Helix Water District Board Meeting - Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 2pm

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Project We have recently been experiencing problems with the existing system due to the aging infrastructure, outdated technology design and difficulty with repair and sourcing replacement parts for the system.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."