEW Rebate Program (that I implemented of course, we got $10,000 from Metropolitan Water District for a pilot study, for both Helix Water Customers and Sweetwater Authority Customers)! https://hwd.com/helix-launches-smart-leak-detector-rebate-program/ Backstory: In February I got a Flume System (can buy it on Amazon), a Smart Leak Detector, and I personally installed it on my meter and it is amazing! I can read my water usage real time on my phone and on my computer (wifi from house to meter), I get notified if I have a leak (water running over two hours (ie. irrigation line leaking, kids leave the bathroom sink on) and/or above 5 gallons per minute). So, YES, finally, there are these new cutting edge technology devices for the water wonky residential user who wants to know their water usage or when there is a leak or business user to install on their own! Since, Helix customers do not have Automatic Meter Infrastructure installed and you don’t know how much water you used till you get your bill 2 months later, (system would have cost millions), you can do this on your own and we have a REBATE ($100) to make it more affordable, devices run from $200 and up! Some you can have an automatic shut off, but will need to be installed by a plumber, see flyer for the different types. Remember this is a pilot and we only have 100 $100 rebates to start, so, if you are interested, get yours now! If you have any questions – please ask! DISCLAIMER: Helix Water District and Sweetwater Authority do not endorse individual vendors, products or services. Therefore, any reference herein to any vendor or product by trade name, trademark, manufacturer or otherwise does not constitute or imply the endorsement or recommendation on of Helix Water District or Sweetwater Authority. Rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are not guaranteed. 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) 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! ****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, August 7, 2019 - 5 p.m. 7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942 Interesting Agenda Items: Item 5. PRESENTATION: The Board Receive a Presentation by the San Diego County Water Authority: 75 Years of Water Supply Reliability Item 11 Time Certain 5:20 p.m. Item 11 (page 94) The Board Conduct a Public Hearing regarding the State Mandated Public Health Goals Report on Water Quality. See report. NOTE: PHGs are non-enforceable goals established by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. The only constituent that we have that exceeds the public health goal of zero is radiological constituents, gross alpha and uranium. However, we do not exceed the state and federal maximum contaminant level that are set to protect public health. If we were to remove the radiological constituent to zero, it would cost over $18,000,000 a year, thus, no action is required of Helix. Item 17 Time Certain 6:00 p.m. Item 17 (page 127) Water Rates – The Board Adopt Resolution 19-42 Adjusting the Schedule of Rates for the Fiscal Year 2019-20 Water Service Fees and Amending Section 2.12-2(B) of the Helix Water District Policies and Procedures Manual Due to ongoing changes in state legislation (fighting water tax and others), conservation regulations, and new billing processes the Helix Budget increased 1.4% compared to the prior year, thus, water rates are increasing, however minimal. This results in a 2.9 percent increase for the district's average customer who is using 21 units per bimonthly billing period, which would increase their bill by $4.59 to $160.94. Of the 2.9 percent, 0.7 percentage points comes from the increase in the cost of water from the San Diego County Water Authority and 2.2 percentage points from the increase in district costs. Additionally, we have another $1.8 Million additional revenue that is up for discussion. We can use it now, and bring the rate down further for the year, or we can put it in our rate stabilization fund and change our policy to be able to pull out the funds to bring down the rates the following year. The following year, based on “projections” projects rates to be at 5%. With this additional funding set aside we can almost guarantee to bring an anticipated future increase down below 5%. What do you think, what is your usage and what will your impact be (see Attachment C in packet, page 148)? Water Rate Schedule
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.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, July 17, 2019 - 5 p.m. 7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942 WATER STUFF: Since the last Board Meeting. Here is an update article on the Advanced Water Project that Helix is working with Padre Dam MWD, City of El Cajon and the County of San Diego. Helix pledges additional $2.5 million for Padre Dam reclaimed water plan and here is the website for the project East County Advanced Water Purification Program Progresses with Partner Agencies Approving Interim Funding Agreement July 25, Water Talk Series – Helix Water Chat! At our Administration Office, 7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942 Join us from 6:30-8:00pm for a presentation on Helix’s water supply. We will discuss where our water comes from, the history of the large infrastructure projects we still depend on today, the challenges were facing now with a changing climate and growing population, and the portfolio approach to water resources management that many consider our best path to sustainability. Interesting Agenda Items: Items 9 - 17 are various contracts and appropriations for projects for the new fiscal year. Item 18 (page 184). The District Was Awarded the: Special District Leadership Foundation - District Transparency Certificate of Excellence.
Monthly Reports Page 193. Helix Water District – Water Billing
Water Rate Update
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, July 3, 2019 - 5 p.m. 7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942 WATER STUFF: The Helix Water District Annual Water Quality Report just came out. We met all Federal and State drinking water standards – your water is safe! Check out the full report here! July 25, Water Talk Series – Helix Water Chat! At our Administration Office, 7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942 Join us from 6:30-8:00pm for a presentation on Helix’s water supply. We will discuss where our water comes from, the history of the large infrastructure projects we still depend on today, the challenges were facing now with a changing climate and growing population, and the portfolio approach to water resources management that many consider our best path to sustainability. Interesting Agenda Items: Item 8. (Page 78) Interim Funding Agreement for the East County Advanced Water Purification Program and Item 9. (Page 96) Term Sheet Addendum for the Proposed Agreement for Implementation of the East County Advanced Water Purification Program.
Water Rate Update
Have a Happy Fourth of July! 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! |
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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